Guide to Cataloging DVD and Blu-ray Discs Using AACR2r ... - OLAC

III. Cataloging DualDiscs
By Julie Moore, Anchalee Panigabutra-Roberts, and Carolyn Walden
This section addresses cataloging DualDiscs, sometimes called Hybrid Dual Discs, using
rules found in AACR2 Chapter 6 (Sound Recordings) and Chapter 7 (Motion Pictures and
Videorecordings) and the document New Sound Recording Formats – Library of Congress
Practice available at
General Comments
The DualDisc is a 4 ¾ inch disc where one side is a standard audio compact disc and the
opposite side is a DVD-video or audio. Sometimes the DVD side is dominant, which results
in the CD audio side as the opposite side. The hybrid CD/DVD or DVD/CD format appeared
in test markets of Boston and Seattle in March 2004.
On the compact disc side, there is “compatible digital audio at 44.1kHz 16-bit and on the
other, DVD-Video, with the possibility of including high-resolution DVD-Audio content.”
.
“Independent and major record labels announced in November 2004 the availability of
more than 50 titles to be released through the 2004 holiday season.”
The DualDisc.com website in The Frequently Asked Questions section reminds readers of
important technical information.
• It is important to have 5.1 channel surround system to take advantage of the discs
that feature surround sound music. The DVD side will contain superior audio and will
result in a “rich, three-dimensional musical experience.”
• Use the DVD side in a DVD player to enjoy enhanced audio and any additional DVD
features. The CD side will play on most CD and DVD models.
• Note that each side is marked for play on a CD or DVD player.
• The DVD side will not play in a CD player. Remember to re-insert with the correct
side to play.
Since DualDiscs are a combination of DVD and CD characteristics, one of the first
challenges to face DualDisc catalogers is to determine the predominant material. What is
the more important part of the DualDisc, the sound recording or the video recording? In
some cases, there is no predominant material. In such a case, the decision as to whether
the DualDisc is to be cataloged as a sound recording or a video recording is left to
cataloger judgment.
37