Learn move about our DVDs

1. What is the BigPond Movies DVD Library?

BigPond Movies works just like any other video library. You come in, browse through our range and choose the DVDs you want to borrow.

The difference is that all this takes place online. We send your DVDs to you as they become available, you watch them and, when you're finished, you return them to us.

And unlike a normal video store, you can keep your borrowed DVDs for as long as you want. There are no due dates and no late fees. We don't even charge you postage for the delivery or return.

Your DVDs are delivered straight to your mailing address, in envelopes that fit most standard mailboxes. (They're 235 x 120mm, if you want to check they'll fit your mailbox.)

So you shouldn't ever need to collect anything from the Post Office.

2. What DVDs are available from BigPond Movies?

Chances are, we can deliver any movie you care to name, along with almost any legendary sporting event, TV series, or live gig ever released on DVD. We have over 32,000 DVD titles in our library and we add hundreds of new titles every month.

We use Region 4 compatible DVDs (includes Region 0). These are encoded to play in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, Mexico and South & Central America. But the system means some DVDs that are available in other regions, such as Europe and the United States, may not be available here.

3. How should I care for the DVDs?

So that you and other members can continue to enjoy our DVDs, please handle them with care. DVDs are fragile and easily scratched.

To make it easy, we send all our DVDs in a specially designed envelope, with a protective sleeve for you to store them in. These envelopes are also lined with a protective coating.

Please leave each DVD in its sleeve when you're not actually playing it, and keep it in the mailer for added protection.

4. Are there general rules for handling and storing DVDs?

Yep. Please...

  • Handle the DVD by its outer edge ONLY, to prevent fingerprints
  • Make certain the DVD is seated properly in the DVD player's tray before closing the tray door.
  • Always store the DVD in its protective sleeve, inside the special envelope.
  • Do not leave the DVD near a heating unit or in direct sunlight, such as by a window or in the car.

5. How should I clean DVDs?

You can use a soft, clean cloth to wipe both sides of the DVD if necessary. Follow these basic rules:

  • Always wipe, don't rub.
  • Never wipe DVDs with a circular motion. Move the cloth in a straight line from the centre hole to the outer edge.
  • Don't use any abrasive, solvent, or cleaning solutions. Chemical-based cleaners can damage the surface of the DVD.

6. What DVD formats does BigPond Movies support?

BigPond Movies supports a few of the different DVD formats currently available in Australia.

At the moment, we have PAL, NTSC, SuperBit, Dual Layered, Dual Sided DVDs, we also now support Blu-Ray and HD-DVD High Definition discs, for a superior viewing experience.

7. What is NTSC?

Some of BigPond Movies' DVDs are formatted for the NTSC colour system used in North America. The standard format in Australia is called PAL, but most DVD players sold here are configured to play both NTSC and PAL discs.

If one of our NTSC-formatted DVDs screens in black and white on your TV, it's probably because your set is not NTSC compatible. This can happen with TVs that are over 10 years old. The manufacturer (or your TV owner's manual) will be able to give you more details.

When adding an NTSC title to MyQ you will receive a pop-up warning to tell you that you've selected an NTSC-formatted DVD. You can turn this pop-up warning off by modifying your rental preferences. Click the 'Preferences' tab on the 'My Account' page.

8. What is a Dual-Layered DVD?

Dual-layered DVDs (DVD-9) are DVDs that contain two layers of information on the disc. It's a complicated bit of technical wizardry...

Usually, you'll see a brief pause while your DVD player adjusts its laser to read the second layer. And in some cases, your DVD player may not be able to 'see' the second layer at all, in which case the the DVD will not play correctly.

9. What is a Double-Sided DVD?

A double-sided DVD (DVD-10) has data encoded into both sides of the actual disc. So you can watch Side #1, then flip the disc over and watch Side #2. (Most DVDs are single sided, and have a label on the other side.)

A double-sided DVD might have:

  • a different movie on each side;
  • two versions of the same movie in different formats ( i.e. a widescreen and a full frame version); or
  • half of a (very long!) movie on one side, and half on the other.

10. What is a Superbit™ DVD?

Superbit™ DVDs are similar to a normal DVD, but they have an optimised audio and video track, giving you a superior DVD viewing experience but fewer 'added value' features or animated menus. If you'd like more detail, please click here to see the official Superbit explanation from Sony Picutres.

11. What are Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs?

Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs are the next generation in home entertainment technology. Designed specifically to exploit the capabilities of High Definition TVs - these two formats feature High Definition video, outstanding audio quality and much more.

However unlike normal DVDs, you need to ensure you have the correct Blu-Ray or HD-DVD equipment to play these specially formatted discs.

When adding a Blu-Ray or HD-DVD title to 'MyQ' you will receive a pop-up warning to tell you that you've selected a Blu-Ray or HD-DVD formatted disc. You can turn this pop-up warning off by modifying your rental preferences. Click the 'Preferences' tab on the 'My Account' page to change this preference.