Comments on: FAQ: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray

Microsoft and Intel want one format for new DVDs, Dell and HP want another. But why, and who, if anyone, is likely to win?

VMD - Versatile Multilayer Disc

In the blur of BLU-RAY and HD-DVD arguments one has not been able to see the BIG PICTURE!

I believe VMD has great potential to overshadow these Blue laser formats becuase of the fantastic storage capacity of 40 GB and more that they offer for the SAME PRICE as a standard DVD-9.

Apparently the technology involves MULTILAYERS of data that could be stored on the same identical DVD. This apparently could hold a maximum of 10 layers on each side, i.e. 20 in all. This means we are talking MULTIPLICATION of 4.7 GB X 20!!!!!

This is not merely a rumour - it was actually demonstrated in CeBIT recently. And what could be better - this same technology apparently could be applied in FUTURE 'Blue Laser' discs!!!! Imagine the huge volume of data that could be on a single disc - MULTIPLY 25GB X 10 or even 20 LAYERS.

I think BLU-RAY and HD-DVD should gracefully back out at this stage instead of confusing the consumer with this new Blue Lase technology withoit FULLY EXPLORING utilization of existing RED LASER as in the VMD camp.

It would do the whole world a lot of good if all these players start working on a CLEAR STRATEGY where thery focus on delivering HIGH DEFINITION using this brilliant VMD low cost technology. They should come together to form a common VMD CONSORTIUM instead of wasting more time and money on their 'new' formats.

The need of the hour is COPY PROTECTION. I think all these big Movie Corporations should INVEST MORE in COPY PROTECTION technologies.

VMD - Versatile Multilayer Disc

In the blur of BLU-RAY and HD-DVD arguments one has not been able to see the BIG PICTURE!

I believe VMD has great potential to overshadow these Blue laser formats becuase of the fantastic storage capacity of 40 GB and more that they offer for the SAME PRICE as a standard DVD-9.

Apparently the technology involves MULTILAYERS of data that could be stored on the same identical DVD. This apparently could hold a maximum of 10 layers on each side, i.e. 20 in all. This means we are talking MULTIPLICATION of 4.7 GB X 20!!!!!

This is not merely a rumour - it was actually demonstrated in CeBIT recently. And what could be better - this same technology apparently could be applied in FUTURE 'Blue Laser' discs!!!! Imagine the huge volume of data that could be on a single disc - MULTIPLY 25GB X 10 or even 20 LAYERS.

I think BLU-RAY and HD-DVD should gracefully back out at this stage instead of confusing the consumer with this new Blue Lase technology withoit FULLY EXPLORING utilization of existing RED LASER as in the VMD camp.

It would do the whole world a lot of good if all these players start working on a CLEAR STRATEGY where thery focus on delivering HIGH DEFINITION using this brilliant VMD low cost technology. They should come together to form a common VMD CONSORTIUM instead of wasting more time and money on their 'new' formats.

The need of the hour is COPY PROTECTION. I think all these big Movie Corporations should INVEST MORE in COPY PROTECTION technologies.

[pcsguy88]

Do any of you have HDTV??

I've read thru multiple threads over the past week and not 1 person seems to "get" the real need for HD-DVD or Blu-ray. It's not renting HD movies that users care about, it's the ability to record HDTV broadcasts and store them on a disk. Yeah, DVRs are great, but as it stands, I have no way to take my HDTV show off of it to save. Also, every time I swap my cable box out, I lose all of my saved shows. Who cares about downloading content or seeing Top Gun in higher def. Just give me a solution to store my HDTV programs off of my rented cable box so I can watch them later. I should not have to choose which shows I want to delete so I can make room for that next episode of Lost on my box. HDTV programming fills a DVR within 2wks of normal use. Yes, there is a demand for these formats and that demand is only going to grow as people adopt HDTV. I personally support the HD-DVD format for ease of conversion and low price. I also think this is the format that mothers and fathers purchase because the name is familiar. Unfortunately, Blu-ray will not die because of the PS3. HD-DVD would have won hands down if the XBOX 360 shipped this Christmas with the drive installed, adding it later will do nothing to help it's cause. I know several people who bought PS2s because they played DVDs and were cheaper than a stand alone DVD player when they launched. I am an XBOX fan, but will convert to the PS3 solely for the cheap Blu-ray drive. I wonder if both formats will survive. HD-DVD for the movies, Blu-ray for the computer/gaming industries.

[mtroute]

Huh?

Clearly you speak for everyone. God know that I hate losing all
of my recorded HDTV material when I switch my cable box out.
Oh wait I never switch my cable box out and don't care to save
CSI to DVD. But i suppose that wanting to pirate your HD Movies
from HBO or Showtime would warrant your desire. In addition
anyone who is buying an HiDef DVD player is not going to buy
the PS3 to fill that role, Just like anyone who wants a decent
ProScan DVD player today is not running out to buy a PS2.

The simple answer is this HD-DVD will win the movie player
market and BD will win the computer/gaming market. The
earlier statement that the winner will be decided by Blockbuster
is more right than many think. Remember when was introduced
there was a battle between DiVX (not todays video CODEC) and
DVD, many thought the DIVX would win the day but it lost out
because of the restrictive and proprietary nature of the format. A
similar argument to BD exists today. Today Netflix will decide
the winner in the Movie arena, BD will exist almost exclusively in
the Data world.

http://www.intelliot.com/blog/archives/2004/05/31/techtv-
the-origins-of-the-original-divx/trackback/

[glcatv]

Sorry Charlie

Due to the new fcc regulations you will no longer be able to record from your hd dvr to any digital format. The new piracy regs went into affect in January so those of you who have older versions or cable providers that are a little behind record while you still can. You can still record to analog but that negates the hd that you want to preserve.

[pcsguy88]

Do any of you have HDTV??

I've read thru multiple threads over the past week and not 1 person seems to "get" the real need for HD-DVD or Blu-ray. It's not renting HD movies that users care about, it's the ability to record HDTV broadcasts and store them on a disk. Yeah, DVRs are great, but as it stands, I have no way to take my HDTV show off of it to save. Also, every time I swap my cable box out, I lose all of my saved shows. Who cares about downloading content or seeing Top Gun in higher def. Just give me a solution to store my HDTV programs off of my rented cable box so I can watch them later. I should not have to choose which shows I want to delete so I can make room for that next episode of Lost on my box. HDTV programming fills a DVR within 2wks of normal use. Yes, there is a demand for these formats and that demand is only going to grow as people adopt HDTV. I personally support the HD-DVD format for ease of conversion and low price. I also think this is the format that mothers and fathers purchase because the name is familiar. Unfortunately, Blu-ray will not die because of the PS3. HD-DVD would have won hands down if the XBOX 360 shipped this Christmas with the drive installed, adding it later will do nothing to help it's cause. I know several people who bought PS2s because they played DVDs and were cheaper than a stand alone DVD player when they launched. I am an XBOX fan, but will convert to the PS3 solely for the cheap Blu-ray drive. I wonder if both formats will survive. HD-DVD for the movies, Blu-ray for the computer/gaming industries.

[mtroute]

Huh?

Clearly you speak for everyone. God know that I hate losing all
of my recorded HDTV material when I switch my cable box out.
Oh wait I never switch my cable box out and don't care to save
CSI to DVD. But i suppose that wanting to pirate your HD Movies
from HBO or Showtime would warrant your desire. In addition
anyone who is buying an HiDef DVD player is not going to buy
the PS3 to fill that role, Just like anyone who wants a decent
ProScan DVD player today is not running out to buy a PS2.

The simple answer is this HD-DVD will win the movie player
market and BD will win the computer/gaming market. The
earlier statement that the winner will be decided by Blockbuster
is more right than many think. Remember when was introduced
there was a battle between DiVX (not todays video CODEC) and
DVD, many thought the DIVX would win the day but it lost out
because of the restrictive and proprietary nature of the format. A
similar argument to BD exists today. Today Netflix will decide
the winner in the Movie arena, BD will exist almost exclusively in
the Data world.

http://www.intelliot.com/blog/archives/2004/05/31/techtv-
the-origins-of-the-original-divx/trackback/

[glcatv]

Sorry Charlie

Due to the new fcc regulations you will no longer be able to record from your hd dvr to any digital format. The new piracy regs went into affect in January so those of you who have older versions or cable providers that are a little behind record while you still can. You can still record to analog but that negates the hd that you want to preserve.

[josrickim]

xbox 360

i have preordered a xbox 360 and was wondering since it is going to use HD-DVD, if most of the big movie companies go with blu-ray, am i screwed. ALso will movies still be released on DVD.

[josrickim]

xbox 360

i have preordered a xbox 360 and was wondering since it is going to use HD-DVD, if most of the big movie companies go with blu-ray, am i screwed. ALso will movies still be released on DVD.

[tonysm_75]

Web site shows HD DVD vs. Blu Ray trends

Hi. I just finished a web site that shows the popularity/performance of both formats over time on Amazon.com

www.thedvdwars.com

Check it out - I think it provides an interesting view of how the formats are doing.

[tonysm_75]

Web site shows HD DVD vs. Blu Ray trends

Hi. I just finished a web site that shows the popularity/performance of both formats over time on Amazon.com

www.thedvdwars.com

Check it out - I think it provides an interesting view of how the formats are doing.

[tonysm_75]

Web site shows HD DVD vs. Blu Ray trends

Hi. I just finished a web site that shows the popularity/performance of both formats over time on Amazon.com

www.thedvdwars.com

Check it out - I think it provides an interesting view of how the formats are doing.

[tonysm_75]

Web site shows HD DVD vs. Blu Ray trends

Hi. I just finished a web site that shows the popularity/performance of both formats over time on Amazon.com

www.thedvdwars.com

Check it out - I think it provides an interesting view of how the formats are doing.

[tonysm_75]

New web site showing trends in HD vs. blu-ray

I created a site that analyzes the popularity of HD DVD vs. Blu-ray discs on Amazon.com. It shows several interesting graphs over time. Check it out here:

www.thedvdwars.com

[tonysm_75]

New web site showing trends in HD vs. blu-ray

I created a site that analyzes the popularity of HD DVD vs. Blu-ray discs on Amazon.com. It shows several interesting graphs over time. Check it out here:

www.thedvdwars.com

[stillybower]

do HD-DVD and Blu Ray both require an HDTV?

I am curious to if HD-DVD and Blu Ray both require an HD-tv to even be viewed. I would assume that the HD-DVD would indeed require an HD Tv but am not sure about Blu Ray.
I have been searching all over the net for the answer to this but have found nothing.
My thought was that HDTV prices would have to drop for these units to sell if an HDTV is required.

[stillybower]

do HD-DVD and Blu Ray both require an HDTV?

I am curious to if HD-DVD and Blu Ray both require an HD-tv to even be viewed. I would assume that the HD-DVD would indeed require an HD Tv but am not sure about Blu Ray.
I have been searching all over the net for the answer to this but have found nothing.
My thought was that HDTV prices would have to drop for these units to sell if an HDTV is required.

[stillybower]

Do blu ray and hd-dvd require an hd tv?

I am curious to if HD-DVD and Blu Ray both require an HD-tv to even be viewed. I would assume that the HD-DVD would indeed require an HD Tv but am not sure about Blu Ray.
I have been searching all over the net for the answer to this but have found nothing.
My thought was that HDTV prices would have to drop for these units to sell if an HDTV is required.

[stillybower]

Do blu ray and hd-dvd require an hd tv?

I am curious to if HD-DVD and Blu Ray both require an HD-tv to even be viewed. I would assume that the HD-DVD would indeed require an HD Tv but am not sure about Blu Ray.
I have been searching all over the net for the answer to this but have found nothing.
My thought was that HDTV prices would have to drop for these units to sell if an HDTV is required.

[labanex]

Come Together

This is the same problem with the two formats that came before DVD. What ALL of the manufactorers have to do is instead of fighting to be the one format for movie go'ers, the BLUE-RAY consortium and the HD-DVD consortium can come together. Here's how. The software makers, Paramount, Sony Pictures, FOX, etc. can decide on one format or both for distribution. XBOX games and Playstation games can decide on the format for encoding their games. BUT, ALL MANUFACTORERS HAVE TO include BOTH format playback and record for blank media on BOTH formats, as well as, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-A and CD recording (for recordable players). Let's forget about this dumb stuff and get it going. Why would a consumer by both types of players? We have to anyway because the movies would be divided amongst the two formats. Starting late 2006, ALL MANUFACTORERS have to produce both formats with all features including: DVD+R(W), DVD-R(W), DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, DVD+R Dual Layer, CD, DVD DTS audio, Super CD (the sony deal), CD (CD-R and CD-RW), CD-i and so forth. All players have to playback Dolby Plus, Dolby TRUE-HD, Dolby Pro-Logic IIx, Dolby Digital EX and standard, Dolby Pro-Logic II, DTS-HD, DTS all forms of it, PCM (from 22.1 KHz for old video archives of speech to 384 kHz, to include playback of 44.1 KHz of DVD and HD-DVD and BlueRay), VC-1 WMV format and wma for audio applications, 5.1, 7.1, 2.1 and 2.0 as well as 1.0 playback for archival footage, and so forth. These people are not thinking, both the HD-DVD community and the Blue-Ray community. The manufactorers are all about the money when it should be about both though. Create a MANUFACTORER standard that including all formats of DISK technology (laserdisk, minidisk and UMD excluded). DO NOT give the consumers a choice, give them the option to by one machine with all features, and no matter how much it cost, from $300 and up, they can have one machine that has it all. The only difference would be the plugins in the back and whether the quality of the video is better than the other.

[labanex]

Come Together

This is the same problem with the two formats that came before DVD. What ALL of the manufactorers have to do is instead of fighting to be the one format for movie go'ers, the BLUE-RAY consortium and the HD-DVD consortium can come together. Here's how. The software makers, Paramount, Sony Pictures, FOX, etc. can decide on one format or both for distribution. XBOX games and Playstation games can decide on the format for encoding their games. BUT, ALL MANUFACTORERS HAVE TO include BOTH format playback and record for blank media on BOTH formats, as well as, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-A and CD recording (for recordable players). Let's forget about this dumb stuff and get it going. Why would a consumer by both types of players? We have to anyway because the movies would be divided amongst the two formats. Starting late 2006, ALL MANUFACTORERS have to produce both formats with all features including: DVD+R(W), DVD-R(W), DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, DVD+R Dual Layer, CD, DVD DTS audio, Super CD (the sony deal), CD (CD-R and CD-RW), CD-i and so forth. All players have to playback Dolby Plus, Dolby TRUE-HD, Dolby Pro-Logic IIx, Dolby Digital EX and standard, Dolby Pro-Logic II, DTS-HD, DTS all forms of it, PCM (from 22.1 KHz for old video archives of speech to 384 kHz, to include playback of 44.1 KHz of DVD and HD-DVD and BlueRay), VC-1 WMV format and wma for audio applications, 5.1, 7.1, 2.1 and 2.0 as well as 1.0 playback for archival footage, and so forth. These people are not thinking, both the HD-DVD community and the Blue-Ray community. The manufactorers are all about the money when it should be about both though. Create a MANUFACTORER standard that including all formats of DISK technology (laserdisk, minidisk and UMD excluded). DO NOT give the consumers a choice, give them the option to by one machine with all features, and no matter how much it cost, from $300 and up, they can have one machine that has it all. The only difference would be the plugins in the back and whether the quality of the video is better than the other.

[labanex]

Expensive Expensive

I am in the Army, an E-4, with little pay. I am married too. The fact is, I am a big computer and audio/video geek. I do have a decent Zenith TV, but I would love a Panasonic HD-TV. That would be a dream. The prices of HD-TVs are falling. A 42" TV (tube, not plasma or LCD) is about $1000 now. Not bad, but way out of my pocket's range.

One day, when these sets are going for $400 for a 42" HD-TV (rather the TV itself is 4:3 or 16:9 display), then maybe I can afford an HD-TV.

In the meantime, cable and satellite providers can offer EVERYONE HD broadcasts with newer set-top receivers that has a function in the menu settings for what kind of television is hooked up. For instance:
1. 4:3 monitor (standard definition)
2. 4:3 monitor (ID-TV)
3. 16:9 monitor (ID-TV)
4. 4:3 monitor (HD-TV)
5. 16:9 monitor (HD-TV)

All BD and HD-DVD players can have the same function too. With the ability for the consumer to buy a HD-DVD/Blue-Ray players with the ability to have a standard definition TV set will help increase the sale of these players.

Also, the manufactorers WILL HAVE to include both formats in their players. TAKE AWAY ALL standard DVD players from the shelves and current HD-DVD and BD players from the shelves. In order for both formats to rain side by side is to include the following specs:

ALL DVD PLAYERS (starting Late 2006):
(these are my specs and not a spec designed by any manufactorer).
Playback: DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DVD+R, DVD-R. DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD+RW DL. DVD+R DL, SACD, HD-DVD, BLUE RAY, CD, CD Text, CD-I, and UMD.

Record: (for units that can record), DVD+R(W) and DL, DVD-R(W), CD-R, HD-DVD single and dual layer, and Blue Ray (multiple layers).
- Most of the recording units can have optional Hard Disk recording for DVR compatibility with Satellite and Cable broadcast.

Playback of all audio/video computer files such as: MP3 (7.1 on four file sync, XML controlled), 7.1 surround WMA, 7.1 surround WMV, 5.1 surround DIVX, MPEG 1 and 2, VC-1 WMV9 or 10, AC-3 EX, JPG, GIF, PNG, MP4 and M4V (podcast/iPod compatible), OGG, midi (can include E-mu Creative Labs Soundfonts with XML control which has to be included on the disk itself), WAVE (from 22.1 KHz to 384 KHz at 1.0, 2.0, 2.1, 4.0, 4.1, 5.1, 7.1, and even 8.1 - which can include a extra speaker high above the TV to simulate IMAX theatre films, Dolby Plus files, Dolby TrueHD files, and anything else I can think about.
- All of these technology can be included on one microprocessor that can be designed by different manufactorers to include all codecs and processing so that the players do not. Creative Labs can design sound cards that can help process the audio for all codecs, nVidia and ATI can design video cards that can help process all video codecs as well. Each machine can include a 100Mbps network card that can connect to the HOUSE router as well as a USB port for all software upgrades to the units from the manufactorer themselves.

Software providers (rather movies, audio, or games) can use the specified standard for audio and video playback. BUT they can use the ROM portion of the disk to include a JPEG photo album and more in which every player can access.

OKAY, I know I went a little off on the above specs, but a marriage of all specs sold in every player. Come on guys, I know I am asking for a lot, BUT WHY THE H*LL NOT!!!

[labanex]

Oh yeah!!!

Oh yeah, I forgpt about ATRACS audio streams too.

[labanex]

Expensive Expensive

I am in the Army, an E-4, with little pay. I am married too. The fact is, I am a big computer and audio/video geek. I do have a decent Zenith TV, but I would love a Panasonic HD-TV. That would be a dream. The prices of HD-TVs are falling. A 42" TV (tube, not plasma or LCD) is about $1000 now. Not bad, but way out of my pocket's range.

One day, when these sets are going for $400 for a 42" HD-TV (rather the TV itself is 4:3 or 16:9 display), then maybe I can afford an HD-TV.

In the meantime, cable and satellite providers can offer EVERYONE HD broadcasts with newer set-top receivers that has a function in the menu settings for what kind of television is hooked up. For instance:
1. 4:3 monitor (standard definition)
2. 4:3 monitor (ID-TV)
3. 16:9 monitor (ID-TV)
4. 4:3 monitor (HD-TV)
5. 16:9 monitor (HD-TV)

All BD and HD-DVD players can have the same function too. With the ability for the consumer to buy a HD-DVD/Blue-Ray players with the ability to have a standard definition TV set will help increase the sale of these players.

Also, the manufactorers WILL HAVE to include both formats in their players. TAKE AWAY ALL standard DVD players from the shelves and current HD-DVD and BD players from the shelves. In order for both formats to rain side by side is to include the following specs:

ALL DVD PLAYERS (starting Late 2006):
(these are my specs and not a spec designed by any manufactorer).
Playback: DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DVD+R, DVD-R. DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD+RW DL. DVD+R DL, SACD, HD-DVD, BLUE RAY, CD, CD Text, CD-I, and UMD.

Record: (for units that can record), DVD+R(W) and DL, DVD-R(W), CD-R, HD-DVD single and dual layer, and Blue Ray (multiple layers).
- Most of the recording units can have optional Hard Disk recording for DVR compatibility with Satellite and Cable broadcast.

Playback of all audio/video computer files such as: MP3 (7.1 on four file sync, XML controlled), 7.1 surround WMA, 7.1 surround WMV, 5.1 surround DIVX, MPEG 1 and 2, VC-1 WMV9 or 10, AC-3 EX, JPG, GIF, PNG, MP4 and M4V (podcast/iPod compatible), OGG, midi (can include E-mu Creative Labs Soundfonts with XML control which has to be included on the disk itself), WAVE (from 22.1 KHz to 384 KHz at 1.0, 2.0, 2.1, 4.0, 4.1, 5.1, 7.1, and even 8.1 - which can include a extra speaker high above the TV to simulate IMAX theatre films, Dolby Plus files, Dolby TrueHD files, and anything else I can think about.
- All of these technology can be included on one microprocessor that can be designed by different manufactorers to include all codecs and processing so that the players do not. Creative Labs can design sound cards that can help process the audio for all codecs, nVidia and ATI can design video cards that can help process all video codecs as well. Each machine can include a 100Mbps network card that can connect to the HOUSE router as well as a USB port for all software upgrades to the units from the manufactorer themselves.

Software providers (rather movies, audio, or games) can use the specified standard for audio and video playback. BUT they can use the ROM portion of the disk to include a JPEG photo album and more in which every player can access.

OKAY, I know I went a little off on the above specs, but a marriage of all specs sold in every player. Come on guys, I know I am asking for a lot, BUT WHY THE H*LL NOT!!!

[labanex]

Oh yeah!!!

Oh yeah, I forgpt about ATRACS audio streams too.