DVD Format Wars

Some hardware is now on sale along with a few discs so I suspect it is only a matter of time before the “format war” really starts to kick-in. The truth is that in spite of being a technophile I’m finding it really hard to give a damn about this non-event. So yes, more data on a disc makes sense for gamers and improved imaging for film-buffs too but this isn’t a major step forward in the practical sense is it? The most frustrating aspect I find about DVDs is movie rental; you pop into Blockbuster, see a movie you fancy, take it home expecting a relaxing evening on the sofa but what you actually get are irritating skips punctuated with digital block storms entirely thanks to the inconsiderate morons who previously hired the same movie only to confuse the disc with a bar coaster or use it as a Frisbee. The next generation of DVD does not address the fragility of the disc and I suspect because they store more data in the same space the problem will be worse. The whole idea seems rather half-baked and not much of a step forward. Why not wait until we can develop a cheap solid-state technology along the lines of flash memory cards?

So far HD-DVD is in the lead with payers available and a few recorded discs, their cheaper price makes them a good bet but Blu-ray, in spite of being more expensive, has more studio support. Where the battle will be decided is clearly among the consoles with Microsoft supporting HD on the 360 and Sony supporting Blu-Ray on the playstation 3 but lets not forget that Sony has a history of failed formats (memory stick, beta-max, ATRAC). Its a tough call but my bet is on HD-DVD, mainly as players and disks will cheaper.

What do you think?

 Loading ...