high definition dvr
 | |
| Media type | High-density optical disc |
|---|---|
| Encoding | VC-1, H.264, and MPEG-2 |
| Capacity | 15 GB (single layer) 30 GB (dual layer) |
| Read mechanism | 1× @ 36 Mbit/s & 2× @ 72 Mbit/s |
| Developed by | DVD Forum |
| Usage | Data storage, including high-definition video |
HD DVD (short for High-Definition/Density DVD) is a discontinued high-density optical disc format for storing data and high-definition video.[1] HD DVD was supported principally by Toshiba, and was envisaged to be the successor to the standard DVD format. However, in February 2008, Toshiba abandoned the format, announcing it would no longer develop or manufacture HD DVD players or drives.[1]
Since all variants except the 3× DVD employed a blue laser with a shorter wavelength, HD DVD can store about 3¼ times as much data per layer as its predecessor (maximum capacity: 15 GB per layer instead of 4.7 GB per layer).
Much like the VHS vs. Betamax format war during the late 1970s and early 1980s, HD DVD was competing with rival format Blu-ray Disc. In 2008, major content manufacturers and key retailers began withdrawing their support for the format. Toshiba's withdrawal from the format ended the high definition optical disc format war, effectively making rival Blu-ray Disc the dominant format for high definition video discs.[2] The HD DVD Promotion Group was dissolved on March 28, 2008.[3]
