Monday, Mar 12, 2007    Text size: 

Known as the Versatile Multilayer Disc (VMD) format, the DVD holds 20GB of data and plays off of the traditional red laser used for standard-definition DVDs. HD DVD and Blu-ray each use a new blue laser to play the hi-def DVDs.

Unlike standard-definition DVDs, which use two layers, NME said its four-layer disc diminishes the “cross talk” between layers, allowing a single disc to hold more data without interference between layers. NME said it broke through the “cross talk” barrier by using 2p technology.

According to NME, HD VMD is a true alternative to both HD DVD and Blu-ray. The format allows for a 1920 X 1080i/p resolution, a 40 MBs data transfer rate, video upconversion for standard-definition DVD, AES encryption and all region codes. HD VMD also supports the same range of audio and video codes as HD DVD and Blu-ray, a company spokesman said, adding that the format also will support various open source video codecs in the future.

All three formats require new hardware to play.

NME said it has signed a three-year licensing deal with PC Rush to distribute two players — the HD VMD Media Player Duo and the HD VMD Media Player Quattro — in the U.S. and abroad. The players, which are expected in the second quarter of this year, will retail for $199 and $249, respectively.

NME has said it has signed content and distribution deals in 12 regions worldwide, including the U.S., China, France, Germany, India and Russia.

“The first products will be available in the world’s markets, including the U.S., very shortly,” NME CEO Mahesh Jayanarayan said. “With our HD media format quietly adopted by content providers and distributors in 12 regions of the world, HD VMD media format and products will become a universal media format and standard worldwide.”

Jayanarayan added that NME had outlined specs for VMD quad-layer discs capable of holding 24GB, 30GB, 40GB and 48GB.

At this year’s Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas Ritek said it had developed a 10-layer disc capable of storing 150GB of data. The company said its new discs could use either the HD DVD or Blu-ray formats.

Toshiba said it also has solved the “cross talk” problem, with the advent of a three-layer disc for both HD DVD and Blu-ray.

While technology experts accept the claims made by NME, a number of sources have said they aren’t so sure the market can bear another hi-def competitor.

Technology blog HDTV UK asked if the world needed another hi-def format, adding that sales of both Blu-ray and HD DVD titles had so far been underwhelming.