High Definition video requires a tremendous amount of space on a disc,
thus a Blue laser (versus a Red Laser for DVD) is utilized for HD
DVD. The blue laser, with its shorter wave length, allows for information
to be stored more densely on the disc, thus improving storage capacity
by about over 3 times compared to that of a red laser technology.
Higher Compression Standards
Additionally, more accurate and efficient video compression like MPEG-4
AVC and VC-1 (based on Microsoft's Windows Media) compress
information to achieve file sizes that are less than half of those of the
current standard DVD's MPEG2.
High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
HDMI is the industry-supported all digital Audio/video connection
providing the transmission of uncompressed digital video and multichannel
audio on a single cable. When matched with a compatible HDTV,
this single cable connection ensures that all signals remain in their pure
digital form.
Backward Compatibility
Enjoy backwards compatibility and play your collection of standard DVDs
on the player. In addition, via the HDMI interface, the HD-XA1 scales the
standard definition DVD output to a resolution of 720p or 1080i to match
your HDTV's performance.
Built-in Multi-Channel Decoders
The HD-XA1 has built-in processors to handle the multi-channel decoders
for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD (2 ch), DTS and DTSHD.
It employs the use of four DSPs to decode the multi-channel streams
of the wide array of audio formats.
Tray Lock
Allows software to be loaded into the tray and secured with an on-screen code. Great for ensuring retail demonstrations as well as to keep children from removing music and movie titles.