Specifications for HD DVD

Lee Stewart · 07-30-2007, 03:26 PM

This is the 73 page ratified specifications for HD DVD. All the answers as to what the format is capable of are here in this PDF. It comes directly from the DVD Forum:

http://www.dvdforum.org/images/Requi...n-July2005.pdf

GLOW · 07-30-2007, 03:32 PM

So what does it say about players decoding DTS-HD MA and outputting 1080p/24?

I ask this BECAUSE NO HD DVD PLAYERS CAN DO THIS even though many BD players can (24p). Why is HD DVD so far behind the competition?

Also, why is the only big HD DVD exclusive studio using lossy audio on 99.9% of its titles? We might as well all be using those crappy HD DVD add-ons if we're going to be listening to lossy soundtracks.

Lee Stewart · 07-30-2007, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GLOW

So what does it say about players decoding DTS-HD MA and outputting 1080p/24?

I ask this BECAUSE NO HD DVD PLAYERS CAN DO THIS even though many BD players can (24p). Why is HD DVD so far behind the competition?

Also, why is the only big HD DVD exclusive studio using lossy audio on 99.9% of its titles? We might as well all be using those crappy HD DVD add-ons if we're going to be listening to lossy soundtracks.

If what you say is true - then that means HD DVD players are using the Broadcom 7440 SoC which does not support DTS-MA (among many others).

Nothing to do with the specs. If Toshiba started buying the SIGMA 8634 - HD DVD would have DTS-MA.

I will start a thread on this audio issue. I do have enough info now and we can always add to it.

Stew4HD · 07-30-2007, 03:49 PM

Why not also do a poll to ask how important lossless is to everyone. I must be the only here that thinks DTS sounds just fine as does DD+. The few lossless tracks I have listened to haven't been mindblowing. Like I said, it must be just me.

mshulman · 07-30-2007, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stew4HD

Why not also do a poll to ask how important lossless is to everyone. I must be the only here that thinks DTS sounds just fine as does DD+. The few lossless tracks I have listened to haven't been mindblowing. Like I said, it must be just me.

I agree. I'm not sure I've ever heard lossless audio, but I'm also not sure I could tell the difference. It could simply be I don't know what I'm missing, but then again, MP3's sound pretty darn good to me as well.

Stew4HD · 07-30-2007, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshulman

I agree. I'm not sure I've ever heard lossless audio, but I'm also not sure I could tell the difference. It could simply be I don't know what I'm missing, but then again, MP3's sound pretty darn good to me as well.

Yeah, me too.Maybe it is our old ears after too many rock concerts, tuning open heddered motors and such.

I am listening to MP3 now on my iPod and sounds just fine to me.

hmurchison · 07-30-2007, 04:32 PM

This is actually the pdf that solidified my choice in HD DVD. When everyone was crowing about 50GB discs I was poring over this pdf and finding a lot of enticing nuggets of info.

Notable stuff:

Quote:

4.2.1 Viewer’s Wish List
Items in main video are visually highlighted programmatically during playback and may be activated by the
user. The highlights match the image in the video and are synchronized with the video. When the user
activates the highlight it is stored in persistent memory for later access. In addition, the activation may later
link to an e-commerce site for product purchase.

Taking product placement to new vistas never before imagined

Quote:

4.4.1 Streamed audio from network
An alternative audio stream is streamed over the network and synchronized frame accurately to the primary
video. The user has the ability to switch between the streamed audio and the other audio streams that reside
on the disc.

4.4.2 New commentary alert
While the movie is playing an on-screen message appears alerting the user of a new director’s commentary
that is available. The director’s commentary audio stream is streamed over the network and mixed with the
main audio stream according to provided metadata (e.g. stereo director’s commentary is mapped to the left
and right channels). The resultant composite audio stream is synchronized with the primary video.
• Additionally, the alert could be an audible sound instead of visual.

4.4.3 Home network audio
An alternate audio stream (e.g. director’s commentary) which has been previously downloaded and cached on
the user’s home network is listed on the audio menu along with all of the on-disc audio streams. When
selected, the commentary is synchronized with the primary video and automatically mixed according to
provided metadata.
• The user can toggle between the cached audio stream and the disc based audio streams via the
remote control without interrupting the video.

Is it now clear why mandatory networking is HUGE for HD DVD? New content ...new content...new content!

Quote:

4.5.2 PIP transition
While watching a bonus video overlaid as PIP on the feature film, the user presses a remote control button to
transition the PIP to become full screen and the feature film to become PIP.
• The PIP video can reside on the disc, home network server, other local cache, or internet server.

4.5.4 Multiple PIP videos
When the user selects the "multi-scene" mode from a menu interface the user is presented with other scenes
(behind the scenes, storyboards) that can be viewed in two PIP windows while the movie continues to play.
The user can highlight each PIP window individually and resize it on the fly.

We haven't seen these PiP features now have we?

Quote:

4.8.1 Seamless presentation and notification of updated content
Upon start of playing a disc, the disc automatically determines if additional content is available in the local
cache (hard drive), on the home network or on the internet and then either (1) notifies the user such
additional content is available (via button, or overlay graphic), or (2) seamlessly presents the additional content
as if it was authored onto the DVD itself.

People often ask why companies would get into HD DVD. Well there's a lot more stuff to tap into. We haven't seen a truly high end player that can show what this platform is capable of.

Quote:

4.9.2 Disc-based synchronized event
While connected to the internet the user creates or joins an event that automatically synchronizes the playback
of the movie in each user’s player. If the user joins the event prior to the event starting, a timer graphic
appears that indicates the amount of time until the event starts (a similar timer graphic could be displayed
during the event indicating time remaining). While the movie plays back various events that may take place
include:
• Chat event in which each user can post and read messages.
• Streaming director’s commentary while movie plays.
• Network based interactive challenge.

Yes it's nerdy but kind of cool being able to view a movie as an online community. Star Trek, Star Wars, Harry Potter fans unite!

Quote:

4.11.12 Profile-based playback
Parents want limited control access for their child. The parents create a user profile for the child and set the
player to that particular profile. The player stays in the child’s profile until it is actively changed. When the
child inserts the disc the subsequent options shown are based on that profile (e.g. does not show audio setup,
online content, etc).

Nice. K.I.S.S for the kids

There's more in this pdf and if you slog through it you'll understand why at least "I" think that claims of Blu-ray superiority are bunk. Unless someone wants to link the BD specifications and we'll go through it as well.

**PFC5** · 07-30-2007, 05:10 PM

I agree that the HD DVD specs were better thought out and they took the time to think of just about everything. I do think that the BD spec was definately rushed which is WHY they have had to go with multiple hardware profiles.

chrpai · 07-30-2007, 05:17 PM

I don't give a shit about lossless sound, then again I'm just fine with DD 5.1 via HTIB. I think the last dedicated sound card I bought was an SB Live ( maybe bought an Eax one also ) and I've used integrated sound ever since.

Btw, compared to an analog soundwave, how can *anything* digital truely be considered lossless?

Stew4HD · 07-30-2007, 05:39 PM

Excellent info all around guys, thanks! Yes, I am happy knowing that I am backing a very nicely featured format.

Lee Stewart · 07-30-2007, 06:43 PM

Sorry guys . . no BD specs . . they cost $500!

Quote:

The format specifications are available for review by potential licensees on an Information Agreement basis.

Specification disclosure is expected to further accelerate the understanding of Blu-ray Disc products and applications. More information about Information Agreement is available on the Blu-ray Disc licensing web site: http://www.blu-raydisc.info/

http://www.blu-raydisc.info/spec_books/only_study.shtml

Mark Allen · 08-05-2007, 01:22 PM

If any of you want to hear good lossless audio go to any D-Cinema presentation at a theater with a decent sound system. All D-Cinema stuff is lossless.

Mark

dels28 · 08-05-2007, 01:33 PM

You could also buy a PS3 and cheap receiver like the Onkyo 604 and listen to an awesome PCM track on a myriad of movies. I haven't been to that many concerts and am still relatively young enough to hear the difference, lossless audio is the way to go for HD material.

The_Omega_Man · 08-07-2007, 02:08 AM

Counter post to Lee's BluRay thread info.

http://www.emedialive.com/articles/r...rticleid=11629

Scoob · 09-21-2007, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GLOW

I ask this BECAUSE NO HD DVD PLAYERS CAN DO THIS even though many BD players can (24p). Why is HD DVD so far behind the competition?

Lately there is a lot of buzz about 24p. What percentage of displays accept 24p? (Not being sarcastic, I really don't know)

07-30-2007, 03:26 PM	#1
Lee Stewart Behold - the future! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Age: 58 Posts: 25,188	Specifications for HD DVD This is the 73 page ratified specifications for HD DVD. All the answers as to what the format is capable of are here in this PDF. It comes directly from the DVD Forum: http://www.dvdforum.org/images/Requi...n-July2005.pdf Last edited by Lee Stewart; 07-30-2007 at 03:32 PM.

07-30-2007, 03:32 PM	#2
GLOW PUBLIC ENEMY #1 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chi 'til I die Age: 30 Posts: 7,643	So what does it say about players decoding DTS-HD MA and outputting 1080p/24? I ask this BECAUSE NO HD DVD PLAYERS CAN DO THIS even though many BD players can (24p). Why is HD DVD so far behind the competition? Also, why is the only big HD DVD exclusive studio using lossy audio on 99.9% of its titles? We might as well all be using those crappy HD DVD add-ons if we're going to be listening to lossy soundtracks. __________________ "In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria." - Benjamin Franklin

07-30-2007, 03:49 PM	#4
Stew4HD High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 9,068	Why not also do a poll to ask how important lossless is to everyone. I must be the only here that thinks DTS sounds just fine as does DD+. The few lossless tracks I have listened to haven't been mindblowing. Like I said, it must be just me. __________________ ___________________________________

07-30-2007, 05:10 PM	#8
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,349	I agree that the HD DVD specs were better thought out and they took the time to think of just about everything. I do think that the BD spec was definately rushed which is WHY they have had to go with multiple hardware profiles. __________________ 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

07-30-2007, 05:39 PM	#10
Stew4HD High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 9,068	Excellent info all around guys, thanks! Yes, I am happy knowing that I am backing a very nicely featured format. __________________ ___________________________________

07-30-2007, 05:17 PM	#9
chrpai High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 552	I don't give a shit about lossless sound, then again I'm just fine with DD 5.1 via HTIB. I think the last dedicated sound card I bought was an SB Live ( maybe bought an Eax one also ) and I've used integrated sound ever since. Btw, compared to an analog soundwave, how can anything digital truely be considered lossless?

08-05-2007, 01:22 PM	#12
Mark Allen What is HD? Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1	If any of you want to hear good lossless audio go to any D-Cinema presentation at a theater with a decent sound system. All D-Cinema stuff is lossless. Mark

08-05-2007, 01:33 PM	#13
dels28 Hoosier Man Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 687	You could also buy a PS3 and cheap receiver like the Onkyo 604 and listen to an awesome PCM track on a myriad of movies. I haven't been to that many concerts and am still relatively young enough to hear the difference, lossless audio is the way to go for HD material. __________________ Sony WEGA KDL-52XBR4 Daddy's Room Onkyo TX-SR705 Klipsch Synergy Series Quintet 100-Watt 5-Piece Home Theater Speaker System Klipsch 12" 650W Powered Subwoofer Logitech Harmony 880 HR 20-600& HR 21-200, Direct TV PS3 60GB, PS3 80GB HD-A30 HD-A2 Nintiendo Wii Sony WEGA KDF-55WF655 retired to family living room Ready Nas Pro Duo 1.5 TB Media Server

08-07-2007, 02:08 AM	#14
The_Omega_Man Don't touch the remote! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Encino,CA Posts: 3,431	Hd Dvd - Faq Counter post to Lee's BluRay thread info. http://www.emedialive.com/articles/r...rticleid=11629 __________________ Lvng Rm Sony KF50WE610 HDTV D* HR-21 HD DVR XA2 HD DVD Onkyo TX-NR905 JVC HR-S3500U S-VHS Hrmony One Energy Encore 5.1 Spkr Mstr Bdrm Tosh 46XF550U HDTV XA2 HD DVD D* HR-21 HD DVR Onkyo TX-SR606 Hrmony 659 Polk 5.1 Spkr Office Samy LNS3252D HDTV D* HR-20 HD DVR A2 HD DVD Sony RDR-HX715 DVD Rec. Fisher FVH-4910 VHS Onkyo TX-SR674 Psyclone PSC47 HDMI Sw. Hrmony 550 Polk RM6750 5.1 Spkr Gst Rm Samy UN46B7100 HDTV D* HR10 HD DVR XBOX360 Elite+HD DVD PS3 60GB Onkyo TX-SR704 Energy C-7 Spkr Hrmony 880

Similar Threads to Specifications for HD DVD
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Blu Ray Vs HD-DVD Debate	Knight76	Blu-Ray Players	800	09-23-2009 09:52 AM
Don't Buy Into the HD-DVD and Blu-ray Hype!	doggie	Blu-Ray Players	31	12-01-2005 11:25 AM
Warner backs Blu-ray DVD format	LordGamer	Blu-Ray Players	29	10-29-2005 01:22 AM
34" Widescreen XBR KD-34XBR960	gsxRICK600	Direct-View (tube) TVs	16	05-16-2005 05:09 AM
Will HD-DVD render all current HDTVs obsolete?	compulsive dvd	HD DVD Players	9	04-11-2005 03:42 PM