| There are a variety of different formats available for | | | | small, and it actually is mainly the controller chip that is |
| optical digital media storage today. There is the | | | | different, but in the end there is very little difference |
| CD-ROM, HD-DVD, DVD-R's and HD-DVD-RW | | | | between them. Eventually DVD-RW took a lead over |
| formats that are available. It can be a bit confusing, so | | | | the standard DVD-ROM drives; however, it is not a |
| you will want to know what the differences are | | | | commanding lead. It was Phillips that was the first ever |
| between the different formats. The specifications for | | | | manufacturer to make a device that could read both |
| digital optical media formats are set by working groups. | | | | of the RW formats for DVD, and they quickly became |
| These working groups are made up of various | | | | the standard device used. Once again the format |
| engineers that represent manufacturers that are | | | | wars began. High Definition television requires a great |
| planning to build and sell their hardware. Usually every | | | | deal more information that you can put onto a single |
| manufacturer has their own technology developed as | | | | DVD, so the high definition DVD drive and media |
| well that they want to include. When they make sure | | | | format needed to be developed. These special |
| that the technology that is preferred is in their | | | | devices actually use lasers with shorter wavelengths, |
| specification, every device that is sold earns them a | | | | which actually puts smaller dots on the recording |
| royalty payment. Since these devices sell millions each | | | | media. There are two different formats, which are |
| year, the royalties paid can add up to a great deal of | | | | called BlueRay and HD-DVD, and they are just now |
| money. Often there end up being format wars, since | | | | beginning to enter the market. No one is sure which |
| everyone wants to earn big money. One example of | | | | one will have better success, but more than likely a |
| this is the format wars that occurred with BetaMax | | | | company that makes a device capable of reading |
| and VHD when the video cassette recorded emerged. | | | | both will win over the market. While HD-DVD's are |
| Now days there is only one type of media that never | | | | cheaper, the BLueRays offer more storage space |
| had a format war, and that is the CD-ROM. Sony was | | | | and also have a longer shelf life as well. Usually it is the |
| able to hammer down most of the patents to the | | | | adult entertainment industry that picks out the winners |
| CD-ROM, which saved the format war problems from | | | | in the market place. Currently they seem to be liking |
| occurring. The first format for recordable DVD's was | | | | HD-DVDs for their formats of choice, and there are |
| called the DVD-R, which came about soon after | | | | already people working on an HD-DVD-RW, and no |
| DVD's first became popular. Many wanted to develop | | | | doubt soon there will be another format war over this |
| a way that the DVD's would have both read and write | | | | technology as well. |
| capabilities, which led to the development of two | | | | For information on how to copy your DVDs and DVD |
| different formats. The two formats are the DVD+RW | | | | Copy 1 Click Software - Visit us today and get a free |
| and DVD-RW. The difference between them is very | | | | 10 day trial. |