Tokyo - Heating up the next-generation DVD format war, Sony has announced plans to launch four new Blu-ray Disc recorders in November in Japan, while Toshiba plans to introduce a new triple-layer, 51GB capacity HD DVD disc.

The most-advanced Sony Blu-ray recorder will feature a 500GB hard drive and sell for about $1,750, Reuters reported.

"With high-definition TVs spreading rapidly and more digital cameras and camcorders are becoming HD-ready, time is ripe for household recorders to move onto a next generation," Sony executive deputy president Katsumi Ihara told Reuters.

Toshiba's 51GB HD DVD will exceed the highest-capacity Blu-ray disc from Sony by 1GB.

Meanwhile, China plans to introduce its own low cost, next-generation DVD format, CH-DVD, CNET's Crave blog reported.

The Chinese have variously developed their own DVD and video formats in the past, in large part to help its manufacturers avoid having to pay licensing fees to technology developers like Sony and Toshiba.

The CH-DVD format is said to be scheduled for release next year.

Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/34gy6w (Reuters)

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9776981-1.html