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CDs and DVDs - What Are HD DVD Discs?

HD (high density) DVD discs, are (as of 2007) one of the two main rival formats available to replace standard DVDs. While DVDs can normally store up to 4.7 gigabytes of information, HD DVD discs can hold up to 30 gigabytes of storage. Plus, advances in technology may allow for HD DVD discs to handle even more storage.

Extra storage on HD DVD discs can be used to hold additional trailers, directors' cuts, and outtakes (normally called "DVD extras"). However, the main need for the extra storage is to handle high-definition video (such as HDTV) and surround-sound audio.

The main competitor to HD-DVD is Blu-ray. Since different movie/TV production studios and hardware use one or both of the formats, consumers may want to wait to see which format "wins out" in the end. Currently, licensing issues are preventing combination HD-DVD and Blu-ray players, so users either have to buy multiple players or pick one format and hope their content is, and continues to be, available in that format. This is reminiscent of the VHS/Betamax format wars of the 1970s-1980s.

For more information, visit the official HD DVD website.