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But why am I skeptical.

Patent Sought for Tri-Format DVD

hey Jack,
would you be able to copy and paste the story to the forum? The website you linked to is asking us to register to view the article.

Boy that's weird, but I think I've figured it out. To get to that story I clicked on a link in my HDTV Magazine "HDTV Today" newsletter. That took me to a web page at HDTV Magazine.com where I was instantly redirected to The L.A. Times story. I guess by going through the HDTV Magazine web site, I am registered. Regardless, when will I learn to test my links before posting. DUH!

Anyway, here ya go.

Patent Sought for Tri-Format DVD
From Reuters
September 20, 2006

A patent application has been filed for a disc that would play two competing high-definition DVD formats. If successful, the disc could help resolve a battle that has divided Hollywood and confounded consumers.

The patent application was filed by three Warner Bros. employees, two of whom are engineers for the company.

The "multilayer dual optical disk" would have one layer of data in the standard CD or DVD format, a second layer able to play one high-capacity format and a third layer for the competing high-capacity format.

Rival formats Blu-ray, which is backed by Sony Corp., and HD-DVD, supported by Toshiba Corp., both work using a blue-indigo laser beam but are not compatible with each other.

That is forcing consumers to pick one or the other, a situation that analysts predict will stifle growth for the next generation of DVDs that store more information and have better picture quality.

Hollywood studios have been choosing sides, each supporting one of the two formats. Some will produce films in both, in addition to the standard DVD format, but this will increase costs. Electronics retailers also have balked at the situation.

New Scientist magazine reported about the patent application on its website Tuesday.

Warner Bros. executives did not immediately comment.

The studio, owned by Time Warner Inc., will be the first to sell a film in all three formats separately — the high-definition formats and standard DVD — on the same day, when it releases "The Lake House," starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, on Tuesday.

Where do you find this stuff????

This whole Blu-Ray / HD-Dvd thing just gives me apoplexy. Everytime I see something about it, the bile rises. Sony has gone out on their own proprietary format binge with several things and it ends up confusing the Customer and, ultimately, costing us money that shouldn't need to be spent. I'm telllin' ya!!!!!

I still say a universal player is the best and easiest option. The studios and make whatever disks they want, the consumer can buy whatever movie they want, and you simply pop it in your player and enjoy.

I'm sure Denon (and others) will have one out within a year.

I used to be in the Blu-Ray camp, but the more I read and judging by the software that is out there, I think HD-DVD will come out ahead. Take the upcoming Superman Returns HD-DVD/DVD/Blu-Ray - The HD-DVD version will have both the HD and standard DVD format on one disk, along with all of the extras that can be found on the 2 disc DVD. Also, the HD-DVD will also feature Dolby Plus. The Blu-Ray on the other hand, will not have a DVD side and only promotes standard Dolby 5.1. I don't own either machine, but for me it is a no-brainer - I am picking up the HD-DVD version because I can still watch the DVD side and it is the same price as the standard 2 DVD set. Obviously, I would be more inclined to choose a HD-DVD machine in the future.

It looks like Blu-Ray snatch defeat from the hands of victory - they really blew it with the 5th Element. That should have been a home run, instead most people are going back to their Superbit DVDs. Let's not forget the hardware issues Blu-Ray is having as well and the fact that their cheapest player is almost twice that of the cheapest HD-DVD.

Well, here's one more piece to the puzzle

NEC Electronics ships dual-format DVD chip

We've got the discs, and the chip, but not the lens.

"Still missing from the dual player equation is optical pick-up technology to read and play back both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats."

I wouldn't count Blu-Ray out just yet, when Sony launches Playstation 3 on Nov. 17 ther will be a million Blu-Ray players in the hands of consumers.

I agree. While HD-DVD has done a better job out of the gate, the race has just begun (unfortunately ).

HD DVD all the way(for movies)I will get a ps3 for games,next year.