HD-DVD will start popping it's way out within a year, and what would a new DVD format be without the industry format war. On one side, you have the blue laser people who want to use an entirely new laser that writes and reads data lines that are much finer than the current DVD format. On the other side, are those who want to utilize the current DVD format's laser combined with new compression technologies to fit more data on the current DVD format.

The blue laser format has many more companies backing it, but even they are split with two different versions of the blue laser format being tossed around.

Either format will require a new DVD player that has either a blue laser device or a compression-decoding chip.

The Blue Laser
Using a blue laser to fit more information and the same size DVD disc offers an excellent approach in fitting the extra data HDTV video requires. Expanding the amount of data that can fit on a DVD is essential to securing the DVD format a long lasting future.

The main problem is that in using a finer laser to write narrower data lines on a DVD means that sensitivity to scratches, dust, and general handling becomes more of an issue. DVD in its current red-laser format is already sensitive to dust and scratches. Many would argue that the current DVD format is too sensitive.

Imagine a DVD format 10 times more sensitive than the current DVD format, and the disadvantages to the blue-laser format became strikingly apparent. There's nothing like tossing out a $20-$30 movie because of one tiny scratch stops the movie from playing correctly. The blue laser formats may require DVDs to be incased a closed floppy disc type enclosure.

Using The Current Format With A New Compression Format
The benefit of using a "super" DVD format wherein better compression technologies are utilized to fit more data on the current DVD format is a "win win" situation for business and consumers alike.

Using the same DVDs and writers would allow DVD production facilities to instantly create the "super" DVD format, and consumers would have the benefit of using the CD-like form factor they're used too, with the same durability.

While this "super" DVD format would require a new DVD player with the appropriate HD-DVD compression decoder, adding a decoder to existing DVD player model shouldn't be anywhere near as involved or costly compared to adding a new blue laser device.

Most companies are no doubt backing the blue laser format so they can come out with new high-end DVD players to bring profit margins back. With cheap DVD players now completely capable of displaying DVD in its full glory (or good enough for most consumers), manufactures want to make some more money again.

Using the current DVD format with a new compression format is the best way to go, and hopefully the blue-laser format will be DOA.

Not All Compression Is Made Equal
For compression geeks out there, it's worth mentioning that not all compression is made equal. The current DVD format is based of the M-PEG 2 compression format which almost a decade old. The M-PEG 4 format, which is one of the likely compression codecs to be used, offers much more efficient compression that allows higher quality video at much smaller file sizes.

More compression does equal less quality only if you're using the same compression format. Once you use a new (and better) compression technology, the bar is raised in terms of quality versus file size.

Is The Image Worth It?
The simple truth is that the current DVD format can be very high-def looking when using an HDTV and progressive scan DVD player. HDTV does offer much more resolution than DVD, and bests DVD with the appearance of small details. For objects that are mid-sized and larger, DVDs current compression format does just fine, even for videophiles.

For the general consumer who might not have a large HDTV monitor, the difference in quality from DVD and HD-DVD may not be as apparent. A format war will only hinder what at first will only be adopted by videophiles. If a HD-DVD format is to be successful it will have to launch with one format that offers the same user interface and form the current DVD has.

Will Consumers Bite?
Consumers will not stand for a completely new DVD format since the current DVD format is perceived as an already perfect format. Look at DVD-A and SACD, both offer much higher resolution audio than CDs, but the general perception of the CDs perfection has stopped the adoption of DVD-A and SACD in its tracks. If you don't know what SACD or DVD-A is, consider the point made.

The Future
The general consumer need not worry, as any HD-DVD player will most likely be able to play the current DVD format as well. Since the current DVD format is near high-def quality, the transition for consumers to an HD-DVD format will likely be slow. Another hindrance to the HD-DVD format is the DVD movie libraries consumers have begun to collect. While DVD's video quality is leaps and bounds ahead of the VCR, DVD still keeps its composure compared to HDTV.

Will HD-DVD be the future of the DVD format? Most likely, but it's adoption won't happen nearly as fast as the current DVD format. The good news is that HDTV recording will most likely become a viable feature with HD-DVD players.

Even better is that maybe HDTV quality video may finally start making greater inroads into peoples homes as HDTV programming is severely lacking.

In any case, the consumer's willingness to accept the HD-DVD format will soon be tested.

For more information about the format wars of HD-DVD check out the following web sites:

• www.dvdsite.org
• www.hddvd.org