Blu ray technology and HD DVD technology are battling each other to become the DVD format of the next generation. Much like the battle of the 80’s between VHS and Betamax, Blu-ray and HD DVD both want to be the VHS of the 2000’s.
Blu ray Disc is an optical disc format designed for high definition video and high density data storage. Pioneer, Samsung & Sony are the prime supporters of the Blu-ray technology. Supporting HD DVD is the movie company Universal Studios as well as technology companies such as Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Toshiba and Microsoft. quite a few of the movie studios have announced that they will be releasing movies in both formats. 84% of the movies released last year support Blu ray making a bold statement for this new technology.
Sony Pictures, MGM, Columbia TriStar, Disney, Touchstone, Miramax, Fox, Paramount, Warner and Lions Gate has stated it will back the Blu ray format. Paramount, Studio Canal, Universal, Warner and The Weinstein Company has decided to back the HD DVD format.
Blu ray received it's name from the blue laser it uses to read the data. This format was created for rewriting, recording and playing of HD video. They also can store large amounts of data. It holds five times more storage capacity than regular DVD’s. It can store over 9 hours of high definition video on a disc. Because of its larger storage capacity, Blu-ray discs can hold the resolution formats to give you that extraordinary High Definition picture and sound.
There are some differences between the two formats. First of all it’s their capacity. By utilizing greater numerical aperture lens, Blu-ray is able to write more data on the same size disc. Because of the higher capacity, movie studios will be able to release movies with more HD features on Blu ray than HD DVD. A Blu-ray disc can hold up to 25GB and a dual layer 54 GB while an HD disc can hold up to 15 GB and a dual layer 30 GB. The other noticeable difference is cost. The Blu ray discs are more costly.
Now, both Blu-ray and HD players are able to play CD’s and DVD’s but HD players are not able to play Blu ray discs and vice versa. And that is where the battle begins. Since neither player will play the other's format, you must decide on one and hope it wins the "new format" battle.
Basically it boils down to this. Both formats are very similar in high definition picture quality. Making a decision really depends on price and content and how much less expensive will the HD players end up in comparison to the bonus features that Blu-ray technology will produce because of its larger storage capacity. One thing is for sure, it is a very uncertain market. It’s feasible that you could decide on a technology; invest in a player and buy movies and then be very upset if the format you choose leaves the market. More than likely, the format which goes into Christmas 2007 with the lowest price tag and widest range of movies will become the format standard.
By: Terry Burns