I'll try to guide you the maze of these formats with both the geek explanations and my own simple-minded vocab. Its a DVD with an "A" on the end...
What is DVD-A?
DVD-Audio is the latest member of the DVD family of pre-recorded optical disc formats and is designed to be the next-generation high-quality audio format, offering very high quality, surround sound, longer playing times plus additional features that are not available on CDs. DVD-Audio discs can also carry video, like DVD-Video titles, and limited interactivity. Capacity of a single layer DVD-Audio is at least 74 minutes of high quality full surround sound audio. In addition the disc can accommodate the same audio encoded as Dolby Digital for playing on existing DVD-Video players.
In other words...I mean my words...DVD-A discs contain both audio tracks and some video content. Most titles come with a photo album, videos and lyric sheets that are displayed on your television...much like popping a movie into your dvd player. The menu function allows you to choose between 2 channel audio (stereo) and; when applicable, multichannel or surround sound. Some discs will come with 3 or more different playback options including mono for the diehards. Some DVD-A discs will not play on older dvd players. Make sure your dvd player can handle this format before you buy. Metallica, Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, Widespread Panic, Miles Davis and a host of others are represented on this exciting format...
