Dual Standard DVD Technology Announced
December 09, 2004
Tokyo, JP - emory-Tech and Toshiba are describing a jointly developed, dual-layer ROM (read-only) disc that can store content in both the HD DVD and DVD formats.
No specific dates for product release were discussed, but most anticipate the end of 2005 as a reasonable target for market availability of new DVD formats and related technologies.
The newly developed dual-ROM disc has a single-sided, dual-layer structure. The upper layer stores DVD-format data; the lower layer stores HD DVD data, it was described. The DVD layer has a 4.7 GB capacity, meeting specifications of current DVD discs, and the HD DVD layer can store 15 GB. The DVD layer is designed to be played back on currently available DVD players.
Consumers can view DVD content on standard DVD players and, after purchasing an HD DVD player, can watch high definition content on the HD DVD layer from the same disc. The new disc structure also increases options for content providers; they can provide the same content in two formats, or use the HD DVD layer for a feature movie and the DVD layer to store promotional videos or audio content, including the movie soundtrack.
The new disc can be produced on Memory-Tech's existing manufacturing lines. The disc's manufacturing cost is similar to single-sided dual-layer DVD-ROM or HD DVD-ROM discs, as they have the same physical structure.
News of the new disc follows a recent announcement that the HD DVD camp won support for its format from Warner Bros. Studios and sister company New Line Cinema, Paramount Pictures, and Universal Pictures.
That decision may have been a blow to the Blu-ray camp, although Sony already owns, or is in the process of, acquiring and partnering with, film studios and libraries that will lend support to the Blu-ray camp, including Disney and Buena Vista.
"I am very excited about the development of the new dual format disc," said Hisashi Yamada, Chief Fellow of Toshiba's Digital Media Network Company. "This disc will support content providers in assuring a smooth transition from DVD to HD DVD, and I am sure it will also encourage consumer interest in HD DVD equipment. The new disc will be a bridge media to the future, with no increased production burdens for manufacturers."
Shiroharu Kawasaki, President and CEO of Memory-Tech commented that, "The new technology Toshiba and Memory-Tech have jointly developed will help the industry to make a smooth transition from the current DVD business to the next generation DVD business without interfering with current DVD business growth.
Memory-Tech will continue to develop innovations that support content providers in delivering attractive video and music products to consumers."
Pony Canyon Inc., one of Japan's largest DVD software distributors, gave the new disc a warm welcome: "The dual format disc developed by Memory-Tech and Toshiba makes it possible for the content industry to introduce next generation DVD software smoothly to the market," said Hideki Oyagi, General Manager of the Pony Canyon's Visual Entertainment Headquarters.
For more information, visit
www.toshiba.co.jp
or
www.dvdsite.org
or
www.blu-ray.com
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