In its infancy, the DVD Association was originally known as the Compact Disc Interactive Association (CDIA). This was during the age of interactive optical discs known as CD-I and VCD. The CDIA had been created to educate consumers on the then new technology by means of educational seminars and conferences and even publications. It formed as a nonprofit organization in 1990 and operated by way of corporate sponsorships and membership dues. Individuals and/or groups who take part in the creation of digital disc content get the opportunity to become members. Soon after, the thought was that this name was not reflective of the Association’s future visions. The Interactive Digital Media Association (IDMA) was created before the DVD era. Once the DVD was born, the IDMA changed to the DVD Association (DVDA) in 1992 to encompass the new technology.
With the ever-changing world of technology, it was clear to the Association they needed to revert to their previous IDMA name which now proves to have been innovative. In 2009, the change became official. The Association would fully incorporate the best of both worlds in digital and interactive media, and fully envelope all aspects for the present and future. The future shined bright in bringing the audio and video publishing sector into the digital era.
The IDMA will keep the early vision of the DVDA by sponsoring annual conferences as well as continuing to award excellence within the industry. The time-honored tradition of the Excellence Awards carries on for the production of digital media as well the optical disc formats of HD DVD and Blue-Ray Discs. They will also continue to be involved with the leading trade shows including Digital Media D.C., DV Expo, Digital Hollywood and the Editor’s Retreat. The IDMA is also embracing social media through Twitter. The Twitter hashtag #IDMA connects the industry with consumers as well as promoting entries for the Excellence Awards.