| There are a variety of different formats | | | | the controller chip that is different, but in |
| available for optical digital media storage | | | | the end there is very little difference |
| today. There is the CD-ROM, HD-DVD, DVD-R's | | | | between them. Eventually DVD-RW took a lead |
| and HD-DVD-RW formats that are available. It | | | | over the standard DVD-ROM drives; however, it |
| can be a bit confusing, so you will want to | | | | is not a commanding lead. It was Phillips |
| know what the differences are between the | | | | that was the first ever manufacturer to make |
| different formats. The specifications for | | | | a device that could read both of the RW |
| digital optical media formats are set by | | | | formats for DVD, and they quickly became the |
| working groups. These working groups are made | | | | standard device used. Once again the format |
| up of various engineers that represent | | | | wars began. High Definition television |
| manufacturers that are planning to build and | | | | requires a great deal more information that |
| sell their hardware. Usually every | | | | you can put onto a single DVD, so the high |
| manufacturer has their own technology | | | | definition DVD drive and media format needed |
| developed as well that they want to include. | | | | to be developed. These special devices |
| When they make sure that the technology that | | | | actually use lasers with shorter wavelengths, |
| is preferred is in their specification, every | | | | which actually puts smaller dots on the |
| device that is sold earns them a royalty | | | | recording media. There are two different |
| payment. Since these devices sell millions | | | | formats, which are called BlueRay and HD-DVD, |
| each year, the royalties paid can add up to a | | | | and they are just now beginning to enter the |
| great deal of money. Often there end up being | | | | market. No one is sure which one will have |
| format wars, since everyone wants to earn big | | | | better success, but more than likely a |
| money. One example of this is the format wars | | | | company that makes a device capable of |
| that occurred with BetaMax and VHD when the | | | | reading both will win over the market. While |
| video cassette recorded emerged. Now days | | | | HD-DVD's are cheaper, the BLueRays offer more |
| there is only one type of media that never | | | | storage space and also have a longer shelf |
| had a format war, and that is the CD-ROM. | | | | life as well. Usually it is the adult |
| Sony was able to hammer down most of the | | | | entertainment industry that picks out the |
| patents to the CD-ROM, which saved the format | | | | winners in the market place. Currently they |
| war problems from occurring. The first format | | | | seem to be liking HD-DVDs for their formats |
| for recordable DVD's was called the DVD-R, | | | | of choice, and there are already people |
| which came about soon after DVD's first | | | | working on an HD-DVD-RW, and no doubt soon |
| became popular. Many wanted to develop a way | | | | there will be another format war over this |
| that the DVD's would have both read and write | | | | technology as well. |
| capabilities, which led to the development of | | | | |
| two different formats. The two formats are | | | | For information on how to copy your DVDs and |
| the DVD+RW and DVD-RW. The difference between | | | | DVD Copy 1 Click Software - Visit us today |
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