I made the HD DVD plunge, should you?

[dreamcastrocks]

THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SONY! To say that the only reason I pick Blu-Ray because it is made by Sony is lame--that has nothing to do with it.

Betamax was a casette made by Sony, and it was considered the better technology. How does it have nothing to do with it?

 

[dreamcastrocks]

You're obviously not reading a word I'm writing since you're taking this so personally. Sorry for that, considering all I originally wrote was that HD-DVD wasn't going to last--an opinion of which you have said "could" happen. I don't see why you had to get all uppity about it. Usually I'm the one that's being accused of that.

I am reading the words that you are saying, and refuting most of them. I am not really taking it personally, just debating you on a point that you might very well win. (Sony's Bluray winning the war) Your inaccurate facts are what is causing me to take it "personally," eventhough I will be a duel format supporter. I don't "personally" care who wins.

 

[Chaplin]

I am reading the words that you are saying, and refuting most of them. I am not really taking it personally, just debating you on a point that you might very well win. (Sony's Bluray winning the war) Your inaccurate facts are what is causing me to take it "personally," eventhough I will be a duel format supporter. I don't "personally" care who wins.

Except none of my facts are inaccurate except for my PS3 comment which I apologized for, but I'm guessing you just glossed over it. I'm not trying to insult you for purchasing an HD-DVD player. More power to you. It's just IN MY OPINION, I wouldn't take the chance considering what the evidence says about how long the format will last.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Except none of my facts are inaccurate except for my PS3 comment which I apologized for, but I'm guessing you just glossed over it. I'm not trying to insult you for purchasing an HD-DVD player. More power to you. It's just IN MY OPINION, I wouldn't take the chance considering what the evidence says about how long the format will last.

But there is no evidence, just conjecture and speculation.

Again, what chance am I taking, if I could return my HD DVD player at Costco at anytime?

 

[CardFan67]

I totally purchase based on stability which is why I won't purchase either DVD player until one is the winner...

But having said that, this whole thread could be taken as ABomb said and exchanged with VHS and Beta... All I remember reading during that time was how Beta was far superior and initial numbers showed that VHS would die... Less than a year later a pre recorded Beta tape was running for $150.00 because it was dead technology...

For sure waiting this pissing match out...

Odd how it seems to always be about Sony and the stuff they want only want on their products...

 

[dreamcastrocks]

I totally purchase based on stability which is why I won't purchase either DVD player until one is the winner...

But having said that, this whole thread could be taken as ABomb said and exchanged with VHS and Beta... All I remember reading during that time was how Beta was far superior and initial numbers showed that VHS would die... Less than a year later a pre recorded Beta tape was running for $150.00 because it was dead technology...

For sure waiting this pissing match out...

Odd how it seems to always be about Sony and the stuff they want only want on their products...

I understand points like this, I really do. I felt the same way, until the pricing on the players/software was cheap enough were I am confident that I could at least eBay my money back if there was a format to end, and not feel bad if my item is outdated in a couple years.

What is funny about this format war, is that computers become outdated in 2-3 years, and you have to purchase new equipment all time time, and much bigger prices, but this format war is a big issue.

I have paid around $10 for each of my HD DVDs, the rate for them on eBay is $18 or $19 each. The DVD player from Costco comes with a lifetime exchange policy.

 

[Chaplin]

I understand points like this, I really do. I felt the same way, until the pricing on the players/software was cheap enough were I am confident that I could at least eBay my money back if there was a format to end, and not feel bad if my item is outdated in a couple years.

What is funny about this format war, is that computers become outdated in 2-3 years, and you have to purchase new equipment all time time, and much bigger prices, but this format war is a big issue.

I have paid around $10 for each of my HD DVDs, the rate for them on eBay is $18 or $19 each. The DVD player from Costco comes with a lifetime exchange policy.

Hmm, curious. Is that exchange policy good for ANYTHING, not just repairs? That seems like an odd policy, if they would accept a return next year, for example, if HD-DVDs are no longer made. If that is the policy, then I don't blame you at all for taking the plunge. After all, the picture and sound quality is still really good--and I know that the possibilities for extras are great (even though discs that take advantage of that are few and far between).

I have a couple standard Superbit DVDs, which are basically DVDs with no extras but with high bit rates (Lawrence of Arabia, Panic Room, Bram Stoker's Dracula are a few that I have). They look and sound pretty good themselves.

 

[CardFan67]

I did not mean to say those who buy early are not smart or are taking too many risks, just that for me, I wait... Computers do need to be updated at least every 4 or 5 years, this is true... That has become a given, I sure hope that does not become the norm for all tech devices.

I remember the last time I was at the store and was bucking buying a DVD player with component outputs. I told the sales guy that there would be another connector and that they would be outdated fast enough. He said, no, no there is nothing on the horizon that will replace this new connector for quality. hmmmmm

 

[Chaplin]

I did not mean to say those who buy early are not smart or are taking too many risks, just that for me, I wait... Computers do need to be updated at least every 4 or 5 years, this is true... That has become a given, I sure hope that does not become the norm for all tech devices.

I remember the last time I was at the store and was bucking buying a DVD player with component outputs. I told the sales guy that there would be another connector and that they would be outdated fast enough. He said, no, no there is nothing on the horizon that will replace this new connector for quality. hmmmmm

Then again, if you don't have an HD-compatible television, component technically IS the best you can get. Of course, most televisions today are HD-compatible, so that argument is moot.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Hmm, curious. Is that exchange policy good for ANYTHING, not just repairs? That seems like an odd policy, if they would accept a return next year, for example, if HD-DVDs are no longer made. If that is the policy, then I don't blame you at all for taking the plunge. After all, the picture and sound quality is still really good--and I know that the possibilities for extras are great (even though discs that take advantage of that are few and far between).

I have a couple standard Superbit DVDs, which are basically DVDs with no extras but with high bit rates (Lawrence of Arabia, Panic Room, Bram Stoker's Dracula are a few that I have). They look and sound pretty good themselves.

The higher bitrate Superbit movies are great with audio (all of them are in DTS, and some of the videos are better, but not all) They have to release separate discs for the extras. Sony did not do that with their initial Superbit releases, and forced a lot of people to double dip.

As far as Costco's return policy, it is not like that for all purchases. In fact, a few months ago, you could take back a TV that you bought two years ago, and get the full price back in an return. They since changed that policy, but not with DVD players.

 

[Ryanwb]

If I have to buy Star Wars again in another format, I'll kill someone

 

[azsouthendzone]

Chaplin, what do you do exacly do you do "in the industry" if you don't mind me asking and how does it relate to next gen dvd??? I know you made that indy movie Gameface.

 

[Chaplin]

Chaplin, what do you do exacly do you do "in the industry" if you don't mind me asking and how does it relate to next gen dvd??? I know you made that indy movie Gameface.

I work for one of the big studios, mostly in television, but have worked closely with internet and home video.

 

[azsouthendzone]

I work for one of the big studios, mostly in television, but have worked closely with internet and home video.

Is it a Blu-Ray exclusive studio, maybe named FOX?

 

[Chaplin]

Is it a Blu-Ray exclusive studio, maybe named FOX?

No, it's one that originally was exclusive to HD-DVD, but switched to support both. My opinion has no bearing on who I work for, even though you are inferring it.

Do you work for Microsoft? Why do you think I am putting down a sales pitch for Blu-Ray? I'm not.

 

[Ryanwb]

I think the biggest draw for HD-DVD is the backwards compatability. Nobody wants to buy stupid non action movies in HD-DVD format. Why would I want to buy Disney movies again? My kid doesn't give a crap about HD

 

[azsouthendzone]

No, it's one that originally was exclusive to HD-DVD, but switched to support both. My opinion has no bearing on who I work for, even though you are inferring it.

Do you work for Microsoft? Why do you think I am putting down a sales pitch for Blu-Ray? I'm not.

I wish I worked for Microsoft. Free Halo 3 would be cool. I was just trying to figure out if you were the gum salesman from Clerks, that's all.

 

[SuperSpck]

I think the biggest draw for HD-DVD is the backwards compatability. Nobody wants to buy stupid non action movies in HD-DVD format. Why would I want to buy Disney movies again? My kid doesn't give a crap about HD

Eh there's a buyer for every product. It's just about making sure there are enough buyers to turn a profit.

 

[Red Dawn]

I concur with Ryanwb. The upconverting feature for existing DVD's to HD is huge to me, enough that I am also contemplating the HD-DVD player.

 

[Chaplin]

You guys know that Blu-Ray players are also backwards-compatible, right?

 

[Ryanwb]

You guys know that Blu-Ray players are also backwards-compatible, right?

I didn't know that

 

[Gee!]

wow.. I didnt even know there was a war going on (blu-ray and hd dvd_ Ive never even heard of hd dvd.. Ive heard of blu ray but never cared to figure out what it was since i kinda knew it had to do with movies .. but i really dont care about watching movies all that much anyways.. Ill prolly still be watching regular ole dvd in 10 years from now...

 

[dreamcastrocks]

You guys know that Blu-Ray players are also backwards-compatible, right?

Not all players are fully backwards compatible, (some don't even play CDs) and only last month, did the PS3 start upconverting DVD's to HD. Bluray has been behind the curve in backwards compatibility.

Another very important feature that the Toshiba has, (as well as the PS3) is the ethernet port. The fact that both players have released firmware releases that fix bugs and improve products is HUGE. No way would I buy a stand alone HD/Bluray player without one.

 

[Chaplin]

Not all players are fully backwards compatible, (some don't even play CDs) and only last month, did the PS3 start upconverting DVD's to HD. Bluray has been behind the curve in backwards compatibility.

Another very important feature that the Toshiba has, (as well as the PS3) is the ethernet port. The fact that both players have released firmware releases that fix bugs and improve products is HUGE. No way would I buy a stand alone HD/Bluray player without one.

Both formats are still pretty buggy--Blu-Ray more than HD-DVD. Like you said, BR was delayed quite some time because of it.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Well, it looks like I may have a PS3 to go with the HD DVD player by the end of the day.