Multi-format discs an exercise in frivolity

Stan Beer
Wednesday, 20 September 2006 17:17

Opinion and Analysis

The news that a patent has been filed for three layered discs that can store three different video formats borders on the ludicrous. No doubt the technological feasibility is there. The questions are at what cost and to what purpose.

• Announcements

For some reason, we are being asked to believe that a multi-format disc will solve the issue of competing formats. I fail to see how.

The patent, reportedly filed by three Warner Bros staff members, aims to solve the problem of video consumers having to choose between formats. In addition, the patent claims to solve the problem of movie studios having to decide whether to produce movies in all three formats or just one or two.

What the patent doesn't mention however is the cost of producing readable discs capable of supporting three layers of different formats. Presumably the three-layer manufacturing process would be more complex, involve more steps and thus be more costly.