Patent Application for HD-DVD, Blu-ray Combo Disc

WASHINGTON — A patent application spotted by New Scientist magazine may forestall the ultimate outcome of the next-generation DVD format war. According to the technology periodical, three engineers claim to have developed a technology that allows a single disc to hold both HD-DVD and Blu-ray formatted information.

“A data disc consists of several layers, including at least one layer conforming to a first format, and a second layer conforming to a second format,” the patent application abstract read. “The formats can include CD, DVD, HD and BD formats and the layers may be physical, logic or application layers.”

According to Barry Fox, a writer for New Scientist, the combination disc would be capable of playing any mix of formats, which would dramatically alter the playing field in the battle for next-gen format supremacy.

The application lists Wayne Smith, Alan Bell and Lewis Ostrover as the inventors of the technology.

Both Bell and Ostrover are Warner Bros. employees, according to Fox, who said that the studio will likely gain a strong power position in deciding which format wins out.

According to Fox, the new device would also be able to play standard DVDs on the reverse side of the disc. A triple-standard disc, he said, would cost more to produce, but it would be cheaper than producing three copies of a given title.

There is no word on when, or if, the technology will become commercially available.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Nicole Nixon Stars in Latest From Immoral

Nicole Nixon stars with Matt Bird, Dean Van Damme, and "Porno Dan" Leal in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions.

Kiki Cali Toplines 'Pleasure Vixens 4' From BAM Visions

Kiki Cali headlines the fourth volume of "Pleasure Vixens," co-directed by multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue and Maestro Claudio, aka BAM Visions, from Evil Angel.

Brianna Coppage Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Brianna Coppage stars with her husband Phillip and Jax Slayher in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Isa Bella, Selena Ivy Topline 'Lesbian Sex 28'

Isa Bella and Selena Ivy headline the latest release from Girlfriends Films, titled “Lesbian Sex 28.”

Catherine Knight Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Catherine Knight stars in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "GRWM (To Fuck)."

Elegant Angel Premieres Nicole Kitt Showcase 'Cats Eye'

Nicole Kitt gets the spotlight in a new four-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Private Releases 'The Love Hotel 2'

Private has released “The Love Hotel 2,” directed by Dave Menich.

Ember Fiera, Jesse Pony Headline 'TS Girls Do It Best' Sequel From TransSensual

Ember Fiera and Jesse Pony topline the sequel to “TS Girls Do It Best” from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Khloe Kapri, Melissa Stratton Topline 'Lesbian Trainer 3' From Sweetheart Video

Khloe Kapri and Melissa Stratton headline the third volume of “Lesbian Trainer” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Show More