Just when you thought there weren't enough disc formats (HD-DVD, Blu-ray, VMD, EVD, HVD, and you might have missed VCDHD yesterday), here comes one more, PH-DVD. Apparently, by "exploiting the polarization element contained in all current DVD formats", Dr. Oron Zachar, founder of Polarizonics Corp believes he can triple the capacity of DVDs, HD-DVDs and Blu-ray discs, without changing the disc structure, replacing mass reproduction equipment and providing a new layer of protection against piracy.

We have no idea what any of that means, but apparently it adds up to disc capacities of over 100GB, which we do understand because it adds up to a-whole-freaking-lot of high definition content. Of course the real question is whether this technology exists, is feasible and will ever be relevant to HDTV owning consumers, but it seems way too early to tell.  Information on Mr Zachar and Polarizonics Corp is pretty limited, although he apparently is or was a professor at UCLA and they are hiring. Still, this sounds a lot like polaronics (yes, that is a /. article from 1999 and no, no such product exists).

Any HD Beat tipsters willing to take a job as an optical engineer and get us the inside information?

Instead of asking "HD-DVD or Blu-Ray?" next year, we might be asking "Holographic Video Disc or other inferior products?" We're not even done with the current format war and the troops are already gearing up for the next one. Actually, from the sounds of the new HVD, I may bypass the high-def DVD silliness completely.

We mentioned 200GB HVDs last month, but already Maxell has come forth with plans for 300 GB of digital capacity. It's still not enough for a whole season of "24" in high-def, but we're getting closer!

 
Because that 50GB Blu-ray disc just won't be big enough of course. Oh no, what you really need is a 200GB Holographic Versatile Disc. Luckily for you, Optware will be giving you much more of what you're looking for in 2006, which they announced yesterday.

Of course, at $30K a drive that might be a bit expensive for your tastes, but I mean hey, you read Luxist every day right? You're a baller, go buy three, and some of the $100 discs they expect to sell while you're at it. Maybe Toshiba should throw in the towel on this HD-DVD thing and focus on lowering costs on this technology that they have already invested in, just a thought.