HD-DVD is a high-density optical, which allows for large amount of data to be stored on a single disc. A violet-blue laser makes it possible to store up to 3½ times the amount of data of a regular DVD (digital video disc). A dual layer HD-DVD holds up to 30 GB (gigabytes) of any type of data while a dual layer Blu-ray Disc can hold up to 50 GB. Although no HD-DVD movies have been released supporting this disc specification, a triple layer disc has been approved, which holds up to 51 GB. The laser uses a shorter wavelength (405nm) than that used for standard DVD (650nm).

Currently, HD-DVD is supported by Toshiba, HP, Microsoft, Acer, Sanyom Intel and Asus. Supporting studios include Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures (includes DreamWorks Pictures), The Weinstein Company and First Look Studios. EMI and Universal Music Group represent the support in the music industry.

Currently, HD-DVD is used for storage of data and high-definition video.

In order to play HD-DVD discs you need an HD-DVD player, an HD-DVD disc drive or an Xbox 360 video game console with an optional HD-DVD drive. Most Blu-ray Disc players are backwards compatible and will play both CD and DVD video and audio content.

The video resolution of an HD-DVD video is 1920x1080 pixels (also known as 1080p), compared to regular DVDs with a video resolution of 720x480 pixels. In order to take advantage of the HD-DVD format, an HDTV is required.

Requirements

To play an HD-DVD movie you need, as a minimum:
- An HD-DVD player
- An HDTV (with component (Y/Pb/Pr), HDMI or DVI input)

Suggested components:
- An HDTV with 1080p resolution
- HDMI cable for optimal video and audio quality
- Home theatre surround system with 5.1 channels (1 centre, 2 front, 2 back and 1 subwoofer) (via optical digital cable or HDMI cable)

Region codes

Unlike DVDs and Blu-ray movies, HD-DVDs are not region encoded. This means that you can play HD-DVD movies from anywhere in world on any HD-DVD player.

HD-DVD & DVD Combo

Many studios offer HD-DVD & DVD Combo titles. These titles are one disc, but one side is an HD-DVD while the other is a standard DVD. You may not have an HD-DVD player yet, but this will allow you to future-proof your DVD collection if you wish to upgrade to HD-DVD later on. Be aware that the DVD side of the disc is still region encoded and will not play on your DVD or HD-DVD player unless it is compatible with that region or unlocked to play any region.

Firmware updates

HD-DVD players have the ability to be updated with firmwares upgrades. These updates are required for interactive features and may also solve certain compatability issues with a number of movies.

If you are experiencing problems playing an HD-DVD disc, make sure you have the latest firmware installed for your player. Updates are available on the manufacturer’s website as a download or through your HD-DVD player when connected to the Internet with an Ethernet cable.

HD-DVD features

Storage Capacity

HD-DVD has a storage capacity of up to 51 GB. A single layer HD-DVD holds 15 GB, a dual layer holds 30 GB and in November 2007, a 51 GB triple layer HD-DVD was approved by the DVD Forum.

Video

All HD-DVD movies have a 1080p resolution (1920 pixels by 1080 pixels) and are presented in widescreen (16x9 screen ratio). HD-DVD players are able to output at the highest resolution of your HDTV (720p, 1080i or 1080p), and upscale extra features content, which most often is regular DVD resolution (420p).

Supported video codes: MPEG-4 AVC, VC-1 and MPEG-2

Audio

While most HD-DVD movies offer high quality surround sound in 5.1 channels, many HD-DVD movies now include optional surrounds features such as DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD and 7.1+ channel surround. Extra features are usually not available in surround sound.

Supported audio codes: Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution, Linear PCM, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Special Features

The storage capacity of an HD-DVD let studios put more additional content on discs than regular DVDs such as behind-the-scenes featurettes, audio commentaries, artwork, making-of featurettes, HD trailers and more.

Interactive Content

Unlike standard DVDs that use pre-rendered MPEG segments, HD-DVDs use the HDi Interactive Format, which is based on web technologies such as HTML, XML, CSS and Javascript. This allows for better graphics, smoother animation and accessing of menus during playback.

Packaging

HD-DVD movies come in a new packaging, which is smaller than the standard DVD packaging. The smaller covers along with increased storage capacity, which generally fits the movie as well as the extra material onto one disc, means that most Blu-ray Disc titles are around 100 grams. This gives you a lower shipping cost than for the same movie on standard DVD.

Click here for a complete list of our HD-DVD titles.

FAQ

Do I need an HDTV to watch HD-DVD movies?

Yes, as a minimum you need an HDTV with 720p or 1080p resolution as well as component, HDMI or DVI input to watch an HD-DVD movie.

Can I play standard DVDs on my HD-DVD player?

Yes, your HD-DVD is backwards compatible and will play any DVD. DVD movies have a lower resolution than HD-DVDs, which means that most HD-DVD players are able to upscale the DVD to 720p or 1080i (interlaced) resolution. Upscaling means that the HD-DVD player will create new lines of pixels by copying the surrounding pixels to match the resolution of your TV. DVD movies will not be presented in full HD resolution.

Are all HD-DVD titles in widescreen?

HD-DVD movies are presented in original theatrical aspects. Most movies are shown in widescreen aspect ratio (16x9), which will fill up the entire screen of your HDTV. You may experience that some movies have black bars at the top and bottom of your screen, which is normal. Most extra material on HD-DVDs is presented in full screen aspect ratio (4x3) and will have black bars on the sides.

When I watch the extra material it looks blurry. Why?

This is quite normal. Most extra material is standard DVD resolution (420p), which means the video is upscaled to match the resolution of your HDTV.

I bought an HD-DVD movie on your site, but I cannot play it. Why?

Make sure you have an HD-DVD-compatible player, and that you have updated to the latest firmware.

I cannot play many of my DVDs on my new HD-DVD player, I thought it was backwards compatible?

It is, but DVDs are not region free, which means that you will not be able to play North American DVDs on your European HD-DVD player and vice versa. The DVD side of a HD-DVD & DVD Combo disc is region encoded while the HD-DVD is still region free.

Why can I not play an HD-DVD disc I bought from you?

You may need the latest firmware to play the disc. Check the manufacturer’s website on how to download and install the latest firmware on your HD-DVD player.

Another issue may be a “dirty disc”. This can be solved by wiping the disc with a wet paper tissue. Don’t forget to let the disc dyr before you insert it into your HD-DVD player.

Will my Xbox360 play HD-DVDs?

No, not out of the box. In order to play HD-DVDs, you need to purchase an external HD-DVD drive for your Xbox360. This will allow you to enjoy movies in full HD on your HDTV.

Article #1042

 

Rate This Article:  

Average rating: 4.67 out of 5 (3 Votes )

•  

comment on this entry

Your Name:
Your email address:
Your comments:

Please enter the characters you're reading in the image