50GB Blu-ray Disc release delayed

But Disney's Chapek wants it 'from the get-go'

By Scott Hettrick -- Video Business, 12/2/2005

DEC. 2 | LOS ANGELES—To fully realize the innovative capabilities of the Blu-ray Disc, a 50GB version of the disc will be required—but it won’t be ready when the high-definition format launches in the first half of 2006.

That revelation came in a Blu-ray press demo held Nov. 29 on the 20th Century Fox lot and attended by many members of the Blu-ray camp.

Andy Parsons, senior VP advanced product development for Pioneer, downplayed the delayed readiness of the 50GB disc, saying it was something the industry would “grow into over time.”

But Buena Vista Home Entertainment president Bob Chapek said Disney wanted the 50GB disc to be ready “from the get-go.”

Disney showed the first video highlights of potential new consumer options via Blu-ray, including live Internet-connected events and interactivities and sophisticated videogames.

Fox provided the first demo from a Blu-ray player of components using Java technology, such as the layering of traditional menu bonus features such as picture-in-picture trailers and optional audio and pop-up tracks over the movie as it runs.

Many of the enhanced components demonstrated will be offered via the basic 25GB Blu-ray Disc and likely could be incorporated into the similar-capacity rival high-def format HD DVD.

But Chapek said he envisions packing discs with a full panoply of high-def bonus materials, extensive interactive features and other new types of content, which would require the higher capacity of the 50GB version. All the content would be seamlessly integrated and accessible without leaving the movie.

He also said he envisions releasing Blu-ray/DVD hybrid discs, containing both the standard-definition and high-def versions of the movie—another configuration not likely to be available at the time of launch.

Disney will be ready to deliver titles using all of the capabilities of the 50GB disc as soon as it is ready for market, Chapek said.

But sources said the earliest a 50GB disc would be ready would be the second half of 2006. A related announcement is expected soon by at least one major manufacturer.

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