UDF: when is a specification a standard? (Universal Disc Format)(Cover Story)

Tape-Disc Business, July, 1996 by Parker, Dana

Specification and standard: the two terms are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences. A specification may become a standard, but unless it is open and unlicensed, it is a de facto standard only. A standard may likewise be part of a specification, and a specification may be derived and based upon a standard - the UDF logical file format for DVD is a case in point.

UDF stands for Universal Disc format, a specification developed by OSTA (Optical Storage Technology Association) for use in optical storage devices. It is also the agreed-upon file format that will be used in DVD. UDF, and its subset for video content, Micro UDF, have their roots in a standard known as ISO 13346.

STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT

Standards can be established...

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