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Technical features

1) Triple-layer 45GB disc

The newly developed ROM disc has a single-sided, triple-layer structure (see attachment). Each layer stores 15 gigabytes of information. Triple-layer discs can be easily produced by back-to-back bonding of a 0.6mm-thick dual-layer disc and a single-layer 0.6mm disc.

In the process, a single-layer disc is first produced, using the same process as for HD DVD-ROM. Next, the second layer is formed on first layer using a one-time polycarbonate stamper, the same process used for the DVD-18 disc, the double-sided DVD disc that has dual-layers on both sides. Finally, the single-layer 0.6mm disc is bonded to the dual-layer disc, using standard technology.

2) Double-sided, Dual-layer Hybrid Disc

In December 2004, Toshiba and Memory-Tech announced development of a single-sided, dual-layer HD DVD-ROM/DVD-ROM hybrid disc. The DVD layer had a 4.7GB capacity, meeting the specification for current DVD discs, while the HD DVD layer had a 15GB capacity.

Now Toshiba has developed a double-sided, dual-layer HD DVD-ROM/DVD-ROM hybrid disc. Simply explained, the new hybrid disc bonds together a 0.6mm thick dual-layer HD DVD-ROM disc with 30GB capacity, and a 0.6-mm thick dual-layer DVD-ROM disc with an 8.5GB capacity (see attachment).

The dual-layer DVD-ROM disc structure is well established. The new disc has a structure as simple as that of current dual-layer DVD-ROM discs. Today, more than fifty percent of DVD-ROM discs on the market are dual-layer versions.

The new disc brings the clear benefit of satisfying consumers, retailers, disc producers and Hollywood studios. It allows consumers to view DVD content on standard DVD players and, after purchasing an HD DVD player, to enjoy high definition content on the HD DVD layer from the same disc. The new disc structure also increases options for content providers: they can provide the same content in two formats, or use the HD DVD layer for a feature movie and the DVD layer to store promotional videos or audio content, including the movie sound track. Retailers can also promote HD DVD hardware as well as maintaining standard DVD sales.

aik, tak jadi combine ah the BluRay and HDDVD? I think that MS did a smart move by not changing the standards for the 360. The DVD format is still relatively new, dunno why they all so rushed to introduce new standards oredy.

...but isn't blueray an overkill? With current gen console game developer only use about 6 gb max and not all games are so. 45gb hd dvd is like almost 8 times larger, will the game developer even utilize all of it?

Here's some leaked info on the Revolution... Its gonna have a pressure sensitive "gamepad" and also FREE online gamplay.

According to the site, the console will boast four 2.5Ghz IBM G5 Custom cores, with 128KB of level 1 cache and a 512KB shared level 2 cache, while the graphics will be powered by a dual core ATI RN520 chipset, with 16MB of on-board eDRAM for the frame buffer.

The increased competition between Sony and Nintendo over the handheld market has continued to fuel rumors Microsoft would eventually join the fray. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates says doesn't see that in the company's future, according to an interview with CNET News.com.
"Speaking from Microsoft broadly, we like that Sony is off worrying about the PSP and thinking about that while we are worried about the TV-based console, the next generation of Xbox that we are moving forward on," he said.

Then again, Sony probably didn't anticipate entering the portable gaming market right away, either.

In its final form, Revolution will be about the thickness of three standard DVD cases and only slightly longer. The versatile Revolution will play either horizontally or vertically, allowing the user total flexibility in setting up a gaming session wherever they have a television.

Thanks to Nintendo's hardware development partners IBM and ATI, the small system will be packed with power that will enable it to wow players with its graphics. Nintendo's legions of loyal fans will be happy to learn that Revolution will be backward compatible, playing both Nintendo GameCube 8cm disks along with its own 12cm optical disks in the same self-loading media drive.

RUMOR: Sony and Apple working together on PlayStation 3

Friday, May 13, 2005 - 09:22 PM EST

The moderator of PS3 Forums, "The Unofficial PS3 H.Q." has posted the following:

Apple + Sony = PS3

I am now hearing stronger rumors that Sony is indeed working with Apple on the PS3. Most of this work is based around support for iTunes and iPop on the PS3.

iPod connectivity - Ability to connect the iPod to the PS3 and play it's music through the PS3 to your stereo or other audio playback devices. Will also provide some graphical effects on your TV during playback

iTunes linkup - Access iTunes and your music through the PS3. Purchase and download additiona tracks through the PS3. Wirelessly play iTunes music from your PC/Mac through the PS3

Sync support - Use the PS3 to sync your iPod with iTunes, no need for a PC or Mac to sync and add/remove tracks and organize playlists.

Apple may also be helping Sony with some UI design for the PS3 dashboard interface. No links, and for that I appologize, but I figured people would like to hear this information anyways. If the rumors hold true, this would be mutually benefitical for Sony and Apple in a lot of ways.

Full post and forum discussion here.

And, over at Engadget, Joshua Fruhlinger is reporting that, "Merrill Lynch analyst Steven Milunovich thinks Apple and Sony could be working on some big things." Full article here.

Steve Jobs at MacWorld Expo 2005, Tuesday, January 11, 2005, "You know, we do work very closely with Sony on digital still cameras and these new camcorders, which is really great. And who knows, maybe someday, computers and music, too." QuickTime video of Steve Jobs' comment at 57:38.

MacDailyNews Take: This is a rumor. Take it with a grain of salt. It would be very interesting, though, wouldn't it?