Two technologies have answered the call for a video format capable of handling the demands of high definition programming, Blu-ray technology and HD-DVD. While both formats have the capacity to handle gigabytes of high definition video, they have several differences that set them apart from each other.
First, high definition programs need plenty of storage space as these files are huge, even when compressed. Blu-ray disc can currently handle 50 gigabytes on a double layer disc with future multi-layering support built into existing Blu-ray disc players. This future capability means that Blu-ray disc players can handle discs with up to 200 gigabytes of programming. HD-DVD (High Definition - DVD) currently handles up to 30 gigabytes on a double layer disc.
The difference in storage capacities is dramatic. With larger storage capacity, Blu-ray discs can fit more programming on one disc whereas HD-DVDs will require multiple discs to achieve the same results. For viewers, not having to manage multiple discs to view a high definition movie and all the bonus features is advantageous.
Blu-ray disc players offer faster data transfer rates for audio and video than HD-DVD at 54Mbps for Bluray and 36.55Mbps for HD-DVD. These faster rates mean that Blu-ray technology is capable of higher quality audio and video than the HD-DVD format.
Not only is Blu-ray disc able to handle more content, more convenient for viewers, and of better picture and sound quality than HD-DVD, Blu-ray has the widespread support of the industry backing it up. Toshiba and NEC are the main backers of the HD-DVD format while the Blu-ray Disc Association features over 180 major manufacturers and entertainment companies. These companies include consumer electronics manufacturers, computer makers, and movie studios such as Sony, Dell, Phillips, Samsung, Apple, HP, LG, Mitsubishi, Sun MicroSystems, TDK, Walt Disney Pictures, Warner Brothers Entertainment, and Twentieth Century Fox just to name a few.
With worldwide industry support such as this, Blu-ray players and Blu-ray recorders are more plentiful than HD-DVD players. With more manufacturers introducing their own lineup of Blu-ray disc players, the consumer has more choices and competitive prices.
In addition to the actual equipment required for playing Blu-ray discs, Blu-ray's movie industry support also means that consumers will have more content available. Seven out of eight major movie studios embrace and fully support Blu-ray technology while only three have offered support for the HD-DVD format.
Looking beyond movies, Blu-ray also has the support of the music industry with Universal Music Group, Sony BMG, and Eagle Rock Entertainment backing the Blu-ray technology. HD-DVD has yet to win support from any music company.
Another difference between Blu-ray technology and HD-DVD involves the interactive portion of the formats. Blu-ray DVD features BD-J which is Blu-ray Disc Java. Java programming from Sun MicroSystems allows for interactive features including interactive menus and the ability to access the internet and download additional content (if the Blu-ray disc player is equipped with internet access). HD-DVD uses a different type of interactive formatting called HDi. HDi provides interactive menus and other bonus features.
Both Blu-ray disc and HD-DVD technologies have created a hybrid disc capable of containing both a high definition format as well as a standard DVD format on one disc. These hybrid discs allow viewers to view high definition movies on their Blu-ray disc player (or HD-DVD player depending on the format) as well as their regular DVD player, for example in their car. The Blu-ray hybrid disc holds all this content on one side while the HD-DVD hybrid must be flipped over.
The two formats offer high definition video with eye popping detail however Blu-ray technology offers quite a bit more than HD-DVD. HD-DVD is a logical next step for DVD technology however it doesn't step out far enough. Blu-ray disc leaps ahead with its huge storage capacity, future extendibility, industry support, and wide selection of Blu-ray products, movies, games, and software.