Final Specs for 30-GB HD DVD-Recordable Blank Due This Year
Specs should be final by year-end for a 30 GB dual- layer HD DVD-Recordable disc, sources familiar with the DVD Forum Technical Coordination Group’s (TCG) deliberations in Venice this week told Consumer Electronics Daily (CED July 7 p2).
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Preliminary studies showed the write-once 30 GB blanks exhibited the same signal characteristics as single layer 15-GB HD DVD-Rs (HD DVD-R Version 1.0) -- the only differences being the reflectivity of the recording layers and power required of the writing laser. Consequently, the TCG’s Working Group 11 (WG-11, responsible for blue laser DVD) will develop the dual-layer spec as Version 2.0. The first round-robin tests are slated to begin this month, with 7 companies evaluating 4 types of test discs, sources said.
At the Tues. meeting, WG-11 sought the TCG’s approval of supplemental information to the Part 1, Version 1.0 specs for HD DVD-Recordable and Rewritable, as well as revised optional specs for Rewritable. As usual, voting split on partisan lines, with HD DVD’s supporters carrying the day on all 3 votes by virtue of abstentions by rival Blu-ray’s backers.
In other TCG deliberations, WG-2 reported work on HD DVD’s so-called “Twin Format Disc” -- a 2-sided prerecorded hybrid with dual layer, 30-GB HD DVD content on one side and dual layer, 8.5-GB red laser DVD content on the other. By the end of Aug., WG-2 will prepare guidelines for reducing layer-crosstalk to 5% or less. Additionally, a “flag” will be specified to alert users to the discs’ 2 formats, so no matter which side is inserted in a player, the user receives an on-screen notice of the other viewing option.
In another report to the TCG, DVD-Audio’s key features will be carried over to HD DVD, according to WG-4 in charge of audio. That’s because HD DVD provided unified video and audio specs from the start, unlike DVD, where DVD-Video preceded DVD-Audio. As a result, HD DVD will include audio navigation as well as on-screen video navigation. This takes into account situations where a TV monitor isn’t available, such as in vehicles or on portable players, or where the user deliberately turns the monitor off for audio-only programming. Audio navigation will give consideration to visually impaired users, WG-4 said.