The World of High Definition Formats
The world of digital entertainment is changing. New high-definition formats promise greater picture and audio quality, but what more can you expect? More importantly, when will they be available and what will you need to take advantage of them?
High Definition Basics FAQ
Q: What is the main difference between standard definition and high-definition?
A: Standard definition (SD) uses 480 lines of pixels from top to bottom (or 576 lines for PAL format). High definition (HD) uses 720 or 1080 lines. That’s up to 6 times as many pixels. Bottom line, more pixels means better picture quality. SD is equivalent to a 0.3 mega pixel camera, whereas HD is equivalent to a 5 or 6 mega pixel camera. |
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Q: What are high-definition discs?
A: High-definition discs are physically the same size as standard-definition DVDs. However high-definition discs can hold up to 20 times the amount of data (necessary given the increased size of high-definition video files). |
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Q: Is my HDTV ready to play high-definition DVDs?
A: Most likely (sorry folks this one is a little trickier to answer) – The answer depends on the type of TV you own, the kind of connectors on the back and the title you’re watching. Most HDTVs feature an all-digital audio-video connection such as HDMI or DVI as well as analog “component” connectors (RGB or YUV). Since most players have the complimentary connections, you’ll be able to connect to your TV without a problem. Of course, the digital connection will yield a clearer, sharper picture than the analog connection; but in either case, digital and analog high-definition connections will look vastly superior to standard definition. However, both BD and HD DVD formats include a copy protection feature (called the Image Constraint Token - ICT) that allows the player to “downscale” the video when connected to devices or inputs that do not support copy protection (like your current HDTV set). The result would be a video output that is lower in quality and therefore less susceptible to piracy. This “downscaling” instruction is actually included the disc itself, so studios could choose to implement it on some titles and not on others. To date, most major studios have stated that initial titles will be free of this downscaling feature, meaning that today’s HDTVs will be able to display HD discs at full HD resolution. |
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Q: Will high-definition recorders be available?
A: Yes, recorder drives will be available for creating HD DVDs and Blu-ray Discs. These drives will allow you to store more than 3x more information on single disc than standard-definition discs. |
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Ask the Experts
Did not find the answer in the FAQ? Then ask our resident experts. There’s very little these two don’t know about high-definition. Rolf Hartley is leading Sonic’s high-definition initiatives in the professional market and helping Hollywood Studios and their authoring facility partners prepare for new format launches. What can we say about Jim Taylor that has not already been stated other than to mention Jim has quite literally written the book on DVD—three times DVD Demystified, Third Edition, McGraw-Hill (11/2005).
High Definition Format Experience: Beyond a Better Picture
While high-definition discs will deliver superior audio and video quality, they will also offer far richer interactivity with movie-synchronized bonus features, dynamic pop-up menus and Internet connectivity. Here is a quick look at some of the advanced interactivity you will be enjoying with next-generation formats.
Sonic developed the following Blu-ray Banzai Extreme Sports demo for the High Definition Authoring Alliance (HDAA). This Blu-ray Disc (BD) format interactive demonstration highlights the elegant navigation and compelling interactivity available.
Intuitive Navigation
The composite overlay featured is seamlessly integrated with the movie, so you won't have to leave the movie to engage navigation or system controls. You can scroll through the menus easily using the up and down arrows of your remote control.
Dynamic Bookmarks
Other programmable intuitive navigation features can include dynamic bookmarks based on the ability for titles to be saved to the persistent memory of the player.
Dynamic Content
BD technology enables developers to create rich dynamic content experiences. In this example, an entertaining trivia game tests the extreme sports trivia expertise of the audience.
Connected Environment
Many Blu-ray players will be Web connected. This Internet connectivity opens a world of opportunities. In this example, content on the disc can be updated via download.
Dynamic Navigation
This page shows the wide range of compelling features that can be offered to viewers via HD DVD's interactive capabilities, including director or actor commentaries, documentaries related to the content or making of a film, behind-the-scenes footage, trailers, image galleries, and more. Top navigation and menu overlays can be animated and designed with various levels of transparency, which will allow you to access special features without interrupting the movie.
Picture-in-Picture Display
In HD DVD's Advanced Content mode, bonus feature content may be synchronized with the main feature. In the example shown, pop-up graphics appear along the bottom left corner of the screen at a specific time during the movie to offer a documentary video that is relevant to a specific scene. The supplemental content may be displayed using HD DVD's Picture-in-Picture video capabilities.
Connectivity
HD DVD also offers built-in support for network connectivity, allowing you to easily link to dynamic, updateable Web content. This synergy between HD DVD titles and the Web will be available not only from the desktop but also from set-top players. With support for interactivity and connectivity, you will always be up-to-date.
High Definition Format Experience: Personal HD
In addition to enjoying high-definition Hollywood movies, the new formats will also allow you to create your own personal high-definition content. Soon new capture devices, recorders, media, and software will be available to enable you to edit, record, and enjoy personal photos and movies in vivid high-definition.
We expect to see the first recorders and new media become available this quarter. In the meantime, if you want to enjoy HD functionality today Roxio offers multiple applications that include high-definition functionality.
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Easy Media Creator 8 seamlessly merges advanced technologies from Roxio and Sonic into the most comprehensive suite of CD and DVD authoring, burning, photo, video, and music applications available. Among its many capabilities, the suite offers high-definition video editing and the ability to create stunning, HD slideshows. |
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Toast 7 is Roxio’s industry-leading Mac CD and DVD burning suite. HD features include multi-image high-definition slideshows with pan and zoom effects, transitions and background soundtracks. In addition, you can convert any video file to DivX and turn iMovie HD and FinalCut HD projects into true high-definition video discs to enjoy in the comfort of your living room on your DivX HD-enabled DVD player. |
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MyDVD 8 Premier includes everything users need to present personal photos and videos in a professional fashion. Automated video editing features allow users to create polished video productions in a few mouse clicks, while straightforward authoring tools enable them to generate DVDs with attractive motion-video menus, animated buttons, and Dolby Digital® sound. MyDVD allows users to edit high-definition video and create HD slideshows. |
Watch here for news of innovative new high-definition products from Roxio and our hardware partners. |
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