Introduction

HD DVD Player vs Blu-ray Player, which one to choose and why? Both HD DVD and Blu-ray are advanced video formats designed for High Definition content to HDTVs. However, they are not compatible with each other, meaning a Blu-ray player won't play HD DVD movies and vice versa.

For years, Hollywood and the electronics industry have been debating whether Blu-Ray or HD DVD technology, which is superior. The format war between the two has largely settled in favor of Blu-ray. Although HD DVD players are cheaper, Blu-ray discs offer more storage (25 GB vs 15 GB) and better antipiracy protection. Despite being more expensive, the greater capacity and industry support make Blu-ray the preferred choice for most consumers.

In this article, we will discuss the two high-definition formats: HD DVD vs Blu-ray, and then we will introduce the software to help you rip 4K Blu-ray and HD DVD.

HD DVD vs Blu-ray: Which Format is Better?

What is HD DVD?

A High Definition or HD DVD is an optical storage medium with high storage capacity. It was once seen as a successor or latest form of DVD. A single-layered, one-sided standard DVD holds 4.7 GB of data, and a double-layered disc holds 8.5 GB. Single layered HD DVDs contain a storage capacity of 15 Giga Bytes, whereas a double-layered HD DVD has around 30 GB of storage space. Let's move ahead and discuss the Advantages and drawbacks of HD DVDs.

1. Inexpensive: The manufacturing plants used to make DVDs can also be used to manufacture HD DVDs. This is the main reason why HD DVDs and their players are quite inexpensive.

2. High storage capacity: A single-layered HD DVD can store up to 15 GB of data, whereas a dual-layered disc can store 30 GB of information.

3. Backward compatibility with CDs and DVDs: HD DVD players don't let your old collection of DVDs and CDs become obsolete. These players can read and play CDs and DVDs.

4. Global Industry support: HD DVD has the support of industry giants such as Intel, Microsoft, Hitachi, Kenwood, Fujitsu, Toshiba, Samsung, Lenovo. Similarly, if we talk about software, it has the backing of Studio Canal, the Weinstein Company, New Line, Paramount, Warner, Universal, and Dreamworks.

5. Twin disc support: HD DVD can be played on both DVD players and HD DVD Players. Twin discs mean that the disc has a normal DVD on one side and HD DVD on the other.

1. Xbox 360 add-on required for console support: HD DVD doesn't have similar gaming support like Blu-Ray which has an upside of being PS3 standard. No games are available in HD DVD format yet. To acquire game support, it needs Microsoft Xbox 360 Add-on.

2. Limited to 1080 resolution in many cases: There is no major difference between 576p and 1080i resolutions. HD DVDs are likely to be more compatible with flatter screens because of the lower specifications.

What is a Blu-Ray?

Blu-ray is an optical disc storage format for video playing high-definition videos. It represents the third generation of CDs and comes as a successor to CDs and DVDs. In this technology, data is encoded in pits read by blu violet laser. The spiral track on Blu-ray discs is more tightly wounded than DVDs and CDs because the laser used in Blu-rays has a shorter wavelength.

This means that Blu-Ray discs can hold more data than DVDs and CDs. A single-layered Blu-ray disc can store around 25 GB, and a dual-layered Blu-ray disc can hold up to 50 GB of data, which is a lot more than the data stored by single or dual-layered HD DVDs. Now it's time to find out the advantages and drawbacks of Blu-ray technology.

1. 1080p output: If we talk about HD DVD vs Blu-ray quality, Blu-ray is undoubtedly a step ahead with its almost 3D-like stunning image. HD DVD comes out at 1080i, whereas normal DVDs have an output of 576p only. In contrast, 1080p delivered by Blu-ray has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 at around 54Bit/sec bandwidth. With consumer entertainment devices, 1080p is the best result possible.

2. Higher storage capacity: A single-layered Blu-ray disc can store up to 25 GB of data, whereas a single-layered HD DVD can hold 15 GB. Moreover, a dual-layered Blu-ray can hold up to 50 GB of data, whereas a Dual-layered HD DVD holds up to 30 GB only.

3. Global industry support: The list of industry supporters is a bit longer than that of HD DVD. Still, there is not a big difference in widespread industry support of both formats because most industrial giants are willing to support them both. However, Paramount and all Hollywood studios bar Universal release their movies in Blu-ray format only if we talk about content.

4. Comes as a standard format in Play Station 3: A Blu-ray drive comes as a standard in all PS3s. And this is a huge upside of the Blu-ray format. This is why the Blu-ray player has become the highest-selling Player in no time.

5. With Backwards compatibility with CDs and DVDs: A Blu-ray Player can read and play your old collection of movies and videos because of its backward compatible feature with CDs and DVDs.

1. Need Hi-Fi and expensive screens to play Blu-ray discs: To fully benefit the image capabilities of a Blu-ray disc and Player, you can't just plug it into an old flat screen panel or a CRT, and you will need a 1080p capable device or at least a screen that can display 720p images.

2. Much heavier on pockets as compared to HD DVDs: If you talk about HD DVD vs Blu-ray players and their cost, the Blu-ray players and discs are slightly heavier in your pockets.

HD DVD vs Blu-ray: Which Format Do You Choose?

After going through the specifications, pros, and cons of both HD DVD and Blu-ray, HD DVD vs Blu-ray don't sound like a difficult decision to make. After all, Blu-ray can hold more data, almost two times more data than HD DVD, and when we talk about HD DVD vs Blu-ray quality, Blu-ray is again the winner. Moreover, Blu-ray is a standard video format for PS3 too. The only drawback is it is cost-effective as compared to HD DVD and Player.

So it's all up to you. The best approach is to watch the image quality and video result of both video formats side by side and decide which one pleases you more.

By the way, in modern technology and minimization, discs are becoming obsolete. If you have got a pile of Blu-ray or HD DVD movies with you, you can always digitalize them to your mobile device and PC for better preservation and seamless playback. So, things aren't just limited to HD DVD vs Blu-ray form, and it's more than that now!

Best Software to Convert HD DVD/Blu-ray to Digital

DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper

DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper

DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper allows you to rip and convert any 2D or 3D Blu-ray / ISO file / Folder to any video & audio format playable on any device, media player, or home theatre.

Do you wish to digitize your Blu-ray? DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper is at your service. It is the best solution to rip your Blu-ray to any digital video or audio format. You can easily watch your Blu-ray movies and videos on your portable devices like Android, iPhone, etc., and PC by converting it to a digital format like MP3G, MP4, AVI, MKV, etc

• Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS system.
• Best Blu-ray Decrypter that supports the newest released copy-protected Blu-rays.
• Rip Blu-ray discs, ISO images or folders to 1000+ 2D/3D video & audio formats.
• Support 260+ preset devices as the output, like Apple, Huawei, Google, etc.
• Customize the output video with Advanced Settings and built-in video editor.
• Rip Blu-ray with lossless video and audio quality.
• Support batch Blu-ray conversion at GPU-hardware accelerated speed.

Similarly, you can convert DVD and HD DVD to a digital format using DVDFab DVD Ripper. This amazing software can also rip and convert any copy-protected DVD (ISO file) to various digital formats, including MP4, AVI, MOV, MPEG, FLV, WAV, MP3, and others. For your easy use, DVDFab integrate the Blu-ray Ripper and DVD Ripper features into one "Ripper" module.

How to Convert HD DVD/Blu-ray to Digital with DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper?

Step 1: Launch DVDFab and load Blu-ray disc/ISO/folder

Run DVDFab 13 and opt for the Ripper module. Insert BD into the external Blu-ray drive, navigate it through the Add button, or drag and drop an ISO file or folder onto the main UI.

Step 2: Choose one profile and customize the output video.

Click Choose Other Profile to select your desired profile. Select the titles, audio tracks, and subtitles you want to retain. Turn to the 'Advanced Settings' and built-in 'Video Editor' to customize the output video.

Step 3: Start to rip a Blu-ray

Save your video on your HDD, Mobile device, or upload it to YouTube. Click the Start button, and the free Blu-ray Ripper will promptly begin ripping Blu-ray and show detailed progress information.

Final Words

Blu-ray vs HD DVD, which video format would you choose to watch your favorite movies? Both of them are next-generation optical disc video formats with the high definition video quality. However, differences lie in HD DVD vs Blu-ray quality, storage capacity, and cost. Blu-ray player has advanced protections against piracies and much more storage capacity, while HD DVD is less expensive than Blu-ray.

Furthermore, many of us prefer not to use any physical medium to store our favorite shows. Thankfully, DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper can easily rip Blu-ray to MKV or MP4 format that can be stored in your Android, iPhones, PC, and laptops.