Blu ray technology and HD DVD technology are fighting each other to become the DVD format of the next generation. Blu ray and HD DVD are fighting against each other in a similar style as the VHS and Betamax battle of the 1980's.
Blu ray Disc is an optical disc format designed for high definition video and high density data storage. Pioneer, Samsung & Sony are the prime supporters of the Blu-ray technology. Supporting HD DVD is the movie company Universal Studios as well as technology companies such as Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Toshiba and Microsoft. Many of the movie studios have announced that they will be releasing movies in both formats. Overall it should be noted however, that 84% of the movies released in 2006 support Blu-ray technology.
Blu ray has support from the following studios at the time of this writing; Sony Pictures, MGM, Columbia TriStar, Disney, Touchstone, Miramax, Fox, Paramount, Warner and Lions Gate. Paramount, Studio Canal, Universal, Warner and The Weinstein Company has decided to back the HD DVD format.
Blu ray utilizes a blue violet laser to read data, hence it’s name. This format was created for rewriting, recording and playing of high definition video. They also can store enormous amounts of data. Blu ray discs holds five times more storage capacity than current DVD’s. It can hold over 9 hours of HD video on a disc. High definition video requires a large amount of disc storage space making Blu ray discs a perfect choice for HD.
So, what is the difference between Blu ray and HD DVD?. First of all it’s their storage. By utilizing greater numerical aperture lens, Blu-ray is able to write more data on the same size disc. Because of the larger capacity, movie studios will be able to release movies with more HD features on Blu ray than HD DVD. A Blu-ray disc can hold up to 25GB and a dual layer 54 GB while an HD disc can hold up to 15 GB and a dual layer 30 GB. The other noticeable difference is cost. The Blu ray discs are more expensive.
Now, both Blu-ray and HD players are capable of playing CD’s and DVD’s but HD players are not able to play Blu ray discs and vice versa. And that is where the battle begins. Since neither player will play the other's format, you must decide on one and hope it wins the "new format" battle.
Basically it boils down to this. Both formats are comparable in high definition picture quality. When making a decision on which format to purchase, you must consider price and amount of content available in each format. One thing is for sure, it is a very uncertain market. It’s feasible that you could decide on a format; purchase a player and purchase movies and then be very upset if the format you choose leaves the market. Whichever format has stabilized as the best price and has the most content available by the end of the year will emerge as the victor.
Terry Burns has been a contributing author for this website and is an acknowledged expert in the field of home theater. He can be found on the Internet at this website: http://www.home-theater-solutions.com
Source: www.articletrader.com
