(High Definition DVD) A relatively short-lived high-capacity optical disc that holds four hours of high-definition video on a single-sided, single-layer 15GB disk. Sanctioned by the DVD Forum in 2003 and based on the Advanced Optical Disc (AOD) technology from Toshiba and NEC, HD DVD used a blue-violet laser that read pits half the size of a DVD on tracks that were packed tighter together. HD DVD supported the more advanced H.264 and VC-1 video encoding algorithms (codecs) as well as MPEG-2, which is used for DVD. It also supported 1080p, the highest HDTV resolution. See H.264 and VC-1.
A distinct advantage of HD DVD for the media manufacturer was that HD DVDs were an evolution of the standard DVD. Unlike the competing Blu-ray format, which requires new machinery to make the disks, traditional DVD stamping machines needed only minor modifications to make HD DVDs.
The first HD DVD drives were introduced in the U.S. in 2006, and Microsoft offered an HD DVD drive option for its Xbox 360 video game console in that same year. Despite all its features and initial support, however, in 2008, the majority of movie studios and retail outlets chose Blu-ray over HD DVD, and the "format war" was over.
HD DVD-ROM, HD DVD-R and HD DVD-RW
Like CD, DVD and Blu-ray media, there were read-only, write-once and rewritable options. Used for HD movies, HD DVD-ROMs were pre-recorded discs that could not be changed. HD DVD-R media could be "burned" once by the user, and HD DVD-RW disks could be rewritten over and over.
HD DVD Hybrids
Hybrid HD DVD disks were read-only media that stored a movie in both HD DVD and standard DVD. There were two types: combination hybrids used both sides, each side containing a different format, and Twin Format hybrids used only one side of a dual or triple layer disk, storing the different formats in separate layers.
In late 2006, Warner Home Video announced a hybrid disc that held HD DVD and Blu-ray on one side and DVD on the other. In 2007, LG introduced the Super Blu, the first dual-format player, supporting both HD DVD and Blu-ray media. However, the multiple choices confused buyers, and adoption of both HD formats was sluggish, even with reduced player prices. See high-def DVD formats, Blu-Ray, DVD and DTV. See also HD DVR.
A distinct advantage of HD DVD for the media manufacturer was that HD DVDs were an evolution of the standard DVD. Unlike the competing Blu-ray format, which requires new machinery to make the disks, traditional DVD stamping machines needed only minor modifications to make HD DVDs.
The first HD DVD drives were introduced in the U.S. in 2006, and Microsoft offered an HD DVD drive option for its Xbox 360 video game console in that same year. Despite all its features and initial support, however, in 2008, the majority of movie studios and retail outlets chose Blu-ray over HD DVD, and the "format war" was over.
HD DVD-ROM, HD DVD-R and HD DVD-RW
Like CD, DVD and Blu-ray media, there were read-only, write-once and rewritable options. Used for HD movies, HD DVD-ROMs were pre-recorded discs that could not be changed. HD DVD-R media could be "burned" once by the user, and HD DVD-RW disks could be rewritten over and over.
HD DVD Hybrids
Hybrid HD DVD disks were read-only media that stored a movie in both HD DVD and standard DVD. There were two types: combination hybrids used both sides, each side containing a different format, and Twin Format hybrids used only one side of a dual or triple layer disk, storing the different formats in separate layers.
In late 2006, Warner Home Video announced a hybrid disc that held HD DVD and Blu-ray on one side and DVD on the other. In 2007, LG introduced the Super Blu, the first dual-format player, supporting both HD DVD and Blu-ray media. However, the multiple choices confused buyers, and adoption of both HD formats was sluggish, even with reduced player prices. See high-def DVD formats, Blu-Ray, DVD and DTV. See also HD DVR.
FULL-SIZE HD DVD DISK (120 mm) CAPACITIES
SINGLE SIDED DOUBLE SIDED
HD HD
Layers Storage Hours Storage Hours
Single 15GB 4
Dual 30GB 8 38.5GB 8HD/4SD
Triple 51GB 14
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- TechForward advocates the cause of temporary ownership
- I have been MEANING to write about the Los Angeles-based start-up TechForward for weeks now, but felt like I didn't have enough time to write the truly thoughtful post that it deserved. Now, I'm forcing myself to get off my butt, strangely enough, because I'm having a moral dilemma over...
- Blog posts 2008-07-04
- Encrypt File or Parent Folder (How to encrypt data on your laptop for holiday travel)
- Encrypt File or Parent Folder How to encrypt data on your laptop for holiday travelencryptionso hard to used, how about a printable form, all pages...this might have been useful.RE: Encrypt File or Parent Folder How to encrypt data on your laptop for holiday travelOR you could just right-click on the...
- Discussion threads 2008-07-03
- Q'n'A: Are Youtube users are royally screwed?
- Q'n'A: Are Youtube users are royally screwed?.....“[B]Had this not happened, Viacom would have made a huge amount of profit, but have now obviously lost out.[/B]”Subjective speculation that is unsubstantiated.“[B]YouTube could get shut down, Google could get fined to the nth degree, or maybe Google will get sued and it have...
- Discussion threads 2008-07-03
- Whither Blu-ray?
- Whither Blu-ray?It's the lack of HDTV ownersand the ignorance of those who do own that I think is the biggest issue. People who don't have HDTV would see no benefit to spending extra money on BluRay, and those who do own will never believe there is a difference unless you...
- Discussion threads 2008-07-03
- YouTube vs. Viacom: Google's IP wins; Users lose
- YouTube vs. Viacom: Google's IP wins; Users loseCompetition?Does Viacom think that a 10 minute pixellated clip of a show or movie is really competition for seeing the entire show/movie on a TV or big screen? This is getting ridiculous. If anything, having these clips on YouTube is free...
- Discussion threads 2008-07-03
- Nvidia whacked over defective notebook chips; Offers driver to keep processors cool
- Updated: Nvidia said its fiscal second quarter revenue will fall well short of targets because of weak demand, pricing pressure from AMD's ATI and a faulty graphics processors on older notebook systems. In an SEC filing, the company said it is offering a driver that keeps fans running to relieve...
- Blog posts 2008-07-03
- AVADirect Core 2 SLI DDR3 Gaming System
- If you consider this upper midrange $3,220 AVADirect's Core 2 SLI DDR3 Gaming System representative of the value and build quality available from this small custom builder, we can report that we were mostly happy with this PC, even if we found it loud and its gaming performance a bit...
- Product reviews 2008-07-02
- Linksys WRT610N Wi-Fi router delivers dual bands, simultaneously
- If you're the type who likes to wirelessly stream HD video from your PC to your TV, or if you live in a densely populated environment that's packed with interference in the 2.4GHz range, listen up. Linksys has unveiled a dual-band Draft N Wi-Fi...
- Blog posts 2008-07-02
- Torrent admin is 'felony infringer'
- Torrent admin is 'felony infringer'Felony infringerYes, I would agree that this extends beyond fair use... Book'em Dano.RE: Torrent admin is 'felony infringer'I do not think it is right but if it is made out as such a major deal then what is it doing all over the internet Bittorrent...
- Discussion threads 2008-07-02
- Dishing It Out
- There may soon be just one satellite radio company. Now, the stars seem to be aligning for there to be just one satellite TV company, as well. First, in radio. The FCC is close to making a decision that will let Sirius Satellite Radio Inc acquire arch-rival...
- Blog posts 2008-07-02
- New Microsoft Office subscription bundle to hit in mid-July
- New Microsoft Office subscription bundle to hit in mid-JulyVery nice comboI can't wait for computer manufacturers and builders to start bundling this with systems. Seems like a good idea - like software assurance for home users.RE: New Microsoft Office subscription bundle to hit in mid-JulyI think you can have...
- Discussion threads 2008-07-02
- Digidesign ProTools (cfm)
- Get ready for a revolutionary new way to work with Pro Tools. Digidesign Pro Tools software, featuring the time-manipulating power of Elastic Time, will have you approaching your projects in creative new ways, making working with tempo- and time-based sessions a whole lot easier and imaginative. Plus, increased support for...
- Software downloads 2008-07-02
- Business Card CD-DVD Creator (exe)
- Now its simple for anyone to create a custom Business Card or full size CD, and best of all it adds value to your business card. When you hand your business card to a customer they have multimedia, interactive, technologies that promote your business in the palm of their hands....
- Software downloads 2008-07-02
- BenQ V2400W
- The BenQ V2400W is the fourth 24-inch LCD we've reviewed this year and the third we'd recommend. The $600
- Product reviews 2008-07-01
- Samsung BD-P1500
- The most important question for any standalone Blu-ray player is whether it's better than the Sony PlayStation 3. Let's answer that one right off the bat: Samsung's new BD-P1500 is not. They both cost the same ($400 list), but the PS3 has better image quality, currently supports both Blu-ray Profile...
- Product reviews 2008-07-01
- AMD Phenom gets (a little) faster
- AMD has rounded out both the high and low ends of its desktop processor line with three new Phenoms. Though the chips have the same basic design, they are targeted at very different audiences by virtue of frequency, power consumption and price. The Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition--now AMD's fastest...
- Blog posts 2008-07-01
- Is an Xbox 360 price cut inbound?
- Is an Xbox 360 price cut inbound?This would put a hurting on SonyConsidering the PS3 has cost Sony billions in losses that it is still hoping to make up for in software sales this would put them in a bind. MS can afford to drop the price since they are...
- Discussion threads 2008-07-01
- PhysX on the Radeon? Seems that it's possible!
- Eran Badit of NGOHQ.com has been hard at work hacking away at NVIDIA's PhysX layer and claims to have it working on the Radeon HD 3870. by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
- Blog posts 2008-07-01
- PS3 Xploder (zip)
- Access great cheatsaves for GTA 4, Xploder blows your games wide open. Have access to new weapons, loads of money and missions unlocked, Xploder cheatsaves gets you ahead of the game! Also includes cheatsaves for Gran Turismo 5 - Prologue, Call of Duty 4, Assassins Creed and many more!BONUS: Take...
- Software downloads 2008-07-01
- Swiss solar firm has come ashore in the New World
- The high tech gear needed to turn out precision solar panels. Courtesy Oerlikon. Oerliklon is a venerable corporation among the Alps, publicly-traded on the Zurich stock exchange for a long time. They manufacture precision machine tools, textile equipment, other traditional industrial products. But they're...
- Blog posts 2008-06-30
Neighboring Terms
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
- New entries posted to Know Issues, Best Practices and Workarounds Wiki
-
Latest Topics: Running virtual machines and DHCP can cause Intel® AMT to be inaccessible; Wildcard certificates are currently not supported for remote; Dell 755 returns a duplicate UUID during activation configuration.
- See the latest entries on the Intel Wiki >>
- Learn how collaboration fuels success with this FREE Economist report
-
According to a new study from the Economist, future success belongs to those who collaborate effectively. Learn how successful collaboration can improve profits, problem-solving, and competitive differentiation.
- Visit Cisco's Collaboration Resource Center today!
- BNET Industries
- Check out BNET's newest resource for managers and executives. Need to do research on your competitors? Don't have time to read every trade pub? BNET Industries is the new source for daily news, insights, and research on 11 major industries and 9,000 public companies.
-
- The technology industry from a different angle
-
- See what's hot in the auto industry
-
- Stay on top of the energy industry
