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Tech Titans Prepare to Battle Over Next DVD Format

Posted by Hemos on from the battle-royale-over-billions dept.

securitas writes "The New York Times Technology has an excellent feature by Ken Belson about the coming battle over the next-generation DVD format that consumer electronics and technology giants are already preparing for. The article covers the (high-definition) HD DVD group, led by Toshiba and NEC, and the Blu-ray Group, led by Sony and Matsushita (Panasonic/JVC). Mass production is expected to begin in 2005, but both sides are expected to show prototypes and aggresively pursue partners at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next week. Add to the mix a nine-company Chinese faction that says it will develop its own DVD format because - fearing their technology could be used by Chinese rivals - the Japanese manufacturers haven't shared much information, even within the DVD Forum. Finally, Disney, Microsoft, IBM and Intel have yet to weigh in. The worst thing that could happen would be another Betamax/VHS-type war. In that case, 'Everyone is a loser, particularly Hollywood studios, the retailer community and, most importantly, the consumer,' says Warren N. Lieberfarb, developer of the original DVD format."

2 of 453 comments (clear)

  1. FWIW by bschmitt · · Score: 5, Informative

    For those unfamiliar with the techs, the spec set forth by Toshiba/Nec is backward compatible with the now current tech. The blu-ray is not backwards compatible.

    I would like see the next-gen players be able to play both disks, I have ALOT! I also happen to favor Toshiba they make one of the better players out there for picture/sound.

  2. DVD Demystified by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative
    DVD Demystified is an interesting website with a very informative book behind it. It contains a history of the original DVD wars 1994 - 1997 and explains how the format only came about as a result of unprecedented cooperation between the big ten companies.

    Will we see that kind of cooperation again? Probably not. There's too much incentive to play dirty, after the massive success of DVD.

    FWIW the book also contains far, far more tech background on the DVD format, MPEG-4, visual theory, etc. than anybody except Slashdotters will ever want to absorb.