Why Intel is supporting HD DVD

**bruceames** · 07-17-2006, 08:36 PM

I copied this post from the AVS board. Here Intel discusses what I believe are very compelling reasons to support HD DVD.

"I don't think this has been posted after a brief search. My buddy works for intel and in their last employee communication they posted an article on why Intel is backing HD DVD. I find it interesting:

Employee Communications
July 19, 2006

High-definition digital video-which solution is best? The debates
continue, with proponents of both Blu-ray and HD DVD arguing
vociferously for their respective standards and solutions. It's clearly
important to consumers to settle on a single standard, and Intel came
forward early on with support for HD DVD. We asked Steve Balogh,
director, Content Protection Entities, and Keith Rowe, initiatives
manager, Digital Home Content and Services Group, to tell us why. Here's
their response.

(name has been removed), Employee Communications

________________________________

To understand why Intel supports the HD DVD standard, you need to look
at our business model. Think of the entire ecosystem from customer to
silicon producer. Intel's business is selling more platforms.

We are not supporting HD DVD just for the sake of picking a format.
Having the next generation of DVD technology out there is in our best
interests, and we think HD DVD has the best chance of being successful.
It is the standard most compatible with previous formats, relies on
established materials and manufacturing processes, and provides the most
features for consumers.

When audio recording changed from analog tape format to digital compact
disk, owners had a strong incentive to upgrade. Many replaced large
portions of their existing audio libraries because of the extreme
difference in quality. Reliability was also a factor in driving the
content upgrade. Audio tapes break, and there is a perception that CDs
and DVDs last forever. In fact, they don't-they will deteriorate, but
they do last much longer than audio tape.

We don't think the same incentives exist for consumers to upgrade their
video collections from DVD to either of the high-definition standards.
This means that consumers' preference is going to be for a device that
will accommodate their older media as well as new purchases. HD DVD has
a strong edge in this regard.

Both Blu-ray and HD DVD use blue laser rather than red. Blue laser has a
shorter wave length, and that means that bits of data can be stored in
less space on the media. Without getting too technical, one difference
in the two standards is the depth at which the laser reads and writes
information. In HD DVD, the depth is 0.6 mm, the same as for traditional
DVD drives. In Blu-ray, the laser reads and writes at 0.1 mm. This
difference means that Blu-ray can store more bits of data on the same
media.

But the shallower depth of the data also means that disks manufactured
to Blu-ray specifications are more susceptible to read errors from
scratches, dust, or fingerprints. The Blu-ray specification has
addressed this by using different materials for the disks, but this
requires a complete change in manufacturing processes.

Traditional CDs and DVDs are manufactured of aluminum and plastic with a
spin coat on top. This process has a high yield in manufacturing. HD DVD
uses this same manufacturing process. To counter potential reliability
problems with data stored only 0.1 mm below the surface of the
substrate, Blu-ray uses a film technique similar to that used in silicon
manufacture, adding a hard coat on top of a film similar to cellophane
(but of higher quality). The different materials mean that producing a
Blu-ray disk with reliability comparable to an HD DVD disk can add up to
35 percent to the cost of the disk.

CDs, DVDs, and HD DVDs are all the same size, both in circumference and
in depth. This allows them to use the same loading mechanisms. A single
physical drive can potentially accommodate all three media.

A lot has been made of the extra capacity of the Blu-ray format
standard, 25 GB per single-surface disk compared to 15 GB for a
single-surface HD DVD. But both formats support the data density
required for high-definition video, and we think the lower cost and
easier backward compatibility of the HD DVD make it a natural choice for
the consumer.

HD DVD opens up a world of new possibilities for consumers. While HD DVD
does offer the obvious high-fidelity video and audio experience (with
video resolutions of up to 1080p), it also offers a whole new set of
interactive features allowing for enhanced content, navigation, and more
for HD DVD movies. For example, only HD DVD mandates advanced
picture-in-picture capability, where other video, such as a director's
commentary, can play on top of the movie. HD DVD also includes
networking functionality, which opens up possibilities including
downloading new trailers or updates from the Internet. Additionally, HD
DVD offers a "future-proof" hybrid disc option to consumers, ensuring
that the HD DVD discs they buy today will work in both their new HD DVD
players as well as their existing DVD players.

Furthermore, future versions of HD DVD will allow for legitimate
electronic copies of movies to be made to PCs or storage media, or even
transferred to handheld devices. Managed copy will be a feature within
the copy-protection system for both HD DVD and Blu-ray that gives
consumers the freedom to make copies of their discs to a hard drive or
home server, including Intel(r) Viiv(tm) technology-based PCs, and
potentially enjoy them in every room of the house over their home
networks.

Given the extensive consumer features, lower price point, PC and
consumer electronics capabilities, and manufacturability of HD DVD,
Intel believes this format best addresses the expectations consumers
will have with high-definition digital video."

hmurchison · 07-18-2006, 04:34 PM

Interesting. Microsoft and Intel obviously did not like the idea of Blu-Ray being locked down as much. They need to sell more computer product so it's clear why they chose HD DVD which has the least amount of DRM.

rudyusmc1980 · 07-18-2006, 06:03 PM

that letter should be used as advertising copy. very well written.

Cygnus · 07-19-2006, 10:10 AM

There is also a podcast of amir from M$ talking about why they went with HD-DVD. The podcast is at http://www.majornelson.com

SportsHDnut · 09-18-2007, 09:57 PM

Good to know... glad I have a HD DVD Player and not the BluRay yet.

junehhan · 09-19-2007, 05:23 AM

A very good article that basically sums up why I am such a big HD-DVD supporter. With BD, the least they could have done was finalized the specs but they arn't finalized even today. It will be simply unexcusable how current BDP's will be unable to enjoy some of the new interactive features once BD movies start to utilize them. Even more inexcusable is that while HD-DVD players feature the full array of necessary HD audio decoders built onboard, the same cannot be said for BDP's although that is now changing with the Panasonic and the PS3 which may be the most capable BDP on the market still.

Nikopol · 09-19-2007, 05:33 AM

Quote:

It is the standard most compatible with previous formats, relies on
established materials and manufacturing processes, and provides the most
features for consumers.

When audio recording changed from analog tape format to digital compact
disk, owners had a strong incentive to upgrade. Many replaced large
portions of their existing audio libraries because of the extreme
difference in quality. Reliability was also a factor in driving the
content upgrade. Audio tapes break, and there is a perception that CDs
and DVDs last forever. In fact, they don't-they will deteriorate, but
they do last much longer than audio tape.

We don't think the same incentives exist for consumers to upgrade their
video collections from DVD to either of the high-definition standards.
This means that consumers' preference is going to be for a device that
will accommodate their older media as well as new purchases. HD DVD has
a strong edge in this regard.

Interestingly they also see HD DVD's "evolutional" approach as an important factor for the success of the format.

Quote:

Furthermore, future versions of HD DVD will allow for legitimate electronic copies of movies to be made to PCs or storage media, or even transferred to handheld devices. Managed copy will be a feature within the copy-protection system for both HD DVD and Blu-ray that gives consumers the freedom to make copies of their discs to a hard drive or home server, including Intel(r) Viiv(tm) technology-based PCs, and potentially enjoy them in every room of the house over their home
networks.

Well, that makes perfect sense for companies selling software (Microsoft) and hardware (Intel) for pc.

fmw · 09-19-2007, 05:58 AM

Yes, but all of that is gibberish to a typical consumer. They will be guided by price, compatibility and performance (defined any way you like.) It is a marketing thing, I'm afraid, and not a technological one. I'm pretty sure that HD discs will sell meaningfully when they are priced like SD discs and can play in a player that costs no more than an SD player. First one there wins it regardless of the technology.

DSNY FN · 09-19-2007, 07:18 AM

Intel to support BR now also.

http://www.edn.com/index.asp?layout=...leid=CA6479670

fmw · 09-19-2007, 07:40 AM

It's like politicians, isn't it? What they say and what they do are two different things.

**PFC5** · 09-19-2007, 10:55 AM

Like that article at the end states, I think Intel supporting both in the chipset coming 2Q 2008 is a sign that both formats are here to stay.

DSNY FN · 09-19-2007, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

Like that article at the end states, I think Intel supporting both in the chipset coming 2Q 2008 is a sign that both formats are here to stay.

The kids at blurry.com all seem to think it is the begining of the end for HD DVD because of this LOL.

Stew4HD · 09-19-2007, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSNY FN

The kids at blurry.com all seem to think it is the begining of the end for HD DVD because of this LOL.

Oh, no it really IS the beginning of the end for HD DVD? Finally, the end has begun... LOL.. don't they say that when ever there is the slightest info that seems to favor BD?

DSNY FN · 09-19-2007, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stew4HD

Oh, no it really IS the beginning of the end for HD DVD? Finally, the end has begun... LOL.. don't they say that when ever there is the slightest info that seems to favor BD?

Ya anytime they read anything that is posative towards BLurry they cheer from the rooftops and anytime there is any negative press the sky is falling LOL...

Lee Stewart · 09-19-2007, 03:08 PM

What is an INTEL "mobil platform"?

07-17-2006, 08:36 PM	#1
bruceames Super Moderator Join Date: May 2006 Location: Novato, CA Posts: 11,026	Why Intel is supporting HD DVD I copied this post from the AVS board. Here Intel discusses what I believe are very compelling reasons to support HD DVD. "I don't think this has been posted after a brief search. My buddy works for intel and in their last employee communication they posted an article on why Intel is backing HD DVD. I find it interesting: Employee Communications July 19, 2006 High-definition digital video-which solution is best? The debates continue, with proponents of both Blu-ray and HD DVD arguing vociferously for their respective standards and solutions. It's clearly important to consumers to settle on a single standard, and Intel came forward early on with support for HD DVD. We asked Steve Balogh, director, Content Protection Entities, and Keith Rowe, initiatives manager, Digital Home Content and Services Group, to tell us why. Here's their response. (name has been removed), Employee Communications ________________________________ To understand why Intel supports the HD DVD standard, you need to look at our business model. Think of the entire ecosystem from customer to silicon producer. Intel's business is selling more platforms. We are not supporting HD DVD just for the sake of picking a format. Having the next generation of DVD technology out there is in our best interests, and we think HD DVD has the best chance of being successful. It is the standard most compatible with previous formats, relies on established materials and manufacturing processes, and provides the most features for consumers. When audio recording changed from analog tape format to digital compact disk, owners had a strong incentive to upgrade. Many replaced large portions of their existing audio libraries because of the extreme difference in quality. Reliability was also a factor in driving the content upgrade. Audio tapes break, and there is a perception that CDs and DVDs last forever. In fact, they don't-they will deteriorate, but they do last much longer than audio tape. We don't think the same incentives exist for consumers to upgrade their video collections from DVD to either of the high-definition standards. This means that consumers' preference is going to be for a device that will accommodate their older media as well as new purchases. HD DVD has a strong edge in this regard. Both Blu-ray and HD DVD use blue laser rather than red. Blue laser has a shorter wave length, and that means that bits of data can be stored in less space on the media. Without getting too technical, one difference in the two standards is the depth at which the laser reads and writes information. In HD DVD, the depth is 0.6 mm, the same as for traditional DVD drives. In Blu-ray, the laser reads and writes at 0.1 mm. This difference means that Blu-ray can store more bits of data on the same media. But the shallower depth of the data also means that disks manufactured to Blu-ray specifications are more susceptible to read errors from scratches, dust, or fingerprints. The Blu-ray specification has addressed this by using different materials for the disks, but this requires a complete change in manufacturing processes. Traditional CDs and DVDs are manufactured of aluminum and plastic with a spin coat on top. This process has a high yield in manufacturing. HD DVD uses this same manufacturing process. To counter potential reliability problems with data stored only 0.1 mm below the surface of the substrate, Blu-ray uses a film technique similar to that used in silicon manufacture, adding a hard coat on top of a film similar to cellophane (but of higher quality). The different materials mean that producing a Blu-ray disk with reliability comparable to an HD DVD disk can add up to 35 percent to the cost of the disk. CDs, DVDs, and HD DVDs are all the same size, both in circumference and in depth. This allows them to use the same loading mechanisms. A single physical drive can potentially accommodate all three media. A lot has been made of the extra capacity of the Blu-ray format standard, 25 GB per single-surface disk compared to 15 GB for a single-surface HD DVD. But both formats support the data density required for high-definition video, and we think the lower cost and easier backward compatibility of the HD DVD make it a natural choice for the consumer. HD DVD opens up a world of new possibilities for consumers. While HD DVD does offer the obvious high-fidelity video and audio experience (with video resolutions of up to 1080p), it also offers a whole new set of interactive features allowing for enhanced content, navigation, and more for HD DVD movies. For example, only HD DVD mandates advanced picture-in-picture capability, where other video, such as a director's commentary, can play on top of the movie. HD DVD also includes networking functionality, which opens up possibilities including downloading new trailers or updates from the Internet. Additionally, HD DVD offers a "future-proof" hybrid disc option to consumers, ensuring that the HD DVD discs they buy today will work in both their new HD DVD players as well as their existing DVD players. Furthermore, future versions of HD DVD will allow for legitimate electronic copies of movies to be made to PCs or storage media, or even transferred to handheld devices. Managed copy will be a feature within the copy-protection system for both HD DVD and Blu-ray that gives consumers the freedom to make copies of their discs to a hard drive or home server, including Intel(r) Viiv(tm) technology-based PCs, and potentially enjoy them in every room of the house over their home networks. Given the extensive consumer features, lower price point, PC and consumer electronics capabilities, and manufacturability of HD DVD, Intel believes this format best addresses the expectations consumers will have with high-definition digital video."

09-18-2007, 09:57 PM	#5
SportsHDnut High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 83	Good to know... glad I have a HD DVD Player and not the BluRay yet. __________________ Sony 50" (KDF-50E3000) Denon AVR-2307CI Receiver B&W Floor, Center and Surround Speakers HR20 DTV Receiver Boston 12" Sub Both HD-DVD and BluRay... I just love the movies

09-19-2007, 05:23 AM	#6
junehhan High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2006 Age: 29 Posts: 6,107	A very good article that basically sums up why I am such a big HD-DVD supporter. With BD, the least they could have done was finalized the specs but they arn't finalized even today. It will be simply unexcusable how current BDP's will be unable to enjoy some of the new interactive features once BD movies start to utilize them. Even more inexcusable is that while HD-DVD players feature the full array of necessary HD audio decoders built onboard, the same cannot be said for BDP's although that is now changing with the Panasonic and the PS3 which may be the most capable BDP on the market still. __________________ X360 Gamertag junehhan Microsoft X360 HD-DVD add-on Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD player -Klipsch RSW10 Subwoofer -Pioneer VSX1016TXVK reciever -Klipsch Synergy Quintet III 5 channel speakers AIM: jhhan80 HD-DVD's: Loving it! BD's: Coming Next Year? Everyone wants to live at the expense of the state, they forget that the state lives at the expense of everyone - Frederich Bastiat, 1848

09-19-2007, 07:18 AM	#9
DSNY FN High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: London Ont Canada Age: 41 Posts: 2,272	Intel to support BR now also. http://www.edn.com/index.asp?layout=...leid=CA6479670 __________________ HD IS THE ONLY WAY Bedroom setup Viewsonic N2752w Xpressvue 6100 Toshiba HD A2 Harmony 520 Livingroom setup Samsung HL-S5687WX Toshiba HD-DVD XA2 Xpressvue HD PVR Denon 3801 PSB Full surround Harmony 880 Nintendo GC Nintendo Wii (this console rocks) Mario Kart Wii friend code 4768-8283-5991

09-19-2007, 10:55 AM	#11
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 34,082	Like that article at the end states, I think Intel supporting both in the chipset coming 2Q 2008 is a sign that both formats are here to stay. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier PSN: PFC5

07-18-2006, 04:34 PM	#2
hmurchison High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 162	Interesting. Microsoft and Intel obviously did not like the idea of Blu-Ray being locked down as much. They need to sell more computer product so it's clear why they chose HD DVD which has the least amount of DRM.

07-18-2006, 06:03 PM	#3
rudyusmc1980 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: McAllen, TX Posts: 711	that letter should be used as advertising copy. very well written.

07-19-2006, 10:10 AM	#4
Cygnus The Bringer of Balance Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 7,899	There is also a podcast of amir from M$ talking about why they went with HD-DVD. The podcast is at http://www.majornelson.com

09-19-2007, 05:58 AM	#8
fmw High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 947	Yes, but all of that is gibberish to a typical consumer. They will be guided by price, compatibility and performance (defined any way you like.) It is a marketing thing, I'm afraid, and not a technological one. I'm pretty sure that HD discs will sell meaningfully when they are priced like SD discs and can play in a player that costs no more than an SD player. First one there wins it regardless of the technology.

09-19-2007, 07:40 AM	#10
fmw High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 947	It's like politicians, isn't it? What they say and what they do are two different things.

09-19-2007, 03:08 PM	#15
Lee Stewart Behold - the future! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 27,001	What is an INTEL "mobil platform"?

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