Unified disc format DVD introduced

The introduction of the unified disc format known as DVD marked a pivotal shift in the optical disc industry. This format emerged from a collaboration among major technology companies, including Toshiba, Philips, and Sony. Initially, the industry was divided between competing formats, notably the Super Density Disc (SD) supported by Toshiba and the Multimedia Compact Disc (MMCD) format backed by Philips and Sony. However, the MMCD format was ultimately abandoned in favor of Toshiba's SD format, which underwent a minor modification to create the DVD. This decision streamlined the market and provided a single standard for consumers and manufacturers alike, facilitating the widespread adoption of DVDs for video and data storage. The impact of the DVD format was substantial, as it offered several advantages over previous technologies such as VHS tapes and CDs. DVDs provided higher storage capacity, allowing for the inclusion of superior video and audio quality, as well as additional features like interactive menus and bonus content. The standard DVD could hold approximately 4.7 GB of data, which was significantly more than a standard CD's 700 MB capacity. This increase in storage capacity enabled the film industry to release movies with enhanced features and better quality, leading to a boom in home entertainment. The DVD format quickly gained popularity, becoming the dominant medium for video distribution and significantly influencing how consumers accessed and enjoyed media.