Tweet
January 29, 2006
Techno File: Erika D. Smith
2 technologies battle to lead video resolution
In this corner, we have the 50- gigabyte, dual-layered heavyweight Blu-ray.
And in the other corner, we have the movie industry's lean, leading man HD-DVD.
Now, let's get ready to rumble! Again.
Yep, the video format wars have returned and, this time, the stakes are higher.
The winner not only will determine the future of your home theater system, but probably discs for your computer and even game consoles.
The way things are shaping up, it feels like the 1980s. VHS versus Betamax. Remember that?
OK, I wasn't even 10, but being the burgeoning Techno File, I encouraged my mommy to buy a VHS player instead of a Betamax player.
I can't make a recommendation on Blu-ray or HD-DVD just yet. But here's the lowdown on both formats:
Blu-ray
This was developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association, which consists of manufacturers such as Apple, Dell, JVC, LG, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung and Thomson with its Indianapolis-based Connectivity unit.
Blu-ray lets you digitally record and play high-definition video, plus write large amounts of data on each disc. The format's backers note, often repeatedly, that a Blu-ray disc is roomier than an HD-DVD disc.
A single-layer Blu-ray disc can hold 25 gigabytes, which can be used to record more than two hours of HDTV or more than 13 hours of standard- definition television. A dual-layered disc can sock away 50 gigabytes.
By comparison, today's dual-layered DVDs hold less than nine gigabytes.
This month, manufacturers debuted an array of players, recorders and drives for the Blu-ray format. Several major movie studios said they will release more than 100 films in coming months.
The name Blu-ray is for the blue laser the technology uses to read discs, unlike the red laser in current players. That difference will present problems when it comes to compatibility. To play your DVDs and CDs, you will need to buy a "BD/DVD/CD compatible optical pickup" at who knows what cost.
Bummer.
For more information, go to www.blu-ray.com.
HD-DVD
HD-DVD, on the other hand, is all about compatibility. That's the biggest selling point.
This format got a lot of early support because HD-DVDs have a lot in common with DVDs. The technologies are compatible. No add-ons required.
But a sticking point is the capacity. A single-layer HD-DVD can hold 15 gigabytes, compared with Blu-ray's 25, and a dual-layered disc holds 30 gigabytes.
Backers of this format include many of the major movie studios, as well as Microsoft, Intel, Toshiba and NEC.
Toshiba said its first HD-DVD players will be on store shelves by March, selling for $499 and $799. Also, Microsoft said that sometime this year it will release an HD-DVD drive that links with its Xbox 360 gaming console.
Meanwhile, the movie studios, which first put their weight behind HD-DVD but now back Blu-ray, say they will put out 200 HD-DVD titles this year.
For more information, go to www.dvdforum.com.
Call Star reporter Erika D. Smith at (317) 444-6424 or e-mail her at erika.smith@indystar.com.
Copyright 2006 IndyStar.com. All rights reserved
Techno File: Erika D. Smith
2 technologies battle to lead video resolution
In this corner, we have the 50- gigabyte, dual-layered heavyweight Blu-ray.
And in the other corner, we have the movie industry's lean, leading man HD-DVD.
Now, let's get ready to rumble! Again.
Yep, the video format wars have returned and, this time, the stakes are higher.
The winner not only will determine the future of your home theater system, but probably discs for your computer and even game consoles.
The way things are shaping up, it feels like the 1980s. VHS versus Betamax. Remember that?
OK, I wasn't even 10, but being the burgeoning Techno File, I encouraged my mommy to buy a VHS player instead of a Betamax player.
I can't make a recommendation on Blu-ray or HD-DVD just yet. But here's the lowdown on both formats:
Blu-ray
This was developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association, which consists of manufacturers such as Apple, Dell, JVC, LG, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung and Thomson with its Indianapolis-based Connectivity unit.
Blu-ray lets you digitally record and play high-definition video, plus write large amounts of data on each disc. The format's backers note, often repeatedly, that a Blu-ray disc is roomier than an HD-DVD disc.
A single-layer Blu-ray disc can hold 25 gigabytes, which can be used to record more than two hours of HDTV or more than 13 hours of standard- definition television. A dual-layered disc can sock away 50 gigabytes.
By comparison, today's dual-layered DVDs hold less than nine gigabytes.
This month, manufacturers debuted an array of players, recorders and drives for the Blu-ray format. Several major movie studios said they will release more than 100 films in coming months.
The name Blu-ray is for the blue laser the technology uses to read discs, unlike the red laser in current players. That difference will present problems when it comes to compatibility. To play your DVDs and CDs, you will need to buy a "BD/DVD/CD compatible optical pickup" at who knows what cost.
Bummer.
For more information, go to www.blu-ray.com.
HD-DVD
HD-DVD, on the other hand, is all about compatibility. That's the biggest selling point.
This format got a lot of early support because HD-DVDs have a lot in common with DVDs. The technologies are compatible. No add-ons required.
But a sticking point is the capacity. A single-layer HD-DVD can hold 15 gigabytes, compared with Blu-ray's 25, and a dual-layered disc holds 30 gigabytes.
Backers of this format include many of the major movie studios, as well as Microsoft, Intel, Toshiba and NEC.
Toshiba said its first HD-DVD players will be on store shelves by March, selling for $499 and $799. Also, Microsoft said that sometime this year it will release an HD-DVD drive that links with its Xbox 360 gaming console.
Meanwhile, the movie studios, which first put their weight behind HD-DVD but now back Blu-ray, say they will put out 200 HD-DVD titles this year.
For more information, go to www.dvdforum.com.
Call Star reporter Erika D. Smith at (317) 444-6424 or e-mail her at erika.smith@indystar.com.
Copyright 2006 IndyStar.com. All rights reserved
Comment