DVD standards agreed for next generation

Nine consumer electronics giants, including Philips, Samsung, Sharp and Sony, have agreed upon standardisation for the next generation of DVD players.

A lack of standardisation has been a stumbling block in the smooth launch of the DVD format - with different regions and settings meaning current 'red-laser' DVDs have often proved a confusing concept for consumers and distributors.

The new generation of 'blue-laser' DVDs are designed to store even greater amounts of data than current DVDs through the use of shorter wavelength, thus narrower, beams, which can read and write more information per area of disc space.

The next generation of DVD players could appear in shops as early as next year.