HD DVD: Blu-ray Has Problems

Iria · Jan 7, 2006, 11:51 PM

Having finished speaking to Blu-ray, BetaNews sat down with a representative from HD DVD to discuss how the Microsoft-backed format will compete with Blu-ray. Toshiba HD DVD expert Tom Knox gave a thorough explanation of the optical disc drive technology, and said that because of Blu-ray's complicated design, HD DVD will triumph in the format war.

Blu-ray's difficulties, Knox explained, begin with the technology itself, and the idea that its 50GB dual-layer capacity is superior to HD DVD's 30GB. Through the use of better codec technology, such space is not actually needed for high-definition movies. In fact, Blu-ray admitted to BetaNews that most discs won't go beyond the 25GB mark.

Although both formats are being demoed at the show, there has been much speculation about production problems in the Blu-ray camp. Knox confirmed the rumors, and said the problem involves Blu-ray's numerical aperture. In order to store more data on a disc, the laser is bent into a cone shape.

The aperture setting on standard DVD is 0.6, with the setting for HD DVD a slightly smaller 0.65. The additional capacity is provided by the blue laser technology. However, in order to store a full 25GB per layer, Blu-ray has adopted a 0.85 aperture, meaning the divots on the optical layer are smaller and more prone to error.

Additionally, the smaller aperture requires a thinner disc and smaller layer spacing, which makes the medium more vulnerable. Initially, Blu-ray was designed with an external cartridge to protect the disc. But now, the group is utilizing a special protective coating that has not yet been finalized due to disagreements.

Given HD DVD's design, the requirements are similar to standard DVDs, which has eliminated manufacturing problems. Knox said that Blu-ray could see a much higher production flaw rate, as the equipment has minimal room for error during both the medium and content manufacturing, as well as the reading of discs by Blu-ray players.
_____________
Read More / Source: BetaNews

Necrosis · Jan 8, 2006, 09:22 AM

To be honest with you with if HDDVD is cheaper than Blu-ray it could simply win because of that.

calidan · Jan 8, 2006, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necrosis

To be honest with you with if HDDVD is cheaper than Blu-ray it could simply win because of that.

The amount of content available for both will be a factor too.

Sandok · Jan 8, 2006, 07:18 PM

HD-DVD shall win... Sony is gonna loose millions

calidan · Jan 8, 2006, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandok

HD-DVD shall win... Sony is gonna loose millions

Are you just saying that because you don't like Sony or because you think HD-DVD is the better format? Personally, I think Blu-ray is the superior format. Of course for either format I am not going to pay thousands of dollars for a player and neither will I pay 30-50 bucks for movies. I do plan on buying a PS3 but its not just because it will play Blu-ray discs.

Necrosis · Jan 8, 2006, 11:02 PM

I'm not going to pay that much either. If the movies starting out are 25-30 fine. If the players are $800 then fine. However, thousands of dollars for a player? You have got to be kidding me.

Nuke209 · Jan 9, 2006, 01:43 AM

blah, dont like neither, but will use them
I say which ever is worth it's value, then ok
I just dont want it to be some technology that lasts a year and dies off after I spent lots of money on

Jan 7, 2006, 11:51 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	HD DVD: Blu-ray Has Problems Having finished speaking to Blu-ray, BetaNews sat down with a representative from HD DVD to discuss how the Microsoft-backed format will compete with Blu-ray. Toshiba HD DVD expert Tom Knox gave a thorough explanation of the optical disc drive technology, and said that because of Blu-ray's complicated design, HD DVD will triumph in the format war. Blu-ray's difficulties, Knox explained, begin with the technology itself, and the idea that its 50GB dual-layer capacity is superior to HD DVD's 30GB. Through the use of better codec technology, such space is not actually needed for high-definition movies. In fact, Blu-ray admitted to BetaNews that most discs won't go beyond the 25GB mark. Although both formats are being demoed at the show, there has been much speculation about production problems in the Blu-ray camp. Knox confirmed the rumors, and said the problem involves Blu-ray's numerical aperture. In order to store more data on a disc, the laser is bent into a cone shape. The aperture setting on standard DVD is 0.6, with the setting for HD DVD a slightly smaller 0.65. The additional capacity is provided by the blue laser technology. However, in order to store a full 25GB per layer, Blu-ray has adopted a 0.85 aperture, meaning the divots on the optical layer are smaller and more prone to error. Additionally, the smaller aperture requires a thinner disc and smaller layer spacing, which makes the medium more vulnerable. Initially, Blu-ray was designed with an external cartridge to protect the disc. But now, the group is utilizing a special protective coating that has not yet been finalized due to disagreements. Given HD DVD's design, the requirements are similar to standard DVDs, which has eliminated manufacturing problems. Knox said that Blu-ray could see a much higher production flaw rate, as the equipment has minimal room for error during both the medium and content manufacturing, as well as the reading of discs by Blu-ray players. _____________ Read More / Source: BetaNews

Jan 9, 2006, 01:43 AM	#7
Nuke209 DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: St. Paul Posts: 568 Rep Power: 0	blah, dont like neither, but will use them I say which ever is worth it's value, then ok I just dont want it to be some technology that lasts a year and dies off after I spent lots of money on __________________ 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX

Jan 8, 2006, 09:22 AM	#2
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	To be honest with you with if HDDVD is cheaper than Blu-ray it could simply win because of that.

Jan 8, 2006, 07:18 PM	#4
Sandok DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 9,472 Rep Power: 0	HD-DVD shall win... Sony is gonna loose millions

Jan 8, 2006, 11:02 PM	#6
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	I'm not going to pay that much either. If the movies starting out are 25-30 fine. If the players are $800 then fine. However, thousands of dollars for a player? You have got to be kidding me.