Retailers: DVD Format War 'Stupid,' Harmful

[ryan256]

Interesting thing is when DVDs were first comming out there was a format war there too. Sony had their own format while I think it was Pioneer had their own. The 2 were not compatible then either. Fortunately for all consumers a compromise was reached and DVDs became a great media. I was optimistic that a compromise would be reached this time as well. However with units going to market in mid 06 it looks like we're destined to repeat the VHS/Betamax BS.

 

[ArneBjarne]

Originally posted by: anthrax
In the event of a full blown Format war between HD-DVD and Blu-Ray. The following might happen.

- Consumers will not jump onto the High Definition bandwagon so quickly as they will be concerned about backing the wrong format.

In this case the ability of HD-DVD Disc to be made in Hybrid Format is also very attractive. 1 layer of the Disc contain standard DVD format content, the other HD format content.

- If the supporters of HD-DVD decide the release there content on Hybrid Disc. They can leverage the large installed based existing DVD users. (Hybrid discs can be sold to the existing DVD owner base.) This will allow them to increase the amount of HD-DVD media and encourage owners of Hybrid HD-DVD discs to get a HD-DVD player.
- With Hybrid disc's, consumers can make a incremental jump to HD slowly.
- Consumers which have bought hybrid HD-DVD can easily lend their disc their friends which might still be using standard DVD.
- Retailers only have to stock 1 Disc to cater for Standard Definition and HD content. (Simplifies logistics, frees up shelf space for retailers )
- A Hybrid disc will allow rental companies to stock only 1 disc for HD and standard definition content. (This simplifies logistics and decreases operational costs).
- Studios have to only make 1 Disc which will sell to both Standard Definition and HD consumers.

In a protracted format war, I suspect HD-DVD might get the upper hand.

Of course the above will be dependent on the following.
1. There are no major technical problems with the compatability of Hybrid HD DVDs on standard DVD players.
2. Studios are willing to accept the same revenues for SD and HD content.

Sure, except Blu-ray can make hybrid discs too, and better ones. HD-DVD layers and DVD layers are located at the same place on the disc, so you have to do flip discs if you want eg. dual layer DVD and dual layer HD-DVD.

BD hybrid discs on the other hand can be made with dual DVD layers and BR layer(s) on the same side of the disc, since BD layers are much closer to the surface. The BD layers just need to be transparent to red lasers for normal DVD players to be able to read the DVD layers beneath. JVC BD/DVD hybrid disc