The
format war between Blu-ray and HD DVD is still in the early stages, but the
battle plans have been clearly drawn. The Sony-backed Blu-ray format and
the Toshiba-backed HD DVD format have both effectively divided the film
industry onto two competing teams. Several studios have chosen to offer
movies on both.
Time Warner is expected to announce a new high-definition DVD that is capable of playing both Blu-ray and HD-DVD content on one
disc. The Total HD disc is aimed at allowing studios to offer
their products "in a way that is not conceding defeat." The
Total HD disc is not going to contain a standard format version, according to
Kevin Tsujihara, the president of Warner Brothers Home Entertainment Group.
The next-gen content war has been a focal point for the HD format wars. The new
Sony PlayStation 3 has a built-in Blu-ray drive, while Microsoft's Xbox 360 has an add-on HD DVD drive. Both devices are priced cheaper
than set-top players that just play HD media.
It still unclear if studios outside of Time Warner would be willing to offer
content on the Total HD disc. For example, Sony, who has been a fervent
backer of the Blu-ray technology, would not want its content on the HD DVD
format. Vivid Entertainment Group, the most recognized name in the adult
entertainment industry, has previously stated that it will offer content in both
formats. Analysts have claimed that the easiest and fastest way to
end the format war is to not offer movies in both formats -- it is possible
that releasing media in both formats could simply prolong consumer
confusion.
A
similar industry schism occurred between DVD+R and DVD-R media. Two
separate industry groups attempted to control the majority of the media
royalties by introducing two competing formats. When it became clear
neither side would back down, electronics companies designed recorders that
would easily negotiate protocols for either format media. In the end, the
DVD recorders cost a little more as consumers had to pay royalties to both consortiums.
Assuming that both formats will be around for a
long period, the Total HD disc will be ideal for some consumers -- yet the
consumer will eventually eat the costs of royalties for both formats if Total
HD succeeds. A hybrid HD DVD/Blu-ray player would be considerably more
expensive right now, but the media costs could be reduced as well.
LG
Electronics is expected to unveil the world's first dual-format high-def player
capable of playing both Blu-ray and HD-DVD formats. Pricing, availability
and other details will become available during Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vagas next week.
The
cost of producing Total HD media may also be a downside for the format.
At its most basic level, Total HD may just be a double-sided print with Blu-ray
on one side and HD DVD on the other. Given the already exorbitant price for
single-sided high-definition movies, the price of Total HD will likely not be
for those on a budget.
The official announcement from Warner Brothers is expected on Tuesday during
the CES.