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About DVD FLLC DVD Format Book License Verification DVD Logo
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DVD Format Book
DVD Format Book
Q.1
I would like to buy a DVD Book. What should I do?
A.1
If you are a Book subscriber, please go to How to Order DVD Book. Otherwise, please see For Non-Book subscribers.
Q.2
I am a member of DVD Forum. Do I still have to sign the NDA and pay for JPY550,000 to become a Book subscriber? Can I get a discount on DVD Book?
A.2
DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation and DVD Forum are two separate organizations. To obtain DVD Books, you need to sign the NDA with us. For details, please see For Non-Book subscribers. We do not offer discount on DVD Books.
Q.3
What is "DVD Format Book" ?
A.3
DVD Format Book (or DVD Book) is a technical standard document that defines DVD disc structures and regulations. Any DVD product including DVD disc, drive, player and recorder needs to comply with relevant DVD Format Books.

A DVD Format consists of multiple "Parts", one or two of which constructs one DVD Format Book. In case of DVD-ROM as an example:
Part 1: PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Part 2: FILE SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
. . . Provided as DVD-ROM Book
Part 3: VIDEO SPECIFICATIONS . . . Provided as DVD-Video Book
Part 4: AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS . . . Provided as DVD-Audio Book
A DVD-ROM disc complies with Part 1 and Part 2.
A DVD-Video disc complies with Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
A DVD-Audio/Video player complies with Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.

For details on the DVD Format Books currently available, please see DVD Book Construction.
Q.4
What is "Optional Specifications"?
A.4
Optional Specifications define the standards which are an extension, yet at the same time, option, to the particular DVD Book. The scope of the technology in the Optional Specifications is covered by and dependent upon the technology disclosed in the DVD Book. Therefore, the Optional Specifications disclose the standards compatible with the DVD Book. Optional Specifications automatically follow the latest version of the DVD Book.

To differentiate the versions, "Revision" number, instead of "version" number, will be assigned to Optional Specifications. The revision-up of the Optional Specifications may be made independently from the DVD Book.
When the products adopt features described in the Optional Specifications, they shall be properly manufactured conforming to the Optional Specifications.
Q.5
I would like to apply for License for a copyright management system, such as CSS or CPRM/CPPM. What should I do?
A.5
DVD FLLC is not handing such Licenses. For CSS License, please visit DVDCCA's website. For CPRM/CPPM License, please visit 4C Entity's website.
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License
Q.1
Who needs the DVD Format/Logo License?
A.1
The manufacturers who wish to manufacture following types of the format-compliant DVD products need to enter into the DVD Format/Logo License Agreement with DVD FLLC:
1) Replicators of pre-recorded DVD Discs / Manufacturers of writable DVD Discs
2) Manufacturers of DVD Players, Recorders, Drives, Decoders and PC Recording and Authoring Software.
3) Manufacturers of other DVD Products that utilize the information disclosed in the DVD Format Books. These include IC Chip makers and venders of authoring tools for professional use, etc. (It must be noted that the products under this category are not permitted to carry the DVD Logo, since there are no established methods of Verifying these items).
Q.2
Why do we need DVD-ROM Book and License to manufacture DVD-Video Players?
A.2
DVD-Video Disc is a disc that uses DVD-ROM Format, as a disc format to define the basic methods of storing information on the disc (therefore, it can be called as DVD-ROM Disc) and also uses DVD-Video Format as an application format for recording and playback of contents such as movies (it consists of DVD-ROM Format and DVD-Video Format). In order to properly play contents on the disc consisting of such 2 formats, the manufacture of DVD-Video Player needs DVD-ROM and DVD-Video Books and their licenses.
Q.3
Do we have to pay per-piece royalties?
A.3
We do not collect per-piece royalties or annual fees, in addition to the NDA/Book fee and License fee. There are no recurring fees during the period of present License unless you wish to purchase additional DVD Format Books or obtain additional Licenses.
Q.4
Does the DVD Format/Logo License Agreement include a DVD patent license?
A.4
The Agreement does not include any patent license.
Q.5
Does a PC manufacturer (Company A) need the DVD Format/Logo License? Can Company A affix the DVD Logo on its PC?
A.5
If Company A is manufacturing a PC by assembling the components including an outsourced DVD drive into the PC, Company A is NOT considered to be a DVD manufacturer. Therefore, it is not eligible to become a Licensee, and is not authorized to place the DVD Logo on the PC on its own.

However, if the outsourced DVD drive is manufactured by a Licensee and has the DVD Logo affixed by such Licensee, Company A may leave the DVD Logo on the final product; the PC. Or, if given instructions and approval of the licensed DVD drive manufacturer, Company A may affix the DVD Logo on the outer casing of the PC, to a particular location designated by the Licensee. Usually, the location to be designated would be on the outer bezel of the DVD drive. If it is difficult to affix the DVD Logo on the outer bezel, or in case there is no bezel, on the area of the outer casing as close to the bezel area as possible in order for the Logo not to lose its association with the DVD drive. Company A should turn to the Licensee for instruction and guidance on the appropriate location.

Naturally, it is the manufacturer of the DVD Products, in this case the drive, that needs to obtain the applicable DVD Format/Logo License(s) and to undergo applicable Verification. The PC manufacturer is recommended to inquire whether its supplier is (a) a Licensee and (b) has completed Verification.
Q.6
Can Company A affix the DVD Logo on the casing of the external DVD drive?
A.6
1) If Company A is a Licensee, YES, if the DVD drive is manufactured by Company A and has undergone Verification.
2) If Company A is NOT a Licensee, Company A may affix the DVD Logo, ONLY IF 1) the DVD drive that is enclosed in such external casing is manufactured by a Licensee and has undergone Verification, 2) no substantial changes were made to the function of the enclosed DVD drive, and 3) the DVD Logo is affixed under the instruction of the Licensee.
Q.7
Can Company A place a sticker that carries the DVD Logo onto the PC for promotional, advertising and/or marketing purposes?
A.7
As explained in A.5 above, Company A is not authorized to place the DVD Logo on the PC on its own. However, for the purpose of providing the functionality or the feature of the PC, Company A may display the DVD Logo if the following conditions are fulfilled:

1) The DVD Product (such as a DVD drive) that is incorporated into the PC is manufactured by a Licensee, who has undergone Verification for such DVD Product.
2) The DVD Logo is applied in a manner that permits easy removal after the useful life of the message, such as with stickers that strictly follow 4) below.
3) The Logo is placed under the instruction of the Licensee manufacturer of the incorporated DVD Product.
4) The sticker must contain both a) and b) below. The DVD Logo may not be singularly used on the stickers:

a) DVD Logo:
  The Logo to be used is the "Application Logo" that is appropriate for the DVD Product incorporated. It must be used in the form and manner specified in the DVD Logo Manual. It is essential that the Clear Zone is maintained.
b) Accompanying Information:
  The Logo must be accompanied by the message describing such function or the feature of the PC. For instance, "This PC contains DVD-ROM Drive."
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Verification
Q.1
I want to know the telephone number of Class A lab.
A.1
You are requested to contact by Fax at first, if there is only Fax number listed on the lab. list.
Q.2
How can I get the free verification tools from DVD FLLC?
A.2
DVD FLLC does not provide any verification tools.
Q.3
How to get the verification tools?
A.3
For purchase of the necessary tools, you have to contact directly with each Verification Laboratory or supplier referring to the Verification Tool List or latest Test Specification.
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DVD Logo
Q.1
Who may use DVD Logo?
A.1
Please see Who may use DVD Logo.
Q.2
I have bought blank DVD-R (DVD-RW, DVD-RAM) discs. May I print DVD Logo (including DVD General Logo, DVD-R Logo, DVD-RAM Logo, DVD-RW Logo) on them?
A.2
No.
DVD Logo may not be printed on a purchased blank DVD disc such as DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM.
Q.3
I have bought blank DVD-R (DVD-RW, DVD-RAM) discs and written video contents on them. I used a DVD drive and an authoring software which are manufactured by Licensees and carry DVD Logos. May I print DVD Logo on such discs?
A.3
No.
DVD Logo may not be printed on such purchased blank DVD discs as DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM, even if video contents are written on such discs by using a drive and an authoring software with DVD Logo.
Q.4
May I print a DVD Video Logo on a DVD-R disc, on which I write video contents?
A.4
No.
The disc which can carry a DVD Video Logo is a DVD-ROM disc containing Video contents. DVD Logo may not be printed on a purchased blank DVD disc such as DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM.
Q.5
My business is to produce video contents and to release DVD discs with those video contents. May I use DVD Logo on my DVD discs?
A.5
If the video contents are replicated on DVD-ROM discs by one of our Licensees, the DVD Video Logo may be used under the Licensee's instructions.
Use of DVD Logo on DVD discs require our License. Our Licensing program is designed for manufacturers of DVD products. Business categories not subject to our Licenses includes the following; video production houses, contents providers, publishers, broadcasting stations, advertising agencies, authoring houses, design studios, interior designers, packaging manufacturers/designers, distributors/retailers, importers/exporters, educational organizations and so on.

If you write video contents on a purchased blank DVD media, you may not print DVD Logo on the discs (Please also see Q3).
Q.6
We would like to advertise DVD discs which we sell. May I use DVD Logo on our website or on promotional materials; such as flyers, sign boards/panels, advertisements in magazines etc. ?
A.6
Only when the DVD products have been manufactured by one of our Licensees, DVD Logo may be displayed on an advertisement near the Licensee's product (image) Under the Licensee's Instructions. The location of the Logo should be where the association of the DVD Logo with the Licensee's product is maintained.
Q.7
We would like to manufacture packages for DVD discs. May I print DVD Logo on our products?
A.7
Only when the DVD discs have been manufactured by one of our Licensees, DVD Logo may be displayed on DVD disc packages Under the Licensee's Instructions. Please contact the Licensee for more details. It is not permitted to print DVD Logo on packages without a Licensee's instruction/permission.
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Others
Q.1
Is +RW DVD Format?
A.1
+RW is not the DVD Format created and authorized by the DVD Forum. Likewise, although strikingly similar in appearance to the DVD-RW, there is no DVD Format called DVD+RW or +RW among the Formats created and authorized by the DVD Forum.

Those involved in the DVD should be advised that there is No DVD Logo to represent +RW or DVD+RW technology authorized by the DVD Forum or approved by DVD FLLC. There is No Verification Process for +RW or DVD+RW products authorized by the DVD Forum. There is No Verification Laboratory authorized by the DVD Forum to test +RW or DVD+RW products. There is No Test Specifications for +RW or DVD+RW products authorized by the DVD Forum and available at DVD FLLC.

Please also be advised, therefore, that DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation(DVD FLLC) is not in a position to accept and respond to any inquiry, questions nor offer a license regarding the +RW or DVD+RW technology. DVD FLLC does not represent, guarantee nor state the quality or appropriateness of the above-mentioned technology. Also, there is no guarantee for compatibility between the products employing the DVD Forum-approved Formats and the products employing the +RW or DVD+RW technology.

The Licensees of the DVD Format/Logo License should be reminded that the use of the DVD Logo is permitted solely in accordance with the DVD Format/Logo License Agreement.
Q.2
What is the MID Code? How should it be set and used?
A.2
The Manufacturer ID or MID Code is a set of pre-pit data on a DVD disc that corresponds to the manufacturer's name. The MID Code consists of 12 bytes of ASCII code containing such data. The Code is used by the disc manufacturers.

When the disc, DVD-R disc for example, has an MID Code that does not identify the manufacturer, unexpected results may take place.
Therefore, manufacturers are strongly recommended to use MID Code in the correct manner, as described in the applicable DVD Format Book.
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