Open Competition 3 - Information Technology

High-Definition Video Disc (HDVD)

Sponsor: Fast VDO LLC

• Project Performance Period: 5/1/2004 - 4/30/2007
• Total project (est.): $2,762,746.00
• Requested ATP funds: $1,656,466.00

Consumer electronics are going digital, and television is following ¿ but slowly. With high-definition (HD) broadcasting still sluggish, the distribution of HD content remains a problem due to the unprecedented data rates involved and the lack of a consumer-priced device for recording and playback. A possible solution is to modify DVDs, the most popular media format in history, to vastly increase their data storage capacity. FastVDO plans a multiyear project to develop and demonstrate advanced compression technology for recording and playback of HD content on a standard DVD (single-sided, one or two layered), with up to 9 GB of storage space, using the current red-laser DVD player. The project will build upon the emerging International Standard video codec H.264 to achieve unprecedented video encoding quality at recording densities many times higher than that achieved with MPEG-2 today ¿ yet all within the MPEG-2 systems framework. The company will make a prototype high-definition video disk (HDVD) as well as a prototype player, with record/playback capabilities that combine modest bit rates with good video quality. The new encoding technology also will be compatible with the emerging blue laser technology, a new laser format that is expected to be used in future DVD players, providing additional pathways to market. SharpLabs of America (Camas, Wash.) will be subcontracted to assist in all aspects of the project. ATP funding will accelerate development of this technology by 5 to 10 years, creating a window of opportunity that will open prior to broad adoption of the blue laser technology in the marketplace. The project will further propel consumer and industry adoption of HD content, building on the huge existing DVD industry to fuel new multibillion dollar industries and further the U.S. edge in all aspects of HD programming except manufacturing. The advances in compression technology also could have wide ranging benefits in other sectors such as medical and defense applications.

For project information:

Dr. Pankaj Topiwala, (410) 309-6066
pnt@fastvdo.com

ATP Project Manager

Barbara Cuthill, (301) 975-3273
barbara.cuthill@nist.gov