HP Drives Format Compatibility for High-definition DVDs

The company has formally appealed to the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) to include the technologies – mandatory Managed Copy and iHD – as part of its format specification. Both technologies are currently supported in the competing HD-DVD format.

HP has determined that Managed Copy and iHD will address the fundamental technical needs of the PC and help create a seamless experience throughout the digitally connected home:

-- Managed Copy: Unlike with today’s conventional DVDs, this feature allows consumers to make legitimate copies of their HD movies and enjoy this content around the home or across their networks. Making this feature mandatory will ensure a consistent consumer experience across all next-generation DVD content.

-- iHD: Next-generation HD movies will provide a level of interactive experience well beyond that of today’s conventional DVDs. iHD technology provides a broad foundation to enable new interactivity with standards-based development tools and technologies. It will provide consumers with enhanced content, navigation and functionality for HD films. Furthermore, Microsoft plans to implement iHD support in its Windows Vista operating system, which will help ease implementation and provide a cost-effective solution for consumers.

Source: HP