Sony Music to test-launch DualDisc DVD/CD hybrids in UK

June 28, 2004

Last month the DVD Forum
approved the hybrid DualDisc CD/DVD format. GristyMcFisty reports us
that Sony is already experimenting with this new format in America and they're
now also thinking of test-launching the technology, which involves
sticking a CD onto the back of the DVD Video or DVD Audio disc, in the UK as
well:

DualDisc was devised as a way of adding
backward compatibility to new audio disc format. For the labels, that
allows them to ship a single product rather than separate DVD Audio and CD
releases, and ensures consumers can build second-generation audio
collections before they switch to new hardware.

They will be able to play, say, higher quality DVD Audio content at
home and use the same disc to play the same music in their car's CD
player.

All the major recording companies have tested the format in the US'
Boston and Seattle areas, but Sony's participation in the American and
perhaps UK trials is interesting given it is touting its own
second-generation CD format, Super Audio CD. SACDs already provide a CD
Audio component for backward
compatibility.

The test-launch in the UK is unlikely to take place before the US trial has
been expanded to other areas, this according to SMI's chief Rick Dobbs. For
those of you who are interested in reading the complete article, you can find it
here.

Source: The Register