DVD Version 2

--BLU-RAY & HD-DVD--

I was randomly looking over the pages of PC World - September 2006 edition, where at the first time I saw names like high definition DVDs, Blu-ray, HD DVD. And started looking over it.. After the launch of mid 90's only now DVDs have become popular and cheapest in India. Now everyone is getting DVD writers for mere 2K bucks and it has become the essential part of a PC. I got one not a year before.

It seems there is the next version of DVD and is out already and there are two flavors of them which has heavy competition. Yes, there's a new standards war in town: HD-DVD versus Blu-ray. Both promise true high-resolution video and more features than the current generation of DVDs, but because the formats are incompatible, hardware manufacturers, and we are in a situation to take decision to go on which side.

HD-DVD by Toshiba was first to market, and Blu-ray movies by Sony are available now but not extensively. The DVD switch will also affect PCs: several manufacturers will start shipping systems with Blu-ray drives, which will work via third-party software, over the summer, and Microsoft and Intel are supporting the HD-DVD drives. Blu-ray discs are more expensive, but hold more data, while HD-DVD is comparatively cheaper holding less data. This is the capacity chart for them:

Capacity
Blu-Ray		HD DVD
ROM single layer: ROM dual layer: RW single layer: RW dual layer: Highest test: Theoretical limit:	23.3 / 25GB 46.6 / 50GB 23.3 / 25 / 27GB 46.6 / 50 / 54GB 100GB 200GB	Single layer: Dual layer: - - Highest test: Theoretical limit:	15GB 30GB - - 45GB 60GB

(Taken from engadget)

Since manufacturers of blue laser diodes are still unable to improve yield rates, the shortage may result in pushing back the competition between Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD optical disc drives in the market to the first quarter of 2007. So it should take some 2015 for us to put hands in them!!