Ian Newson
20th June 2002, 10:33 PM
Found here (http://www.dvdtown.com/news/news.asp?news_id=2719&id=)
It has only been days since 9 giants from the electronic world agreed on Blue Laser as the solution for the next generation DVD format. The new format will hold 27GB on a single layered DVD and would seem perfect for HD-Recording and playback. However, The DVD Forum agreed February 26th that low-bit-rate compression for high-definition DVD would be a the way to go for pre-recorded DVDs. This means that a format as MPEG-4 will be used to compress HD content on a 9GB dual layered DVD using the normal red laser.
The DVD Forum gives the expense of changing to blue laser the reason for choosing the low-bit-rate compression model. This is a good reason of course however I kind of hope that they go with Blue Laser. I can't see how they can make 27GB fit on a 9GB disc without loss and one of the reasons that we will be getting HD DVD is because of our newly bought 62inch plasma widescreen TVs. Bad compression will show immediately on these wonders. Furthermore I see quality as a way of beating piracy. 27GB of data is not fun to download even if you have broadband and if people can see that they get better quality buying instead of stealing they are likely to pay $20-$30 for their favorite movies.
So, now we have two formats with Blue Laser targeted for recording and low-bit-rate compression based on red laser for pre-recorded HD DVD movies. My advice for the average consumer is to relax and wait. We will know much more in a years time. One thing is sure, the impact of HD-DVD is at least 4-5 years away and whatever becomes the standard it will most likely be compatible with your old collection of great DVDs.
It has only been days since 9 giants from the electronic world agreed on Blue Laser as the solution for the next generation DVD format. The new format will hold 27GB on a single layered DVD and would seem perfect for HD-Recording and playback. However, The DVD Forum agreed February 26th that low-bit-rate compression for high-definition DVD would be a the way to go for pre-recorded DVDs. This means that a format as MPEG-4 will be used to compress HD content on a 9GB dual layered DVD using the normal red laser.
The DVD Forum gives the expense of changing to blue laser the reason for choosing the low-bit-rate compression model. This is a good reason of course however I kind of hope that they go with Blue Laser. I can't see how they can make 27GB fit on a 9GB disc without loss and one of the reasons that we will be getting HD DVD is because of our newly bought 62inch plasma widescreen TVs. Bad compression will show immediately on these wonders. Furthermore I see quality as a way of beating piracy. 27GB of data is not fun to download even if you have broadband and if people can see that they get better quality buying instead of stealing they are likely to pay $20-$30 for their favorite movies.
So, now we have two formats with Blue Laser targeted for recording and low-bit-rate compression based on red laser for pre-recorded HD DVD movies. My advice for the average consumer is to relax and wait. We will know much more in a years time. One thing is sure, the impact of HD-DVD is at least 4-5 years away and whatever becomes the standard it will most likely be compatible with your old collection of great DVDs.