Is It Time To Get An Hd Dvd Player?
More movies are being released in the new generation Data Video Disc format High Definition Data Video Disc (HD DVD) as we speak. Is it time to get an HD DVD player? This article will discuss some of the features of high definition Data Video Disc over the existing format and some points to consider if you are planning to buy a player.
HD DVD uses a blue laser system. The laser has a shorter wavelength than the original red laser Data Video Disc format. Apart from using a different type of laser, the HD DVD system has much smaller pits than the standard Data Video Disc. The shorter wavelength and the smaller pits means that more data can be stored on an HD disc. Thus it can store 3 times the amount of an ordinary Data Video Disc. A single layer can store around 15 GB and a dual layer can store around 30 GB. Even though there is more data on the new disc format, the size of the disc remains the same as the original at 12 cm in diameter.
This extra storage translates to better quality pictures and sound on a movie. In fact the quality is close to a movie theater quality.
In terms of picture resolution, the format will support or be compatible with the highest specification HDTV, the 1080p. Although you might not notice the difference, this is the latest technology for delivering video to a screen. It is thought to be smoother than previous systems and, of course, the number of pixels put on the screen is the best around at the moment. It also supports all the surround sound formats, including Dolby Digital, DTS and the latest high definition surround sound formats available.
In terms of movies, many of the movie studios have come out in support of HD DVD. To this extent they are producing their movies on this format. These studios include Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures and Warner Brothers. These are some of the major players in the Hollywood movie industry. The players and recorders that will use HD DVD format discs are supported by some major consumer appliance manufacturers. These include Toshiba, Sanyo, NEC, Microsoft and Intel.
There is little doubt that High Definition Data Video Disc is a superior format to ordinary Data Video Disc. The players are still expensive however but this will change with time. Unfortunately it is not that straightforward. HD DVD has a rival for the next generation Data Video Disc format crown - Blu ray. Blu ray is superior in some ways but inferior in others. For example, early Blu ray discs were not as robust as HD DVD discs and could be scratched easily. Blu ray also has some big support behind it. Hollywood studios Sony Pictures, 20th Century Fox and MGM are producing their movies exclusively in Blu ray format. Manufacturers like Sony and Samsung are producing the hardware for Blu ray.
As yet no clear winner between these new formats. It seems that the most prudent approach would be to wait until there is a clear winner out of the two. Having said that, if you have the money, you will find that the picture and sound qualities in HD DVD make your viewing experience far superior than anything that has gone before.
Find reviews on the latest home theater components, including a home theater receiver review and best value home theater seating at http://www.hometheaterreviewed.com Adrian Whittle writes reviews and features on home theater equipment and accessories.
Tags: bluray, definition, DVD, HD, HDDVD, high, home, player, system, theater, TV
