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By James McSweeney
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High Definition DVD and Blu-ray are the new generation of DVDs which offer a higher quality picture than normal discs providing a clear picture and surround sound. The idea has been that they will replace normal DVDs.
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High Definition DVD and Blu-ray are the new generation of DVDs which offer a higher quality picture than normal discs providing a clear picture and surround sound. The idea has been that they will replace normal DVDs.
Major film and consumer electronics industry leaders support HD DVD, including Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, Microsoft, Toshiba, HP, and Intel. Warner Bros. did support HD until they recently defected to Blu-ray recently.
Blu-ray is supported by big electronics and computer manufacturers including Apple, Dell, Samsung and Sony. Meanwhile six of the major movie studios (Disney, Fox, Sony, Warner, Lionsgate and MGM) are releasing their movies exclusively in the Blu-ray format.
Blu-ray discs can hold about two-thirds more data than HD DVD discs but the technology requires new manufacturing techniques and factories, boosting initial costs.
HD DVDs, on the other hand, are just more advanced DVDs, meaning movie studios could turn to existing assembly lines to produce them.
In late 2007 it seemed that HD were winning in Europe with Blu-Ray coming out on top in the US.
Market Analysts have been comparing the competition to the battle between Vhs and Beta in the late 70s, when Vhs came out on top.
Before people get really excited about this new technology, there are two big drawbacks. Firstly there is currently only one player on the market which supports both formats, made by LG. Also the cost is a huge factor, with both discs costing between £20- £30. On top of that to be able to watch either, a player and TV which are HD supported are needed, which are likely to set you back at least £400 altogether.
Also should you wish to watch sport of films on Sky in High Definition you’ll need to spend £249 for a Sky HD box then a £10 monthly charge for the service and £60 setup fee.
In short at the minute it is unclear which format will stay the course, so unless you’ve money to burn, it may be best to wait for prices to fall and one disc to fall away into the ether with Sony’s Betamax.
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Matt Farrell wrote...
Did you get paid for writing that article?
Posted by: Matt Farrell | January 13, 2008 9:48 AM