See also: Guide to HD-DVD & Blu-ray

High Definition DVD: The next generation DVD
   
Blu-Ray Disc (BD) and HD-DVD
More capacity to store HDTV and HD Movies

DVD, particularly DVD-Video, has had tremendous success since it's introduction in 1997, but with the rising popularity of  High-Definition TV (HDTV), consumers want to be able to record High-Definition (HD) content on a DVD.  Consumers also want to see movies on DVD in the extremely sharp High Definition resolution. In 2006, it is expected that high definition DVD will become available in the U.S. market.

Although DVD has superior resolution and image quality, when compared to VHS and standard cable television, it is still only half the resolution of HDTV. 

	DVD	HD DVD	Blu-Ray Disc
Resolution	480i (852x480 pixels)	1080i ( 1920x1080)	1080i ( 1920x1080)
Resolution	480p (852x480 pixels)	720p (1280x720)	720p (1280x720)

In order to record enough content in High-Definition resolution, such as a 2 hour movie or 3 hour sports program, on a standard size DVD, the disc data storage capacity has to be increased. The resolution of standard conventional DVD is 480 horizontal lines of resolution, (480i) or 480p for progressive scan, compared to high definition’s 720 lines of progressive scan, (720p) or 1,080 lines of interlaced scan, (1080i). There is simply not enough space to put  more than an hour of HD content on a conventional DVD. 

A new optical disc format had to be invented to store the required HD content. However, the development of the new HD format DVD has split into two camps, each with its own proposal for the next generation DVD. One is headed by Toshiba with their HD-DVD and the other by Sony with their Blu-Ray disc. Movie studios and software companies along with the giant consumer electronics companies have each aligned with one or the other.


HD-DVD and BLU-RAY DISC SUPPORT ALIGNMENT

	HD DVD	Blu-Ray Disc
Hardware Supporters	Toshiba, NEC, Sanyo, Thomson	Hitachi, LG, Matsushita (Panasonic), Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, HP, Dell, Apple, TDK, and Thomson
Software Supporters	Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures and Microsoft Corp.	Twentieth Century Fox, Walt Disney Studios, Sony Pictures and Apple Computer.

 

Blu-ray is a next-generation optical disc format for HD video and high-capacity software applications. The format was developed originally by Sony to enable recording, rewriting and playback of HD video, as well as storing large amounts of data.

A single-layer Blu-ray Disc can hold 25GB, which can be used to record over two hours of HDTV or more than 13 hours of standard-definition TV. There are also dual-layer versions of the discs that can hold 50GB.

While current optical disc technologies such as DVD, DVD±R, DVD±RW, and DVD-RAM use a red laser to read and write data, the new format uses a blue-violet laser instead, hence the name Blu-ray.

The The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) has over 100 members including Apple Computer, Dell, Hewlett Packard, Hitachi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Phillips, Samsung, Sharp and Sony, Sony Pictures, MGM and Walt Disney.

In the HD-DVD camp are manufacturers Toshiba, NEC, film studios Paramount Pictures, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema.

While HD-DVD has not got as many backers, it does have some technology advantages over Blu-Ray. Media and mass-produced movie titles on HD-DVD can be made in the same plants that are now being used to make standard definition discs. The advantage will be cheaper prices on HD-DVD discs than Blu-Ray discs.

Blu-ray discs are expected to become available in three different versions -- BD-ROM as a read-only format, BD-R as write-once and BD-RE, a rewritable format.

COMPARISON OF DVD, HDDVD and BLURAY DISC

It is anticipated that Blu-ray and HD-DVD players will arrive in retail stores sometime in 2006, with recorders becoming available later in 2006 or early in 2007. Currently, the DVD forum has approved Blu-ray as both a playback and recording format and has approved HD-DVD as a playback format only.

Both new DVD high-definition formats that have been developed will use the new blue-violet laser standard instead of the current red and infra-red lasers found in current generation machines such as DVD players/recorders, CD players, etc. The blue-violet laser's shorter wavelength makes it possible to store more information on a 12 cm CD/DVD sized disc. This means you will have to buy a new DVD player/recorder for the new High-Definition DVD. Your old player cannot read the new DVD format. Backward compatibility with current 480 line DVD is a given, although not compulsory for manufacturers. There is even a combo disc being developed which would have a standard DVD and a High-Def DVD together on one disc. This would allow play on a standard DVD player and a new HD player.

In addition to the optical improvements, the new data encoding will allow even more storage of information on the HD disc. To get even more data on a HD disc, the multiple layer approach is being developed with 2, 4, even 8 layers on one disc, increasing the storage capacity to 200GB, more than 20 times the capacity of current DVD.

Blu-Ray Disc (BD)

The first HD format announced was the Blu-Ray Disc.  This format was developed outside of the DVD Forum, a body that supports the enormously successful DVD-Video format, by Sony and Philips beginning in 1995.  It was formulated by a consortium of nine manufacturers called the “Blu-Ray Disc Founders”.  These companies include Hitachi, LG Electronics, Matsushita (Panasonic) Electric Industrial, Pioneer, Royal Philips Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Sharp, Sony, and Thomson.

The idea behind this format is to use a new blue-violet laser technology with a shorter wavelength of 405 nanometers (nm).  This translates to a smaller laser beam width, so that the spot that represent a single bit of data can be made smaller, taking up less real estate on the disc surface.  This means that more bits (or data) can be placed onto the standard diameter 12-cm optical disc.  The current generation DVD is typically 4.7GB or 9.4GB. With the new generation DVD the data capacity increases to a maximum of 27 GB for a single-layered Blu-Ray Disc.  There are actually three data capacities with a single-layered disc: 23.3 GB, 25 GB, and 27 GB.  A dual-layered double-sided Blu-Ray Disc can hold up to 46.6 GB, 50 GB, or 54 GB, without “flipping” sides, enough for approximately eight hours of HD video. Capacities of 100 GB and 200 GB, using four and eight layers respectively, are currently being developed.

Recording is made using phase-change technology, similar to that used in rewriteable recordable DVD formats (DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM) and CD-RW.  

MPEG-2 video compression is used.  To record the high bandwidth signal of HDTV, Blu-Ray Disc format supports a data transfer rate of up to 36 Mbps.  With HDTV broadcast consuming about 25 Mbps, this is plenty fast to record HDTV. Advanced codecs such as MPEG-4 and VC-1 can double the recording time per layer. VC1 is based on Microsoft's Windows Media 9 codec, and was previously called VC9. MPEG4.AVC is based on the H.264 codec. Support for new codecs will evolve as new codecs are encapsulated by broadcasters into their MPEG2 transport streams and consumer set tops are rolled out which can support the decode of all the supported formats.

Blu-Ray Disc single layer (23.3-GB) can hold up to 2 hours of HDTV content, or 4 hours of Standard Definition TV (SDTV, 480i).  If analog TV broadcast is recorded, up to 16 hours can be held at an average data rate of 3.8 Mbps.  For audio, Blu-Ray Disc offers Dolby Digital at a data rate of 32 Kbps - 384 Kbps, or pulse code modulation (PCM) at up to 2.3 Mbps using 16-bit, 20-bit, or 24-bit word lengths. 

Sony announced that it will adopt Blu-ray for its PlayStation 3 games console. The adoption of Blu-ray Disc for PlayStation 3 is seen as a major advancement for the format by Sony, because of the success of PlayStation and PlayStation 2 in promoting the adoption of DVD. PlayStation 3 will probably have compatibility with the 54GB version of the Blu-ray Disc, which can store about six times more data than a current conventional DVD. 

For copy protection, Blu-Ray Disc uses a unique identifier to realize high quality copyright protection functions.

The original Blu-Ray Disc used a cartridge to protect the optical disc’s surface from dust, scratches, and fingerprints.  A 23.3-GB capacity Blu-Ray Disc, capable of holding a two-hour high-definition program, sold for about $30 in Japan. In 2004, TDK developed a clear polymer coating called Durabis which can protect the Blu-ray disc such that the cartridge is no longer required.

    
Blu-Ray Disc with protective cartridge

Blu-ray has a security feature called BD+ that allows for dynamically changing encryption schemes. Should the encryption be cracked, manufacturers can update the encryption scheme and put it on all new discs, preventing a single crack from opening up the entire specification for the duration of its lifetime.

SONY BLU-RAY

Applications for the Blu-Ray Disc format includes pre-recorded high definition movies, home HDTV recording, and computer data storage.  The Blu-Ray Disc Founders began licensing this technology in February 2003.  Two months later, Sony introduced the world’s first Blu-Ray Disc Recorder, the Sony BDZ-S77 Blu-Ray Disc Recorder, to its Japanese market for the equivalent price of $3,800 U.S.

    
Sony BDZ-S77 Blu-Ray Disc Recorder ($3,800)

Blu-Ray Players and Recorders

Even though Blu-ray recorders have been available in Japan since 2003, it is not anticipated that the United States market will see the new players until 2006 and the new recorders until 2007. These machines have been offered for sale primarily in the country of origin such as S. Korea and Japan. 

PANASONIC BLU-RAY

The Panasonic DMR-E700BD can record 4.5 hours of digital satellite high-definition television when used with 50GB dual-layer Blu-ray Disc Rewritable format discs. This extends to 6 hours for digital terrestrial HDTV and 9 hours for standard definition digital satellite TV. Analog television can be recorded for between 10.5 hours and 63 hours depending on the quality mode selected.

Single-layer Blu-ray Disc Rewritable discs with a capacity of 25GB are also supported and offer half the recording time, while DVD-RAM and DVD-R discs can be used to record analog television. Panasonic plans to launch both single-layer and dual-layer Blu-ray discs.

Blu-ray Disc is one of two formats emerging as a potential replacement for DVD-Video. Consumer electronics companies are looking at new formats because DVD's recording capacity, which is generally either 4.7GB or 9.4GB, is only enough to store around one hour of HDTV. The other format is called HD-DVD.

Both formats rely on blue lasers to enable the storage of more data on a disc the same diameter as a CD or DVD. Because blue light has a shorter wavelength than the red light used in DVDs, the spot the laser makes on the recording surface is smaller.

The recorder cost around $2,780, the 50GB LM-BRM50 disc will cost around $69 and the 25GB LM-BRM25 disc will cost around $32.


50GB BD

The vast majority of recorders are not capable of high-definition recording so most owners of HDTV compatible televisions will not be able to enjoy images at full resolution. Matsushita's Blu-ray recorder is aimed at this audience because it is able to record in high definition. In launching the player in 2004, Matsushita became the second company to commercialize a Blu-ray Disc recorder. Sony, one of the main drivers of the format, launched a recorder in April 2003.

The discs used by Matsushita in its machine are different to those used by Sony. The Sony recorder uses single-layer discs with a 23GB capacity encased in a cartridge, while Matsushita's discs, in addition to being a different capacity, are in an open cartridge that the company says will become the standard for Blu-ray Disc.

As a result of the differences there are some compatibility issues. While the Sony 23GB discs can be played back and used for recording in the Matsushita machine, using Matsushita discs with the Sony recorder presents some problems.

Sony says its machine is incompatible with the new Matsushita discs. A Matsushita spokesperson says playback of the 25GB discs in the Sony machine is possible although it takes about 90 seconds to recognize the disc. The 50GB discs cannot be used. Matsushita says it has no plans to launch the DMR-E700BD outside of Japan. Plans for overseas versions will depend on the development of the HDTV market in the respective countries. Other companies are also planning recorders and have shown prototype models. South Korea's LG Electronics said it plans to launch a Blu-ray recorder with built-in hard drive in the U.S. market by early 2006.

SHARP BLU-RAY

In December 2004, Sharp Corp. introduced into the Japanese market a new Blu-Ray Disc Recorder with Hard Drive/DVD, the BD-HD100. The BD-HD100 can record and play back high-definition pictures to/from the built-in hard drive and Blu-ray Discs. In addition, the BD-HD100 is equipped with the world’s first Twin Blu-ray Disc/DVD Tray that enables digital dubbing in six directional combinations from and to the hard drive, Blu-ray Discs, and DVDs, including the ability to dub five DVDs (4.7 GB) onto a single Blu-ray Disc (25 GB). This is also the world’s first Blu-ray Disc recorder to be equipped with an HDMI output jack, the next generation of digital interface, enabling users to enjoy full-digital high-definition video and high-fidelity audio with no signal deterioration by outputting digital broadcast content exactly as recorded to a compatible monitor for playback.

SHARP BD-HD100 Blu-Ray Disc Recorder with hard drive

SAMSUNG BLU-RAY

Samsung Electronics in 2005, announced four next-generation DVD recorders: 
the BD-HR1000, a HD broadcasting recorder with wired/wireless networking; 
the DVD-HR725, a high definition HDD DVD recorder; 
the DVD-SR420, with multi-format DVD recorder and digital terrestrial set-top box; 
the SV-L77DMB, a digital multimedia broadcasting portable DVD player.

The most advanced model will be the BD-HR1000 which is a BD recorder with a 400 GB HDD. The BD-HR1000 will support playback of CD, DVD, DivX and MP3 and you will also be able to connect it to PC via Ethernet or WLAN.

Besides the BD-HR1000, Samsung plans to release a BD recorder without a HDD as well as a BD player, the BD-P1000. The BD recorder with HDD will cost about $2000, the BD recorder without HDD about $1200 and the BD player about $1000.

Although Samsung is one of the founding members of the BDA, it also has a optical storage joint venture with Toshiba, the main company behind the competing HD DVD format. As a result, Samsung will develop combo models which support both formats.

The BD-HR1000 HD recorder is a Blu-Ray disc recorder with a built-in HD digital terrestrial tuner and 400GB hard disk drive enabling users to record up to 47 hours of HD programs. The BD-HR1000 can serve as a complete home AV center and it can be connected to a PC via a wired or wireless network for easy download of MP3, JPEG or DivX files. Equivalent U.S. price is $5,000.



The DVD-HR725 is a HDD DVD recorder with a storage capacity of 160GB, enabling users to record up to 278 hours. Programs can be recorded and stored in multi formats (RAM/-RW/-R) on a DVD Disc or HDD for easy organization of all video content. 

The DVD-SR420 is an all-in-one box that combines a multi format DVD recorder with a digital terrestrial set-top box. It can receive digital broadcasts that can be then recorded onto DVD disks in multi formats (RAM/-RW/-R). Features include a fully functional Electronic Program Guide and Chapter Creator. 

The SV-L77DMB is a convergence device that serves as both mobile TV and portable DVD player.  This portable device receives terrestrial digital TV programs through digital multimedia broadcast signals and plays back a wide range of digital media contents including DVD, DivX, CD, JPEG, MP3 and WMA. The SV-L77DMB features a 7” TFT LCD display and a large battery capacity of 4.2 hours.


BD-HR1000

See also:
Guide to HD-DVD & Blu-ray


Advanced Optical Disc (AOD) Format (now called HD-DVD)

Created by Toshiba in conjunction with NEC, the HD DVD format is relatively new in comparison with the Blu-Ray Disc format. The Toshiba-NEC team completed the version 1.0 specifications second quarter of 2004. The HD-DVD format also uses blue laser technology with a 405 nm wavelength and uses a 12-cm optical disc.  In terms of data capacity, a single-layered read-only (pre-recorded) disc would hold 15 GB, while a dual-layered disc doubles the capacity to 30 GB.  A rewritable (recordable) version holds 20 GB. In May 2005, a third layer was added giving HD DVD a potential 45GB capacity.

The fundamental advantage of the HD-DVD format over the competing Blu-Ray Disc format, according to Toshiba and NEC is principally lower cost.  They claim lower costs in replicating pre-recorded movies, since existing DVD fabrication plants can be retrofitted to produce software on the HD-DVD format.  Also, the Toshiba-NEC team indicates that the players and recorders would be smaller than Blu-Ray Disc players and recorders.

Basically, the HD-DVD format is an evolution of the DVD-Video format to provide HDTV pre-recorded content and recording capabilities while Blu-ray is more revolutionary.  Even Toshiba has admitted that HD DVD is an interim and transitional format, with the Blu-Ray Disc format as the long-term solution.  

HD-DVD is marketed as an easily made and low-cost, higher-capacity storage format by NEC and Toshiba. HD-DVD hardware won't be on sale in the U.S. until 2006.

Memory-Tech, one of Japan's largest optical disc makers, demonstrated HD-DVD discs production at a rate that meant it could be producing the discs at near-DVD prices. HD-DVD supporters say it is possible to convert a DVD-Video production line to an HD-DVD line within a few minutes. 

Key parameters of the Blu-Ray Disc and HD-DVD Disc formats
 

Toshiba has a HD-DVD player, which is scheduled for release in 2006 with a retail price of $1,000. Toshiba has demonstrated movies in HD DVD such as Matrix Revolutions, Ronin, Moulin Rouge, Behind Enemy Lines, Chicago, Cradle 2 The Grave, What a Girl Wants, Kangaroo Jack, and Ghost Ship.

Backwards Compatibility with DVD-Video

With an HD-DVD format, you may wonder: is it still a good idea to invest in a DVD-Video collection? The answer is YES!  There are no technical or financial reasons that would preclude the new generation of HDDVD players and recorders from playing back existing DVD-Video. Your library of DVD-Video titles should play in the new HD DVD hardware, just like your library of audio CDs can play in your DVD-Video player. 

However you will need a new HD DVD player or recorder to play the new HD DVD discs, whether Blu-Ray Disc or HD DVD turns out to be the winner of the format war. Your existing DVD-Video player will not be able to playback any of the HD DVD software. This is analogous to the fact that you need to buy a DVD-Video player to play DVD-Video discs, and that your audio CD player cannot playback DVD-Video. 
 

• HD-DVD site: http://www.hddvd.org/ 

• DVD Forum: the body that checks for format compliance

• Blu-Ray Disc sites & info:

  • Blu-Ray Disc official site, with FAQs 

  • Pictures of some Blu-Ray Disc recorder prototypes

 BLURAY & HDDVD - the High-Definition DVD FORMATS

 Movies expected to become available in late 2005
 Yes, you will have to buy a new player, however COMBO discs may also be available.
 
 See also: Guide to HD-DVD and Bluray

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