Research Overview
DVD Formats: The Next Storage Battleground
Consumer video is poised to be the next battleground for storage technologies, as Blu-ray and high definition digital versatile disks (HD-DVD) vie to be chosen as the standard format for DVDs. Blu-ray does offer an edge over HD-DVD since it is a superior convergence format and has greater influence and backing in key industries such as Hollywood and personal computers. HD-DVD is not going down without a fight, though, especially since it is more compatible with current DVD players. When the dust settles, the best storage technology need not be the technologically superior one, as the choice is largely dependent on the controlling interests behind the technology, rather than its users and specifications. In this regard, Blu-ray is poised to emerge as the standard of choice for DVDs. For now, as the battle ensues, competition between Blu-ray and HD-DVD is spurring development efforts on both sides, always a good sign for the storage technology industry as a whole.
This Frost & Sullivan research provides a clear-cut look at the data storage technology terrain of today, with a heavy emphasis on the Blu-ray optical recording format. It examines the prospects of Blu-ray, the working behind the technology, and important technological advances worldwide. Similar analysis is also available for Blu-rays key competitors namely HD-DVD, flash memory, holographic storage, magnetic tape technology, and network storage.
Optical Disks Make their Way into Archival Storage
Magnetic tape and disk drives have to watch out for cut-throat competition as optical disks offering superior quality emerge as the preferred choice for large storage archives. "The increase in area densities in optical disks makes them prime candidates for archival storage on account of their durability and ease of use," explains the analyst. Blu-ray, with its high-density capabilities, leads the optical storage pack and is in pole position to exploit the lucrative archival storage market. However, given the hugely competitive and rapidly evolving nature of the market, Blu-ray must keep a close watch on upcoming technologies such as holographic storage or magneto-optical recording.
Mass Market Appeal for Blu-ray Critical to Ward off New Technology Competition
Blu-ray must establish itself as the format of choice for DVDs before the emergence of alternative technologies intended for large capacity applications. "Although the upcoming technologies are still in embryonic stages of development, Blu-ray needs to establish itself fast in the mass market before the feasibility of a more advanced technology is proven," cautions the analyst. Once consumers have the option to switch over to another storage format, Blu-ray is likely to find it increasingly difficult to carve a niche for itself.
Moreover, better alternatives to Blu-ray as a DVD format increase the bargaining power of consumers. Currently, prices are extremely steep, with the Sony Blu-ray DVD recorder available at $4,000. This is incredibly high compared to generic DVD recorders that sell for a minimum of $100. Once the cost of production is reduced, the pent-up demand for high definition content will ensure that Blu-ray gains access to the mass market.
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