Contrary to
reports this week that Toshiba had completed work on its 51GB, 7 hour HD DVD disc and submitted it for approval to the DVD Forum, Toshiba says the disc is still in the works, and that it hasn't made any official announcements since early January
when it first revealed the disc. "We're puzzled ourself by where these reports came from," said Junko Furuta of Toshiba, who denied such developments. That's all we know for now, no word on when the disc will actually be completed, but according to the original announcement, Toshiba will be looking for approval of such a disc this year.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Geoff Gibson @ Mar 1st 2007 4:55PM
Interesting turn of events, although I am still baffled as to why we need such large amount of storage. The current HD DvDs look great as do the Blu-rays.
I am sure the Blu-ray boys will be here in a few minutes to claim this "great" victory.
Interesting fact: Over 90% of HD DvD movies use the 30gb format, where as, over 80% of Blu-ray movies use the 25gb format(not the 50gb). Kind of puts things in perspective.
hmurchison @ Mar 1st 2007 5:20PM
Geoff you are correct.
For feature length films the ability to record 3hrs of content covers %95 of all movies. Where 51GB discs will come into play is programme like the Extended Editions of LotR and TV Series on disc.
When both formats can deliver excellent programming on 25-30GB discs you realize that the extra stuff is just going to hold "more" stuff but not necessarily better looking stuff.
humpty @ Mar 1st 2007 7:28PM
This is to satisfy the PC market where it comes down to simple numbers 30gb vs. 50gb... HD-DVD loses.
They cant win on the CE side alone.
Harrison Murchison @ Mar 1st 2007 10:13PM
Why would you say that? I'm not sure that your statement is congruent with what we know.
1. There are 5 new providers of HD DVD hardware coming this year. Lite On, Shinco, Alco/Venturer, ED Digital and Onkyo. Meridian is working on higher end specification for HD DVD and has joined the DVD Promotions group.
2. Microsoft and Broadcom are combining to develop a reference platform to make it easy for 3rd parties to hop on. This platform will be based on CE 6 for a software (Toshiba uses Linux right now) and Broadcoms BCM7440 chipset.
3. 51GB discs would satisfy studio demand for some discs that can hold extra content. Think EE LotR or TV series on disc. It's important for some studios and clearly Toshiba is going to assuage any fears that they don't have the right solution.
bootsielon @ Mar 2nd 2007 1:00AM
And the HD-DVD boys forgot 100 and 200 GB discs. Ah, the irony...
bootsielon @ Mar 2nd 2007 1:05AM
Oh, and I forgot to mention... the reason Blu-ray movies use 25 GB is because 50 GB discs barely started being used.
Blu-ray is cheaper per gig, needs less layers and therefore is more reliable, and it's harder to scratch. And there are any more apps and and hardware makers on Blu-ray.
Toshiba, just give up already.
Frosty22 @ Mar 2nd 2007 12:14PM
Ok call me a cynic, but wouldn't the whole "blu ray is harder to scratch" article sway corporations towards HD DVD? If companies could come out with technology that is indestructable, then there is no hope of repurchase.
Maybe I'm not giving corporations enough credit though. But I would be shocked if discussions like these were not brought up in company meetings.
simon @ Mar 2nd 2007 3:28PM
Yes consumers would have to re-purchase scratched discs... but if the discs scratch too easily then those consumers will start to get pissed and perhaps buy less. Also for corporate purchasers e.g. the video rental place down the the street, they want durability. Next time you're in Blockbuster look at the surface of ANY DVD in the kid's section and you'll understand.
John Eckart @ Mar 4th 2007 3:05PM
One thing about Blu-Ray is that Blu-Ray discs will always be expensive. You can get some DVD movies for $5.00, and in time, you will be able to get some HD DVD movies for $5.00. But you will never be able to get a Blu-Ray movie for under $20.00 because Sony locks the price and you will be paying for the Sony name and for Sony royalties.