What is High-Definition DVD? High-definition DVD is a generic term for the next generation of DVD technology, which can burn more information onto the same size disc as your current CDs and DVDs. Like a DVD, it can be used for either video or computer data. But you'll need new hardware to play a hi-def disc on either your TV or your PC.
Why should you care? Because the quality of a hi-def DVD movie greatly outpaces that of a standard DVD, displaying images in real HDTV resolution. Users report that the picture is stunning, though the quality increase may be lost on those who aren't videophiles.
Similarly, the ability to put more data on a single optical disc is good for computer users. Backups can be burned to fewer discs, requiring fewer disc swaps and generally being less of a headache to use. However, since DVD is only now becoming popular for program distribution, hi-def probably has a decade or more to go before finding a use for commercial software.
There are two competing formats of hi-def DVD: Blu-ray and HD-DVD. Much like VHS and BetaMax, they are incompatible, and eventually only one standard is likely to "win," although both should theoretically output video at the same quality and resolution. The jury's out on which will be the victor: Momentum swings from one side to the other every couple of months. Some observers feel that neither may end up winning: That hi-def DVD may soon go the way of laserdisc. Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, read on to see what you need to know about the two competing formats.
Am I the only one who already knew all of this? This isn't really news...
lol yep your right...I can notice the different though I am technological lover, anything you plug in I like lol
Oh hey does anyone else just randomly go to Best buy to walk around and check stuff out? Cause I know I do quite a lot
When you look at it, they both pretty much have the equal # of advantages and disadvantages. I mean Blu-Ray has got more of a backing catalog than HD DVD, and it had 50GB of storage to HD DVD' 45. But then HD DVD is 600 bucks less, already has about 30 movies out there, and the movies will also be cheaper, and it does the pretty close to the same thing as Blu-Ray. Its going to be interesting to see which one consumers will pick, either Xbox 360 or PS3, either Blu-Ray Player, or HD DVD Player. It basically comes dowen to if you want great, powerful technology that can do a lot of things and still outperform, then you'd get Blu-Ray. If you want something cheaper, and the same quality, just not as much storage and backing, then you should get HD DVD. "Only Time Will Tell"
When they first announced the DVD player in 1997 I drove 90 miles to best buy to get one on the day they were released and spent $500 for an open boxed return because that all they had left. I was so excited to see the dramatic difference in picture and sound quality and I was not disappointed. It was 3 - 4 years later before DVD's reaaly took off an began to replace the VHSs in the local video stores. I make this point for two reasons. I think becase their was a HUGH difference between the quality of VHS and DVD it sold us all. The cost to but a VHS movie was way higher that the cost of DVD, You didn't have to rewind, you had added features (Even though none of us watched them) and it worked on your exsisting TV. Bluray and HD DVD will give you a beeter picture quality but at waht cost $1000!!! Even at $600 for a PS3, I dont want to replace or better yet can't afford to replace the over 600 DVD collection for a slightly better picture. Further more what about the digital conection, no one is talking about this. If you are one of the 2 - 5% of USA that has a High DeF TV, most of which do not have an HDMI connection you wont be able to get the full benefit of HD without plugging into this port. I have two HD tV's and each one has only 1 HMDI input. I have DirectTV HD plugged in both TV whic don't leave me another port other than Component for Bluray or HD. I have a XBOX 360 plugged into the component or composite I forget which is which. Where are you now going to plug the next devise requiring HMDI as Bluray is advocating? I dont know that they maufature a machine with 2, 3 or more HMDI ports. Do you really want to crawl behend your TV to Swap out the PS3, the HD Dish all day??????
One of these two formats will die, and sice HD plays on your exsisting DVD player and cost about half as much, I think the walmart buyer will go for the HD and pass on Bluray which the audiofiles will garb just like the Laser Disc. Laser Disc had great quality but was cost prohibative and the DVD took it out. I expect it to go the same way. For me I'll sit this one out for a year or two. Time will tell.