Warner Home Video Announces Creation of Total Hi Def Disc — Community

#1 Jan 10, 2007 at 7:55 pm

Warner Home Video unveiled its groundbreaking "Total Hi Def" disc, which plays the HD DVD format on one side and the Blu-ray Disc format on the other, at a presentation hosted by Warner Bros. Entertainment Chairman and CEO Barry Meyer at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

While consumers rave about the quality of high definition when they see it, a confusing format dilemma will result in slower consumer adoption of HD technology. Until now, consumers have been forced to choose one high-definition format-not knowing ...

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#2 Jan 10, 2007 at 8:11 pm

Well that is great news! I just had to decide which version of HD disc I wanted to watch over at Netflix and went with HD DVD when available due to audio. I did not have time to research which one is better so having both on the same disc sure would make my 'phile life easier...

#3 Jan 10, 2007 at 8:39 pm

I am preparing an article that will touch in this as well, but more in-depth. Specifically, I've confirmed with WHV that Total Hi Def will be limited to 2 layers of each format. Sure, that's enough for now ... but TDK and Toshiba are already promoting their 4-layer Blu-ray and 3-layer HD DVD, respectively.

Also, I'm trying to get more information about where the price point will be both for consumer purchase and for content producers wanting to produce media in this new "format". I am told there is some increased cost to entry, but that it is "not prohibitive".

- Shane

#4 Jan 10, 2007 at 9:59 pm

I've confirmed with WHV that Total Hi Def will be limited to 2 layers of each format.

Rut ro...

What about the future potential of Deep Color...?

Why is there a limitation? it is a double sided disc... Hmm... maybe disc thickness and they are using the whole thickness for more layers?

#5 Jan 11, 2007 at 1:57 am

Article coming, but quick response is:

"THD disc have single and dual layer capabilities now. As with any technology, they (WHV) will continue to evaluate it for any opportunities / enhancements."

The limitation is that the HD DVD recording layer is only .6mm from the Blu-ray layer, in single disc capacity. Adding additional layers (and spacing) causes the two recording layers to run into each other physically after 2 layers of each format.

I'm not a professional in laser optics, so I don't know if those spacing layers are fixed, or if they can vary. I also don't know if either format specifies or requires a minimum amount of space between layers ... so this math may vary somewhat.

- Shane

#6 Jan 11, 2007 at 3:02 am

It sounds like a dual sided disc and that means they have half the depth to work with for each side.

The physical structure of the disc is 1.2 mm the same as DVDs, HD DVD and Blu-ray discs.

Which it has to be for numerous reasons related to transport compatibility.

Seems they keep finding magic so one would think they will figure it out...

I look forward to any comment related to why this is so special from a technical standpoint. What is the difference between dual sided HD DVD/SD DVD and HD DVD/Bluray. Seems far more remarkable that someone had the balls to suggest it!

If adopted by the others this could be one of the best moves in history. It makes HD disc becoming a market reality far more likely and it could eventually replace the SD DVD altogether. That is what may muddy waters. The idea for both was to do SD/HD dual disc to ease that area of concern with retail and rental. I gurantee there are many who don't see this as a good thing; yet again two versions of the same movie to stock and display... For the majors it is now 3 versions! Looks like they need to find that extra space sooner rather than later...