Sony and Toshiba both express interest in coming up with a new universal standard for the next generation of DVDs. The two companies continue to develop high definition DVD systems but hope to work out this new standard which would be better for all involved.
The new technology, based on shorter wave length blue lasers, will allow higher density on the new DVDs than the current red laser and this gives people the ability to cram more stuff into their DVDs.
The big advantage for having a universal format is really the customers. Having two formats will confuse consumers. Many people remember the Beta/VHS wars from the 80s. This would also keep productions costs significantly less as companies producing DVD movies could have one format, companies producing the DVD players can stick to one format and computer companies won’t have to put two DVD players in PCs.
“The two groups are in talks to jointly develop a new standard for next-generation DVDs to give the best benefit to consumers,” a Sony source told the Reuters news agency.
The big conflict now is whose format to use. Sony wants to go with its on Blu-Ray disk structure, which hold 50gb, and Toshiba’s software. Toshiba wants its HD-DVD disk structure, which holds 30gb and is closer to existing disk structure, and Sony’s software.
The lines are being drawn as various companies with stakes in this fight take sides. Apple, Dell, and Disney are currently lining up for Sony. Warner Brothers, Paramount, and Universal are siding with Toshiba.
The format may be out as early as end of this year and this could alter plans for Sony’s upcoming Playstation 3 game console.
The real highlight of this new format will be for movie watchers and gamers as they will get much more bang for their buck. In some cases, they may not even be able to tell the difference between movies and games.
John Stith is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business.
