Superbit

__NOTOC__Superbit is a brand of premium DVD-Video versions of motion pictures from Columbia TriStar Home Video, a division of Sony. Superbit DVDs aim to improve picture quality over a standard DVD edition of a feature by increasing the bit rate of the encoded video. Audio quality is also improved by the mandatory inclusion of both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround audio tracks.

Quality

Superbit movie files are encoded at a bit rate that is, according to Sony, approximately twice as high (6-7 Mbit/s) as that of standard DVDs, which helps minimize artifacts caused by video compression and allow the image to be pre-filtered less prior to compression, which results in more detail. To maximize space for the main feature, static menus are used and commentary tracks are removed.

pecial Features

To further improve the size and therefore quality of the movie on the disc, Superbit discs contain a reduced amount (and usually are completely devoid) of so-called added value and bonus material, such as documentaries or interviews, which can be found on regular DVDs. Following the initial release of the Superbit line, Superbit Deluxe was introduced, which bundled a Superbit-quality feature with a second disc containing the special features.

Compatibility

Superbit discs can be read by all regular DVD video players. Superbit should not be confused with either HD DVD or Blu-ray, both of which are different media formats of much higher bit rate, and are incompatible with standard DVD video players.

Consumer and Retailer Support

Superbit never became a mainstream favorite of consumers, and retailers were very supportive of Sony officially dropping the product line. Industry sources indicate that at its peak, Superbit titles typically sold 2% of the title's regular DVD version. . [cite news |url=http://www.videobusiness.com/index.asp?layout=article&articleid=CA6408427 |title=Sony officially drops Superbit line |publisher=Video Business |date=January 18, 2007 |accessdate=2007-08-16]

Discontinuation

In January 2007, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment discontinued its Superbit line in order to promote its Blu-ray Disc format. [cite news |url=http://www.videobusiness.com/index.asp?layout=article&articleid=CA6408427 |title=Sony officially drops Superbit line |publisher=Video Business |date=January 18, 2007 |accessdate=2007-08-16]

Available Titles

Sony's Superbit Collection has a limited number of titles, many of which are re-releases of previous best-sellers. The titles available vary between DVD region.

uperbit Deluxe (2-Disc)

*"Charlie's Angels" (Superbit Deluxe)/"" (Special Edition)
*"Charlie's Angels" (Superbit Deluxe Collection 2-Disc Set)
*"Das Boot (Directors Cut)
*"Hollow Man"
*"The Bridge on the River Kwai"
*"The Mask of Zorro"
*"The Patriot"
*"Snatch"

References

External links

* [http://www.sonypictures.com/cthe/superbit/home.html Superbit Catalog] Sony Pictures' catalog of Superbit DVDs.
* [http://www.sonypictures.com/cthe/superbit/what_is_superbit.html What is Superbit?] Advertisement page which briefly explains the Superbit format.
* [http://www.superbit.co.uk/ Superbit UK] Sony UK's site about Superbit
* [http://www.hifi-writer.com/he/superbit/superbit.htm What are Superbit DVDs, and do they actually make a difference?] Close examination of several Region 2 & 4 Superbit DVDs.
* [http://jrandomhacker.info/Superbit/DVD_insert Superbit pamphlet] -- The text in the Superbit DVD-insert.