3XDVD...here we go again!
02-19-07 | 05:48 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 15,957
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: NYC
3XDVD...here we go again!
While the Blu-ray camp is busy claiming victory, recently HD DVD supporters seem to be circling the wagons around an old friend, the -- 'til now -- unused 3X DVD technology. HD DVD has always claimed it holds a price advantage over Blu-ray, by way of offering low cost upgrades for existing DVD manufacturing processes.
The 3X DVD spec takes that a step further, while it's a part of the HD DVD format and apparently only compatible with HD DVD players, the discs themselves are physically exactly the same as standard red-laser DVDs. Throw in a software upgrade to support high definition content, HD DVD's UDF 2.5 file structure and AACS and you have a way to deliver HDTV content on a 9.4 GB DVD.
By using newer encoding technologies like MPEG-4 and VC-1 and/or lowering the resolution to say, 720p, full length movies easily fit on a standard DVD. Eclipse Data Technologies, a supplier of HD DVD mastering equipment just announced it is offering free upgrades to its customers in order to support 3X DVD manufacturing. This was followed today by DCA Inc. announcing it has mastered the first 3X DVD disc, and that several manufacturers are looking at it as a possible low cost path into HD video.
3X DVD's potential to allow for noticeably lower-priced HD content to come to market is definitely there, but it still remains to be seen if this, like combo DVD/HD DVDs and Total Hi-Def discs will find a home and support in the marketplace.
The 3X DVD spec takes that a step further, while it's a part of the HD DVD format and apparently only compatible with HD DVD players, the discs themselves are physically exactly the same as standard red-laser DVDs. Throw in a software upgrade to support high definition content, HD DVD's UDF 2.5 file structure and AACS and you have a way to deliver HDTV content on a 9.4 GB DVD.
By using newer encoding technologies like MPEG-4 and VC-1 and/or lowering the resolution to say, 720p, full length movies easily fit on a standard DVD. Eclipse Data Technologies, a supplier of HD DVD mastering equipment just announced it is offering free upgrades to its customers in order to support 3X DVD manufacturing. This was followed today by DCA Inc. announcing it has mastered the first 3X DVD disc, and that several manufacturers are looking at it as a possible low cost path into HD video.
3X DVD's potential to allow for noticeably lower-priced HD content to come to market is definitely there, but it still remains to be seen if this, like combo DVD/HD DVDs and Total Hi-Def discs will find a home and support in the marketplace.
02-19-07 | 06:00 PM
#2
DVD Talk Special Edition
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Doesn't Blu-ray have like BD-9 (or something like that) that is essentially the same thing?
Also, I'm not a real big fan of the "let's give the studios money to downres our content." It's still 720p, which is fine by me, but it's not something I'd like to see occur often. This is a step backward, if anything.
Also, I'm not a real big fan of the "let's give the studios money to downres our content." It's still 720p, which is fine by me, but it's not something I'd like to see occur often. This is a step backward, if anything.
02-19-07 | 10:51 PM
#9
DVD Talk Legend
How is it good for TV shows if you're only going to get a couple hours' worth of content? Do we want to put fewer shows on a disc than with DVD? You could fit several hours of 720p video on a dual-layer HD DVD, even more with BD50. I doubt the cheaper media price would translate to significantly lower prices at retail.
02-19-07 | 11:07 PM
#10
DVD Talk Hero
Originally Posted by Suprmallet
720p? Forget it.
02-19-07 | 11:26 PM
#11
Premium Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 25,150
Received 1,214 Likes
on
783 Posts
From: Grazing in a field somewhere...
Originally Posted by cultshock
My feelings exactly. Why take a step backwards?
And it shows that we are still in one great big cluster fuck.
02-21-07 | 04:09 PM
#13
DVD Talk God
Originally Posted by Drexl
How is it good for TV shows if you're only going to get a couple hours' worth of content? Do we want to put fewer shows on a disc than with DVD? You could fit several hours of 720p video on a dual-layer HD DVD, even more with BD50. I doubt the cheaper media price would translate to significantly lower prices at retail.
