The Concern Over HD-DVD Compatibility

HD-DVD stands to be the next generation of DVD technology, standing to be approved by the DVD Forum, the original makers of the DVD system, which has since then become the de facto standard in the distribution of movies.

Basically, a number of major movie makers support HD-DVD, as well as a number of the world’s leaders in the field of consumer electronics manufacturing and personal computer system hardware and program developers and makers. Among these “technology makers” include, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft and Intel. Warner Bros. Studios, Universal Studios and Paramount Pictures are among the many movie makers who support HD-DVD technology.

The main highlight of HD-DVD comes in the high definition movies which could be easily stored into HD-DVD discs. HD-DVD discs basically boast impressive data storage capacities, which could reach up to 15 gigabytes of data, with 30 gigabyte capacities for dual-layer class of HD-DVD discs. Standard DVD discs could store up to 4.7 gigabytes of data, with dual-layer DVDs capable of storing up to 8.5 gigabytes of data, simply addressing the overall impressive nature of HD-DVD. The sound system support of HD-DVD systems could reach supporting 7.1 surround sound channel setups, perfectly complementing the eye popping 1920 x 1080 screen resolution HD-DVD systems support. This impressive storage capacity, coupled with the practical utilization of advanced audio and video codecs make HD-DVD discs the perfect media for the distribution of high definition movies.

Since it is relatively new, concerns over HD-DVD compatibility is a concern of many, which is also fueled some more with the introduction of Blu Ray, a different class of optical storage system. HD-DVD compatibility has no problems when talking about backwards HD-DVD compatibility, as HD-DVD players have no worries when talking about playing regular DVDs and CDs, as well as the different disc format classes of these items.

HD-DVD compatibility is limited to HD-DVD enabled players. Standard DVD players can’t play HD-DVD discs, as they use a different kind of technology in their successful operation. Basically, HD-DVD compatibility concerns come in when talking about HD-DVD and Blu Ray. Blu Ray is another class of “next generation” optical disc technologies, also boasting impressive storage capacities, as well a support for high definition movies. To date, there are actually a number of players which could play both Blu Ray and HD-DVD discs, negating HD-DVD compatibility concerns. The big but comes in when talking about the price of such players, leaving consumers to having to decide between HD-DVD players and Blu Ray disc players.