Official Blu-Ray v. HD-DVD News/Information Thread (Blu-Ray Wins) [Archive]

womfalcs3

08-14-2007, 08:36 AM

http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/bluray/

It's the first video there... so it should automatically play.

I love that you can search for the cars as you watch the movie. That's fun. Disney is touring the country right now pushing blu-ray in malls. They're aggressively in this format.

In fact. There was an interview last week with a Disney entertainment executive who explained why they went with blu-ray disc over HD-DVD. In his long explanation, he basically said two things. BD has higher capacity and a much higher bitrate (25 GB per layer with BD compared to 15 GB with HD-DVD.... and 41 GB/sec with BD compared to 29 GB/sec with HD-DVD).

Some high-definition titles coming exclusively to BD this year:

- Cars
- Spider-Man 3 (Oct. 30th)
- Spider-Man Trilogy (Oct. 30th)
- Wild Hogs (It comes out today, the 14th)
- Ratatouille
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (The first two are already out on BD)
- Lost: The Complete Third Season
- Meet the Robinsons

Complete and Continuously-updated List (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/releasedates.html)

womfalcs3

08-21-2007, 09:58 AM

To drop it for 18 months.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/format-war/hd-dvd-paid-150-million-to-studios-for-promotional-consideration-291491.php

It's not a huge deal though. Blu-ray has more and better movies coming out this year. It's already outselling HD-DVD 3:1 outside the US, and 2:1 domestically.

Some of the blu-ray disc exclusives this year:

- Spider-Man 3 and Spider-Man Trilogy
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
- Ratatouille
- Cars
- The Simpsons Movie
- Fantastic Four 2: Rise of the Silver Surfer

EDIT

Michael Bay, the director of Transformers, is mad. He says he won't do Transformers 2 because of this. This is from the forum on his website.

http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2299&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

ultimatetailgater

08-21-2007, 01:27 PM

This is such BS. HD-DVD is getting it's ass kicked 2:1 in sales so they decide to pay off the studios to stop selling blu-ray.

:-x:mad::thumbs:

cockyhoskins

08-21-2007, 01:55 PM

Same thing happened with Beta and VHS back in the day.

cockyhoskins

08-21-2007, 01:57 PM

Porn will play a big role (I'm not kidding).

It looks like Sony's bid to make its proprietary Blu-Ray disc technology the platform of choice for the next generation of video products has landed two somewhat unsavoury bedfellows: Japanese pornographers and Rockstar Games (makers of Grand Theft Auto, Manhunt and Bully).

Digital Journal has some steamy analysis (http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/212150/Sony_and_Blu_ray_Get_Down_and_Dirty_With_Porn_Biz_ in_Japan) for this strange turn of events:
But one factor that often plays a big role in helping to decide a winner in a format war is porn, and Sony knows it. Whether you like the idea of porn thrusting sales forward or not, it's a fact that helped VHS come out on top in the Beta/VHS war of yesteryear.

http://communities.canada.com/nationalpost/blogs/posted/archive/2007/07/31/blu-ray-dvd-aims-to-lock-up-producers-of-hard-core-pornography-and-violence.aspx

Spurred

08-21-2007, 01:59 PM

it would be nice if consumers could decide which is better.

womfalcs3

08-21-2007, 02:21 PM

Well... Spielberg (SKG) prefers blu-ray disc.

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Steven_Spielberg/Industry_Forecasts/Exclusive:_Spielberg_Big_Supporter_of_Blu-ray,_But_Future_High-Def_Releases_Uncertain/878

Cockadoo

08-21-2007, 02:24 PM

Porn will play a big role (I'm not kidding).

http://communities.canada.com/nationalpost/blogs/posted/archive/2007/07/31/blu-ray-dvd-aims-to-lock-up-producers-of-hard-core-pornography-and-violence.aspx
[/indent]

Not as much as people think. Back in the VHS and beta day, no one had the internet. So the only way to see porn was tapes or mags. But now with the internet so readily available I doubt porn will play such a big role in storage media. I cant think of one buddy I know that has bought a porn dvd or mag in forever. I remember back when we had the garbage bag full of tapes, but that was years and wives ago. So I dont think porn will drive this race.

Spur

08-21-2007, 02:39 PM

I will give HD-DVD credit....this DVD war seems like it may come down to what many things are coming down to....exclustivity...

If HD-DVD feels it needs to buy out companies, I hope Blu-Ray fights back and buys others.

SpuR48

08-21-2007, 06:28 PM

This exclusivity "war" is total BS. I'm not a fan-boy of either. I have HD-DVD, but I also want Blu-Ray. Trust me, I wish I could just have one or the other. I hate how Blu-Ray has only certain movies, and how HD-DVD only has other certain ones. Pick a format already. I mean, other than Universal and now Paramount, what else does HD-DVD really have? Either they better pick it up and get more backing, or find a new use for their discs, because this is making me mad as a consumer...

I don't want to eventually own a PS3 and then have to figure out which disc I have to get for a specific movie. Oooooh!! Harry Potter 5 is on DVD, oh wait, do I need to look for it on Blu Ray or HD-DVD??

>_<!!

JAYBEZ

08-22-2007, 12:05 AM

cost is still going to be a big issue.

Wasn't wal-mart going to start selling a HD-DVD player at a greatly reduced price?

ultimatetailgater

08-22-2007, 12:08 AM

On the positive front for Blu-ray. Fox just announced Independence Day for the fall and Warner is releasing Ocean's 11-13 in a boxset. The Paramount deal also doesn't apply to any movie Speilberg has directed. Live Free or Die Hard and Prison Break were also just annouced for this fall by Fox.

Michael Bay is also pissed with Paramount.
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=415

womfalcs3

08-22-2007, 07:43 AM

cost is still going to be a big issue.

Wasn't wal-mart going to start selling a HD-DVD player at a greatly reduced price?

That was a rumor that was debunked by Wal-Mart themselves a few days after it gained momentum on the internet.

FoghornLeghornCock

08-22-2007, 12:01 PM

An estimated 3.7 million high-definition discs have been sold, including 2.2 million in Blu-Ray and 1.5 million in HD DVD through the end of July, Home Media Research said last week. 3.7 million total discs sold on both formats in total. It would appear neither format has caused people to spend much money on these type movies as of yet. That to me is the big story here. If Sony does not sell more movies it will not help them to reduce prices on the PS3. One billion DVDs were sold last year HD-DVD sales are pretty insignificant. I would bet few of you have even bought very many yet. http://ca.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=2007-08-20T162656Z_01_N20283317_RTRIDST_0_ENTERTAINMENT-STUDIOS-HDDVD-COL.XML&archived=False

ultimatetailgater

08-22-2007, 12:25 PM

I have 7 so far but I just my ps3 in late july.

ShutTheSuccop

08-22-2007, 12:34 PM

Blitzer

08-22-2007, 03:05 PM

This is such BS. HD-DVD is getting it's ass kicked 2:1 in sales so they decide to pay off the studios to stop selling blu-ray.
Like teh Blu-Ray camp didn't pay off Blockbuster to quit renting HD-DVDs. Both sides have been doing the same tactics.
My prediction is more players will start coming out that support both formats (only one players does this now) and when the market gravitates to those players, the HD-DVD guys will declare victory because their discs are cheaper to make.

diehardgamecock

08-22-2007, 04:32 PM

nice thread title..........extremely non-biased.

http://forum.palmettostaterivals.com/imagehosting/8346107760d33ea.jpg

ultimatetailgater

08-22-2007, 06:07 PM

Looks pretty accurate to me.
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=416

cockyhoskins

08-22-2007, 06:23 PM

it would be nice if consumers could decide which is better.

In theory I agree. However, the average consumer doesn't even know the two mediums exist, yet alone the difference between the two. Industry should and will decide this battle.

womfalcs3

08-22-2007, 07:17 PM

LOL @ Diehardgamecock. It is the truth though... even if biased. (by the way, do you have that picture saved on your HDD? :))

Disney is touring the country promoting blu-ray...

http://www.n4g.com/M/8/Images//61000/61566_med.jpg

http://www.n4g.com/M/8/Images//61000/61568_med.jpg

diehardgamecock

08-22-2007, 07:32 PM

just messin' with you wom......and yes, i have it saved.

but seriously, that thread title was pretty biased....

just so nobody starts thinking i have a next-gen DVD fave, here's what i wrote over on PSR about this development:

i never said it was "good" news.......i don't care which format wins. i just want one to hurry the hell up.

if this new announcement would usher in the victory of HD-DVD as the clear cut winner, then i'd be as happy as a pig in slop......and if they make an announcement next week that says every other studio is going blu-ray exclusive and pumping billions of dollars into a smear campaign to rid the world of HD-DVD once and for all, i'd be just as happy.

but you know, as well as i do, that this format war is not going to be decided anytime soon....which is unfortunate.

SpuR48

08-23-2007, 01:03 AM

I think that like me, many people are worried to buy one format and have the other format take over...I am waiting to see which to buy, and then proceed from there!

That's my problem. I have 4 HD-DVD movies. I don't want to invest alot in it if Blu-Ray ends up getting all the deals. Likewise when I get a PS3. I mean, although I'll have both players, I'm sure they won't last forever (esp the Xbox360, LOL) so I don't wanna have big libraries of both formats.

Order 66

08-23-2007, 01:47 AM

No Transformers 2 because of this? They will just get another director.

Ga_Gamecock

10-07-2007, 10:31 PM

Fact or Fiction: blu ray disc is 1080i out of the box .... you then have to do some sort of 'online conversion' to the format to make it true HD (1080p) ...

A guy at a video store was telling me this. He aslo said that HD DVD was only 1080i, so it was 'just as good' as a blu ray player ...

what is the non-videophile supposed to make of all of this?

ultimatetailgater

10-07-2007, 10:33 PM

Blu-Ray content is recorded in full 1080p unless otherwise noted on the case. All Blu-Ray players output 1080p by default.

womfalcs3

10-07-2007, 10:35 PM

Blu-ray can be played at 1080p, 1080i, 720p, and 480p right out of the box. If your maximum TV resolution is 1080i, a BD movie will automatically play at that resolution. If it goes up to 1080p, it will automatically play at that resolution as well. Blu-ray is 1080p native, but if your TV doesn't go that high, it'll adjust.

The cheap HD-DVD players can only output up to 1080i. The more expensive ones (ie the ones that compare to the price of BD players) go up to 1080p. So "HD-DVD can't do 1080p" is false.

Blu-ray's advantages lie in the studio support, bit rate, storage capacity, physical protection (DURABIS), and industry support.

Ga_Gamecock

10-07-2007, 10:47 PM

the bigscreen i just purchased is the samsung hp-t5064 (Click here for specs) (http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-and-plasma/samsung-hpt5064/4505-6482_7-32331280.html?tag=prod.txt.1)
and i think its a 720p but it supports 1080i (does that make sense?)...

my point is that he was telling me its not going to matter anyway on this tv

whats your take?

ultimatetailgater

10-07-2007, 11:45 PM

your tv is 720p native, more specifically 1366x768. No matter what the content being displayed on it is being broadcast/was recording in your TV will scale it your its native resolution. Your tv can take input from devices outputting 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p but it will still scale the content to its native resolution.

Ga_Gamecock

10-07-2007, 11:50 PM

so IYO is a bluray worthless on this tv since its not a 1080p unit?

Spurred

10-07-2007, 11:54 PM

it will look great! If you are having doubts buy a player and return it if you think it looks bad. I think you will like it

Jolly Roger

10-07-2007, 11:56 PM

no, I have a BR player on my 720p HDTV and the movies look great. My buddy has a 1080p TV and the picture isn't any better looking than mine, that I can tell anyways.

IMO, if you can tell the difference b/w 720p & 1080p without a side-by-side comparison, you need to get out of your mom's basement.

ultimatetailgater

10-08-2007, 12:48 AM

so IYO is a bluray worthless on this tv since its not a 1080p unit?

No, even at 720p Blu-Ray content is far superior in visual quality. DVDs are 480p(720x480); 720p(1280x720) and 1080i/p(1920x1080) look much better.

Ga_Gamecock

10-08-2007, 01:50 AM

slightly off topic, but what is one to one pixle mapping?

i have a samsung and apparently this is a something that a lot of tvs have, but its not necessarily activated upon purchase/setup

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/08/20/does-your-hdtv-support-1-1-pixel-mapping/

do i need to look into this on mine? will it improve pic quality?

Ga_Gamecock

10-08-2007, 10:02 PM

and why ...

ultimatetailgater

10-08-2007, 10:08 PM

I'm gonna start charging for all this tech support.

:grin:

uscfan79

10-08-2007, 10:22 PM

I have been wondering the same thing honestly! Thinking about just buying the LG player that plays both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray!

womfalcs3

10-08-2007, 10:58 PM

Best bet... wait until early 2008.

My bet... BD. I would wait though. Blu-ray is winning and looks like it'll win. Nothing is certain.

Technically, blu-ray is superior. (More storage capacity per layer, more layers developed, faster bit rate, and better physical protection.)

Ga_Gamecock

10-08-2007, 11:47 PM

I'm gonna start charging for all this tech support.

:grin:

can i pay in vcash?

LOL

Antiochus

10-09-2007, 09:20 AM

Blu Ray just has more space. It is not superior. The movies don't look any better on one format or the other. The advice to wait is good right now. Earlier this year it was looking like Blu Ray was going to close the door on HD DVD. Now it is not so clear. Stand alone HD DVD players have been outselling Stand Alone Blu Ray players, while to this point Blu Ray is outselling HD DVD in terms of movies sold. The movie sales are largely due to help from the PS3 install base. However, the PS3 is not selling as well is would be expected so it is unclear which format will scratch out a permanent lead. Give it another year unless you are like us guys who want to watch HD now and are willing to switch should your format lose. If that is the case, one thing to remember is that even if your format loses, the disks will still work in your player so there would be no immediate need to replace them. Just start collecting new disks in the winning format.

Spur

10-09-2007, 10:01 PM

http://www.dailytech.com/Sony+Announces+Second+Gen+PC+Bluray+Burner/article9225.htm

Sony's newest Blu-ray burner cuts 50GB disc burn time in half

Sony announced today a new updated internal Blu-ray burner for PC. The new drive doubles the write speed as compared to previous Blu-ray BD-R burners inside computer systems. The new BWU-200S Blu-ray burner cuts burn time in half allowing a full 50Gb BD-R disc to be burned in about 45 minutes. Previous drives were 2x drives and the burn time was around 90 minutes for a BD-R disc.

In addition to burning BD-R discs, the drive can also burn DVD+/-R discs at 16x, DVD DL burning is supported as well. Software is included with the burner that allows for the capture, authoring, editing, burning and viewing of high-definition content captured in HDV 1080i format from HDV camcorders.

With the BWU-200S a BD-R or BD-RW disc can store up to 230 minutes of HD video. Sony uses a SATA interface rather than the PATA interface more common to optical drives. The form factor is the standard 5.25-inch internal size and the drive and its software are compatible with Windows XP and Vista.

“Advanced optical storage technologies, such as Blu-ray Disc technology with its vast capacity compared to DVD technology, will be key enablers for next generation PC applications like HD personal video content and high-definition TV recording,” said Wolfgang Schlichting, research director for removable storage at IDC. “Sony's many innovations in optical storage have prepared the company to be a leader in the Blu-ray Disc writable market.”

The BWU-200S will be available directly from Sony in November for around $600 and is available for pre-order now.

Spur

10-16-2007, 05:59 PM

http://play.tm/story/13869

If you are one of the few people who realise that their PS3 is also an excellent Blu-Ray player and DVD upscaler, then you may be excited to hear that an upcoming firmware update looks to improve the output of said video games console.

The news comes from a Video Business report that quotes a Sony Pictures boss espousing the high definition goodness of a firmware update that will improve the interactive features of Blu-ray. Although at this stage still speculation, the update is expected to arrive soon after October 30.

The news has some of the more technical online outlets bubbling with excitement, as the update may well add the much anticipated BD profile 1.1 into the PS3. Tech.co.uk were recently quoted on the subject: "Perhaps those cool picture-in-picture playback features are to make their BD debuts on the console first".

It would certainly be a great way for Sony to highlight the Blu-Ray feature of their console by stealing a march on the competition and getting these features out first.

womfalcs3

10-16-2007, 08:06 PM

I've been patiently waiting for a firmware update. I just like new features.

Ga_Gamecock

10-16-2007, 08:47 PM

what did they change?

what does 1.1 offer over the previous?

Spur

10-24-2007, 01:38 PM

Blu-ray has outsold HD-DVD by almost 2-to-1 in the first nine months of the year, but analysts expect additional HD-DVD support and new hit releases to extend the format war.

Home Media Research stated the total U.S. sales of Blu-ray discs, using a Sony-backed technology, and totalled 2.6 million units from Jan. 1 through Sept 30, versus 1.4 million HD-DVD discs sold.

http://www.psu.com/Blu-ray-outsells-HD-DVD-2-1-Jan---Sept-2007--a0001630-p0.php

ultimatetailgater

10-24-2007, 01:55 PM

http://www.dailytech.com/The+First+9+Months+Bluray+Outsells+HD+DVD/article9390.htm

It would have been even worse if Paramount handn't sold out to the HD-DVD camp by taking their "bribe"

acejrock

10-24-2007, 01:59 PM

one day i see a player that plays both.. or a disc that can be read by both..
with them using protein to put data on a disc in the near future there is no telling what might become of this.. one thing is for sure technology is not going to get worse

Spur's Addiction

10-24-2007, 02:06 PM

diehardgamecock

10-24-2007, 02:16 PM

one day i see a player that plays both

they already have one.....of course, it's like $1200, but the price will come down if these things catch on.

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12760_7-9672294-5.html

http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/bto/20070107/SuperMultiBlueBH100_270.jpg

acejrock

10-24-2007, 02:20 PM

as crazy as this sounds the pornographic industry could play a large roll in who sells more.. blu-ray has supposedly already mentioned that they would not and hd says the will... there is an article on this but i dont remember where and i am entirely too lazy to look for it..

ultimatetailgater

10-24-2007, 02:31 PM

Porn only affected the VHS vs Betamax wars because the internet wasn't public. With the internet like it is today the porn industry will have very little effect on Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD.

womfalcs3

10-24-2007, 02:59 PM

Spider-Man 3/Spider-Man Trilogy
Ratatouille
Cars
Pirates 3
Simpsons Movie
Die Hard 4/Die Hard Collection
Harry Potter (not exclusive to Blu-ray, but will sell most on the format)

and so many others

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/releasedates.html

diehardgamecock

10-24-2007, 03:01 PM

i find it hard to believe that you actually meant to include RATATOUILLE in that list....

JAYBEZ

10-24-2007, 03:07 PM

I wish they would just pick one and go with it. These format wars just delay average people (like me) from buying either one. But some how these consumer electronics firms don't care about that.

I am going to wait until one or the other goes away. I don't care which one.

Why would anyone in the HD forum want to fold just so one format could be selected? Sony has a strong patent on Blu-ray. Choosing one format means the death of HD-DVD and the loss of HUGE investment dollars.

Same goes in the other direction.

That is why there has not been a selection. They don't care if you are unhappy about, both sides are just trying to survive the battle.

That being said, I am not going to buy a player. I may buy a PS3 when Final fantasy comes out, but I am not going to go out of my way to buy a player specifically.

I am happy with the DVDs I have and I am not in any hurry to upgrade until a winner is crowned.

Spur

10-24-2007, 03:08 PM

i find it hard to believe that you actually meant to include RATATOUILLE in that list....

Friend of mine loves that movie and plans on buying the DVD the MINUTE it comes out

Spur's Addiction

10-24-2007, 03:11 PM

Why would anyone in the HD forum want to fold just so one format could be selected? Sony has a strong patent on Blu-ray. Choosing one format means the death of HD-DVD and the loss of HUGE investment dollars.

That is exactly my point. These companies are fighting it out tooth and nail. And in the meantime, the majority of consumers wait and buy neither. Everybody looses.

cack

10-24-2007, 03:23 PM

i'm with sponge ... i buy regular ones because 1 - i really don't know the difference and what Blue-Ray brings to the table .. and 2 - i don't want to buy a bunch of HD-DVDs and them not being made in 5 years (or the other way around)

CockADoodalDoom

10-24-2007, 03:25 PM

CockADoodalDoom

10-24-2007, 03:26 PM

cack

10-24-2007, 03:29 PM

DVD's offer 450 or so lines of reseolution on the screen.

Blue ray is 1080 (hence 1080 i or p).

well i know that

but the difference between Blue Ray and HD??

diehardgamecock

10-24-2007, 03:35 PM

but the difference between Blue Ray and HD??

cue the fanboy response.....

ultimatetailgater

10-24-2007, 03:37 PM

Blu-Ray will win eventually based on the studio power behind them. Disney, Sony Pictures and Fox are the most powerful movie studio trio you want want. They are such a tough team to go against that the HD-DVD camp had to bribe Paramount and MTV films to be excusivly HD-DVD for 1.5 years. In the long run the only major studio backing HD-DVD is Univeral which just doesn't have the resources to compete with Disney, Fox and Sony combined. Fox also has exclusive rights too all Lucasarts and Spielberg films.

Spur

10-24-2007, 03:52 PM

Here is what is going to happen.

Blue-ray will win out on the sole fact that the PSIII has a blue-ray player.

People that come to Circuit City to buy a player get a PSIII because it is the next gen of DVD, and it is a gaming system.

It works every time when I sell. Just mention that a PSIII will play Blue-ray discs, and they don't even want to hear about HD-DVD.

That is pretty much why I bought the PS3. I bought it MUCH MORE for the Blu-ray then the games.

I did love my PS2 and its reliability but I already have several Blu-ray DVD's and love my PS3 as a system

Coming out with good games in the future is a plus

Poxx

10-24-2007, 07:23 PM

Bought the PS-3 over the XBox 360 because I wanted the Blu-Ray player + Game console all in one. I didn't like the "Add On" HD-DVD with the 360.

My thought was, Get the PS3 now and use it for games/blu-ray, and if HD-DVD wins the format war, who cares? I'll just buy the HD-DVD player in a couple years when they are $100.00.

Until then, you can play both Blu-Ray and the old normal DVDs on your PS3 when youre up for a movie. (Also, another reason the Porn industry won't control this like it did in Beta/VHS days, is that they don't shoot porn in HD- too expensive. So, you can still buy your normal DVD porn and watch it on yoru blu-ray or HD-DVD player. - NOt that I have any experience with that but I'm just sayin...)

CockADoodalDoom

10-25-2007, 07:45 AM

well i know that

but the difference between Blue Ray and HD??

There really isn't a whole lot of difference between the two (other than the fact that Blue-Ray can hold more information that the Hd-dvd).

womfalcs3

10-25-2007, 08:13 AM

There really isn't a whole lot of difference between the two (other than the fact that Blue-Ray can hold more information that the Hd-dvd). Paramount: HD-DVD doesn't have enough space for the Best Audio Option (Blu-ray does) http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/1110/transformers.html Indeed, I had the opportunity to attend a special 'Transformers' media event with Paramount late last week, and the question was asked almost immediately -- why no Dolby TrueHD or uncompressed PCM? The studio's answer was that due to space limitations on the disc, the decision was made to limit the audio to Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 Surround only (here at 1.5mbps). Unfortunately, this confirms the long-held theory that the 30Gb capacity of an HD-30 dual-layer HD DVD disc has forced studios to choose between offering a robust supplements package (as they've done here) and the very best in audio quality. And again... BD also has a faster bit rate for data transfer.

Spur

10-25-2007, 06:39 PM

Sales figures of Blu-ray movies in Europe have slowly been on a steady rise. Just recently, the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) announced that their disc format's sales has surpassed HD-DVD titles by a 4-to-1 ratio... which means, for every HD-DVD title sold, four other Blu-ray titles are purchased. This announcement also comes with the revelation of stand alone Blu-ray players also catching up to the HD-DVD players in sales.

The current sales figures of Blu-ray movies has now made other independent movie studios to join the Blu-ray bandwagon as well. For example, Germany's Universum Film and UK's EiV have decided to release Blu-ray titles for the coming holidays. Incidentally, even Studio Canal from France, who we previously heard to be supporting the HD-DVD format over Blu-ray, will now also be cashing in for the Blu-ray party this Christmas.

http://www.qj.net/Blu-ray-sweeps-Europe-winning-4-to-1-against-HD-DVD/pg/49/aid/103769

womfalcs3

10-26-2007, 10:54 AM

http://www.qj.net/Blu-ray-sweeps-Europe-winning-4-to-1-against-HD-DVD/pg/49/aid/103769

Transformers HD-DVD couldn't get the format to surpass blu-ray in weekly sales in the US. Last week, 51% of HD movies purchased were on BD. Granted it's very close, but the fact a huge seller like Transformers couldn't do it is a big deal.

Spider-Man 3 and the Spider-Man Trilogy releases in a few days should eradicate that small margin.

HD-DVD has yet to win a week this year.

diehardgamecock

10-26-2007, 11:14 AM

look, fellas......you can root for blu ray all you want. i personally don't care (other than wishing one of the two would hurry the hell up and win the race officially). make all the arguments you want for blu ray vs. hd-dvd....that's fine.

but leave the freakin' sound quality crap out of it. i mean, jeez........raise your hand if you can tell the difference between dolby digital plus 5.1 and dolby truehd or whatever. you can't. that's a retarded argument.

Brinkley_Bulldozer52

10-26-2007, 01:35 PM

I'm happy with my 360, it will always be HD-DVD compatible.

I only use it for games anyways

which the PS3 has none

(i have both systems)

Ga_Gamecock

10-26-2007, 02:38 PM

Cmon Spur...

"Ready to drop 40" !?! you have to leave that simply based on the fact that there are 40 (at least) of those in that series! 40!

i cant imagine one of those would have been made... LOLOLOLOLOLOL

Spur

10-26-2007, 03:48 PM

:lol:

I honestly couldn't look at that picture anymore

Spur

10-30-2007, 12:41 PM

http://www.psu.com/Warner-Bros-to-endorse-Blu-ray--a0001694-p0.php

Warner Bros has revealed that the company may consider changing its strategy in regards to supporting both Blu-ray and HD DVD, hinting it may shift focus in order to support one format exclusively.

Up until this point, the firm has remained one of the only major companies that have continued to release titles spanning both formats; however, this could be all set to change, according to company Vice President of High Definition Media, Dan Silverberg.

“One thing that may be changing is our strategy,” said Silverberg, during a Blu-ray media briefing yesterday.

“When both formats launched and hardware prices were high, we made a decision to support both formats and let the consumer decide. But now that hardware pricing is affordable for both Blu-ray and HD DVD, it appears consumers no longer want to decide — so the notion of staying in two formats for the duration is something we are re-evaluating now that we are in the fourth quarter.”

While not going into detail, it’s logical to assume from Sliverberg’s comments that Warner may have been tempted to embrace Blu-ray exclusively, given that Sony’s technology has remained the consumers number one choice in high definition viewing over Toshiba's HD DVD format.

JAYBEZ

11-01-2007, 08:47 PM

I was watching "attack of the show" on G4 and they just ran a segment saying that wal-mart is going to be selling thier HD-DVD players for $100.00 is a special weekend coming up.

I am going to try and find a confirmation on the net.

JAYBEZ

11-01-2007, 08:49 PM

here is the holiday special page on walmarts website

http://holiday.ri-walmart.com/?section=secret&utm_source=Walmartcom&utm_medium=POV1&utm_content=secret1&utm_campaign=holiday&povid=cat14503-env15844-module117144-lLink1

JAYBEZ

11-01-2007, 08:52 PM

Can you say "Thats a big freakin' Deal!" batman?

M.C.

11-01-2007, 09:15 PM

that girl on attack of the show is hot!

YouCanNeverTell

11-01-2007, 09:18 PM

How much is the HD DVD player for the 360? Like 150?

usc90grad

11-01-2007, 09:24 PM

Can you say "Thats a big freakin' Deal!" batman?

I looked on Amazon and the same DVD players sells for $199. So yeah, awesome deal!

diehardgamecock

11-01-2007, 10:36 PM

*waits patiently for the blu-ray fans to show up*

bwilly20

11-02-2007, 12:20 AM

How much is the HD DVD player for the 360? Like 150?

i guess im an idiot, cuz i bout the elite, thinkin since it was HD ready, (canles and all), that it would play em, apparently not...way to go me
:woo:

bwilly20

11-02-2007, 12:20 AM

but great deal anyways....she'll be there!!! HAHA

JAYBEZ

11-02-2007, 09:36 AM

Should be interesting to see what effect walmart has on the battle. Walmart could turn a homeless person into a rockstar.

cack

11-02-2007, 09:44 AM

SWEET!!! ... damn that TV is NICE!!!! i'm looking for a car right now ... i may go cheaper on a car and get me the damn TV to go with it

ColaCock

11-02-2007, 09:46 AM

*waits patiently for the blu-ray fans to show up*

*walks through the door*

why waste $100 dollars on a technology that will be pointless and defeated in a year or so? i can find 100 better ways to spend $100 dollars in Wal-Mart.

cack

11-02-2007, 09:48 AM

*walks through the door*

why waste $100 dollars on a technology that will be pointless and defeated in a year or so? i can find 100 better ways to spend $100 dollars in Wal-Mart.

you want to play the bear grabber game thingy 100 times??

ColaCock

11-02-2007, 09:49 AM

SWEET!!! ... damn that TV is NICE!!!! i'm looking for a car right now ... i may go cheaper on a car and get me the damn TV to go with it

gonna be hard fitting that 50" into most cars i can think of.

ColaCock

11-02-2007, 09:52 AM

you want to play the bear grabber game thingy 100 times??

why you gotta bring me out like that?

cack

11-02-2007, 09:52 AM

gonna be hard fitting that 50" into most cars i can think of.

:lol: ya got me ... ok? ... ya got me

cack

11-02-2007, 09:53 AM

why you gotta bring me out like that?

because they don't have the photo erotica at WalMart :rotfl:

which i played last night for the first time ... i got 170k a couple of times ...

OK NOT HIJACKIN THE THREAD

ColaCock

11-02-2007, 10:09 AM

because they don't have the photo erotica at WalMart :rotfl:

which i played last night for the first time ... i got 170k a couple of times ...

OK NOT HIJACKIN THE THREAD

don't talk shit about erotic photohunt- and your score is WEAK.

http://static.bbmp3.com/smilies/jacked.gif

Spur's Addiction

11-02-2007, 10:09 AM

Still waiting for them to sell me a $100 HDTV to go with that.

cack

11-02-2007, 10:10 AM

don't talk shit about erotic photohunt- and your score is WEAK.

http://static.bbmp3.com/smilies/jacked.gif

sorry i can't match your status in 1 night (but i'll kick your ass at Silver Strike Bowling)

JAYBEZ

11-02-2007, 10:12 AM

*walks through the door*

why waste $100 dollars on a technology that will be pointless and defeated in a year or so? i can find 100 better ways to spend $100 dollars in Wal-Mart.

Can you really? Are you a big fan of crocs, 3 foot inflatable pools, and the flo-bee:

http://www.billyandvicki.com/blog/images/articles/20060202163201519_1.jpg

ColaCock

11-02-2007, 01:34 PM

sorry i can't match your status in 1 night (but i'll kick your ass at Silver Strike Bowling)

where you wanna meet- i will take you up on that if you wanna wager some beers. i play silverstrike like it's my job...at least 3 or 4 nights a week.

cack

11-02-2007, 01:41 PM

where you wanna meet- i will take you up on that if you wanna wager some beers. i play silverstrike like it's my job...at least 3 or 4 nights a week.

oh it's on

happygilmore527

11-02-2007, 01:53 PM

Best Buy will be matching the 99 dollar deal as well for HD-DVD. I also believe the Blu-Ray will be trying something similar and selling a lower priced player although I doubt it would be this low.

acejrock

11-02-2007, 02:03 PM

if they are that cheap now they will be even less after christmas.. im guessing

uscfan79

11-02-2007, 03:36 PM

So I am planning on going out and buying a blu ray player this weekend! I have been looking at reviews for the blu ray players and almost everyone says the best one for my money is to purchase the Playstation 3! That way I get a video game system and blu ray for the same price as just getting a player!

My only concern with the Playstation 3 is the picture quality of the blu ray. Is it just as good as the players? And how do normal DVDs look on it?

diehardgamecock

11-02-2007, 03:50 PM

if i were going to buy a blu-ray player today, i'd buy a ps3.

GarnetNunn

11-02-2007, 04:00 PM

i have a ps3 and the quality of both dvd's and B-R disks are excellent. I think it upconverts the dvds, but im not sure.. For the price and versatility i would recommend the ps3 over a stand alone B-R player.

acejrock

11-02-2007, 04:17 PM

ps3 is the way to go

JAYBEZ

11-02-2007, 05:41 PM

if they are that cheap now they will be even less after christmas.. im guessing

It won't be nearly as significant if there is a drop after christmas. Don't press your luck too much.

ShutTheSuccop

11-02-2007, 05:44 PM

I think that it is great b/c people like me who are kind of waiting to see which technology takes over will spend $100 for an HD-DVD player...if Blu ray is not careful, they could miss the boat

ColaCock

11-02-2007, 07:03 PM

I think that it is great b/c people like me who are kind of waiting to see which technology takes over will spend $100 for an HD-DVD player...if Blu ray is not careful, they could miss the boat

As a blu-ray supporter who thinks we have the better technology, I will say that this is a big move by HD-DVD that could swing things a good bit in their favor in regards to reaching those who can "afford" the technology.

womfalcs3

11-02-2007, 07:48 PM

The PS3 is the best BD-playing device on the market. It has the best support you can get (in terms of firmware), and you can play games on it.

Poxx

11-02-2007, 08:53 PM

Buy the PS3. I love mine, and it plays games too! (can get expensive though.)

Poxx

11-02-2007, 08:58 PM

Hell, I'll buy a 100.00 HD-DVD player. Set it right next to the PS3 and say the hell with the format wars.

Rice Rice Baby

11-02-2007, 09:02 PM

I will definately but one for $100, can anyone confirm where this will be happening?

Spur

11-02-2007, 11:28 PM

http://www.psu.com/Hollywood-studios-back-PS3,-Blu-ray--a0001736-p0.php

Unlike the console war where diversity and competition is obligatory to promote creativeness and quality, the high definition format war takes a different approach.

No matter how one may view it, 5 years from now, people cannot still be forced into the question of which to follow, Blu-ray or HD DVD. Eventually there has to be a victor.

However, that conclusion appears to have been already decided by some, as many major movie studios begins to speak out about the current format war and how Blu-ray will eventually triumph over the competition.

"PS3 is an incredible gaming platform that just happens to be a really great Blu-ray player, too ... Interestingly, there is a lot of crossover between the early adopter, the PlayStation 3 purchaser and the products that are being released early in Blu-ray's life cycle. A lot of the more male-oriented titles that we're releasing, the sales numbers indicate they're being played on PS3s”, said 20th Century Fox’s VP, Steve Feldstein.

Additionally, Ron Schwartz, Vice President for Lionsgate Home Entertainment commented: "I think PS3 is going to be a gift people are going to be giving this Christmas ... The great thing about PS3 is that it's a multipurpose media device that can play in the living room without the purchase of any additional components."

That comment alone proves the fact that minus videogames, the PlayStation 3 is already a state of the art home entertainment device, and that is without the support of videogames. Walt Disney Studios’ Gordon Ho also added:

"High definition on PS3 is really pretty simple ... If you're going to hook up your PS3, take advantage of the movie capabilities."

Beyond that Gordon Ho went on to say that movie studios in support of Blu-ray need to invest more time in educating their consumers about the PlayStation 3’s movie format. Meaning, simply, that they need to portray the PS3 not as a videogame console that just happens to play Blu-ray, but a well-rounded home entertainment device that can play Blu-ray as well as videogames laterally.

So there you have it, the movie industry is taking note to the PlayStation 3’s power to handle Blu-ray enough to be seen as a core player itself. Most people who has been following the PS3 already knew this, but now its time for movie studios and even Sony themselves to step up to the plate and market the PS3 the way it should be marketed so that it can reach that Blu-ray audience.

SpuR48

11-02-2007, 11:56 PM

Didn't work out too well for Michael Bay and Transformers, though, huh?

:lol:

(He was really pissed when he found out that they were doing Transformers in HD-DVD)

Ga_Gamecock

11-03-2007, 12:49 AM

is BR going to do a price cut for holidays?

didnt someone post a hddvd sale @ walmart?

JAYBEZ

11-03-2007, 03:30 AM

I will definately but one for $100, can anyone confirm where this will be happening?

Read the first couple post...

womfalcs3

11-03-2007, 09:20 AM

is BR going to do a price cut for holidays?

didnt someone post a hddvd sale @ walmart?
What's the point of cheap hardware when most of the software is on blu-ray?

Expect $400 for a blu-ray player... with ALL but two of the great movie releases coming out on BD. 300-350 if stores do offers or if Funai releases theirs soon.

The PS3 will be the one though for most people... which is 400 dollars.

Ga_Gamecock

11-03-2007, 01:38 PM

What's the point of cheap hardware when most of the software is on blu-ray?

i dont follow.

what software are you talking about?

i was just curious if BR was going to cut prices like hddvd (maybe a holiday price war could unfold) ... which is good for us.

diehardgamecock

11-03-2007, 01:42 PM

What's the point of cheap hardware when most of the software is on blu-ray?

there are some good movies on hd-dvd......and $100 for a player is a great deal.

try not to be such a blind fanboy every once in a while and just admit that this is a pretty cool deal.

besides, who gives a fart which one wins as long as there is a victor sometime this century?

uscfan79

11-03-2007, 01:48 PM

cockyhoskins

11-03-2007, 02:24 PM

It cracks me up how you computer "geeks" (I mean that affectionately!) argue over which is better, xbox or Playstation, blu ray or HDD, etc.

:lol:

I don't remember the same "wars" going on over VHS and Beta.

diehardgamecock

11-03-2007, 02:29 PM

cockyhoskins

11-03-2007, 02:31 PM

you obviously don't know what you are talking about. My Beta came with a remote and a 25 foot cable to connect it to the VCR! That was the deal!

http://www.betainfoguide.com/betalogo.jpg ROCKS!

diehardgamecock

11-03-2007, 02:39 PM

you obviously don't know what you are talking about. My Beta came with a remote and a 25 foot cable to connect it to the VCR! That was the deal!

http://www.betainfoguide.com/betalogo.jpg ROCKS!

:lol:

YouCanNeverTell

11-03-2007, 03:21 PM

Well I went ahead and bought the PS 3 last night. Picture looks awesome, and the Motor Storm game that came with it is pretty fun to play! One question though. I bought the Spiderman Trilogy and it had the black bars at the top and bottom of the screen like some of the old DVDS. Are all Blu ray discs like that or does it just depend on the movie company that made it? With regular Dvds I noticed that only certain movies did that, and most of the time they were the same movie companies?
Thats widescreen vs. standard. It depends on the movie you're watching. Most all movies are sold as either standard or widescreen. If you have a widescreen tv then the bars won't show up on widescreen presentations but will be on the side with standard screen presentations.

Wide Screen is the way you see it in theaters. Standard screen are cut on the sides to fit a square screen.

Cuck Flemson

11-03-2007, 03:24 PM

How about Telestar? Anyone remember that?

Me and my dad used to play for hours when I was a little one.

cockyhoskins

11-03-2007, 04:01 PM

we had the intellivision with the static cling backgrounds.

My first computer was a Timex Sinclair 1000

http://oldcomputers.net/pics/ts1000.JPG

uscfan79

11-03-2007, 04:45 PM

Thats widescreen vs. standard. It depends on the movie you're watching. Most all movies are sold as either standard or widescreen. If you have a widescreen tv then the bars won't show up on widescreen presentations but will be on the side with standard screen presentations.

Wide Screen is the way you see it in theaters. Standard screen are cut on the sides to fit a square screen.Yeah I have a widescreen tv! I noticed with regular dvds that sometimes the bars would be there at the top and bottom but some other movies they wouldnt be there!

Just wanted to make sure I had everything setup right on the PS 3 so I was getting the full experience. Looks like I am. The games look great on it!

Antiochus

11-03-2007, 07:48 PM

Yeah I have a widescreen tv! I noticed with regular dvds that sometimes the bars would be there at the top and bottom but some other movies they wouldnt be there!

Just wanted to make sure I had everything setup right on the PS 3 so I was getting the full experience. Looks like I am. The games look great on it!

This has to do with the aspect ratio the movie is shot in. Many widescreen movies are "Wider" than the 16x9 widescreen HDTVs on the market. For those movies, there will always be black bars at the top and bottom of the screen.

You can tell how a movie will look on your tv by checking the back of the DVD case.

Look at the aspect ratio.

If it says 1.85.1 (or something close) it will fill the entire screen.

If it says 2.40.1 (or something close) it will have slim black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. It is because for the larger image, they have to put the bars there to display the entire image.

If you viewed a 2.40.1 movie on a regular tv set the bars would take up more screen than the actuall movie. Thank god for widecreen HDTVs.

morgan n' 7

11-04-2007, 01:31 AM

Order 66

11-04-2007, 01:34 AM

Rice Rice Baby

11-04-2007, 01:37 AM

^ would have sold me one, all of the Wal-Marts and Best Buys in town were sold out Friday late afternoon

Click Clack

11-04-2007, 06:04 AM

^ would have sold me one, all of the Wal-Marts and Best Buys in town were sold out Friday late afternoon

Could you get a rain check at BB?

SpuR48

11-06-2007, 01:17 AM

What's the point of cheap hardware when most of the software is on blu-ray?

Expect $400 for a blu-ray player... with ALL but two of the great movie releases coming out on BD. 300-350 if stores do offers or if Funai releases theirs soon.

The PS3 will be the one though for most people... which is 400 dollars.

So there are only 2 good movies on HD-DVD? This doesn't make sense. How can you tell others what their tastes in movies are? Keep to facts. Blu-Ray and HD-DVD both have alot of titles; BD and HD both have same great picture. BD has more space on the disk which allows for more features; HD is cheaper (at the moment!).

Just out of curiosity, which 2 movies do you think are good?

I have alot of "good" hd-DVD movies. Transformers, King Kong, Italian Job, Batman Begins, 300, etc.

Spur

12-09-2007, 01:56 PM

http://ps3.qj.net/Turning-the-tide-Warner-Bros-going-Blu-ray-exclusive-/pg/49/aid/109320

The new word circulating around about the format war is that Warner Bros. will soon be going Blu-ray exclusive, which would probably turn the tide of the war.

The rumor comes after VP Dan Silverberg commented in a Hollywood promo event that:

When both formats launched and hardware prices were high, we made a decision to support both formats and let the consumer decide.

But now that hardware pricing is affordable for both Blu-ray and HD DVD, it appears consumers no longer want to decide - so the notion of staying in two formats for the duration is something we are re-evaluating now that we are in the fourth quarter.

He later goes on to note that Blu-ray sales have been leading in the race over the last nine months, beating HD DVD sales 2 to 1. He then adds that "We can definitely talk Blu-Ray. [...] We are committed to the format."

If they do decide to go Blu-ray exclusive we should expect some major shifts in the format war similar to when Paramount and Dreamworks went HD DVD exclusive. The studios decided to shift because of HD DVD's cheaper price tag.

However, Andy Parsons of the Blu-ray camp comments: "We think Warner will respond to the fact that our greater number of titles gives us a greater likelihood of being the single standard." Another executive believes that hardware will be even cheaper in the future.

Another executive believes says that Warner is waiting for one of the format camps to "make a commitment to getting this format into as many hands as possible." So far Blu-ray may have the advantage according to Adams Media Research.

According to their numbers, by the end of this year 578,000 US households will own HD DVD players while only 370,000 will have Blu-ray players. 300,000 HD DVD players are in circulation as an add-on for the Xbox 360. However, Sony's trump card is the 2.3 million PlayStation 3s sold through November.

Cockadoo

12-09-2007, 06:41 PM

I think another factor here is that Blu-Ray is more internationally used especially in Asia.

SpuR48

12-11-2007, 01:08 AM

Wonder what was omitted from that guy's quote "We can definitley tal Blu-Ray. [...] We are committed to the format"

Is his whole quote available anywhere? I know one of WB's biggest releases this year is coming to HD-DVD and Blu-Ray (comes out today actually, Harry Potter and the OOtP)

Hopefully the decision is made soon, though... and if it's Blu-Ray, I hope they wait until I get a BRD player.

womfalcs3

12-12-2007, 01:49 PM

I have the HD add-on on my 360, but I hope this forces BlueRay to drip their prices. The cheapest I've seen one is 400 bucks though. I doubt they can touch 100 at this point. This may tip the scales. There are plenty of people who have a HD-TV just for their DirectTV and HD DVR's, and no BlueRay/HDDVD player. 100 dollars will sell a lot of HDDVD players.

Amazon is selling a Samsung blu-ray player for $300.

Consumers gotta realize that the cheap HD-DVD players do not do 1080p. All blu-ray players do. Also, that 100-dollar HD-DVD player was on sale, now it's back to 250 dollars.

So the difference between the two is minute, and the 50-dollar more expensive one does 1080p.

You get the 5 free movies with both standard, so there isn't an advantage in value in terms of add-ons. Now what certain retailers do is different.

ShutTheSuccop

12-12-2007, 01:51 PM

what do you guys think about the LG player that plays both HD-DVD and blu-ray in the same unit? Are they ok or POS's?

Spur

12-12-2007, 08:49 PM

In an interesting interview with UK site Pocket-lint, Sony's home video product manager Rachel Banin comments on why Paramount Pictures is still included in Sony's press release info sheet as one of the studios backing up the Blu-ray format despite Paramount's move to the HD-DVD Camp.

According to Banin, Sony is confident that Paramount Pictures will eventually switch back to Blu-ray if the format will steadily grow in terms of revenue. Blu-ray is currently enjoying the support of the majority of Hollywood studios, and Banin also cited the sales ratio of 4:1, in favor of Blu-ray.

"I think that if the progress of the Blu-ray format continues, Paramount will have to come back," Banin said.http://ps3.qj.net/Paramount-will-come-back-to-Blu-ray-says-Sony/pg/49/aid/109562

ultimatetailgater

12-12-2007, 09:25 PM

what do you guys think about the LG player that plays both HD-DVD and blu-ray in the same unit? Are they ok or POS's?

They work fine provided your wallet doesn't run away like a scalded dog when it sees the price.

Spur

12-17-2007, 07:22 PM

http://ps3.qj.net/Big-storm-brewing-Blu-ray-HD-DVD-stalemate-over-by-2008/pg/49/aid/109890

In light of analyst Piers Harding-Rolls' earlier statement about consoles acting as multi-media hubs being the major factor for 2008, Richard Cooper, also an analyst, projects that the stalemate between HD-DVD and Blu-ray will also end next year.

The deciding factor in the Toshiba-Sony format wars will be one key player shifting the scales. Cooper didn't mention which studio it could be, but here's his full assessment:

Next year we expect to see shifting alliances, and with such a delicate stalemate, it's only going to take one major player to swap sides and the market will shift seismically. We believe this will happen over the course of 2008, with major players moving to format-agnostic or format-exclusive positions. Both formats must start to make an impact on the HDTV viewer next year if hi-def is to become more than just a niche market – we have seen hardware prices drop in 2007, but the battle over content in 2008 will be the year this storm breaks.

Cooper suggests that either camp should capture the market and its consumers "who are beset with confusion and apathy" by enlightening them on the significance of high definition.

sc455

12-19-2007, 03:05 PM

diehardgamecock

12-19-2007, 03:14 PM

ruh-roh.

ultimatetailgater

12-19-2007, 03:14 PM

wow, well I'll refrain from bashing you but you seriously need to do some research b4 you start spouting crap like that.

ColaCock

12-19-2007, 03:24 PM

womfalcs3

12-19-2007, 03:37 PM

is a crock of crap. they say that blu ray has more space per disc and can carry more info..its a movie for gosh sakes, we arent gaming.. when people watch a movie they might look at the previews and some deleted scenes or something. the blu ray cant be that much greater. personally i cant see spending $29 for a hd dvd disc anyway. 480p will do for me until prices come down
BD also has higher bitrate for audio/video (ie movies), and more studio/industry support.

Steven Spielberg prefers blu-ray, and so do many other directors in Hollywood. According to Michael Bay, blu-ray has already won in the industry. It's only a matter of time before that translates to the mainstream. (I mean blu-ray is winning now over HD-DVD, but I'm talking about garnering a huge market share in movie sales compared to the current mainstream format, DVD)

FinchMcCrunkNasty

12-19-2007, 03:41 PM

i'm just sick and tired of having to redo my entire movie collection every 10 damn years. i'm not coverting over 100 dvds to blu ray

SNEEZ

12-19-2007, 03:43 PM

ColaCock

12-19-2007, 03:53 PM

i'm just sick and tired of having to redo my entire movie collection every 10 damn years. i'm not coverting over 100 dvds to blu ray

i tend to agree with you...personally, my eyes don't have a problem with watching DVD quality right now...i mean, clarity and quality can only get SO good...right? right?

akn4bkn

12-19-2007, 04:06 PM

bluray is a stupid waste of money

FlorenceCock

12-19-2007, 04:54 PM

HD-DVD is cleary the better of the two gosh cant you guy see that!:happycoc:

ultimatetailgater

12-19-2007, 04:56 PM

HD-DVD is cleary the better of the two gosh cant you guy see that!:happycoc:

:blah::blah::tongue:

Spur

12-19-2007, 05:30 PM

http://www.psu.com/media/articles/blu-hd_01.jpg

papasmurf

12-19-2007, 05:58 PM

i'm just sick and tired of having to redo my entire movie collection every 10 damn years. i'm not coverting over 100 dvds to blu ray

Blu-ray vs. HD DVD: War without end

The HD DVD camp seems to believe that interactive content--the ability to download trailers and extra behind-the-scenes footage--will be the key differentiator, while Blu-ray harps on its superior picture and sound quality.
"We're not saying interactivity is not important. 300 outsold on Blu-ray 2 to 1. The interactive functions were nice, but it's about the story," said Parsons of Pioneer and Blu-ray. "If it's outselling the HD DVD version 2 to 1, I would have to say interactivity is nice, but it doesn't mean people are saying 'I refuse to watch it on Blu-ray.'"
Whether it's picture quality or DVD extras that will drive purchases of high-definition DVDs, everyone seemed able to agree that in the long run, HD DVD and Blu-ray are mere rest stops on the journey toward instant downloads of digital content.
Many of the panelists currently play in both arenas--like Disney, which offers its content for download from Apple's iTunes Store, and Microsoft, which facilitates downloaded content via its Xbox Live service. But packaged media is the name of the game right now because U.S. broadband infrastructure isn't developed enough to offer quick or easy enough downloads of high-definition content yet.
But Disney says another issue is that consumers also still want to collect and physically own their content. "Mainstream Americans are buying (content) in the digital world for immediate need, not for long-term collectability to watch over and over," said Patrick Fitzgerald, executive vice president of distribution and marketing for Walt Disney Home Entertainment. But the sale of packaged media will be the catalyst for the growth of digital content over the next 10 years, he said.
Warner Bros. likewise sees high-definition packaged media as akin to a set of training wheels for digital downloads.
"We can use HD discs to train consumers to move into digital, but it's a transition," said Dan Silverberg, vice president of high-definition media development at Warner Bros. "Downloaded content will come, but the consumer will get quicker tutorial into video-on-demand, etc. by owning a Blu-ray player or HD DVD."
http://www.news.com/Blu-ray-vs.-HD-DVD-War-without-end---page-2/2100-1041_3-6212782-2.html?tag=st.num

The sale of packaged digital media is in our short-term future.HD DVD and Blu-Ray are transition steps...instant downloads of digital content is the future.Whatever choice we make may be for the short-term...I guess that's why many of us choose upconversion.

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/9039/18835995ce2.gif (http://imageshack.us)

diehardgamecock

12-19-2007, 09:01 PM

i'm just sick and tired of having to redo my entire movie collection every 10 damn years. i'm not coverting over 100 dvds to blu ray

try 650-700 dvd's....that sucks. i'll never replace half of them.

Spur

01-04-2008, 04:43 PM

http://www.gameshout.com/news/will_there_be_a_clear_winner_to_the_hd_dvd_vs_blu_ ray_war1/article9926.htm

The battle of the format wars continues between HD DVD versus Blu-ray, but will there really ever really be a clear-cut winner to the war?

As mentioned previously, the real winner of the technology war seems to be the consumer as technology improves and the prices trend downward. The HD DVD has seen some the lowest lows as we have seen some older Toshiba units on sale at Wal-Mart for as little as $99 though the usual pricing for the more current models ranges around $199.

Blu-ray still has the lead on the majority of sales with the sales of the Sony PlayStation 3 on the rise. Many buy the gaming system not only for the ability to play games but also for the ability to play Blu-ray DVDs as well. This format also seems to have the greatest support thus far from the movie studios.

But the true winner in the war will be a drive or player that plays both HD DVDs and Blu-ray discs. Most would prefer to have the best of both worlds and have been holding out on buying either one or the other for fear of ending up with the "Sony Beta player" of old. A universal disc player would have the attention of both sides of the market and ultimately win the war, though we don't foresee a mass-marketed reasonably-priced player for at least another 3-4 years yet, though Phillips currently sells a Blu-ray BD-R/RW for about $500 on Tiger Direct.

womfalcs3

01-04-2008, 05:28 PM

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUSN0444635420080104

Blu-ray has won.

sc455

01-04-2008, 05:34 PM

with xbox supporting blu ray it was only a matter of time. when you have so many people buying x box consoles that incorporate a blu ray movie player capability of course it will win over hd dvd. about the movies, all i can say is that i am not going to spend 29 dollars to purchase a dvd. ill watch em on progressive scan 480p as long as i can

TheGuitarCock

01-04-2008, 05:36 PM

Can some of you give me some help on this. I am getting a new HDTV soon and the whole Home Theater System too. I will also be getting either and HD DVD player or Blu Ray. So, i'm not really looking for the one with the best picture unless there is a huge difference. Mainly what is easiest. Can Blu Ray play DVDs too? And do they make HD DVD's? Just some info on all this would help because I am lost.

sc455

01-04-2008, 05:41 PM

come out of the dark. i am not in the dark. the extra capabilities that blu ray offers dont translate to movies. i can see blu ray for gaming graphics and the like but not a standard movie. i am not say blu ray sucks, i am saying it just isnt worth the extra when it comes to a movie

OCock

01-04-2008, 06:42 PM

Not sure about blu ray, but my Toshiba HD DVD player plays HD DVD's and regular DVD's. It also up converts regular DVD's from 480p to 1080i. Granted, I have the cheapest version of the Toshiba HD DVD player (HD-A2), but it works great for both. Make sure, no matter what you do, that you get an HDTV with at least 2 HDMI inputs. Most now come with 2, and many come with 3 or even 4. You'll need 3 if you hook it to a satelite/cable receiver, HD DVD/blu ray player, and a home theater system. That's if you want the best of the best.

Spur

01-05-2008, 07:10 PM

http://img.qj.net/uploads/articles_module/110993/300-this-is-blu-ray.jpg

Will4144

01-05-2008, 07:18 PM

I wish one of the companies would pay me off to decide which one I should choose.

womfalcs3

01-05-2008, 07:39 PM

I wish one of the companies would pay me off to decide which one I should choose.

Did you read my last post here?

Go on Engadget, Gizmodo, or Cnet, and read their articles. The war is practically over.

acejrock

01-05-2008, 08:06 PM

i'm just sick and tired of having to redo my entire movie collection every 10 damn years. i'm not coverting over 100 dvds to blu ray

the good news it that you dont have to.. it will play your existing dvds anywas..

Spur

01-06-2008, 04:34 PM

http://www.psu.com/CES-2008--Disney-unveils-Blu-ray-plans-for-early-2008--a0002310-p0.php

If you grew up watching your favorite animated Disney movies on VHS, raise your hand. Don’t worry, our hands are raised too. Disney has announced some solid news for its pre-CES press conference this year. It has confirmed that one of its most celebrated animated films of all time is now coming to high definition in the form of Blu-ray disc. Which title are we talking about? The answer is Sleeping Beauty in a fantastic platinum edition release. Not only will you be able to own this splendid part of Disney history, but you’ll also be in for a slew of extras as well. Featured with Sleeping Beauty will be a new Virtual Castle activity which incorporates new BD-Live technology as well as an interactive game entitled, Maleficient’s Challenge. However, if you’re like myself or the rest of us here at PSU.com, you’re probably waiting for a Lion King announcement as well sometime in the future, hopefully. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Along with Sleeping Beauty, Disney has confirmed the release of such titles as Finding Nemo, National Treasure and The Chronicles of Narnia for their Blu-ray lineup as well. Fans of Disney from all age groups will certainly be pleased with any or all of these titles being placed into your collections here in the near future.

Some other listed titles with actual specific release dates are as follows:

January 8: 'The Rock,' 'Con Air'

January 22: 'The Game Plan'

February 5: 'Crimson Tide'

February 12: 'Gone Baby Gone,' 'Becoming Jane'

March 4: 'The Rookie'

March 11: 'Dan in Real Life'

April 1: 'Hidalgo,' 'Coyote Ugly,' 'Unbreakable'

So you can more than likely expect the aforementioned titles that were confirmed at a later date than April 1st. We’ll keep you updated as more is announced.

Spur

01-06-2008, 04:35 PM

NEW LINE CINEMA ABANDONS HD-DVD
Soon after the announcement of Warner Bros. supporting Blu-ray exclusively, subsidiary studio New Line Cinema stated it will follow suit and join Warner Bros. in leaving HD-DVD.

Now even though both these studios are moving to Blu-ray only, New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. are still under contract to release titles on HD-DVD until May 2008.

For those of you with stand-alone Blu-ray players or PlayStation 3's, you can now look forward to the following releases:

- Lord of the Rings Trilogy
- Golden Compass
- Gears of War (Movie)
- Austin Powers

More on Blu-ray and its rising domination of the HD movie market soon.

http://www.psu.com/New-Line-Cinema-abandons-HD-DVD---a0002304-p0.php

Ga_Gamecock

01-06-2008, 04:38 PM

im glad

i like BR better anyway

plus it sounds cooler LOL

TheGuitarCock

01-06-2008, 04:39 PM

So I should get a Blu-Ray?

ultimatetailgater

01-06-2008, 04:43 PM

I've been waiting for Lord of the Rings to finally hit Blu-ray. I bet it will look awesome. Also now that Warner is Blu-ray exclusive we should be getting the Matrix Trilogy on Blu-ray as well.

Ga_Gamecock

01-06-2008, 04:45 PM

So I should get a Blu-Ray?

IMO, taking in the cost/benefit, i woul just get a PS3 ... thats my plan, even if i dont really play it that much

Luke Skycocker

01-06-2008, 05:06 PM

im stickin with DVDs

TheGuitarCock

01-06-2008, 05:08 PM

IMO, taking in the cost/benefit, i woul just get a PS3 ... thats my plan, even if i dont really play it that much

well damn i have a PS3...sooo does that play blu rays the same? or what?

sweet:cocky:

Spur

01-06-2008, 05:20 PM

well damn i have a PS3...sooo does that play blu rays the same? or what?

sweet:cocky:

Yup. I use my PS3 as my Blu-Ray player and it works great

TheGuitarCock

01-06-2008, 05:28 PM

sweet so i dont need a dvd or blu ray and i can still watch them in HD?

Spur

01-06-2008, 05:46 PM

sweet so i dont need a dvd or blu ray and i can still watch them in HD?yup

womfalcs3

01-06-2008, 06:05 PM

well damn i have a PS3...sooo does that play blu rays the same? or what?

sweet:cocky:
Actually it's the best on the market. It's one of only two now that are on the market and support the BD profile 1.1.

It's the best because of the support. Sony continuously updates the firmware. With standalone players, it's not as often.

Also, it's the ONLY one to support blu-ray profile 2.0, which isn't a mandatory status yet. All that's required for 2.0 is all that's included in 1.1 in addition to 2 GB of storage and an ethernet port.

The PS3 surpasses all the requirements. In addition to the ethernet port for example, it has built-in wi-fi. So it takes the requirements and extends upon them.

Now with CES, other BD players will be released based on the v1.1 profile. In fact, Funai is releasing some BD players soon that are relatively inexpensive.

To all those who have DVD's and don't want to re-purchase all of them, don't. BD players upscale the DVD's up to 1080p... including the PS3. Many HDTV's have upscalers within them so then you wouldn't need an upscaling player anyway.

TheGuitarCock

01-06-2008, 06:53 PM

Actually it's the best on the market. It's one of only two now that are on the market and support the BD profile 1.1.

It's the best because of the support. Sony continuously updates the firmware. With standalone players, it's not as often.

Also, it's the ONLY one to support blu-ray profile 2.0, which isn't a mandatory status yet. All that's required for 2.0 is all that's included in 1.1 in addition to 2 GB of storage and an ethernet port.

The PS3 surpasses all the requirements. In addition to the ethernet port for example, it has built-in wi-fi. So it takes the requirements and extends upon them.

Now with CES, other BD players will be released based on the v1.1 profile. In fact, Funai is releasing some BD players soon that are relatively inexpensive.

To all those who have DVD's and don't want to re-purchase all of them, don't. BD players upscale the DVD's up to 1080p... including the PS3. Many HDTV's have upscalers within them so then you wouldn't need an upscaling player anyway.

So after I get my PS3 hooked up with the reciever and everything should I buy Blu-Ray Discs? So they will play DVD's and Blu Ray's the same as a Blu Ray player?

womfalcs3

01-06-2008, 07:29 PM

So after I get my PS3 hooked up with the reciever and everything should I buy Blu-Ray Discs? So they will play DVD's and Blu Ray's the same as a Blu Ray player?
Yes. PS3's (other BD players as well. HD-DVD's are the same, except the obvious difference in HD format) can play blu-ray and DVD's. To watch blu-ray discs, you'd have to purchase them, but I would only do so during Buy One Get One Free deals.

BOGO deals take place frequently, and it takes the price per BD down to about 10 dollars.

As to DVD upscaling to 1080p, you have to use HDMI. If you want to take advantage of this feature and don't have an HDMI cable, you can get them for like a dollar from monoprice.com or Amazon (Amazon has expensive ones and really cheap ones). Always go with the lower cost ones... they all transfer the same signal.

Ga_Gamecock

01-06-2008, 07:38 PM

If you want to take advantage of this feature and don't have an HDMI cable, you can get them for like a dollar from monoprice.com or Amazon (Amazon has expensive ones and really cheap ones). Always go with the lower cost ones... they all transfer the same signal.

what about HDMI 1.3?

i was under the impression some of the hdmi cables are capable of transmitting more data

and i know a digital signal is 1/0, but i have read literature than talks about the increased bandwidth of 1.3 cables (even if the extra capacity isnt used)

Ga_Gamecock

01-06-2008, 07:43 PM

https://www.cablesforless.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=15614

womfalcs3

01-06-2008, 07:43 PM

what about HDMI 1.3?

i was under the impression some of the hdmi cables are capable of transmitting more data

and i know a digital signal is 1/0, but i have read literature than talks about the increased bandwidth of 1.3 cables (even if the extra capacity isnt used)

The PS3 supports HDMI 1.3, but the only difference between 1.2 and 1.3 is larger bandwidth for the audio I believe.

EDIT (after reading your last post):

The differences are not with the signal transmission. I bought my HDMI cable for 6 dollars (15 feet) a year ago, and it's still as reliable as ever.

nin_usc_freak92

01-06-2008, 08:33 PM

i believe HD DVD is on the verge of collapsing. I have the 360 add-on and a small collection of HD DVD's and nothing to do with blu-rays or anything (i just can't stand Sony, honestly), but i will probably make a move on a HD DVD/Blu-Ray hybrid player in the next year or so. i know LG and Samsung have competitive systems at around $800. And i really hope that they just decide to go one way or the other, which at the moment I'm predicting that all production companies will go Blu-Ray since they built a fanbase quicker than HD DVD did (hince the one smart move Sony made, making Blu-Ray compatible with the PS3). Honestly there isnt any major difference between the 2 formats except Blu-Ray i believe has a slightly higher storage capacity. But all in all, i just can't wait till if u want to buy a movie in high def, u buy the damn thing in high def instead of being like "oh, it's on blu-ray, nevermind". I think this whole thing was stupid and honestly it forces us the consumers extra money for the whole thing and for the consumers out there that arent technologically capable of understanding these things, MASS confusion. Oh well, just my 2 cents.

Cockadoo

01-08-2008, 04:22 PM

If WB wasnt enough, now its really over.

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/64393

Paramount Set to Drop HD DVD for Blu-ray

Tue Jan 8, 2008 10:54AM EST

How many "death blows" will it take for Blu-ray to finally win the format war against HD DVD? I've been hearing that phrase (and writing about it) since July 2007 (http://tech.yahoo.com/blog/null/34207;_ylt=AhN1YRAoItP9kzY5YQtLnzWIMJA5). Well here comes another one. Following in the footsteps of Warner Brothers' abandonment of the HD DVD format (http://tech.yahoo.com/blog/null/63608;_ylt=AkStuX9etReYh2wanXPaAAuIMJA5), reports are surfacing that Paramount is headed to Blu-ray as well (http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AllioeRG6yR_eG6KdlwvI9yIMJA5/SIG=12pdd318n/**http%3A//www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ea637496-bd8d-11dc-b7e6-0000779fd2ac.html%3Fnclick_check=1).
This is huge news not just because it would leave just one major studio (Universal, plus the mini-major DreamWorks) producing HD DVD content. It would mark the first time in the high-def war that a studio has abandoned one exclusive format and switched to another. Warner was producing both HD DVD and Blu-ray discs and merely dropped the HD DVD ones. Paramount will have to switch entirely to Blu-ray, which it has not been producing up to now.
According to the Financial Times, Paramount has a clause in its contract with the HD DVD camp allowing it to switch to Blu-ray in the event that Warner was to do so. And exercising that clause is what's about to happen. It's also theorized that DreamWorks will follow Paramount, since the studios are closely tied together.
Nothing's been announced yet, but this should be wrapped up in fairly short order. Stay tuned.

Spur

01-10-2008, 02:45 PM

http://www.macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/as_hd_dvd_goes_limp_porn_producers_oogle_blu_ray/

"The adult film industry is still taking a wait-and-see approach to the Blu-ray /HD DVD wars. But while Blu-ray's perceived costs have pushed some companies into the arms of the HD DVD camp, Warner Bros.' decision last week to exclusively support Blu-ray has some thinking that the end of HD DVD is nigh," Chloe Albanesius reports for PC Magazine.

"Executives in the adult-film industry spoke Wednesday during the opening day of the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo 2008, which briefly overlaps with the more mainstream Consumer Electronics Show ending Thursday," Albanesius reports.

"'It could be a real sign that things will shift,' Jeff Thill, director of video operations for the Hustler Video Group, said about the Warner decision. Thill said he sees no advantage of one format over the other, but is "leaning Blu-Ray" after Warner's announcement," Albanesius reports.

"Hustler had some success recently with the Blu-ray release of Jenna Haze Oil Orgy, said Thill, who was on hand to showcase Hustler's latest releases at the annual AVN Adult Entertainment Expo," Albanesius reports.

"Vivid Entertainment, home to porn star Jenna Jameson, has also released videos on Blu-ray and HD, said David Peskin, Vivid's national sales manager. It currently has two Blu-ray titles and three HD DVD titles on the shelves," Albanesius reports. "Vivid was initially 'conservative' with its high-definition re-order numbers, but is 'starting to stock a little heavier' since sales have been promising, Peskin said. Vivid has seen Blu-ray sell more units online while HD does better in retail stores, he said."

Albert Lazarito, vice president of Silver Sinema, [and] Kim Kysar, Pink Visual's director of marketing, both expressed concerns about how much the camera would capture in high-definition... 'Imperfections are modified,' Lazarito said."

JAYBEZ

01-10-2008, 03:01 PM

When the adult film industry picks a format, I hope they also raise the standard on films that are selected to be printed in that format.

Some things (ron jeremy) do not need to be seen in HD.

ColaCock

01-10-2008, 03:10 PM

^^^I don't really understand why people still think the Adult film industry really has THAT much influence NOW as it did in the VHS/Beta wars.

ShutTheSuccop

01-10-2008, 03:40 PM

Hmm...porn in HD...don't think that I would care to see the genital warts up that close...

ultimatetailgater

01-10-2008, 03:43 PM

I agree the Porn industry will have little to no effect on the HD format war. The major movie studios have far more pull these days. You can get all the porn you want from the internet.

johnnyb

01-10-2008, 05:37 PM

Albert Lazarito, vice president of Silver Sinema, [and] Kim Kysar, Pink Visual's director of marketing, both expressed concerns about how much the camera would capture in high-definition... 'Imperfections are modified,' Lazarito said."

i love the quite at the end, Modified

ColaCock

01-10-2008, 05:41 PM

I agree the Porn industry will have little to no effect on the HD format war. The major movie studios have far more pull these days. You can get all the porn you want from the internet.

Exactly.

sc455

01-10-2008, 06:43 PM

i was at barnes and noble and blu ray disc movies were 39 bucks. get the heck outta here. that is rediculous. when the discs come down to 15 bucks and the PLAYER itself gets more sleek i will probably go blu ray and update my whole sound system with a new 7.1 receiver with hd outputs. Have you seen these players? they are huge like the old vhs players of the 80s

ultimatetailgater

01-10-2008, 08:05 PM

who the heck buys movies at a book store. Do some research and bargain hunting before you bash it. You can get just about any Blu-ray new release for $23.95 on Amazon and sometimes buy one get one free. Most older titles are $19.99 which is the same price as a dvd at Best Buy.

As for size my PS3 is no bigger than that huge Comcast HD box.

Spur

01-10-2008, 09:25 PM

http://www.macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/as_hd_dvd_goes_limp_porn_producers_oogle_blu_ray/

"Hustler had some success recently with the Blu-ray release of Jenna Haze Oil Orgy, said Thill,:rotfl:

Order 66

01-11-2008, 03:31 AM

I bought the add-on HDDVD player for my 360, and have about 22 HDDVD movies right now. I'm thinking about buying either a ps3 at some point, or a laptop witha blu ray drive in the future.

I'm pretty sure Microsoft will put out a blu ray add on by the end of the year, but I think the PS3 is begining to overtake the 360 at this point...from a typical consumers persective. From the gamming end of it, the PS3 still sucks when it comes to good gamming titles.

Spur

01-11-2008, 07:18 PM

From the gamming end of it, the PS3 still sucks when it comes to good gamming titles.

Eh, I don't agree with that. I have found plenty of great games for the PS3. As many as the 360? Of course not. But plenty to be happy about and a great 2008 to look forward to

mpilot0705

01-11-2008, 07:54 PM

I have to be honest....I am much more a fan of the XBOX and all things that go along with it, including the HDDVD player which I think is actually priced very reasonably. Having said that, my fiance and I went to Best Buy the other day to look at TV's and the difference between Blu-ray and HDDVD on the XBOX 360 is incredible. The people look like they are standing right in front of you. i don't know how many of you have looked at them side by side but it isn't close. the Blu-ray is hands down better, but that was looking at them through the Xbox add on and a $500 stand alone Blu-ray player. I would be interested to know how the picture quality on a PS3 blu-ray compares to the stand alone player because if it isn't close I think I have a good argument point to get the PS3 in addition to my xbox in the coming months. It would fit in nicely since everything else is black unlike the white x-box that I had to cover, but that is another story.

ultimatetailgater

01-11-2008, 08:08 PM

acejrock

01-11-2008, 08:11 PM

the blu-ray is impressive

ShutTheSuccop

01-11-2008, 08:31 PM

ultimatetailgater

01-11-2008, 10:40 PM

Is there any point to bying a blu-ray player if you only have a 720p/1080i HDTV? I am wondering b/c I know that a Blu-ray puts out a 1080p signal, but is this going to be any better on my tv than an upconverting DVD player?

Thanks

Yes, Blu-ray is filmed in 1080p DVDs are filmed in 480p. The source content of Blu-ray is much better than a DVD. You're tv will scale the Blu-ray to 720p but its still a 1080p source vs the 480p source from a DVD thats being upscaled(digitally doctored).

sc455

01-15-2008, 03:22 PM

Poxx

01-20-2008, 01:25 AM

I started a Game play company called Protovision. You may remember it. Strategy games and such. Damn kid named David Lightman (from Seattle) screwed it all up.

Joshua went nuts. System damn near blew up the world. All that said, it was the best.

Greetings, Professor Falkien. How about a nice game of chess?

Great movie. Its probably the major reason I ever picked up a computer book and started to learn to program.

ultimatetailgater

01-20-2008, 03:21 AM

Greetings, Professor Falkien. How about a nice game of chess?

Great movie. Its probably the major reason I ever picked up a computer book and started to learn to program.

Thats from Wargames right?

Regalcock

01-20-2008, 03:41 AM

Thats from Wargames right?

You got it. :clap:

W.O.P.R.

Spur

01-26-2008, 05:30 PM

.Warner Home Video's defection from the HD DVD camp may have put a damper on hardware sales," Thomas K. Arnold reports for The Hollywood Reporter.

"In the week since the studio's surprise early-January announcement that after May it will support only the rival Blu-ray Disc format, sales of HD DVD players ground to a virtual halt, giving Blu-ray hardware a whopping 93 percent sales advantage, according to data from the NPD Group," Arnold reports.

"According to raw retail data collected by NPD, consumers bought just 1,758 HD DVD players the week of January 12, down from 14,558 players the week before. In contrast, consumers bought 21,770 Blu-ray Disc machines, up from 15,257 the previous week," Arnold reports.

"NPD tracks point-of-sale data from major U.S. retailers that collectively account for about two-thirds of consumer electronics hardware sales," Arnold reports.
http://www.reuters.com/article/industryNews/idUSN2310822520080124

Spur

01-28-2008, 04:28 PM

http://ps3.qj.net/Woolworths-drops-HD-DVD-sales-from-its-shops/pg/49/aid/112501

A rumor has been circulating on the net that Woolworths will be dropping HD-DVD. Well, it has been confirmed that the retailer will no longer be selling HD-DVD movies in by March this year.

Although they will continue to sell HD-DVD movies online, this might be a major blow to the HD-DVD camp considering Woolworths is said to be the biggest retailer of the new DVD formats in the UK.

The company pointed out that this decision was made after Blu-Ray discs outsold HD-DVD by a ratio of ten-to one over the last holiday season. A feat that some have attributed to the popularity of the Sony PlayStation 3.

Euro assistant general manager of Toshiba's Consumer Products division Oliver Van Wynendaele believes this isn't the case saying that this move by Woolworths was very disappointing and that the HD-DVD format is still as strong as ever:

While we're disappointed by Woolworths' decision, it is extremely early to spot which format will eventually win. We have been hugely successful in expanding the number of consumers owning HD-DVD players.

UK consumers can now pick-up an HD-DVD player for less than GBP 150, around half the cost of other HD formats. HD-DVD has always enjoyed greater software sales per player than any other HD format. In fact, HD-DVD owners have already bought around 3.5 movies each, compared to less than one movie sold per Blu-ray device.

Regardless, there's no denying that Blu-Ray is indeed emerging as the market leader in the format wars. We'll keep you guys posted on any developments regarding this issue.

Spur

01-28-2008, 08:09 PM

According to one of Microsoft’s lead marketing guys, Jeff Bell, Microsoft has been in talks with Blu-ray for a long time now. With what he’s said, it sort of sounds like Microsoft is a bit concerned over the Warner Bros switch, even though they don’t really say it directly.

Jeff had this to say about the situation, "We've been talking to Blu-ray all along because we have the best piece of software in the business, called HDi. It is the backbone that powers interactivity in HD-DVD and we have that available to potentially partner with others," also during his conversation with 1up, he also had this to say. "You never say never. I think we'd like to see how things evolve. Our commitment, however, to HD-DVD is profound and consistent, and we have done very, very well in term of our accessory sales."

Obviously Microsoft still qualifies Paramount, DreamWorks, and Universal as prime supporters for the HD DVD format, but how long do they feel this will stay concrete? The possibility of both Paramout and DreamWorks jumping ship are very high, as is the opportunity for Universal to back both formats with their decision to not renew their exclusive contract.

This could only mean good things for the Blu-ray format, as expanding your market in any area is only going to do well. Even if it means an add-on for the rival console on the market, it would eventually help put an end to the format war and finally get Blu-ray supporters the entire list of movies released.http://www.psu.com/Microsoft-and-Blu-ray-talking-all-along--a0002569-p0.php

Spur

02-01-2008, 06:14 PM

http://ps3.qj.net/National-Geographic-goes-Blu-ray-exclusive/pg/49/aid/112792

With Warner supporting Blu-ray, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before its distribution partners followed suit. We've recently learned that National Geographic has also joined the Blu-ray club, opting to drop HD-DVD support in favor of Blu-ray.

According to the report we found, a spokesperson confirmed that the company would no longer release titles in HD-DVD, though there are no plans to make a formal announcement or press release regarding the matter. This support for Blu-ray is evidenced by their upcoming release, Sharkwater, being Blu-ray exclusive.

This isn't to say, however, that all National Geographic-related titles will become Blu-ray only. Films that are co-produced by National Geographic but distributed by other companies will be unaffected by the decision to go Blu-ray exclusive.

As a result of this news, BBC is now the last remaining Warner-distributed company to maintain format neutrality. At this rate, however, it seems likely that BBC will also make a decision on its choice of format soon.

Cockadiddle

02-11-2008, 11:37 AM

Tap Tap Tap goes another nail......

http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/netflix-picks-blu-ray-good-luck-renting-an-hd-dvd-soon/

-------------------------------------------------
Netflix picks Blu-ray, good luck renting an HD DVD soon

Posted Feb 11th 2008 8:50AM by Evan Blass (http://www.engadget.com/bloggers/evan-blass)
Filed under: HDTV (http://hdtv.engadget.com/), Home Entertainment (http://homeentertainment.engadget.com/)
[/URL] var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/business_finance/Netflix_picks_Blu_ray_good_luck_renting_an_HD_DVD_ soon'; In what can only be classified as yet another crushing blow to the embattled HD DVD camp, rent-by-mail giant Netflix has just announced its intention to only stock Blu-ray titles in the future. [URL="http://www.engadget.com/tag/Netflix/"]Netflix (http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUSWEN388420080211)justified its decision by pointing out the fact that most Hollywood studios seem to be converging solely around the Sony-backed format -- a fact that's all too familiar to Toshiba and friends. With both Blockbuster (http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/17/blockbuster-chooses-blu-ray-is-the-war-over/)and now the 'Flix having eschewed HD DVD for BD, it's gonna get harder and harder to even find a place to rent those former discs in the first place, let alone one that has a decent selection.

Spur

02-11-2008, 06:13 PM

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Best Buy Co Inc, the largest U.S. consumer electronics chain, said on Monday it will recommend that consumers choose Sony Corp's Blu-ray high-definition video format.

The decision gives Sony yet another victory in the battle with Toshiba Corp's HD DVD to be the high-definition DVD format of choice.

Earlier on Monday, online video rental company Netflix Inc said it would exclusively stock Blu-ray DVDs after some of the world's biggest movie studios decided in favor of that format. Best Buy said it believes consumers will benefit from the choice of one HD DVD format.

"Because we believe that Blu-ray is fast emerging as that single format, we ha