51 gigabyte triple layer HD DVD is still on the way, but there is some question as to whether or not existing players will be compatible with the new discs.

Home Media Magazine reports that Toshiba's Mark Knox, a Toshiba member of the HD DVD Promotional Group, said the technology is still in testing and would likely receive the DVD Forum's ok for production by the end of the year. Knox stated “We’re still looking at the backwards compatibility”, and added that a firmware update for existing HD DVD players might be needed. Knox revealed that twin format discs, which host a dual layer HD DVD and a single layer DVD on the same side of the disc, unlike the flipper combo discs we all know and loathe, are likely to become more commonplace.

Hopefully Toshiba will create a firmware solution that will allow existing players to play triple layer and twin format discs as they enter production.