Blu-ray, also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD) is the name of a next-generation optical disc format jointly developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), a group of the world's leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers (including Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TDK and Thomson). The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data. A single-layer Blu-ray Disc can hold 25GB, which can be used to record over 2 hours of HDTV or more than 13 hours of standard-definition TV. There are also dual-layer versions of the discs that can hold 50GB.

HD-DVD is a digital optical media format which is being developed as one standard for high-definition DVD. HD-DVD is similar to the competing Blu-ray Disc, which also uses the same CD sized (120 mm diameter) optical data storage media and 405 n.m. wavelength blue laser. HD-DVD is promoted by Toshiba, NEC, Sanyo, Microsoft, and Intel, and is backed by four major studios: New Line Cinema, Paramount Pictures, Universal Studios and Warner Bros.

The key difference between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD is storage capacity.  Single-layer HD-DVD holds up to 15GB and a dual-layer HD-DVD holds up to 30GB.  A single-layer Blu-Ray holds up to 25GB and a dual-layer Blu-Ray holds up to 50GB.  Blu-ray achieves its 60% greater capacity by having smaller data pits (CDs and DVDs store data in lands and pits) than HD-DVD, and by putting the data layer closer to the disc's surface.

This is the main reason why negotiation between Sony and Toshiba fell apart.  The Toshiba camp said 30GB is enough but the Sony camp is insisting that without 50GB of capacity, they can't answer the demands of long hours of high-definition video recording and high-quality extras.

The advantages of Blu-Ray are as follows: 1. A more powerful supporters; 2. offers 30% more capacity; 3. designed for recording high-definition video; 4. can play back content while recording to the disc at the same time; 5. Sony Playstation 3 (dominating gaming platform) will be using Blu-Ray; 6. Content from Sony's Columbia Pictures (which bought MGM).  The disadvantages of Blu-Ray: more expensive to produce the HD-DVD media; 2. would require new manufacturing facilities.

The advantages of HD-DVD are as follows: 1.  more consumer friendly as it carries the same basic structure as DVD;  2. simple and cost effective; 3. proven manufacturability.  The disadvantages are: 1. lower storage capacity than Blu-Ray; 2.  libraries and movies from competition will not be available.

The word war between the backers of the two format also started.  Microsoft and Intel supporting HD-DVD adds color to the already colorful debate on  who's the better media format.  Microsoft and Intel said the HD-DVD 30GB storage capacity is bigger than Blu-Ray's 25GB.  Furthermore, the two giants also said that HD-DVD is the only format to allow users to make controlled copies of the content stored on the disc.  HP and Dell who supports Blu-Ray was quick to contradict Microsoft and Intel's claim saying Microsoft and Intel was talking about dual-layer HD-DVD discs and single-layer Blu-Ray Discs (BD).  HP and Dell went on to say that Blu-Ray is the far more superior format and it provides scope for hybrid discs, backward compatibility with DVD, the ability to operate in slim line drives for notebook PCs and a high degree of interactivity. 

For obvious reasons, Microsoft is expected to support HD-DVD as Sony is it's competitor in the gaming space.  Microsoft has its xBox, Sony has its Playstation 3.  Intel on the other hand recently launched its entertainment platform called "Viiv" promoting Windows Media Center Edition.  So if Microsoft goes with HD-DVD, Intel probably feels it has to take the same direction.

Who will win this new media standard is still up for grabs.  What is certain is that the consumers will be the real losers here.  Having two format will add to the confusion.  We will be seeing media disc and players for Blu-Ray and another for HD-DVD.  We will also see combo players that will support the two.  How about if we buy HP and Dell computers?  HP and Dell will equipped their PCs with Blu-Ray drives, and we will run Microsoft applications in HD-DVD.  Again, consumers will be made to adjust and adopt to this politically and revenue motivated battle of appliance and computer manufacturers.  What happens to Empowering the User?

Will the two formats solve the piracy problem?  I doubt very much.  For the simple reason that manufacturers cannot even put their technology and minds in one standard format.  Unlike pirates, they share their technology.  Remember the different regions for DVD's (Region 1,2,3)?  The pirates came out with a DVD for All Region.  Manufacturers also released players that can play All region discs.  Sometimes, one can't help but ask how serious are they in fighting piracy.

This is what I think proponents of these new media standards should consider: 1. Set aside your differences and find a compromise and come up with a single, unified high-definition optical disc format; 2. Create a technology that is backward compatible with current CD and DVD formats; 3. Protect the investments of consumers, support analog inputs and digital inputs; 4. Protection mechanisms should allow for the fair use of the content on the disc by consumers.  5.  Always think of what is convenient to the consumers.

Paramount Pictures recently announced that they will be releasing their content in both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD.  The Walt Disney Co., Sony's Columbia Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox which supports Blu-ray have not made any announcement that they will also release films in HD-DVD. Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. are still supporting HD-DVD.

The financial stakes for the next generation optical disc format battle is high.  The winner gets to dictate the type of drives used in computers and video game consoles, preferred format for movies, games and other content.  Unless this squabble is solved, the electronic industry, computer industry and the consumers will all suffer as a consequence.

Am logging off.  God Bless us all!!!

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