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We really need more capacity?
The cynics among us can say that it is just another way for computer and electronics industry to sell us all something new. While there is an element of truth in this, as not everyone needs the additional capacity but computers, software and applications do not continue to be increasingly data hungry.
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Many users will welcome the additional amount of storage that have both formats, as they are always at full speed with DVD. The new formats will be the equivalent of five and ten times the size of a DVD. Besides this, the fastest speed of broadband are allowing users to download more and more data.
The fast transfer rate of blue laser disc – coupled with the greater capacity of a disc – also makes it ideal for storing applications, medical records and activities in high resolution that need instant access or retrieval.
First of all, let’s take a quick look at the differences between the two formats that both use a blue laser disc recording:
Blu-ray
Blu-ray is supported by over 100 companies that are members of the Blu-ray Disc Association (http://www.blu-raydisc.com). Key members include: Sony, Pioneer, HP, Dell, Philips, Mitsubishi Chemical, Walt Disney, TDK, Hitachi, 20th Century Fox and Apple.
initial storage capacity of a Blu-ray will be 25 GB (or 135 minutes of high definition film and two hours of bonus standard definition quality) for a single layer and 50GB double layer (or three hours of film and nine hours of bonus materials). The prototypes have been developed by TDK that will take this to 100GB on a single side. The Blu-ray group estimate the technology will be viable as a format standard for 10-15 years.
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Similar to CD and DVD, Blu-ray will be available as recordable once (BD-R), rewritable (BD-E) and a pre-recorded disc format (BD-ROM). There are also two other types of Blu-ray discs that are contained in cartridges for use in the transmission and data storage industries. These are called PD and PDD, respectively.
Blu-ray disc products will be launched to cover three main areas of application:
1. Use of computer desktop applications and home video.
2. Professional broadcasting.
3. Professional data backup applications.
Blu-ray discs are manufactured using a single substrate disc with the recording layer very near the surface of the disc. This should result in less potential distortion, higher precision and shorter production times and costs.
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In terms of compatibility, it is likely that the Blu-ray disc products will play both DVD and CD formats. It is also expected that the PC Blu-ray recorders and Mac will also be able to record onto CD and DVD. Sony recently announced that their next generation console PlayStation 3 will have capacity of Blu-ray.
High Density DVD
There are fewer companies in the HD-DVD Promotion Group (http://www.hddvdprg.com), but still no less significant ones. The companies include NEC, Toshiba, Sanyo, Thomson and Universal Pictures. The format is also supported by the DVD Forum.
Initial storage capacity is about 15/20GB, 30/32GB and more than 45 GB dual layer. In its current form, the capacity can go beyond that because of the position of the recording level, which is farther from the disc surface.
Disc manufacturers will be able to transition to HD-DVD more easily as it is a disc similar to DVD. However, the limited capacity could see it ending up as a temporary solution and manufacturers will inevitably need to invest in production lines Blu-ray.
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Like DVD, HD-DVD is produced by bonding two surfaces (substrates) together. E ‘likely that the HD-DVD devices will also be able to play your DVDs and CDs. The discs will be available in a DVD (HD-DVD-R), rewritable version (HD-DVD-RW) and pre-recorded (HD-DVD-ROM).
Because you can expand the capacity blue laser?
With the same size as the surface of the disc is a CD and DVD blue laser disc can record and store more information using a laser beam with a much smaller focus of CD or DVD. This laser can record smaller and higher density pits, allowing more room for data storage.
A closer look at Blu-ray
Within the family there are three Blu-ray discs available that are optimized for specific applications. The main question and its use will be produced for the standard Blu-ray, but there are also two other types of Blu-ray discs available that have been specifically developed for the transmission and storage of market data:
Professional Disc (PD)
PD has been developed specifically for the markets on news gathering and broadcast.
The products are already introduced by Sony. These include: a recording and editing system – ENG (Electronic News Gathering) – as well as the XDCAM series of professional camcorders.
PD has a faster data transfer rate, 72 Mbps compared to 36Mbps, compared to the standard Blu-ray and is seen as a substitute for traditional tape loaded broadcast cameras.
The disc is rewritable and contained in a cartridge for greater protection in field use. PD disk media is manufactured by both Sony and TDK.
Professional Disc for Data (PDD)
PDD was developed as a substitute for traditional magneto-optical (MO) applications, such as juke boxes for online access or data archive and storage. PDD is physically almost identical to the Professional Disc (PD) and is available as recordable and rewritable. The disc is contained in a cartridge for protection and ease of use by the robot at any juke box or library system. Typical users are doctors, banks, government and telecommunications companies who need fast Internet access to large amounts of data or information.
Standard Blu-ray
Standard Blu-ray will be the main Blu-ray product for mass use in consumer recorders and players, drives for PCs and game consoles such as PlayStation 3. The support of the disc can be provided “naked” and is not contained in a cartridge as a result of manufacturing a hard layer protective layer. The first manufacturer to introduce this is TDK with their technology ‘Durabis’ coating.
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Blu-ray discs are equipped with encryption and copy protection within the hardware and media production level to minimize piracy and illegal copying.
Why the need for a protective layer?
An immediate reason for the protective layer that is packing more data on the surface of the disc format of the recorded data can be more sensitive to reproductive problems caused by damage from handling, scratches and static. Furthermore, in order to obtain the maximum capacity of Blu-ray Disc and ensure accuracy, the level of registration of a Blu-ray is produced closer to the surface of the disc is DVD and HD-DVD. This means that the Blu-ray has a much higher capacity than other blue laser discs such as HD-DVD, but this does not mean that the disk needs to be encased in a caddy like PD and PDD or protected by a additional layer of coating. Being able to produce a disc that can be used in its ‘naked’, without a caddy it will ensure a wider use and adoption of the Blu-ray. This is because the disk is used in a number of different drives and consumer electronic products. Disposing of the caddy also drastically reduce the production cost per unit and the end users.
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Structure comparison disk
With the need to have a protective coating on a disc ‘naked’ Blu-ray Disc, TDK were the first manufacturer to introduce an average finish of ‘scratch’. This has been available for some time as an option on their DVD product range, but recently have taken this technology even further with the latest coating technology called ‘Urbis’. The advantages of the lining of the ‘Urbis’ means that the discs can be used without a caddy and are much less likely to be damaged by scratches, UV rays, fingerprints and dust attracted by static electricity.
And finally …. When everything becomes available?
Toshiba Corp. has announced a 2006 commercial launch date of March for the first HD DVD player in the United States.
Blu-ray disc recorders were launched in Japan in 2003. Blu-ray is available in Japan in caddy format and should be available in the U.S. by 2006 summer.
Professional Disc (PD) for the transmission has limited availability. E ‘especially during testing and experience in high-definition TV projects from large TV production companies and authorities.
Professional Disc for Data (PDD), which is used for archiving and backup has limited availability.
Both the Blu-ray group and HD-DVD group are talking together on a single format to avoid a collision format. However, as the proposal for each of the parties seems to be that the other down to their size, it seems unlikely that it will lead to ‘peace in our time’.
