Format
wars re-visited? (Blu-ray v HD DVD)
This year sees the launch of the Sony Playstation
3 (PS3). And like its predecessors it will boast
better graphics, better games and according to reports
it will take gaming to the next level (what ever
that means!).
Driving the PS3 will be a completely new format,
the third generation in optical media (CD was the
first, DVD the second) known as Blu-ray. It is being
developed by Sony and has various supporters such
as Matsushita, Dell and most of the Hollywood studios.
However, like all things in life, there is competition.
Another third generation optical media known as
HD DVD, which is being led by Toshiba and counts
Microsoft and Intel among its supporters. In fact,
Bill Gates announced earlier this month that Microsoft
are planning to launch a peripheral HD DVD drive
which will plug directly into the recently launched
XBOX 360.
So what are the differences between the two competing
technologies? Essentially both media formats are
manufactured in the same way as DVDs, two polycarbonate
discs bonded together. Both "layers" can
store data, but depending on the amount of data
to be stored determines whether a Single Layer or
Dual Layer disc is manufactured. Blu-ray has an
initial capacity on a single layer disc of 25GB,
HD DVD has a single layer capacity of 15GB. Using
the second layer effectively doubles the capacity.
From a manufacturing perspective it is easier and
cheaper to make an HD DVD as an existing DVD line
just needs to be updated. A Blu-ray disc will need
to be manufactured on a purpose built Blu-ray line.
Both technologies are due to have players launched
in Spring 2006 for the home entertainment market,
although the expectation is that a Blu-ray player
will be more expensive than an HD DVD player.
At the moment HD DVD certainly has the advantage
over Blu-ray, purely because of its position in
the marketplace, however - the backing for Blu-ray
currently outweighs the backing for HD DVD, so are
we going to see the VHS / Betamax format war again?
Is there a market for the increase in definition
for home entertainment, or is the real benefit of
the technology going to come in the B2B Markets?
Over the next 12 to 18 months, these are questions
we will see answers to.
See also:
> Blu-ray
Disc Association
> HD
DVD Promotion Group
|
