HD DVD/Blue Ray: Low definition [opinion]

During the first format war, all the experts agreed that Betamax was better quality than VHS but Sony asked for royalties on every tape sold. So the content providers went with the royalty-free VHS and consumers went where the content was more plentiful. Sony lost.

Next up, the experts all agreed that Sony’s mini-disc was way better than CDs, particularly since it was re-recordable from day one, but once again, Sony wanted royalties off everyone so we all went with the CD instead. Then we forked out again to upgrade later to recordable CDs. So that was a war where no shots were fired. Sony just plain lost that one without a fight, and so did the consumers really. But, hoping for three times lucky, Sony has launched another foray, this time for the new title of king of high definition video.

Once again Sony should win, since their Blu-ray technology has double the capacity of what the opposition has available. With 50GB re-writeable discs on offer Blu-ray is very appealing to everyone with a rapidly growing database to protect, and a healthy disdain for tape-based backups. And that’s before we even decide whether Blu-ray is better to look at on the TV. The experts say it is, but getting your hands on this kit, even for review purposes is pretty difficult. Don’t even try to get your hands on high definition burners yet – from either camp – unless you like them raw, ready to bolt into your own box or server.

As far as consumers are concerned, huge digital TVs look pretty damn good in standard definition, and the TV stations are only just starting to broadcast some high definition programs. When every TV show is coming at you in HD, then the market will start to clamour for the same quality on the stuff they rent or buy to watch at home. But seriously, since most of the home market is for animated entertainment for the kiddies, how much better does Shrek III look in HD anyway?