• HD-DVD systems prepare for late 2005 introduction.
• Blu-ray Disc backers plan late 2005 or 2006 player introductions.
• Hollywood studios split on format support.
• Dual-format discs proposed.
As the growth rate for the DVD category peaks, manufacturers and Hollywood studios are preparing to launch in 2005 the next generation in high-capacity optical disc formats that will store films and videos in full high-definition resolution with enough room left over for various interactive extras, like video games. Currently two competing systems, each based on short-wave length blue laser technology to read densely packed pit structures on DVD-sized optical discs, have been proposed. In early 2005, as each group made aggressive moves to line up Hollywood Studios to pledge software support for their respective formats, it appeared that a full-fledged format war, akin to the early days of the Betamax vs. VHS battle was taking shape.
While both systems share compatibility with similar video compression schemes – MPEG 2, MPEG-4 A/VC (H.264) and Windows Media VC-1 – developers point out that they have very different disc structures, which developers say make universal machines difficult or impossible to produce.
Blu-ray Disc Spec Proposed for HDTV Recording:
In early 2002, nine CE companies jointly established the basic specifications for a next-generation large capacity optical disc video recording format that will be capable of recording and playing back, among other things, HDTV programming.
Called Blu-ray Disc (BD), the new format is similar to the DVD format in the size of the disc, and is not expected to be applicable to specifications established for the present DVD format by the DVD Forum. The BD specification enables the recording, rewriting and play back of up to 25 gigabytes of data on a single-sided single-layer disc. It employs a short wave length (405nm) blue-violet laser for high density reading and recording. Dual-layer BDs will store up to 50 GBs of data.
A typical single-layer pre-recorded BD-ROM disc will carry more than two hours of HDTV video or more than 13 hours of standard TV broadcasts (VHS/standard definition picture quality, 3.8 Mbps). In addition, the high bit rate (36 Mbps) capability of the system enables recording high-definition images from digital video cameras, while the random access capabilities of the disc will simplify and add greater flexibility to video editing.
Prototype BD decks have been demonstrated using discs encoded in the 1080p (1920x1080) high-definition TV format, making it the first consumer playback device capable of out-putting native 1080p signals. This could support new 1080p flat-panel and microdisplay rear projection HDTVs slated for market in 2005.
Through the use of combination blue laser/red laser pickups, many BD player/recorders are expected to be able to read prerecorded standard DVD-videos. Therefore, most Blu-ray recorders probably will be developed to read both BDs and legacy DVD-video discs.
Companies involved include Hitachi, LG Electronics, Matsushita, Pioneer, Royal Philips Electronics, Samsung, Sharp, Sony and Thomson Multimedia.
Bluray Gains Studio, Gaming Support:
The Blu-ray Disc camp won major credibility when it announced that Walt Disney Studios made a non-exclusive pledge to support the BD format with pre-recorded software, joining Sony Pictures (Columbia Tri-Star), which is owned by one of BD’s primary developers. In addition, Sony said it plans to make its next-generation video game console (PlayStation 3) capable of playing back BD movies. Meanwhile, electronic games developer Electronic Arts pledged to produce video games on BD discs.
First Blu-ray Recorders Launch in Japan:
Sony became the first manufacturer to deliver a BD recorder in April 2003, when it unveiled a combination satellite decoder/Blu-ray recorder to the Japanese market. Panasonic and Sharp followed that introduction with recorders of their own that better the original Sony deck by also reading dual-layer BD media. Thus far, no manufacturer had announcement BD player introduction plans for the U.S., but some companies have suggested the first devices could reach U.S. shelves in late 2005 or 2006.
HD DVD Promoted with Appeal to Disc Replicators:
When first introduced by Toshiba and NEC in 2002, the HD-DVD (at the time called Advanced Optical Disc) was billed a blue laser recordable disc format that was based in large part on the established DVD format. This would help assure backward compatibility of players with standard DVD discs, and the ability of disc replicators to upgrade to the new medium for lower cost and with less disruption than was possible with the rival Blu-ray Disc system. The physical disc structure of HD-DVD is similar to that of current DVD media, and calls for using two 0.6-millimeter-thick discs bonded back to back.
Like Blu-ray Discs, the HD-DVD format will use DVD-sized (5-inch diameter) discs. But unlike BD, HD-DVD has been acknowledged by the DVD Forum, which ensures at least playback capability with DVD discs. The HD-DVD specification enables the recording, rewriting and play back of up to 15 gigabytes (GBs) of data on a single-sided single-layer disc. It employs a short wave length (405 nm) blue laser for high density reading and recording. Dual-layer HD DVD discs will store up to 30 GBs of data., which can hold as much as eight hours of high-definition movie content, according to Toshiba.
Comparatively, a standard 135-minute movie, encoded at 12 megabits per second, will require about 12 GB to 13 GB of storage for video, up to 5 GB more for a high-end, DVD-Audio-level soundtrack, plus space for additional audio tracks (to support both Dolby Digital and DTS), multiple language tracks and extras.
First Players Announced:
At 2005 International CES, several companies, led by Toshiba, announced plans to launch the first HD-DVD players in the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2005. Initial players, which are expected to sell for around $1,000, will playback both DVD and HD DVD media, and will output selectable digital resolution formats, including 720p and 1080i. Early machines will not feature support for 1080p. Digital outputs include HDMI with HDCP and IEEE-1394 with DTCP and will add Ethernet terminals for interactive applications. Support will be offered for Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound formats, and will include optical and coaxial digital audio outputs. In addition, Toshiba said it plans to introduce an HD-DVD recorder in 2006.
Hollywood Studios Pledge HDDVD Support:
Late in 2004, HD-DVD made a serious bid for acceptance as the next-generation disc standard by announcing the non-exclusive support of three studios, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, and Warner Bros (along with its affiliates New Line and HBO Home Video). Together, the studios announced plans to offer more than 50 films in HD DVD, most of which would be available at launch in late 2005.
Small Early Sales Predicted:
Due to the split Hollywood camps, support for the first HD-DVD players is expected to be small (in the four figures) during the last few weeks of 2005, after the players are launched, according to market research firm In-Stat. Assuming the camps remain divided, the forecast ramps up to about 500,000 units worldwide in 2007, with the U.S. accounting for about 100,000, according to In-Stat estimates.
Formats Face Obstacles:
Beyond the issues related to a format war, these systems still have a dramatically smaller number of buyers than DVD players did when they were launched. Players and recorders in either camp are designed to appeal to owners of high-definition television sets, and at the end of 2005, total U.S. penetration of digital television products is expected to be just over 34 million units, according to CEA estimates. In addition, starting at close to $1,000 each, the prices of early HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc players will be considerably higher than progressive-scan DVD players.
Both Camps Propose Dual-Format Discs:
Backers of both formats announced the development of dual-layer disc technologies that will allow content to be stored in one of the new blue-laser formats on one layer and a standard DVD on the second layer at the same time. This could allow studios the option of producing discs that will play on both the new machines in high-definition and in standard DVD players in standard resolution.
