There has been a technology on the horizon for quite some time, and now it is here. High-definition movies will be available in mid-2006 in two formats: Blu-Ray and HD DVD. Both formats offer similar features on the same disc size, but have no plans to be compatible on the same movie player. This has created a division in the film industry and companies are taking sides.
Blu-ray technology was developed by Sony, which has a history of creating incompatible products such as Beta-Max videotape (versus VHS) and Memory Stick (versus SD) flash memory. A Blu-Ray disc is just the same as a DVD, but the information is more compact. This was made possible by using a more precise laser to read the disc. The blue-violet laser beam replaces the red beam typical of older technology such as DVD and CD formats. The wavelength of the blue-violet laser beam is shorter, allowing it to be focused on a smaller area. In this way, the information can be more compact. Blu-Ray claims that five times more information can fit on a disc than is available on a conventional DVD. This extra space makes it possible to fit HD quality movies and sound that will not fit on currently available DVDs. Blu-Ray players will also be backward compatible, which means they will also play CDs and DVDs. It will not support HD DVD format.
HD DVD uses almost the same technology as Blu-Ray, but it is not as compressed. This only allows for about three times more capacity than a DVD can hold. This is still enough space for HD quality movies, and HD DVD does not promise any difference in picture / sound quality. The technology was created by Toshiba, NEC, and Sanyo. Recently, Intel and Microsoft have endorsed HD DVD which will aid in HD DVD computing integration. HD DVD players will also be backward compatible with CDs and DVDs.
The two are very similar technologically, however Blu-Ray appears to have an advantage in marketing their product. More studios and electronics companies are using the Blu-Ray format. Blu-Ray discs also offer more capacity that could take them further in the long run. There is skepticism about the existence of two formats, but in a free market society competition is what drives companies to offer better quality at a fair price. This is a considerable advantage for consumers and will prevent the video media industry from having a monopoly on a high-demand product. If you’re going to shell out more than $ 500 for a player, choose Blu-Ray.