First Blue-ray Disc Recorder

A blue-ray disc player with recording abilities is something new for the modern market. It actually adds some fire to high-definition disc format wars.

The main function of the player is to record high-definition content directly from TV. It is actually the first device to be capable to do so.

The device is elaborated by Sharp and will be released in March, 2007 in Japan. The product will reach the United States a bit later. Its actual name is BD-HP1 and its price will be around $1,200. The Blu-ray Disc Recorder is evidently a revolutionary device that will whip up Blu-ray cause in the future.

How it actually works?

The BD-HP1transfers the content from the company's Aquos digital tuner or Aquos HD Recorder to the Blu-ray Disc. The company assures that the high-definition quality will be preserved one to one.

The content is recorded directly to BD-RE discs. One of such holds up to 25 GB, which is enough for two hours of HD programming, those from Sharp state.

However, some are concerned about the fact that connection required to use HD content is available only on Sharp's Aquos TV range. The function works with the iLink (IEEE 1394) connections on Sharp Aquos LCD TVs, this being the factor which disables to use it with other TVs.

What will you choose?

The format wars mentioned above take place between Toshiba and companies promoting the HD DVD format and Sony group (opting for the Blu-ray format).

Implementation of BD-HP1 recorder adds points to the Blu-ray camp. But it will certainly fade after a while unless improved to support both formats.

Compromises

However, there is a different way!

Thus, Warner Bros. has applied for a patent of a disc that can be played on both Blu-ray and HD DVD players. LG Electronics are to release a new generation of DVD players that can support both Blu-ray and HD DVD media.

BD-HP1 recorder is a great motivation to initiate a new line of products for recording high-definition content. It will be developed by Sharp, but it probably won't be the only one. Steve Wilson, a principal analyst with ABI Research says "Now they are really well positioned to provide PVR (personal video recorder) capabilities... The move by Sharp certainly makes sense for the electronics maker".