An end to the disc wars?
Written by Ryan Garside
Tags: #bros #disc #dvd #hd #total #warner #wars
Companies: #blu-ray
Warner Bros. is set to unveil a hybrid next-generation movie disc, which will be compatible with both HD DVD players and Blu-ray players. Technology journalists worldwide are now predicting that this disc, named the Total HD disc, will become the most popular amongst the high-def craving public.
The disc wars, which have up to now been contested between a consortium supporting Blu-ray and a consortium supporting HD DVD, have been eerily similar to the war between VHS and Beta Max – with consumers not knowing which way to invest their cash. The Total HD disc, providing it offers good value for money, could solve all those problems.
One solution to the problem was creating a player that played both formats. However, it appears that option has been discarded in favour of devising a new type of disc. The move by Warner Bros. does make sense – they want as many people in the world with players capable of playing HD content buying as many movies as possible.
The idea is not an original one. Way back in April 2006 we wrote that Warner Bros. were planning on creating a disc that played both DVD and HD DVD. With that strategy failing what chance do you give this one?
At the moment it's unclear how much the discs will cost. Expect more details when the discs are officially unveiled at CES in Las Vegas next week.
Would you spend a little extra to get a disc compatible with all players? Let us know in the forums.