HD-DVD and Blu-Ray Thread

[kirbs84]

Now that we're starting to get some more concrete information (pricing and point of release) about these two formats, what's everyone thinking about them? I'm guessing we'll start seeing some display models in store relatively soon. From what I've seen, initial prices don't seem too steep (relative to what original DVD player debuted at), but I'm definetely holding off until I can see where the format war goes.

[radiofriendly]

i have too many dvds to want to have to think about another more expensive format that might take over.

[kirbs84]

i have too many dvds to want to have to think about another more expensive format that might take over.

both of them are backwards compatible, so that's not really an issue. I also thought the HD-DVD camp has a good idea. They're going to start releasing the new hd-dvd's a little before the actual players, but the discs have both hd- AND standard definition versions of the film on the disc. The standard definition version will be able to be played on your current dvd player. So you can start building an HD-DVD library before you even have the player, without wasting money.

[radiofriendly]

both of them are backwards compatible, so that's not really an issue. I also thought the HD-DVD camp has a good idea. They're going to start releasing the new hd-dvd's a little before the actual players, but the discs have both hd- AND standard definition versions of the film on the disc. The standard definition version will be able to be played on your current dvd player. So you can start building an HD-DVD library before you even have the player, without wasting money.

now that's good news.

[kirbs84]

hmm...I honestly thought you all would have alot to say about this.

[theESCO]

both of them are backwards compatible, so that's not really an issue. I also thought the HD-DVD camp has a good idea. They're going to start releasing the new hd-dvd's a little before the actual players, but the discs have both hd- AND standard definition versions of the film on the disc. The standard definition version will be able to be played on your current dvd player. So you can start building an HD-DVD library before you even have the player, without wasting money.
that's actually a really good idea. but i'll probably still use my PS as my DVD player. i don't really see the point in having both.

[Dan Hollister]

You wouldn't need an SD-version of the movie on the DVD. Any SDTV would just downconvert HD content to SD on its own.

The problem is that there's already 2 camps. Both Blu-ray and HD-DVD have die-hard members, so this could be a long process. My guess is some technology companies will get smart and make a player that plays both formats.

Personally, I think the bigger issue here isn't either one: it's online distribution. More and more we're seeing people downloading TV shows from iTunes. Google Video, YouTube, and these services are getting better. The H.264 codec in QuickTime can stream true high-def content over a DSL line. More people are purchasing Windows Media Center Edition and other systems that connect their computers to their televisions. I think long-term, that's going to be the big winner, not HD-DVD or Blu-ray.

[kirbs84]

You wouldn't need an SD-version of the movie on the DVD. Any SDTV would just downconvert HD content to SD on its own.

The problem is that there's already 2 camps. Both Blu-ray and HD-DVD have die-hard members, so this could be a long process. My guess is some technology companies will get smart and make a player that plays both formats.

Personally, I think the bigger issue here isn't either one: it's online distribution. More and more we're seeing people downloading TV shows from iTunes. Google Video, YouTube, and these services are getting better. The H.264 codec in QuickTime can stream true high-def content over a DSL line. More people are purchasing Windows Media Center Edition and other systems that connect their computers to their televisions. I think long-term, that's going to be the big winner, not HD-DVD or Blu-ray.

SD DVD players use a different laser from HD-DVD players. An SD player won't even be able to recognize the HD version to downconvert it. Sony and Toshiba were at one time in talks to bring a unified format. Sony backed out, so it's not happening. I wish it would, but it's not. Netflix and some other companies have already stated that they will be carrying both formats upon release.

[kirbs84]

What does everyone think about Sony's attempt to push Blu-Ray with the PS3? Do you think it will work out as well as DVD and the PS2 did?

[Trainsaw]

What does everyone think about Sony's attempt to push Blu-Ray with the PS3? Do you think it will work out as well as DVD and the PS2 did?
Yep, but i think it might be a bit early, people aren't going to realize what they have for another 2-3 years when HD really takes off.

[kirbs84]

Yep, but i think it might be a bit early, people aren't going to realize what they have for another 2-3 years when HD really takes off.

Do you think it's a truly better product than HD-DVD? If so, for what reasons?

[Trainsaw]

Do you think it's a truly better product than HD-DVD? If so, for what reasons?
Its ability to store more is going to make it better. And will open a lot of doors for extended content etc.

[kirbs84]

Its ability to store more is going to make it better. And will open a lot of doors for extended content etc.

This is something I don't know much about. I know that they're planning on having "interactive" extended content (say you see an actor in a scene, but can't remember what else you've seen them in, it will let you click on them and it'll bring a list of previous performances up) but what other kinds of extras can they have? I can't really think of much.

[kirbs84]

sounds as if Sony may be losing faith in Blu-Ray

http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/10339/Sony-and-NEC-to-Merge-Optical-Disc-Drive-Businesses/

[Darren McLeod]

i am a college student. I will not be out of school until 2011 at the ealiest. I will not be buying a decent TV until sometime after that. Therefore, neither Blu-Ray or HD-DVD concern me, and by the time they do, I'll purchase the one that has "won" the war, and everyone will be talking about the next two formats that are battling it out.

[IAPAI]

i am a college student. I will not be out of school until 2011 at the ealiest. I will not be buying a decent TV until sometime after that. Therefore, neither Blu-Ray or HD-DVD concern me, and by the time they do, I'll purchase the one that has "won" the war, and everyone will be talking about the next two formats that are battling it out.

Yay for 3D-HD-DVD in 2011

[kirbs84]

good article

http://editorials.teamxbox.com/xbox/1496/The-Blue-Laser-Wars-Episode-I-HD-DVD/p1/

[kirbs84]

http://gear.ign.com/articles/693/693959p1.html

hopefully other companies will do the same

[kirbs84]

http://gear.ign.com/articles/695/695942p1.html

sucks for those that pre-ordered

[believethehyph]

i have too many dvds to want to have to think about another more expensive format that might take over.
Word

[kirbs84]

more delays....

http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/10550/Toshiba-Delays-HD-DVD-Launch-One-Month/

[kirbs84]

steeep pricing

http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/10584/Panasonic-Announces-Its-Bluray-Disc-Players-Availability-Pricing/