Blu-Ray/Standard DVD hybrid

[Logansneo]

My father-in-law and I were discussing how best to bridge the DVD to HD-DVD conversion gap that inevitably will take shape in the months to come. One idea we both came to agree would be awesome was the concept of having a dual-sided Blu-Ray/standard DVD hybrid disc to offer the public. In using this method manufacturers would not only be able to expand into the HD realms, they would allow those with less disposable incomes to not be forced to convert RIGHT NOW to HD and enjoy the standard DVD side, at the same time allow them to be collecting the HD titles they will use in the future making for a near seamless transition. I know that electronics manufactures probably wouldn't appreciate this due largely to the fact that their new-fangled Blu-Ray players (I know, I know, I'm a Sony ***** ) wouldn't be snapped up as quickly, but they must also know that people won't be terribly eager to abandon their current DVD players just because some electronics conglomerate says they need to! Not to mention how well standard DVD players are still selling! A co-benefit is that according to replicators the transition to Blu-Ray as far as tooling would supposedly take "minutes" making hybrid discs possible. Also most DVD's made today are mastered from HD transfers of films allowing dual format transfers to be possible. Most importantly this would probably entice Hollywood studios concerned about slow initial HD title sales in the first few years compounded by stagnant hardware sales, similar to HDTV upon its inception, though increased production time could slow releases a bit. But what a benefit it would be!

-Jeremy

P.S. I believe if Sony does produce PS3's with Blu-Ray technology, there would be no stopping the format! Makes me wonder what Microsoft is considering for the X-Box 2?