New Medium Enterprises is set to launch a third high definition optical format this fall with the global launch of their HD VMD platform.

HD VMD utilizes a red laser like conventional DVD instead of the blue laser utilized by Blu Ray and HD DVD players. HD VMD achieves increased storage capacity on it's medium by having not just one or two layers like DVD, HD DVD and Blu Ray, but by being able to have a maximum of 20 layers. Currently, HD VMD discs are limited to 15 and 20 gigabyte discs, but New Medium states that up to 30 gigabytes is in the specification. HD VMD supports up to 1080p at 50 or 60Hz, but no 24 Hz support is offered. Like Blu Ray and HD DVD, mpeg2, AVC and VC-1 video compression are supported. Standard definition DVDs receive upconversion to 1080i, and audio cd playback is supported. Audio formats supported include Dolby Digital, DTS and up to 7.1 channel PCM. Suggested retail on the players is $199, a price point that HD DVD has already arrived at.

Entering a market with a format war already raging, and not offering better or less expensive technology seems like a formula for failure. With no U.S. studio support announced at this time, New Medium has an uphill struggle ahead of them.