Holographic HVD

The Blu-ray and HD DVD format wars might have only just begun, but they may be rendered somewhat obsolete before either has gained a significant share of the market See parts 1 and 2 ).

On the horizon is a new technology that may just turn DVD technology on its head. Called Holographic HVD, initially the discs will hold 300GB of data, which is more than 10 times that of Blu-ray (25GB) and 20 times HD DVD (15GB).

Eventually the discs are projected to hold 1.6 terabytes, a capacity 340 times larger than today’s classic 4.7GB DVDs.

The new discs will use a technology known as holographic memory, a crystal material that is sensitive to light. The technology will ultimately lead to breakthroughs in other areas. For example, with holographic memory you’ll likely be able to store a full-length movie on a medium the size of your fingernail. Or perhaps dozens of movies on something the size of a credit card.

Inphase Technology, a Colorado based company, has extensive research in holographic storage which culminated in their InPhase "Tapestry" media and drives.

The secret lies in Tapestry’s use of intersecting signal and reference laser beams, which store data in 3D holograms. In other words, HD DVD and Blu-ray work on the surface; Tapestry explores the depth of the medium.

According to InPhase, “unlike other technologies that record one data bit at a time, holography allows a million bits of data to be written and read in parallel with a single flash of light.”

Initially, if successful, Holographic HVD will be very expensive for us mortals and it is unlikely any significant numbers of movies will be immediately released as the major studios have already aligned themselves with Blu-ray and HD DVD (click here) but eventually the studios will inevitably release whatever the market demands.

So, remember this holograpic technology, it may become a significant factor in years to come.