Jun 23 2006
HD DVD vs. Blu-Ray
Lately, there has been a lot of buzz in the Tech world regarding the new DVD formats, HD DVD and Blu-Ray DVD. In an effort to get a better handle on the differences between these two technologies, I’ve decided to create a post to keep up with this discussion. I’ll update this page as new information becomes available.
HD DVD Explained: HD DVD technology is based on existing CD/DVD technology, but takes advantages of modifications that allow greater storage capacity on existing CD/DVDs. However, HD DVDs can hold up to 45 GB of data.
Blu-Ray Explained: Basically, Blu-Ray technology is exactly the same to existing DVD/CD technology with one major exception; Blu-Ray uses a blue laser versus that standard red laser. Blue lasers utilize a shorter wavelength and the laser beam can focus on a much smaller area. With more control over the focus, you can store more data on the same sized disc. Blu-Ray discs can hold up to 100 GB of data.
Launch Dates:
HD DVD: Launched April 18th 2006
Blu-Ray: Expected September 2006
HD DVD Supporters: Toshiba, NEC, Sanyo, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Microsoft, Paramount, Universal, and Warner Bros.
Blu-Ray Supporters: Disney, Fox, MGM, Sony, Electronic Arts, Apple, Dell, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung, Sharp, and TDK.
Updates:
6/23 – Samsung may or may not be announcing a dual-format HD DVD/Blu-Ray player. Check out the post by Richard Lawler on HDBeat.com.
Gizmodo thinks that LG may be following Samsung’s lead…
Who’s Blogging:
