3X DVD tech promises low-cost HD video
updated 02:15 pm EST, Mon February 19, 2007
3X DVD Tech
A new storage format could potentially eliminate the high price tag for some HD movies, according to DCA. Called 3X DVD-ROM, the technique fits all the content needed for a disc to play properly in an HD DVD movie player -- including audio, video, and copy protection -- on to a standard DVD, saving the trouble of pressing a much more expensive HD DVD for shorter videos or those without many extras. Better compression and lower HD resolutions could even fit full-length movies on a disc, developers have said. The technology should work with existing HD DVD players using little to no software changes.
Today marked the first successful production of a 3X DVD, the company said, and factories that already produce standard discs using devices from Eclipse Data Technologies can already receive an upgrade to start writing new discs. Large-scale production, as well as titles that would use the new format, haven't been announced.



