superbit? What is it?

The superbit has a higher bit rate than standard DVDs. If you have a DVD player that can display the bit rate, you will notice that most DVDs change the bit rate during the picture. Scenes with a lot of motion require higher bit rates. Lower bit rates allow more movie time on the same disc. Sony has made these "superbit" DVDs with significantly higher bit rates, but have left out other bit using features such as director commentary or trailers or the making of the movie and instead have opted to give a really great picture and in most cases have added DTS sound (although I understand it is compressed slightly more than usual to fit with the superbit bandwidth). I definitely notice a difference in the superbit vs the conventional disc, but it's not a huge difference. Better color saturation and better 3D characteristics are the most noticable benefits. I don't really ever watch many of the "extras" that have been cut out of the superbit version, so for me the decision is pretty simple.

Thanx you all for your time. I've noticed everyone has seen an improvement in video, but how about audio? I do agree with the above, I myself never waste my time with trailers, deleted scenes. I say just give me the best audio/video you can and leave out the rest or for those who enjoy it, have a collector's edition. Pete

PETE!!! welcome back buddy!! You've got mail.

~Tim

Just thought I'd chime in with my one "sb" experience. I rented Dracula. I have the Pan rb91,and a Sharp projector. For some reason or other I had to turn off "prgressive" for this disc.--Once I did this the picture was stunning.On DTS audio-- I have the DTS Dances/W. W.--2 disc set. This is one of a hand full of "FULL-BIT RATE" DTS discs.(Something in the neighborhood of 1700 bits) The sound doesn't do anything spectacular for me. (Good wine waisted on swine?)

I guess I can comment on the audio.

I can really only comment on The Fifth Element, as it's the only disc I've seen enough to know the soundtrack well enough.

The DD track is slightly better than the old version. There's a bit more detail to it than old version had as the old DD track was compressed more than the Superbit version is.

I didn't care for the DTS mix on it though. You can argure all you want as to which is better DTS or DD. It's more about the mix, than it is about the compression scheme. I usually preffer a DTS track. Though sometimes the difference is non-existant. And sometimes the DD track is better, as I feel it is on the Superbit Fifth Element.

Though if you really want the best audio track, go with the LD release.