Multi-Format next gen DVDs

[Geo]

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/19092006/80-91/inventors-try-single-disc-both-new-dvd-formats.html

This makes so much sense it must be doomed. But given the patent holders work for Warner Bros, maybe it will go somewhere.

LONDON (Reuters) - A patent application has been filed for a disc that would play two competing high-definition DVD formats which, if successful, could help resolve a battle that has divided Hollywood and confounded consumers.

The patent application was filed by three Warner Bros. employees, two of whom are engineers for the company.

The "multilayer dual optical disk" would have one layer of data in the standard CD or DVD format, a second layer able to play one high-capacity format and a third layer for the competing high-capacity format.

 

[Bobbler]

Have fun actually trying to make such a disc.

It seems like it would be too cost prohibitive to make such a disc... I'd go so far as to say it would likely be cheaper to have 3 seperate discs than one of those. Who knows though.

Would be neat if such a thing actually came to fruition and started being widely used.

 

[archie4oz]

Yeah, have fun with the OPU design as well, it was enough of an ordeal just to cram 3 wavelengths into one, then having to deal with 2 different numerical aperatures at 405nm... Fun fun!