This article is from the DVD Formats FAQ, by jtfrog@usa.net (Jim Taylor) with numerous contributions by others.
Manufacturers are worried about customers assuming DVDs will play in their
CD player, so they would like the packaging to be different. There are a
number of DVD packages such as Amaray's "keep case" and Time Warner's
"Snapper" that are as wide as a CD jewel box and as tall as a VHS cassette
box. This meets the guidelines of 7-3/8" height x 5-5/8" width suggested by
the VSDA (Video Software Dealers association). However, no one is being
forced to use a larger package size and many companies will undoubtedly use
standard jewel cases. Divx discs came in jewel-case-sized paperboard and
plastic Q-Pack cases. It remains to be seen if any package becomes
standard, especially for DVD-ROM.
 
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