Once again, there is a technology format war looming on the horizon. Many people dont remember the VHS - Betamax battle that broke out when video players were first introduced, making it possible for people to watch movies at home. This was a case of two non-compatible technologies, each of which was a format for taping full length feature films. Ultimately VHS won out, and the movie companies put out their products in that format thus dooming Betamax and the product manufacturers that had adopted their technology, not to mention the thousands of consumers that had invested in Betamax players. We now find ourselves on the verge of creating a new set of sore losers.

Skirmishes over LCD versus plasma screen HD TV technology are ongoing, but that type of technology contest isnt as acute because you can watch TV or a movie on either type of screen. Currently, you can also play every dvd available on any dvd player that is in production and on the market. The next generation of dvd players, however, is coming over the horizon in the form of two distinct and incompatible technologies.

Toshiba versus Sony

Toshiba has developed a proprietary technology dubbed high definition dvd (HDDVD) and to support their format has developed alliances with Microsoft and Universal Films, among others. The HDDVD disks will be available in 15GB and two sided, 30GB versions.

By way of comparison, the current DVDs have enough storage for two hours of standard definition (SD) images, while the one-sided 15 gigabyte HDDVD disk can store up to eight hours of high definition (HD) images. The difference between SD and HD is simply twice the number of pixel lines displayed on the screen in the HD format, thus providing a crisper picture. The increased capacity of these disks will also allow for interactive features such as screen-in-screen directors discussion of movie scenes playing behind him that todays standard DVDs cannot support.

In the other corner is the Blu-Ray technology developed by Sony, who has lined up support from Apple, Disney and 20th Century Fox. Both formats use blue laser technology, which has a shorter wavelength than red, allowing it to read the smaller digital data "spots" packed a lot more densely onto a standard-size disc. Blu-Ray disks are designed to carry up to 50GB of digital material, which may mean that Sony wins the compression competition.

The Early Rounds

Sony Pictures released the first six films on Blu-Ray disks in June of this year, and have released a few more since. Samsung has a Blu-Ray dvd player in the stores, while Sonys hardware division has released a Blu-Ray compatible PC. Toshiba has its initial HDDVD player on the market and there are a limited number of titles available in the format, mostly re-releases of previous first-run features.

Sony clearly jumped out to an early lead, with support from Dell, HP, Mitsubishi and a number of other hardware manufacturers. In addition, Sony Pictures also owns Columbia and MGM, giving them an enormous library to work with. Sony will also fold its technology into the PlayStation 3 gaming machine, their proprietary product whose 2nd version rules the roost in the videogame market.

On the Toshiba side of the battlefield, proponents argue that the HDDVD disks will be cheaper to produce and that it will be comparatively easy for disk replicators to retrofit their equipment for production purposes. The HDDVD format also makes production of recordable DVDs much simpler than with the Blu-Ray design.

Further, an alliance with Microsoft will be a formidable edge in this battle, should it turn into a protracted conflict. Microsofts operating systems are going to be important cogs in the development of future home viewing systems, as the technology moves closer to merging the functions of computers and televisions. If movie downloads become a commercial success, PC compatibility will be critical for these disks.

The Consumer Issues

One of the reasons that Microsoft aligned with Toshibas technology is that HDDVD provides for mandatory managed copy. What that means is that unlike with today's conventional DVDs, managed copy allows consumers to make legitimate copies of their HD movies and enjoy this content around the home or across their personal networks. Making this feature mandatory will ensure a consistent consumer experience across all next-generation dvd content.

Then there is the element of iHD, which is the concept of maximizing high definition video for transport across the internet. This is a specific set of video specs which the iHD.org, a group of tech and media companies, is pushing as a cross-platform standard.

The theory is that next-generation HD movies will provide a level of interactive experience well beyond that of today's conventional DVDs. iHD technology is meant to provide a broad foundation to enable new interactivity with standards-based development tools and technologies.

The pitch for this standard is that it will provide consumers with enhanced content, navigation and functionality for HD films. The business reality is that Microsoft plans to implement iHD support in its Windows Vista operating system, which will not only be a significant step towards integrated video and computer systems but will make help drive adoption of the new Microsoft platform.

Duel to the Death Unlikely

There is some indication that all of these conflicting issues may ultimately force a compromise some sort of merger or unification of the two technologies. Hardware manufacturers are hedging their bets, with the latest wrinkle being that Blu-Ray-aligned Hewlett Packard has requested that mandatory managed copy and the iHD standard be included in Blu-Rays feature set. Sony has agreed to include the managed copy feature, but said no to iHD.

The Betamax VHS battle was a tussle over hardware with the movie companies playing a predominant role, one Sony lost. This time around, there is much more uncertainty about how the next generation of home video will roll out. How will the Web and the PC fit in? Will the movies be delivered via disk or via download? How will the film industry protect its content rights and how can the hardware companies maximize their role?

PCs have become a commodity. If a scenario arises where every household needs a new computer to match up with new video technology, the Dells and HPs of this world stand to win big. If competing technology keeps people from investing in either, every involved business will suffer. If the film and dvd houses have to produce two sets of content and two disks for every film, their margins will grow considerably thinner as well. The tech bloggers seem to be increasingly inclined to believe that unification of some sort is inevitable. The corporations with the most to lose are too smart not to insist on it.

Madison Lockwood is a customer relations associate for http://www.apollohosting.com. She helps clients understand how a website may benefit them both personally and professionally. Apollo Hosting provides website hosting, ecommerce hosting, & VPS hosting to a wide range of customers.

¶ 7:43 PM 0 comments

When someone mentions having your own personal development growth plan what sorts of things do you think about?

Let me try and guess a few of them:
- Goal setting
- Motivation
- Increasing your self-esteem and confidence
- Improving your image or public speaking
- Making better use of your time
- Empowering yourself to be happier

Recognize a few of these?

Certainly, understanding that you must set goals and organize your effort around achieving those goals is important and helpful on your road to self improvement.

Similarly, staying motivated is a critical part of achieving any progress on your personal growth plan. For many, motivation is a daily struggle - a losing battle where we blame procrastination and lack of motivation for our inability to make progress.

But let's take a deeper look at a personal growth plan that is based solely on ways to technically make you better each stage of the planning and execution phase of personal improvement.

Try answering the following questions:

"Where do you uncover objectives worthy enough of setting goals?"

Do you know what you want today in terms of a "perfect" career or business?

Do you understand what would trul make you happy if you could snap your fingers and it appeared instantly?

What about motivation? What would keep you motivated day-in and day-out? If motivation was not a frame of mind but rather was based on KNOWING you are driving towards the ultimate objectives in your life, wouldn't that keep you motivated?

personal Development Growth From The Inside

You see, what nobody seems to talk about is that you can learn all of the techniques, case studies, examples and strategies you want when driving towards personal improvement, but if you do not base them on what is inside of you (alignment), then they are just technical tactics that will not result in lasting change.

By using techniques such as mediation, yoga and introspection, you can derive truly meaningful objectives in your drive to achieve personal development growth resulting in results that will surpass your wildest dreams.

By mixing internal realization with traditional spects of personal development growth you will have the secret to long-term, sustained personal improvement in your life.

Discover The secret weapons of Achieving Fast and Long-Lasting personal Development In Your health, Relationships, Career And financial Well being by Visiting Peak personal Development At http://www.peak-personal-development.com

¶ 8:25 AM 0 comments

A good golf ball will certainly help a good golf swing lower your scores. Question is what is a good golf ball? Many beginning golfers lose so many balls in there quest to play the game that they don not care what golf ball is used. However as we all progress in our skill levels we become aware that some golf balls do work better. The problem is that the many golf ball manufactures provide so many choices that it is hard to make an intelligent selection.

Selecting the best golf ball for your skill level and golf swing can be as important as the selection of golf clubs. Golf ball manufactures use many types of compounds to make ball covering and core. In addition there are solid cores, dual cores and multi-cores to add to the confusion. In addition there are a lot of different dimple patterns available each designed to overcome air resistance and influence spin characteristics. For instance a ball with lots of back spin will have more carry. Some balls are designed to be more forgiving when you miss the sweet spot. If you have a good golf swing there are balls designed for the pros that are unforgiving but allow for more control. The biggest problem is that there is no real uniform way to judge one golf ball against another.

titleist golf balls are rated for use by the skill level of the player. The titleist Solo NT is their most popular ball and is designed for the recreational golfer. Its two piece construction that includes a cut resistant cover is both forgiving and durable. At the other end of the titleist golf ball line is the titleist ProV1 that was just used to win the US Open. this ball is designed for the professional or very serious golfers. It is a three piece ball that has enhanced aerodynamics, softer feel and more controllability. It is also much less forgiving when impact is off the clubs sweet spot. As you can see much of the description provided by titleist and other golf ball manufactures is relatively subjective.

In addition you will discover that a golf ball that plays great for your golfing partner may not work for you. All this adds to the confusion of selecting a ball. If you have a consistent golf swing you can go the range and try a number of brands to find what works best. this may be expensive but probably the only way to be sure that you have the ball or balls that work best for you. If you undertake such an endeavor make sure you take lots of notes as you proceed through various brands. If you do not have a good consistent golf swing then things get a little more complicated.

A good teaching golf instructor that is or has provided you with golf instruction may be able to assist you in selecting a good golf ball to fit your golf swing and playing style. Each golf instructor has his or her favorite golf balls they use for instruction purposes. More than likely these are the most forgiving golf ball available. If your golf swing is inconsistent or you are relatively new to the game of golf this may be the best choice for you. Continued golf swing instruction and experience will help you develop a good golf swing over time. In time as your skill level increases you will be able to try different brands and judge what golf balls work for you. Selecting a golf ball is important. In the mean time a more forgiving golf ball will make the game of golf more enjoyable and that is really the reason we play.

James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of Good Golf Swing website. Providing information on golf swing tips, putting tips, golf training aids, golf instruction and the latest and best golf ebooks.

¶ 2:21 AM 0 comments