Next Generation DVD Authoring: Why Blu-ray Disc is Better Than HD DVD

Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD Uncovered

In the coming months there will be contentious debate about which format is better, HD DVD or Blu-ray Disc (BD). There are some clear technical advantages BD has over HD DVD such as higher capacity (50GB for BD v. 30GB for HD DVD) and higher data rates (50mbps for BD v. 31mbps for HD DVD.) These are no small factors when you consider the file sizes and data throughput required to display 1080p HD video.

Both formats have had a rough start, but as more players start rolling out, and authoring and production work flows start to settle, the formats will be on more even ground for true comparisons, not based on first-generation players and problematic software issues.

The marketing machines are already kicking into high gear and the winner and of this format battle may be determined by hype, not technical merit. That's coming from the consumer's perspective, but which format could prove best from the perspective of next-generation DVD authors?

Once again I have to give the nod to Blu-ray Disc. There are basic technology aspects as stated above, but from an authoring standpoint, there are advantages to working with BD over HD DVD. Granted there are not currently a lot of authoring tools available. With the exception of Sonic Solutions, there are not any HD DVD/BD authoring applications on the market as of July 2006. That's bound to change in the next 6-12 months, but for now, most HD DVD and BD titles are being hand jammed, a process more akin to software development than DVD authoring. When fully implemented authoring programs do become available, it will soon become clear why BD is better.