Films to be released in D-VHS. . why???

[videoguy79]

http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.asp?RelatedID=1933

The above is a link to CD-R Info, on which I read a newsclip that several feature film titles are to be released on the almost untalked-about D-VHS format. I understand that the format offers higher resolution than current DVD's (1080i, I think), and that it requires something like 30GB/hour of video, far more than any current disc-format can offer (other than the FMD, maybe). My question is why? I don't understand why anybody would go back to a tape based, linear format after using DVD, in the name of a higher resolution which only a true HDTV could show. My other question is: could this be just another attempt by Hollywood to reduce piracy? D-VHS has no data output and the file sizes would be way too big for most hard drives, let alone the internet (see: divx). I'd like to hear what others think of this, and if anybody owns D-VHS, thier impressions of the format.

[tigerwolf]

from what I know of d-vhs, it isn't suppose to compete at all with dvd and is only for HDTV systems. The prices on the units are currently outrageous.

check out a couple of these:
one of the units:
http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?productId=PRD4603000

the specs on d-vhs:
http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/english/products/vcr/D-VHS-e.html

oh and a good source about d-vhs:
http://www.dvhs.co.uk/

and to quote the faq on the site:
"Is D-VHS capable of better things than DVD?

D-VHS has the advantage of being able to hold more data (at standard rate a 7 hour tape can hold 44.4GB). The net data rate of DVD is approx 9Mbps, while the proposed HS mode is approx 28.2Mbps and the standard mode is 14.1Mbps. DVD has the advantage of being on disc, it's easier to access different parts of that disc and is less likely to ware."

Hey DVD is here to stay baby. LOL. Better be given I have 150 dvd's. LOL.

I'm sure D-vhs will have a following especially for those that have large vhs movie collections, but who wants a format that can ware out and lets not forget given its tape, jam up, get eaten, and etc.

[tigerwolf]

oh and dvd is already working on a new format. Go figure. I can't remember where I read about it, but something about a higher resolution unit or something. I remember they brought up that dvd wanted to try and be a format that continued to evolve. I have noticed the dvd-audio discs starting to appear in some of the stores. Even saw the metallica black album on dvd-audio in dts or dolby digital.

[homerpez]

I don't see any point to D-VHS at all, outside of home or professional use (like DAT audio tapes). Basically so you can record form your Digital Cable or Satellite box with little or no degradation. I'd probably pay $200 to $300 for a home unit that does this right...

For releasing movies? Hmm... I don't think it's a good idea. DVD is much smaller, much more durable (if you're careful).

One possible motive would be that D-VHS might, just might, hold more data than a DVD, but that still doesn't overcome the fact it's TAPE, which can degrade over time.