The DVD Forum presented the basic specifications of two new triple-layer HD DVD disc formats, in an effort to offer higher storage capacities competitive to the rival Blu-Ray camp.
The DVD Forum presented two new extensions of the HD DVD-ROM format:
- The HD DVD-ROM Triple layer 51GB (single format)
- The Triple layer Twin format
The presentation took place in the
DVD Forum, PCC, Europe Conference 2007 on September 3rd at Novotel Berlin, Am Tiergarten hotel.
HD DVD-ROM Triple layer 51GB
This is a HD DVD-ROM disc with three layers. Each layer can store up to 17GB of data/video, resulting in a total capacity of 51GB.
The disc has been approved by the DVD Forum's WG-11 (Triple layer 51 GB disc Ver.1.9), and is expected to be also
approved by the TCG/SC later this year.
The new disc adds a high-end option to the previous HD DVD-ROM disc lineup that includes the 15GB (single-layer, single-sided) and 30GB (dual-layer, single-sided). Commercialization of the 51GB HD DVD-ROm disc could definitely be a strong weapon for the HD DVD format against Sony's Blu-Ray, which currently offers a maximum of 50GB of storage capacity with 2-layer discs. However, the new HD DVD-ROM discs may not be copmatible with the first generaation HD DVD players, since their triple-layer nature could require the use of spherical aberration compensation techniques for reading, a feature that is not currently supported by the HD DVD hardware. The DVD Forum's representatives said that the issue is still under study.
DVD/HD DVD-ROM Triple layer Twin format
This is the second extension of the HD DVD format that was presented at the DVD Forum sconference. This is a single- sided disc with one DVD layer and two HD DVD layers. The available capacities are 4.7GB for DVD and 30Gb for HD DVD.
The WG-11 approved the extension (Triple layer Twin format Ver. 1.9). The standard definition content of the new "hybrid" discs can be played back on current DVD Players, while their owners will also be able to enjoy high-definition content from the same source when they purchase HD DVD players. The new disc further prepares the way for a smooth transition from DVD to HD DVD.