Q. What do I need in order to access DVD-ROM features?
A. At the minimum, you will need the following in order to access DVD-ROM on your computer:

1. A DVD-ROM drive.

   

   Because DVD's are a separate format, a standard CD-ROM drive will not be able to read the contents of a DVD. However, all DVD-ROM drives can read CD's. Currently, most popular consumer software or hardware outlets sell DVD-ROM drives that you can install in your computer if you do not have one. They can also be found for purchase online at various computer hardware sites.

2. DVD decoder software.

   InterVideo WinDVD
   

   Although DVD-ROM features do not require a decoder, features developed for InterActual software often combine the video content of a DVD with the DVD-ROM component in one seamless presentation. Without a DVD decoder, all that a DVD-ROM drive can do is read the files on a DVD disc. It cannot play video from those files without a DVD decoder. Typically, most DVD drives include some type of decoder software in the package, but if they do not, then click the link above to purchase the WinDVD software direct from InterVideo, Inc (no affiliation with InterActual Technologies). PLEASE NOTE: Your computer must meet the minimum hardware requirements of whatever DVD decoder you install, or playback problems can result.

3. A Web browser. Most DVD-ROM features utilize formatting for Web browsers, because nearly all current computers which have DVD capability also have Web browser software installed as well. The Internet Explorer Web browser software comes pre-loaded on nearly all current Windows systems, and is required by InterActual software in order to display DVD-ROM features.
4. InterActual Player 2.0. Many Hollywood studios use the InterActual Player 2.0 software as the standard interface for presentation of DVD-ROM combined with DVD video content. For a list of DVD's that include InterActual software and features, just visit the DVD Showcase linked below.
5. An Internet connection (optional). Although many of the features designed for InterActual Player are already included on the DVD, some of them may require updates to components such as Shockwave, Flash, and QuickTime in order to function properly. In addition, weblinks that may be included on the DVD will obviously require an Internet connection. However, the majority of the DVD-ROM features available on DVD's run straight from the disc with no online connection required.

Q. Can I access DVD-ROM content on a Macintosh?
A. It depends on whether or not there is any Macintosh content included on the DVD. Some recent InterActual-enhanced DVD titles include separate features specific to the Macintosh, but the majority of the content developed for InterActual Player requires a Windows system in order to run. However, InterActual continues to support and develop exciting new content for the Mac.

Q. Can I access the DVD-ROM content on video game consoles like the Microsoft XBox™ or Sony Playstation® 2?
A. As noted above, InterActual software and features require a Web browser and a Windows (or Mac, if supported) interface. These devices do not have this capability, so unfortunately the DVD-ROM features will not function on them.