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I view DVDs as simple computer programs that control how a video file is played. Having a DVD player does not mean you can play every DVD. ...unlike other formats. Excluding advances like new recording speeds and differences in broadcast standards (NTSC, PAL, SECAM), if you owned a VHS VCR, you could play all VHS tapes. ...the same for LaserDisc, 8mm, SuperVHS, Beta or CED. Most people have heard about issues with The Matrix DVD (original edition, not the new collection). I have two players, one recorder, and one DVD+/-RW on my PC. Urusei Yatsura OVA box set will not play properly on my JVC player or my PC, but they will play correctly on my Sony player and Panasonic recorder. On my PC, the disc will simply show me a list of video files and I chose which one to view - no menus, no subtitles - just the raw video file with audio. Other DVDs start as they should.
...and somehow the software on my PC got upgraded (or a driver did) and it's not acting up anymore. One of my Law & Order DVDs wouldn't play either and I was trying to confirm which one. That OVA box set just worked too. Now, it's just my JVC player.
Anyway... Is it possible that firmware in each player might be interpretating a DVD's programming a little differently causing slight differences in how the player displays the image? I realize there is a basic standard in place for the DVD format, but because of patents and some of the technologies that may go into a player, could there be some minor variations in each player?