Do any HD-DVD discs have a regular DVD layer for backward compatibility?

[zildjian]

HD DVD can offer both the current DVD and HD DVD formats on one disc, which means that special HD DVD discs will play in any DVD player, old or the new high definition players.

I've read the above statement or others like it in a few places, but have any discs been released with this capability? They say it's possible, but I can't find any discussion that says it is being done yet.

 

[MAX661]

yes...

16 blocks
Rumor Has It
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

are all hybrid discs

Soon
Unleashed and another movie I forget right now will also be hybrid discs.

 

[FierceTIMbo17]

Could be wrong but blu-ray is not capable of this, only plays on blu-ray players, chalk another one up for hd-dvd

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

The Sony BDP-S1 can't play a regular CD either (according to Crutchfield®).

 

[Hi Ho]

Blu-Ray's data layer is extremely close to the surface, that's why hybrid discs are not possible. HD-DVD can be made on the same equipment as standard DVD's. Wouldn't it make sense to make all of the first HD-DVD releases on hybrid discs? It would probably entice more people to buy the HD-DVD version in light of purchasing an HD-DVD player in the future.

 

[MAX661]

Blu-Ray's data layer is extremely close to the surface, that's why hybrid discs are not possible. HD-DVD can be made on the same equipment as standard DVD's. Wouldn't it make sense to make all of the first HD-DVD releases on hybrid discs? It would probably entice more people to buy the HD-DVD version in light of purchasing an HD-DVD player in the future.

I {and most on the internet} HATE hybrid discs, all they do is mark up the price on us. I mean someone without an HD-DVD player isn't going to pay $40 for an HDDVD when they can get the same movie on DVD for $15. And Those with HD-DVD players could careless about the DVD version on the disc which makes each hybrid cost about $10 extra. I say KILL Hybrid before it takes off or make them the same price as other HDDVD's...

 

[Hi Ho]

I wasn't aware that they cost any more than regular HD-DVD discs. If they do, they shouldn't. If they're charging nearly double for the hybrid disc, then I too say forget it.

 

[zildjian]

Wouldn't it make sense to make all of the first HD-DVD releases on hybrid discs? It would probably entice more people to buy the HD-DVD version in light of purchasing an HD-DVD player in the future.

This is what I was thinking. I'm definately not going to buy a HDDVD player right now until more are released with less quirks, but if I am going to continue buying DVD's, I'd like to pay the extra $10 and get the HDDVD version if it's backwards compat. and I could build up a small collection to use in a few months when I get a player. Otherwise, I'm not inclined to buy anything, regular OR HD DVD right now. The only HD DVDs that I can find now from Amazon are 27.99 & 29.99. Hey, that's what I paid for some regular DVD's were back 7 or 8 years ago, and still a few regular DVD's are that today. Assuming they'll come down in price as regular DVD's did, I'm fine with that starting price.

The other bonus for HD DVD discs that will play on old DVD players is that you'd be able to play your new discs anywhere in your house for those who have multiple DVD players (HT, bedroom, basement, kitchen). It'd be nice to be able to use watch your new HD DVD discs in the other rooms if you wanted to, although in standard def.

 

[zildjian]

I wasn't aware that they cost any more than regular HD-DVD discs. If they do, they shouldn't. If they're charging nearly double for the hybrid disc, then I too say forget it.

Again, looking at Amazon, most of the HD DVDs without a regular DVD layer are $24.49, a few less and a few more. So the $3-5 more that the dual layer one are running is fine by me. It's probably too soon to say how much more $ if any the dual HD/SD layer ones will be since only the few have been released.

 

[FierceTIMbo17]

Talking to a Sony rep today and she said their players are backward compatable, with all types of media and all retail stores have been telling customers incorrectly. Anyone know if there is any truth behind either one of these?

 

[Jedi2016]

Talking to a Sony rep today and she said their players are backward compatable, with all types of media and all retail stores have been telling customers incorrectly. Anyone know if there is any truth behind either one of these?

All players on both fronts are backwards compatible. Anyone telling you otherwise is wrong.

But that's not the topic on discussion.. we're talking about backwards-compatible discs.. HD-DVD or Blu-Ray discs that contain an ordinary DVD layer and can be read by an ordinary DVD player.

I agree with the above post that said that hybrid discs are a bad idea. I'm going to buy a movie in one format. I'm not going to pay for an extra layer that I'm never going to use.

And just because the bottom layer of a Blu-Ray disc is thinner doesn't mean they can't be hybrid. You could still add DVD layers to the center of the disc, 0.2mm above the Blu-Ray layer. I seem to recall reading that they had done this in the labs. Probably discarded as pointless, per my statement above. At one point, they were even toying with the idea of triple-layering the discs.. Blu-Ray and DVD versions of the film, plus a CD layer containing the film's soundtrack. I don't know if that ever went anywhere, though.

Oh, and just a friendly note of advice, FierceTIMbo17... those so-called "reps" don't know much. They get lucky every now and again when it comes to real information like backwards compatibility (since the entire Blu-Ray Disc Association has been saying it since the format was announced), but I've known them to be flat-out wrong the majority of the time. Especially when you ask them things that aren't general knowledge. They have no "inside information". And I'd be willing to bet most of them don't actually work for Sony.. they're third-party reps acting on behalf of Sony.. and there's a big difference there.

 

[mak99]

All players on both fronts are backwards compatible. Anyone telling you otherwise is wrong.

Use the force before posting - the Sony BDP-S1 is clearly advertised to NOT play CDs. However, the recently released Samsung BD-P1000 does. Unless you mean "video" backward compatible, then you would be correct.

I have mixed emotions on hybrid discs. I have only bought HD DVD-only discs for my player (RCA HDV5000), and don't care to pay a few bucks more for a hybrid disc. I can see their benefit, but personally I'd rather buy the HD-only version if available...

 

[Toji]

Hybrid disks my be nessesary if HD-DVD hopes to totaly replace DVD. People can by movies without having to worry about the player they have, it can avoid confusion of two diffrent formats. It will play on any DVD player, but require a HD-DVD player for vewing the movie in HD.

People can future proof their movies even if they don't plan on getting a HD-DVD player till price drops lower. HD-DVD players are going to get cheaper and better as time goe by. A smart buyer would wait till HD-DVD players are mainstream enough to have lots of competion, which drives price down and quality up. Hybrid disks in the long run will inevitably save your investment where you don't have to buy the same movie twice.

HD-DVD is still very new yet, Hybrid disks are moe expensive than normal HD-DVD disks, however a couple of years from now, HD-DVD Hybrids will probably run for the same price as a normal DVD is now.

DVD will continue to be the primary movie format during that period. So with DVD prices dropping lower and lower. DVD format will finaly replace VHS as the bottom rung format, that everyone has. Will VHS finally be discontinued? or will it live on.

 

[Jedi2016]

Use the force before posting - the Sony BDP-S1 is clearly advertised to NOT play CDs. However, the recently released Samsung BD-P1000 does. Unless you mean "video" backward compatible, then you would be correct.

Yes, I was referring to DVDs.

The Sony player doesn't play CDs? That's.. stupid. I haven't had a CD player for a few years now, I just run 'em through my DVD player. Granted, I'll keep the DVD player for quite a while (since my first Blu-Ray player is also a game machine, and I don't use game machines for movies/music unless I have no choice), but once I buy a set-top HD player, I intend to remove my DVD player from the setup entirely.. so whatever I buy had better play everything I put into it.

 

[BMXTRIX]

There have been some prototype hybrid Blu-ray discs, but I wouldn't expect much to come into production. The real beauty of the Blu-ray hybrids is that the DVD layers go on the same side as the Blu-ray layers and the cover art on the disc remains intact. No flipping! Cool, but not likely going to be in a real product anytime soon.

Of course, paying $10.00 more now, and hoping the format survives is a gamble no matter what you buy.

 

[Zer0beaT]

Perhaps a Hybrid HDDVD can have the same convenience as a hybrid SACD though?

For example, you want to watch your movie at a friends house, or in your DVD equipped mini-van. Or you want to make a backup of the standard side just in case.

I think Hybrid discs are good in the case of SACD. I don't want to have to buy an album twice just to listen to it in my car once in awhile or at work. I imagine there's scenarios that an HDDVD/DVD hybrid disc would be appreciated.

 

[j6288]

backward compatibility desired

As the Acquisitions person in a library with limited funds to purchase
items, hybrid dvds make sense for us. I read with great interest that
the HD-Dvd Hybrids are backwards compatible. Eventually we will have
requests for both formats and will have to come to some decision on
which format to buy. Having different types brings up packaging, shelving, cataloging, and education issues for us. Hopefully hybrids will be successfull enough that the Blu-Ray Dvds will also be offered as hybrids.
Personally, me DVD player just died and I am deciding on which type
of player to buy next.

 

[j6288]

backward compatibility desired

As the Acquisitions person in a library with limited funds to purchase
items, hybrid dvds make sense for us. I read with great interest that
the HD-Dvd Hybrids are backwards compatible. Eventually we will have
requests for both formats and will have to come to some decision on
which format to buy. Having different types brings up packaging, shelving, cataloging, and education issues for us. Hopefully hybrids will be successfull enough that the Blu-Ray Dvds will also be offered as hybrids.
Personally, me DVD player just died and I am deciding on which type
of player to buy next.