Toshiba's triple-layer 45GB HD-DVD

We're hoping that this doesn't mean Toshiba is backing out of discussions on unifying HD-DVD with Sony's Blu-ray disc for the next-gen disc standard, but we don't think it's necessarily a great sign for a peace accord when they've developed and announced a way to slap on a third layer to their HD-DVD disc. This, of course, enables 45GB total (that's 15GB per layer, if you weren't counting)—if Sony did the same, they'd get their discs up to 75GB, and even still, their dual-layer has a 5GB advantage. But don't worry, to make things even more complicated, Toshiba also announced a double-sided, dual-layer hybrid disc, which consists of the dual-layer 30GB HD-DVD and on opposite a dual-layer 8.7GB DVD. Jeez guys, will you lay up a little? How about focusing your attention on unity instead of this war of attrition?

[Andy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Still pulling for blu-ray, if not just because I want to be able to burn these things soon, and things get a lot trickier when you start adding more layers.

And besides, the competition is good! It's awesome they're trying to out-do each other.

[Jonathan Davis @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Don't knock this, it's a great idea.
I would love the ability to begin purchasing movies in the next format which are still compatible with my current equipment.
I agree that the market can only handle one format, but they know that too. This posturing is nothing more than that...posturing.

[Pip @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

There is no reason Blu-Ray should exist.

HD-DVD is backed by the DVD Consortium since day one. It is Divx all over again. Blu-Ray needs to die a horrible death so we can get this show on the road.

[omg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

blu-ray already has up to 8 layers and can hold up to 200GB. What is engadget smoking

[Tom @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

The release of this info isn't necessarily a sign the deal is unravelling. It could be a negotiating ploy to gain the advantage in the unification talks.

[vivek @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Personally they should join the holographic camp
http://www.engadget.com/entry/9772446245622191/
ah i feel like an engadget reporter linking to their own site... but yea.. screw gigs.. lets talk terabytes.. but eventually i think people will realize that no one wants to deal with discs scratching.. meaning i see an eventual switch to hard drives and media content being delivered through the internet pipeline.....

or they could hook up with the japanesse and make a scratch-proof disc to calm those concerns ahh here we go again.. haha
http://www.engadget.com/entry/1760191565608645/

[bazald @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Pip - Why do you think the DVD Consortium should have the right to dictate future technological standards? Both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD are backed by similar groups of companies.

[max @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

i'd prefer some competetion so i can actually buy these discs and their writers, if there is One Format To Rule Them All the prices will be dictated by the manufacturer instead of the consumer.

[boe @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Even two layer discs suffer degradation over time. 3 layers will probably mean even more issues unless they've got some better way of heaping layers. Neither Blue Laser, nor HD-DVD needs to die a terrible death. Both have advantages. They key would be combining the best of both and we(the consumer) would really benefit.

As for people who are soo concerned about being backwards compatable, when is the last time you put a DVD into your VHS, Beta or 9mm projector or a CD into your 8-track or cassette deck? I'm not going to have to move to a new apartment to handle one additional piece of equipment. Backwards copatability would be great but I'm pretty sure it isn't foretold in the book of Revelations that the end is coming if it needs a seperate device.

[ivan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

It's just a kludge. And a quite late one to add.
Let's see, a three-layered HD-DVD gives you 5GB less than a two-layered Blu-ray, right?
That's one more annoying pause when you watch a movie and five gigs less of content to boot.

So what's the point?
I agree with #4 (Tom). It's just a negotiation ploy.

I must add that an eight-layered Blu-Ray disc may never be seen outside a lab. I hope that, when the time comes for content to take as much space, the media industry had come to their senses and less medium-dependant ditribution methods should be in use.

[Richard @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

"Toshiba also announced a double-sided, dual-layer hybrid disc, which consists of the dual-layer 30GB HD-DVD and on opposite a dual-layer 8.7GB DVD."

What happened to the _real_ hybrid discs that were announced a while ago for both Blu-ray and HD-DVD? You know, the ones that had DVD formatted top layer(s) and next generation layers underneath. Double sided is a kluge, but the true hybrid is really something to get excited about.

[Cullen @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

no one will buy an 'HD-DVD'. no one. people WILL buy a bluray disc, in a heartbeat. unless they come out with a better name, im going for bluray.
they dont even use an e, thats how cool it is. i know nothing of the specs but marketing that hd shit will be a BITCH.
aych - dee - dee - vee - dee
blu - ray
:p

[Darius @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

My god... when will this crazed war stop? this format war better not end up screwing every consumer under the sun over. Ah, whatever. I'm still rooting for Blu-ray.