Comments on: HD DVD and Blu-ray at a stalemate http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/ Gadgets, gear and computer hardware. Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:09:58 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: David McDonald http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-552718 David McDonald Thu, 03 Jan 2008 01:21:14 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-552718 I acquired both a Blu-ray player and an HD-DVD player for my family. We own 25 Blu-ray format disks and 3 HD-DVD format disks. Any difference in quality is not noticeable on our 1366 x 768 LCD TV. (We selected an 32" LCD that would fit in an existing cabinet.) The critical thing is to be certain to have enough HDMI ports on the TV - at least 3 for best flexibility. Five years from now I hope both of these are in the basement collecting dust and we are using playing movies from files on a hard drive based player. I acquired both a Blu-ray player and an HD-DVD player for my family. We own 25 Blu-ray format disks and 3 HD-DVD format disks. Any difference in quality is not noticeable on our 1366 x 768 LCD TV. (We selected an 32″ LCD that would fit in an existing cabinet.) The critical thing is to be certain to have enough HDMI ports on the TV - at least 3 for best flexibility. Five years from now I hope both of these are in the basement collecting dust and we are using playing movies from files on a hard drive based player.

]]> By: Travis http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-552427 Travis Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:43:52 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-552427 I took the plunge with the $98 HD DVD player and love it! Blu Ray seems to get more press but I really think price will help HD DVD the way it did for VHS in the 1980's. Also, HD DVD does not have the "profile 1.--" BS to worry about - discs just play plain and simple. I took the plunge with the $98 HD DVD player and love it! Blu Ray seems to get more press but I really think price will help HD DVD the way it did for VHS in the 1980’s. Also, HD DVD does not have the “profile 1.–” BS to worry about - discs just play plain and simple.

]]> By: Dave http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-552405 Dave Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:04:52 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-552405 People are still viewing and storing VHS and DVD media. They simply don't have the space to store more discs. Digital downloads of some type (AppleTV, TIVO, DVR or something yet to be announced) will eventually be the new format. People are still viewing and storing VHS and DVD media. They simply don’t have the space to store more discs. Digital downloads of some type (AppleTV, TIVO, DVR or something yet to be announced) will eventually be the new format.

]]> By: Hal9000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-552403 Hal9000 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:01:35 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-552403 Got em both - xbox 360 w HD DVD add-on running on a 720p plasma and just got the PS3 for my new 1080p LCD for the bedroom. Like many other dual format owners, I have to say that they're both great. Blu -Ray might have a slight edge on the 1080p tv but alot of HD DVD movies are actually in 1080p too. Both also do a great job of upscaling regular DVD's so this helps offset the risk of buying one or the other and having it become functionless. If you get either of the game systems, they really have a lot of other functionalities as well as a media hub - you can stream your pix/movies/music from PC to your tv throught them. In the long run they're probably both losers anyway since I can already store HD Movies on my Zune as a non-physical file. Just like CD's are going the way of the dinosaur. All of your media will stored in the ether... Got em both - xbox 360 w HD DVD add-on running on a 720p plasma and just got the PS3 for my new 1080p LCD for the bedroom. Like many other dual format owners, I have to say that they’re both great. Blu -Ray might have a slight edge on the 1080p tv but alot of HD DVD movies are actually in 1080p too. Both also do a great job of upscaling regular DVD’s so this helps offset the risk of buying one or the other and having it become functionless. If you get either of the game systems, they really have a lot of other functionalities as well as a media hub - you can stream your pix/movies/music from PC to your tv throught them. In the long run they’re probably both losers anyway since I can already store HD Movies on my Zune as a non-physical file. Just like CD’s are going the way of the dinosaur. All of your media will stored in the ether…

]]> By: drdrew http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551938 drdrew Tue, 01 Jan 2008 23:57:42 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551938 You make a valid argument; however, don't be so short sighted to think that the internet is the only means of delivery for non physical media. PPV over my Directv has nothing to do with an internet connection, nor does OnDemand with my buddy's cableco. While these methods may use similar ideas and/or infrastructure, they are dedicated to the task at hand regardless of traffic. Adding said "purchased items" to a virtual library for free future access is not only plausible, it's happening. I'm looking forward to "movie night" when new releases are accessible from my box the day they are released. You make a valid argument; however, don’t be so short sighted to think that the internet is the only means of delivery for non physical media. PPV over my Directv has nothing to do with an internet connection, nor does OnDemand with my buddy’s cableco. While these methods may use similar ideas and/or infrastructure, they are dedicated to the task at hand regardless of traffic. Adding said “purchased items” to a virtual library for free future access is not only plausible, it’s happening. I’m looking forward to “movie night” when new releases are accessible from my box the day they are released.

]]> By: Matt http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551905 Matt Tue, 01 Jan 2008 22:25:04 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551905 Blu-ray! Blu-ray!

]]> By: Francoism http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551846 Francoism Tue, 01 Jan 2008 19:46:58 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551846 I own a PS3. I would not buy a stand alone HD DVD nor Blu-Ray player as I'm not sure which way consumers will go. I think Sony was smart to include a Blu-Ray drive in their next-gen game console. I do enjoy renting movies in High Definition, makes me feel all elitist and ahead of my time. Yes, pretty lame. I own a PS3. I would not buy a stand alone HD DVD nor Blu-Ray player as I’m not sure which way consumers will go. I think Sony was smart to include a Blu-Ray drive in their next-gen game console. I do enjoy renting movies in High Definition, makes me feel all elitist and ahead of my time. Yes, pretty lame.

]]> By: Ken http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551834 Ken Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:47:28 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551834 Demise of physical media for ideo will not occur until 'everyone' has high speed internet. Before that happens we will have a massive slow-down in communication speeds as the universal high speed overloads the backbone of the internet. Think of traffic in large cities. People only go into traffic jams because they have no alternative. As long as I can get reasonable value for time and money out of solid media, I will continue to support this. If you only want to watch something once streaming makes as much sense as having cable tv. If you want to have and rewatch films DVDs make the most sense. I won't address the High-Def war because it's silly. I have a decent 60" 1080i tv which does it's own upscaling for regular DVDs. I don't see see any improvement with an upscaling DVD player and darned little difference from BluRay video from my new PS3. My library has nearly 2000 movies. It takes a lot of physical space, but less than VHS used to. I guess it might be possible to convert that library to digital, but I'd need 2 terrabyes and that's only if I continue to ignore high-def. Then throw in portability questions and the need to carry movies with me, and conversion time, transfer time, etc. DVD, in whatever encarnation, is still the most practical. In 1995, with a dial-up modem, transfering midi files was a chore. As modems sped up it was mp3s that took time to transfer. With high speed internet it's movies that are the bottleneck. Those who live in the largest cities will remain on the leading edge of innovation. Most of America does not live there and it will be years before streaming is practical for the masses, at least at DVD screen size and quality. As I type, my wife is watching a video from Hulu.com Demise of physical media for ideo will not occur until ‘everyone’ has high speed internet. Before that happens we will have a massive slow-down in communication speeds as the universal high speed overloads the backbone of the internet. Think of traffic in large cities. People only go into traffic jams because they have no alternative.

As long as I can get reasonable value for time and money out of solid media, I will continue to support this. If you only want to watch something once streaming makes as much sense as having cable tv. If you want to have and rewatch films DVDs make the most sense.

I won’t address the High-Def war because it’s silly. I have a decent 60″ 1080i tv which does it’s own upscaling for regular DVDs. I don’t see see any improvement with an upscaling DVD player and darned little difference from BluRay video from my new PS3.

My library has nearly 2000 movies. It takes a lot of physical space, but less than VHS used to. I guess it might be possible to convert that library to digital, but I’d need 2 terrabyes and that’s only if I continue to ignore high-def. Then throw in portability questions and the need to carry movies with me, and conversion time, transfer time, etc.

DVD, in whatever encarnation, is still the most practical.

In 1995, with a dial-up modem, transfering midi files was a chore. As modems sped up it was mp3s that took time to transfer. With high speed internet it’s movies that are the bottleneck. Those who live in the largest cities will remain on the leading edge of innovation. Most of America does not live there and it will be years before streaming is practical for the masses, at least at DVD screen size and quality. As I type, my wife is watching a video from Hulu.com

]]> By: ljbanner http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551826 ljbanner Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:18:26 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551826 i brought the toshiba hd e1 for £130 last month. i could not bring myself to shell out £300 or more on a blu ray ive also heard of the issues with blu ray older specs not being able to play newer movies! im happy with the toshiba.at first it stutterd on the opening credits for about 5 seconds but after linking it up to ethernet it downloaded the newer firmware and have had no problems at all. there is also talk about the usb ports on the front maybe used for streaming hd contents from a hard drive or memory card! i brought the toshiba hd e1 for £130 last month.
i could not bring myself to shell out £300 or more on a blu ray
ive also heard of the issues with blu ray older specs not being able to play newer movies!
im happy with the toshiba.at first it stutterd on the opening credits for about 5 seconds but after linking it up to ethernet it downloaded the newer firmware and have had no problems at all.
there is also talk about the usb ports on the front maybe used for streaming hd contents from a hard drive or memory card!

]]> By: DaveBG http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551793 DaveBG Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:05:23 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551793 We already know $100 HD DVD sells very well. HD DVD China launches in March. A tidal wave of $100 HD DVD players is coming. Game over. Everyone in the industry now knows it, which is why CES 2008 is going to be so good for HD DVD. We already know $100 HD DVD sells very well.

HD DVD China launches in March.

A tidal wave of $100 HD DVD players is coming.

Game over.

Everyone in the industry now knows it, which is why CES 2008 is going to be so good for HD DVD.

]]> By: Bolle http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551772 Bolle Tue, 01 Jan 2008 15:16:00 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551772 Blu Ray - PS3...Does piss me off when exclusives like Transformers are HD DVD only. Blu Ray - PS3…Does piss me off when exclusives like Transformers are HD DVD only.

]]> By: Tyler http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551642 Tyler Tue, 01 Jan 2008 08:19:34 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551642 buy both! Too many exclusives on both formats that are must haves. buy both! Too many exclusives on both formats that are must haves.

]]> By: sicko http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551509 sicko Tue, 01 Jan 2008 02:44:58 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551509 people give it rest already.. people give it rest already..

]]> By: Alan http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551429 Alan Mon, 31 Dec 2007 23:17:41 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551429 At a music/DVD store today the ratio of BR to HD-DVD titles was about 3:2. At an electronics store today a sales person told me that they sold a lot of BR and virtually no HD-DVD over the holidays despite the higher price of the BR players. BR holds more data and has the most room for growth. It, to me, is the standard. So, today I bought a 42" plasma 1080p and a BR player. (Based on reviews I didn't go for the LG BR/HD-DVD player). I'm sure in the by and by there will be an ace of a machine that plays both. And if not, I'll add an HD player to feed the 2nd HDMI input on the TV. At a music/DVD store today the ratio of BR to HD-DVD titles was about 3:2.
At an electronics store today a sales person told me that they sold a lot of BR and virtually no HD-DVD over the holidays despite the higher price of the BR players.
BR holds more data and has the most room for growth. It, to me, is the standard.
So, today I bought a 42″ plasma 1080p and a BR player. (Based on reviews I didn’t go for the LG BR/HD-DVD player).
I’m sure in the by and by there will be an ace of a machine that plays both.
And if not, I’ll add an HD player to feed the 2nd HDMI input on the TV.

]]> By: DavidC http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551422 DavidC Mon, 31 Dec 2007 22:58:33 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551422 Did the PS3 Did the PS3

]]> By: Ze Popenator http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551413 Ze Popenator Mon, 31 Dec 2007 22:27:36 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551413 Yeah.. I would go Blue Ray as well for 139.. Where or Where did you get that one? Yeah.. I would go Blue Ray as well for 139.. Where or Where did you get that one?

]]> By: JWJ http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551411 JWJ Mon, 31 Dec 2007 22:25:46 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551411 I opted for the PS3 over the XBOX360, so I'm going Blu-Ray for now. Seriously considering buying an HD-DVD player though, simply because some movies aren't available in Blu-Ray. I opted for the PS3 over the XBOX360, so I’m going Blu-Ray for now. Seriously considering buying an HD-DVD player though, simply because some movies aren’t available in Blu-Ray.

]]> By: Ze Popenator http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551410 Ze Popenator Mon, 31 Dec 2007 22:25:45 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551410 Well I am a proud owner of a Toshiba HD-A3 model that I received from Best Buy instead of the A2 model that I originally ordered. So, I admit that I am biased towards HD-DVD. I have along with this an Oppo DVD Player that upscales the older DVD's. Do I notice a difference between an HD-DVD version of a movie and the upscaled version.. Yes, is it enough to really worry about.. Probably not unless you really want the best that you can display.. and will accept only the best.. If you are like me, and just want your movies to look good.. Get a Great Upscale DVD player. Otherwise, if you can find a deal for the HD-DVD players at 99 again.. well.. take the plunge, you will enjoy the difference, and it is a faily decent dvd upscaler as well. Well I am a proud owner of a Toshiba HD-A3 model that I received from Best Buy instead of the A2 model that I originally ordered. So, I admit that I am biased towards HD-DVD. I have along with this an Oppo DVD Player that upscales the older DVD’s. Do I notice a difference between an HD-DVD version of a movie and the upscaled version.. Yes, is it enough to really worry about.. Probably not unless you really want the best that you can display.. and will accept only the best.. If you are like me, and just want your movies to look good.. Get a Great Upscale DVD player. Otherwise, if you can find a deal for the HD-DVD players at 99 again.. well.. take the plunge, you will enjoy the difference, and it is a faily decent dvd upscaler as well.

]]> By: nofluke69 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551391 nofluke69 Mon, 31 Dec 2007 21:58:15 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551391 Iroll20s Where did you find a Blu-Ray player for $139? Iroll20s

Where did you find a Blu-Ray player for $139?

]]> By: Iroll20s http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551386 Iroll20s Mon, 31 Dec 2007 21:50:37 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/12/31/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-at-a-stalemate/#comment-551386 I actually own both formats. Instead of waiting for the fight to die down I bought both formats on black friday. I got my HD-DVD player for $98 and I got a Blu-ray player for $139 and Netflix has both formats and so I have access to a ton of HD movies I couldn't be happier. I actually own both formats. Instead of waiting for the fight to die down I bought both formats on black friday. I got my HD-DVD player for $98 and I got a Blu-ray player for $139 and Netflix has both formats and so I have access to a ton of HD movies I couldn’t be happier.

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