Is is time age controversy when Sue DVD?

Blu-ray (Blue-ray) and HD-DVD supporters quarrel is escalating, both shouted their content protection mechanisms than the other, and each other.

CES trade show that blunder, Blu-ray HD-DVD managed to seize market

Although on next-gen DVD war is far from over, one analyst announced Blu-ray disc (Blu-ray) technology will win, as the final winner. Semico Research company senior analyst Adrienne Downey said: "now is the high definition DVD standard betting time: Blu-ray disc has already won. ”

Downey said: "walk in the CES show, it was obvious enthusiasm and motivation in Blu-ray disc side. Blu-ray Disc Association (Blu-ray Disc Association) booth attracted attention, support the various types of companies demonstrate Blu-ray disc products booth. ”

The analysts to attend CES exhibition HD-DVD camp disappointment. He said: "the most disappointing is visiting the booth of Toshiba Corporation, the company of a representative to a group of people released Blu-ray disc of negative comments (he says Blu-ray disc and is not compatible with existing DVD, and his statement is wrong). ”

The analysts said: "in fact, the Toshiba HD-XA1 brochure has a short piece on the back of the Deny statement that ' part of the DVD disc may not be compatible. If you encounter compatibility problems, contact customer service. However, this is by far the two camps between typical fight each other to the other body splash dirty water, this war is far from over. ”

Toshiba HD-XA1

In fact, HD-DVD camp believe that they will be the final winner. Blu-ray disc and HD-DVD are based on blue laser format, the current DVD format is based on the red laser technology. Both formats are compatible with the current DVD format, their CDs are able to accommodate additional content.

Blu-ray disc from Sony, Dell, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, and many consumer electronic and computer companies, as well as the majority of Hollywood studios support. HD-DVD get Toshiba, NEC, Sanyo and DVD-Forum support, Warner and paramount is currently the only commitment HD-DVD film companies.

Two systems are currently subject to digital rights management system

However, they enter the commercial market, time is delayed. According to the analysis of the sources, the two formats is mainly used in digital rights management (DRM) system is the AACS, and AACS specifications have not yet finalized.

The analysts said: "because of this, Toshiba company has had to be scheduled for the month of December 2005 launch delayed. The company announced at the CES exhibition will take place in March of 2006 launch HD-DVD products, including pricing of $ 499 for the DVD player. Blu-ray disc camp also announced in April launched a DVD player, a quote for $ 1000 dollars and 1800. Due to the AACS still been finalized, these two product availability may be further delayed. ”

Incompatible to consumer problems

New product launch delays, losses to consumers. However most lets consumers headache than this: high-definition version of the Lord of the rings "by HD-DVD supporters Time Warner companies, Blu-ray disc player will not play at the same time, the purchaser of HD-DVD laserdisc player may also face the same dilemma, they were unable to watch the HD version of" Spider-man 2 ", because it is a Sony Blu-ray supporters.

In order to protect their own interests, Hollywood studios and consumer electronics and computer manufacturers are choosing their support for the format. Regardless of whether they have any excuses, they obviously are possible peril.

Panasonic company in Hollywood Liaison Department General Manager Kappei Morishita recently said: "of course, the unified format better than two mutually incompatible formats. Even if the two formats to unity, there is no guarantee of next-generation high-definition DVD win final success. It was a gamble. ”

Interactive will be the secondary era DVD killer application

A promote Blu-ray format of competent Keisuke Suetsugi agree, he even said: "we have not designed the next-generation DVD advanced interactive section. "He also felt that the Blu-ray format maximum potential flaws and eventually new format might be just another capacity enlarged DVD format. He firmly believes that the success of the new format, to a large extent depends on the extension of the interaction, and it can record media become a necessary part of the family network. Suetsugi explained that the DVD format maximum success, from the founder's perspective, is to integrate audio and video signal and navigation based on IT technology, this is the first initial interactive consumer electronics standard, although for the consumer and not obvious.

Remember the Philips CD-I format, 3DO game and legendary Amiga system? in consumer electronics history, people have always wanted to PC without having to use for the consumer electronic systems increase the interactive capability, but this has undergone countless failures.

Amiga system

Although the original, but DVD standardized navigation system for the consumers provides easy-to-use interactive experience. This is a high technology collision, does not require them to read the user manual is incomprehensible.

Of course, since pricing is reasonable, the disc capacity is big, digital high-definition content

, And compatibility with PC manufacturers to sell a large number of DVD player. But Suetsugi represents the most important thing is easy to navigate interactive systems and associated other additional features, is the ultimate hit with consumers of killer apps.

And 1990s consumer electronics industry in the development of DVD format, the current film companies, equipment manufacturers and computer manufacturers for next-generation disc formats, especially advanced features also failed to reach a consensus.

Suetsugi said: "the film in DVD times company was very active in their needs, and consumer electronics manufacturers to respond at any time. Common needs time to expedient and coordinated. ”

But this time the Blu-ray and HD-DVD situation faced by this is not the case. It is learnt that the Blu-ray camp in the use of Java-based multimedia home platform (MHP/GEM) of interactive software. But all the Advanced HD-DVD camp software is based on Microsoft's MSTV.

But consumers may in next generation specification see what an advanced benefits and interactive features, is also known.

Also, no one knows Hollywood creators are developing the next generation format features invests much creative forces. If someone uses a new format for the extended data storage capacity came up with good ideas, and to new systems and new content added to really eye-catching element?

Of course, the choice of support which camp, shrewd Hollywood who has every right to worry about using next-generation high-definition DVD format of film copyright protection issues. But at the same time, if consumers feel that they spend money buying back just than they are watching old DVD film "a good" high-definition version, consumers can exercise their powers on the two next-generation optical disc format for some help.

But I think: in response to these specifications war is far from over yet, whether it is a Sony-Blu-ray camp or Toshiba led HD-DVD camp, in fact, have their own advantages. But who can occupy the initiative, laughs last or be like those red laser DVD specifications of fusion of two? let us smile and go to wait.