Hd Dvd, the Next Generation of Dvds

HD DVD or High-Definition DVD is a high-density(BD-J), while the DVD Forum was promoting
optical disc format designed for the storage ofMicrosoft's "iHD" (which became HDi). A much
data and high-definition video.larger issue, though, was the physical formats of
HD DVD was designed to be the successor tothe discs themselves; the Blu-ray Disc
the standard DVD format and is derived from theAssociation's member companies did not want to
same underlying technologies. Since all variantsrisk losing billions of dollars in royalties as they had
except the 3x DVD employ a blue laser with adone with standard DVD. An agreement seemed
shorter wavelength, it can store about 3 1/2close, but negotiations proceeded slowly.
times as much data per layer as its predecessorOn March 31, 2006, Toshiba released their first HD
(maximum capacity: 17 GB per layer instead ofDVD player in Japan at US $934, which was the
4.7 GB per layer). A 51 GB triple-layer spec hasfirst HD player available to consumers, beating
been approved; however no movies are currentlyBlu-ray to the market by about three months. HD
scheduled for this disc type.DVD was released in United States on April 18,
HD DVD is currently in a "format war" with rival2006, with players priced at $499 and $799.
format Blu-ray Disc, to determine which of theThe first HD DVD titles were released on April 18,
two formats will become the leading carrier for2006.
high-definition content to consumers.HD DVD delivers the latest in high definition
In an attempt to avoid a costly format war, thepicture quality and the best sound you have ever
Blu-ray Disc Association and DVD Forum startedexperienced, and duplication can be done for
to negotiate a compromise in early 2005. One ofthose like it would be done for cd and dvd
the issues was that Blu-ray's supporters wantedduplication.
to use a Java-based platform for interactivity