FREE ESSAY ON QUALITY VS OLD FASION

QUALITY VS OLD FASION

Quality vs. Old Fashion 
With the introduction of DVD technology, VHS videotapes are eventually going to be put
out of production. Just like compact disks have taken over cassette tapes. Although
cassette tapes are still being produced, they are not as popular as they were during the
late 70's and early 80's. There are different aspects between a DVD and a VHS movie that
include picture quality, sound quality, and special features that were not in the theater
version.
The first thing someone will notice when watching a DVD movie is the "Significantly
better video quality than standard VHS". The picture is more crisp and clear than it is
on a VHS. This is because DVDs are made from digital technology. Some DVDs offer a wide
screen version or a formatted screen version of the movie. The difference between the two
is that the formatted screen version is cropped and fits a television screen. The wide
screen version is the version that is played at the movie theater. More of the picture
can be viewed with the wide screen version than the formatted version, but there are two
black bars at the top and bottom of the screen that have to be ignored while watching the
movie. Another difference between the two concerning picture quality is the tracking
feature on VHS. This is not a feature on a DVD. As long as the disk is in good condition
there will be no locked or chattered images (DVD vs. Video Tape, home page). 
The next noticeable difference between DVD and VHS is the sound quality. The sound
quality on DVD is very clear. Whereas a VHS will have some static in the sound. Some
companies include a surround sound feature called Dolby Surround Sound. Those who have a
home entertainment system can take advantage of this feature. Although the feature is
still noticed without an entertainment system. The surround sound feature on a DVD will
have better quality than a VHS. Someone could be satisfied with the VHS surround sound
quality, but the static that would not be on a DVD video will still be there.
One of the most magnificent features of a DVD is the special features screen. Different
options can be selected from the special features screen on a DVD that you would not find
on a VHS. More information can be learned about the film with the special features.
Features like out takes, soundtrack video, the making of the movie, choice between
different languages, and various other options. Some VHS videos may have out takes and
other features at the end of the movie, but then there is the inconvenience of having to
fast forward to the end of the movie just to view them. With a DVD you can simply choose
the option and go right to the selection. Another feature of a DVD is the not having to
rewind feature. You still have the rewind button so you can search through the movie, but
you don't have to rewind the movie when it's over.
In conclusion, DVDs may cost a little more than VHS videotapes, but it will be worth the
extra couple of dollars. When you buy a DVD you are buying a better quality of the movie
than you would get with a VHS tape. DVDs have more features to offer, better picture
quality, and better sound quality. With this said, why would anyone still decide to buy a
VHS tape?
Works Cited
Cisco Inc. "DVD vs. Video Tape." Todd's DVD Page. (17 February 2001)
*http://www.ultranet.com/~tshort/dvdframe.htm*