Can the PS3 really play HD-DVD’s?
Posted: November, 16 2007It is common knowledge that in standard guise the PS3 is a Blu-Ray and DVD player, and does not play HD-DVD discs, as supported by major console rival the X-BOX 360. But, could new aperture settings allow the PS3 to play the rivals format?
Both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray DVD lasers have the same laser wavelength, but just read at different aperture sizes. It is not beyond scope that the PS3 could allow further changes in the aperture to cover the range required for the HD-DVD format. After all:
If a Blu-Ray laser can change aperture to read a regular DVD, then why can it not be modified to read a HD-DVD disc?
It would seem that there is a lot more to simple firmware updates to allow the PS3 to play HD-DVD discs, and although SONY do make HD-DVD players through sister company NEC, it would seem logical that they do not want to undermine their Chief in the Format war.
However, it is not beyond the capability of the PS3 to hook up to a USB HD-DVD drive, like the X-Box 360 offering, to play HD-DVD discs, but this leads to the obvious question of why would you want to? Here are a few comparison tables:
Capacity |
|||
| Blu-Ray |
HD DVD |
||
| ROM single layer:
ROM dual layer: RW single layer: RW dual layer: Highest test: Theoretical limit: |
23.3 / 25GB
46.6 / 50GB 23.3 / 25 / 27GB 46.6 / 50 / 54GB 100GB 200GB |
Single layer:
Dual layer: — — Highest test: Theoretical limit: |
15GB
30GB — — 45GB 60GB |
Codecs |
|
| Blu-Ray | HD DVD |
| MPEG-2
Microsoft Video Codec 1 (aka VC1, WMV HD, etc.) H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC |
MPEG-2
Microsoft Video Codec 1 (aka VC1, WMV HD, etc.) H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC |
Security |
|
| Blu-Ray | HD DVD |
| Mandatory HDCP encrypted output
ROM-Mark watermarking technology BD+ dynamic crypto (physical layer) Advanced Access Content System (AACS) |
Mandatory HDCP encrypted output (for HD)
Volume identifier (physical layer) Advanced Access Content System (AACS) |
Studios (movie and game) listed as supporting members |
|
| Blu-Ray | HD DVD |
| 20th Century Fox
Buena Vista Home Entertainment Electronic Arts MGM Studios Paramount Pictures Sony Pictures Entertainment The Walt Disney Company Vivendi Universal Games Warner Bros. |
Buena Vista Home Entertainment
New Line Cinema Paramount Pictures Universal Studios Warner Bros. |
Format founders |
|
| Blu-Ray | HD DVD |
| Sony Corporation
Royal Philips Electronics |
Toshiba Corporation
Hitachi Corporation |
Updated: Is it curtains for the HD-DVD format?
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I do believe that Disney only supports Blu-Ray now.
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I think Sony have the Movies pretty much sewn up now
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Nah, i think both formats will do well for a while, then one will have the edge and be the winner overall - very much like the 80’s BETAMAX / VHS battle…
BETAMAX was superior over VHS too, cept for massive tapes and top loading decks, pic quality was much better… think SONY owned them too…hmm.
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Really, two massive companies. HD DVD has most of the pr0n industry, but sony produces a ton of next gen alone. Blueray is better, HD DVD is cheaper (barely). This wont end very soon.
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I doubt very much that this is a win/lose battle - where the losing format will not see the light of day again (like BETAMAX & VHS), but a forever on going battle like plasma & LCD…….
………. Especially with Pioneer & LG creating players that support both Blueray & HD formats
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I think that Sony should for once play ball, and stop coming up with a “NEW” format or standard every time.
During the 80’s it was the Betamax, in the 90’s the mini-disk. Now for the PSP it is the UMD and the memory stick, this is also for the cameras.
With so many good standards, Sony is always bringing out a new incompatible standard so if we like to use Sony, we’ll need to buy new stuff from them. I don’t like this one bit!
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