In the next-gen movie format battle who will win is anyone’s guess. Will it be the PlayStation 3’s Blu-ray? Or, perhaps Microsoft’s and the Xbox 360’s HD-DVD? Maybe, just maybe, regular old DVDs will survive the battle and come out victorious?The answer doesn’t matter much to Warner Bros.
Rather than try to figure out who the victor will be, the movie studio has created a special hybrid disc that enables a single flick to be played in all three formats. A patent application is in place for the triple-standard disc. The means the battle can come and Warner can sit back and watch the fireworks without having to pick sides or worry about ending up a loser.
The stroke of brilliance is being reported by New Scientist Tech, which says the first movie in the new format will roll out later this month. “The Lake House” will enable the playing of all three formats.
The new disc format will cost more to produce, but it is less expensive than creating all three versions. And, it would be better for consumers who fear the HD-DVD format or Blu-ray will go the way of Betamax or other failed formats.
This works out to be fantastic news for video gamers who want to bring a little next-gen movie watching to their experience. Sony’s PS3 will roll out with Blu-ray equipped and the Xbox 360’s add on HD-DVD player is expected in time for the holidays.
Even if a format is deemed a loser, hybrid movies will still be playable on the winning format. No harm, no foul for Warner and the same can be said for consumers, sans the player itself.
Related:
The Blu-ray Debacle
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Xbox 360 Big Announcements
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