What is HD-DVD?
HD-DVD is a next-generation optical disc format, featuring a significant increase in storage capacity facilitating support for high definition (HD) video and audio. The HD DVD name is derived from its origination as a high-definition extension of the DVD optical disc format.
What are the Benefits of High Definition (HD)?
The introduction of high definition compatible technologies allows for full support of 720p, 1080p and 1080i HD video and establishes 7.1 audio mastering with the lossless DTS HD and Dolby TrueHD audio formats.
High definition video and audio offer an increase in clarity as less compression is required to store the data on the high capacity next-generation formats. To take advantage of HD video you will require a HD compatible television, and similarly a HD decoder for the lossless audio formats.
Will HD-DVD make DVDs obsolete?
The good news is that the HD DVD technology is backwards compatible, meaning that your current DVD library won't be made obsolete. Additionally, as with any emerging technology, there will be a significant conversion period as consumers, manufacturers and retailers slowly adopt the new formats - DVD will be around for a long while yet!
How do I Play HD-DVDs?
A HD-DVD player will be required to view HD-DVDs. HD-DVD players will feature backwards support for DVD but will not be compatible with its competitor Blu-ray.
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