Disc in the works would play both new DVD formats

A patent application has been filed for a disc that would play two competing high-definition DVD formats, which, if successful, could help appease a battle that has divided Hollywood and confounded consumers.

I’m kind of surprised to see this patented, since this doesn’t actually sound like a new idea. A long time back the BD camp talked about hybrid BD/DVD discs with both on the same side – the BD layers ‘over’ the DVD layers. Since HD-DVD has the same physical structure as DVD, it isn’t a big jump to putting BD over HD-DVD. There would probably need to be a material difference since different wavelengths of light are involved and you need the materials to work optically.

Personally I think the studios would just be prolonging the pain. If Warner stopped supporting HD-DVD it could help starve out HD-DVD. Don’t release titles and the players won’t sell, then they can release on only BD which will cost less than hybrid discs like this, or two different discs. (Three with DVD.)

About MegaZone

MegaZone is the Editor of Gizmo Lovers and the chief contributor. He's been online since 1989 and active in several generations of 'social media' - mailing lists, USENet groups, web forums, and since 2003, blogging.    MegaZone has a presence on several social platforms: Google+ / Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / LiveJournal / Web.    You can also follow Gizmo Lovers on other sites: Blog / Google+ / Facebook / Twitter.
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