Blu-Ray vs. HD DVD

Anyone remember the VHS vs. Betamax tape wars?

Well, 30 years later, the HD vs. Blu-Ray DVD format war is heating up. Two new and totally incompatible High Definition DVD formats are emerging. Standardization for Blu-Ray has just been completed, and both hardware and software will be available shortly. HD DVD has been released and decks are now available, albeit in limited supply.

Blu-Ray technology consists of a single-layer (25 GB) and a dual-layer (50 GB) disk is forthcoming. As many as 20 companies, including Sony, Panasonic, Pioneer and Samsung, are preparing to introduce players and recorders. And several of the major film studios, like Paramount, Sony/MGM, Fox, and Warner Brothers, are planning to release high-definition movies on the Blu-Ray format.

HD DVD is a 15-GB disk (30-GB dual-layer) and is backed by Toshiba, NEC, Sanyo, Intel, and Microsoft, among others.

Sony is committed to putting Blu-Ray technology in its PlayStation 3, while Microsoft is going with HD DVD for its XBox 360.