3X DVD: HD DVD on a Budget

CYBERSPACE – Short-form content producers now have an intriguing option for delivering high-definition content inexpensively: recording to a standard DVD.

While production and hardware costs may plummet as HD DVD and Blu-ray become more accepted in the marketplace, adult producers fighting for market share as well as amateur operators with limited distribution channels, have the option of delivering HD content on standard “red laser” DVDs — a technology known as 3X.

Many adult video producers, particularly small-scale shops, have struggled with the cost of meeting consumer demand for hi-def content. While production costs reportedly have been dropping with the introduction of lower-cost hi-def camcorders and related equipment, the cost of hi-def disks remains quite high in comparison to the cost of standard DVDs.

Ongoing questions over the licensing of Blu-ray technology have not helped the process, although some producers have found ways around these limitations.

Standard DVD players are incapable of HD DVD playback due to the higher data rates that hi-def formats require, so consumers will need an HD DVD player to view the disc; producers will not need to use expensive HD DVD or Blu-ray writers and discs to make them.

The particular appeal for adult producers over their mainstream counterparts centers on time and technology, because the length of typical adult productions is much shorter than a Hollywood movie. Additionally, resolution and frame rate matter — with 3X being better suited to 720p or even 1080i recordings — as opposed to those produced as1080p.

3X DVD allows for using UDF 2.5 file structures along with AACS copy protection, and enables 720p, VC-1 or H.264/AVC playback, offering excellent quality within the fairly limited space that standard DVD discs offer.

Microsoft is reportedly doing well with sales of 720p / VC-1 on its XBOX Live Video Marketplace, signaling consumer demand for this level of quality.

To make things easy, a new recorder, Toshiba's Vardia RD-A301, can burn HD DVD content to DVD-R/RW/RAM disks, allowing nearly two hours of video to be burned to a 4.7GB disc from its 300GB internal hard drive. The RD-A301 will be available in Japan this December for about $870. No U.S. launch has been announced yet.

Related:  

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

Taylor Vixxen Stars in Latest From TeamSkeet

Taylor Vixxen stars in a new scene for TeamSkeet, titled “‘Cheat? But It's My Anniversary!’ My Stepmom’s Filthy Secret.”

Andylynn Payne Headlines Latest From TransSensual

Andylynn Payne stars with Cliff Jensen in the second scene from the TransSensual title “TS Doctor’s Office,” titled "Doctor’s Room."

Cubbi Thompson Stars in Latest From Jules Jordan

Cubbi Thompson stars with Manuel Ferrara in the latest release from Jules Jordan.

Octokura, Matty Mila Star in Latest From Parasited

Octokura and Matty Mila star in “The One That Excites” from Parasited, directed by Roberto Di Suna.

Dorcel Premieres Casey Calvert's 'Connection'

Multi-XMAs winner Casey Calvert directs “Connection,” the latest release from Dorcel.

Bree Brooks Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Bree Brooks stars with her husband Bob, Jax Slayher, and Sheem in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Katalina Kyle Toplines Jonni Darkko's 'Throat Fucks 9'

Katalina Kyle headlines Jonni Darkko's "Throat Fucks 9," from Evil Angel.

Elegant Angel Drops Final Installment of 'Lilly Loves Girls'

Elegant Angel has released the final installment of 2025 XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell's showcase “Lilly Loves Girls,” titled “Lilly Loves Vanna.”

Adult Time Drops Latest Installment of Jim Powers' 'MILF Overload'

Adult Time has released the latest installment of director Jim Powers' series "MILF Overload."

Ivy Lebelle Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Ricky's Room contract star Ivy Lebelle stars in the studio's latest release, titled "Latex And Lust."

Show More