2 studios bet HD DVD will be a hit

josh.friedman@latimes.com

alex.pham@latimes.com

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Times staff writer Joseph Menn contributed to this report.

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Comparing formats

The two dueling high-definition DVD formats, HD DVD and Blu-ray, offer far sharper images than standard DVD. Some analysts liken the format war to the old VHS-Betamax battle.

DVD

Data capacity per layer: 4.7 giga bytes

Maximum image resolution (in pixels) :640 x 480

Thickness of recorded layer :0.6 mm

Studio backers: All

Retail launch : 1997

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HD DVD

Data capacity per layer: 15 gigabytes

Maximum image resolution (in pixels) :1,920 x 1,080

Thickness of recorded layer :0.6 mm

Studio backers: DreamWorks Animation SKG, Paramount, Universal, Warner Bros

Retail launch : Winter 2005

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BLU-RAY

Data capacity per layer: 25 gigabytes

Maximum image resolution (in pixels) :1,920 x 1,080

Thickness of recorded layer :0.1 mm

Studio backers: Disney, Lions Gate, MGM, Sony, 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros.

Retail launch : Spring 2006

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Source: Times research