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Numbers
Glossary "D"
D1 Broadcast quality digital format that records/plays video signals in their component form.
D2 Broadcast quality digital format that records/plays video signals in their composite form.
D3 Panasonic’s broadcast digital composite video record/play format.
DAT Digital Audio Tape (same as R-DAT). Generally used for audio mastering. It is a system for recording/reading digital data using a special tape cassette. A 4mm DAT drive holds over one gigabyte of data and is used as a high capacity backup medium for computers and as a master source medium for sending data to a CD manufacturer.
Data Layer In CD-R, the organic dye sandwiched between the polycarbonate substrate and the metalized reflective layer of the media. CD-Recordable discs do not have any data on them until they are recorded. Instead the recording laser selectively melts "pits" into the dye layer -- but rather than burning holes in the dye, it simply melts it slightly, causing it to become non-translucent so the reading laser beam is refracted rather than reflected back to the reader's sensors. In pressed CDs, the data layer is part of the polycarbonate substrate, and is pressed into the top side of it by a "stamper" during the injection molding process.
Data Transfer Rate The speed with which data can be read from a CD ROM drive. 150 kilobytes per second was the original standard rate; 2x = 300 kb/second; 4x = 600kb/s (etc.); 12x = 1.8 mb/s; 16x = 2.4 mb/s.
Dead mail Mail that is undeliverable as addressed and cannot be returned to the sender (usually because there is no return address on the piece).
Delivery Confirmation A service that provides the date and time of delivery or, if delivery was attempted but not successful, the date and time of the delivery attempt. This service may be obtained in two forms: (1) an electronic option for mailers who apply identifying barcodes to each piece, provide an electronic file, and retrieve delivery status information electronically; and (2) a retail option for mailers who retrieve delivery status through the USPS Internet at www.usps.com or by calling 800-222-1811.
Delivery point barcode (DPBC) A POSTNET barcode that consists of 62 bars with beginning and ending frame bars and 5 bars each for the nine digits of the ZIP+4 code, the last 2 digits of the primary street address number (or post office box, etc.), and a correction digit. The DPBC allows automated sortation of letter mail to the carrier level in walk sequence.
Delivery sequenced mail Mail that is arranged by a mailer in delivery order for a particular carrier route. This mail requires no primary or secondary distribution.
Destination area distribution center (DADC) rate A rate available for Periodicals mail that is prepared and entered by the mailer at the area distribution center (ADC) that serves the delivery address on the mail.
Destination bulk mail center (DBMC) rate A rate available for Standard Mail, Parcel Post, and Bound Printed Matter that is properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the BMC or other designated postal facility that serves the delivery address on the mail.
Destination delivery unit (DDU) rate A rate available for Periodicals, Standard Mail, Parcel Post, and Bound Printed Matter that is properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the delivery unit that serves the delivery address on the mail.
Destination sectional center facility (DSCF) rate A rate available for Periodicals, Standard Mail, Parcel Post, and Bound Printed Matter that is properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the sectional center facility (SCF) or other designated postal facility that serves the delivery address on the mail.
Detached address label (DAL) Paper or cardstock used to carry address information when preparing a mailing of unaddressed Periodicals flats, Standard Mail flats and merchandise samples, and Bound Printed Matter.
Detached mail unit (DMU) An area in a mailer’s facility where postal employees perform mail verification, acceptance, dispatch, and other postal functions.
Die Line Mechanical specs used to build cutting/folding dies for board packaging
Digital Audio The storage and processing of audio signals digitally. It usually requires at least 16 bits of linear coding to represent each digital sample.
Digital Data Data in digital form. All data that is entered into the computer is in digital form.
Digital Formats Formats that utilize a digital encoding system for recording audio or video signals. Information is represented in binary numbers which do not degrade in reproduction, as do all analog signals.
Digitize Converting an analog or continuous signal into a series of ones and zeros, i.e. into a digital format. To convert an image or signal into digital code for input into the computer. It includes scanning an image, tracing a picture on a graphics tablet or converting camera images into the computer. 3-D objects can be digitized by a device which uses a mechanical arm that is moved on and around the object. Sound, temperature and movement are also said to be digitized when they are converted into digital code.
Direct mail Another name for advertising mail sent to targeted markets. It can be any mail class, but it is usually Standard Mail.
Disc Image The final realized product of the DVD authoring process, resulting from the multiplexing of all assets and interactivity component unto a DLT or CDR. Sometimes called a “premaster”.
Disc Menu Main menu on DVD-Video disc, from which titles are selected. aka system menu, title selection menu; mistakenly called title menu – which is the selection menu within a title.
DLT Digital linear tape. A reusable archival storage format utilizing magnetic tape, commonly used for submission of a premastered DVD disc image to the replication facility.
Dolby An audio encoding system developed by Dolby Laboratories which improves the signal to noise ratio of an audio recording.
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) The USPS manual that contains the basic standards governing domestic mail services, descriptions of the mail classes and services and conditions governing their uses, standards for rate eligibility and mail preparation, and all postage rates and fees. Domestic mail is classified by size, weight, content, service, and other factors.
DOS Disk Operating System. DOS is the software that organizes how a computer reads, writes and reacts with its disks – floppy or hard – and talks to its various input/output devices, including keyboards, screens, serial and parallel ports, printers, modems, etc. The most popular operating system for PCs is MS-DOS from Microsoft.
Downmix Conversion of a multichannel audio track into a two channel stereo mix. All NTSC DVD players must play such a downmix – if provided by the disc data stream. Additional multichannel surround mixes are optional.
DPI Dots per Inch Scale used for saving and outputting art files. Refers to the resolution of an output device or the scan resolution of a photograph or grayscale image. Please do not save at a resolution lower than 300 dpi.
Dropout Temporary loss of video or audio signal usually caused by imperfections in tape oxide or minute dirt particles. Video dropouts usually manifest themselves in small white flicks or long horizontal lines across the entire screen.
DSR Direct to Stamper Recorder Mastering System Uses a nickel shell coated with photoresist to create a stamper used in replication. Process takes approx. 1 hour to produce a stamper, where glass mastering takes 6-8 hours.
Duplication Process Used to “Burn” or duplicate CD-R or DVD-R pre manufactured media with client supplied master. Used for short run projects.
DVD An acronym that is expanded as Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc
DVD Video The most identifiable of the five main types of DVD, capable of holding a minimum of 2 to a soon to be realized maximum of 8 hours of high quality MPEG 2 video, as well as multiple types and tracks of audio. Interactivity dependent on client needs, varying from a simple linear play to a highly user-driven non-linear experience. Mainly used for Hollywood movies and music videos, this is the DVD discussed by consumers and the popular press. Normal playback via separate DVD Player. aka: Book B.
DVD+R Disc type created by DVD Alliance. A new record once format that claims to be easier to use than DVD-R (no disc formatting or finalization required) and compatible in most playback systems.
DVD+RW Re-writable (able to erase and record over) disc created by the DVD Alliance. Claims to have a greater degree of compatibility than DVD-RW.
DVD-Audio One of the main five types of DVD, intended as an audio only
DVD-R Disc type created by the DVD Forum. Most universal format used by most Windows and Mac users as well as DVD recorders. DVD-R is a write (record) once format.
DVD-RAM One of the main five types of DVD, intended for multiple read and write use. aka: Book E. NOT playable on any CD format, nor on other types of DVD units. Generally used for backing up files or storage. Not compatable with most DVD players.
DVD-ROM The base specification for DVD format, all versions, is capable of holding from 7 to 25 times the data of one CD-ROM. DVD-ROM is fairly inter-active, containing multiple database access of audio, video, graphic and text assets; may also contain DVD-Video. Normal playback is via the user’s computer desktop, utilizing dedicated software and hardware (fast becoming standard components of new computer systems). Also plays CD-ROM, CDAudio.
DVD-RW Fully re-writable (able to erase and record over) created by the DVD Forum. It is fully re-writable or eraseable up to 1,000 times.
Dylux or Blue Line Less expensive proofing device to check for trapping, bleeds and pinholes in film(s).