Promoted by a group of companies led by Toshiba, the HD DVD (high-definition DVD) is a new-generation, high-capacity optical disc format. Utilizing a shorter-wavelength blue laser, the HD DVD offers a massive storage capacity of 15GB on a single-layer disc and 30GB on a double-layer disc, about three to four times the amount of current DVDs.

HDCP is a protocol developed by Intel Corporation to protect digital content transmitted via HDMI/DVI interface. HDCP codes are used in both content signals and devices; HDCP-encrypted content can only be played on the devices which support the HDCP standard.

HDMI is an all-digital interface which transmits uncompressed high-definition video and multi-channel digital audio from any audio/video source to display devices via a single cable. HDMI is also backward-compatible with DVI (digital visual interface).