HD DVD vs Blue Ray (winding down?)

*Godfather* · 06-19-2007, 06:58 PM

FeatureDVDHD-DVDBlu-rayMaximum native resolutions supported via HDMIEDTV (480p)HDTV (720p, 1080i, 1080p)HDTV (720p, 1080i, 1080p)Maximum image-constrained native resolutions supported via component video1EDTV (480p)EDTV+ (960x540)EDTV+ (960x540)Disc capacity4.7GB (single layer)
8.5GB (dual layer)15GB (single layer)
30GB (dual layer)
45GB (prototype triple layer)25GB (single layer)
50GB (dual layer)
100GB (prototype quad layer)Video capacity (per dual-layer disc)2SD: approximately 3 hours
HD: n/aSD: approximately 24 hours
HD: approximately 8 hoursSD: approximately 23 hours
HD: approximately 9 hoursAudio soundtracks3Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ESDolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, DTS-ESDolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, DTS-ESManufacturer support (home theater)4AllToshiba, LG, Thomson/RCAHitachi, Mitsubishi, LG, Sharp, Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, Philips, Thomson/RCAManufacturer support (PC storage)4AllMicrosoft, Intel, HP, NEC, ToshibaApple, Dell, Benq, HP, LG, Panasonic, Philips, Pioneer, Samsung, Sony, TDKStudio support4AllParamount, Studio Canal, Universal, Warner, the Weinstein CompanySony Pictures (including MGM/Columbia TriStar), Disney (including Touchstone, Miramax), Fox, Paramount, Warner, Lions GateCompatible video game consolesPlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Nintendo Revolution Xbox 360 (via forthcoming external HD-DVD accessory, sold separately)PlayStation 3Player prices$99 and less$499 and more$599 (PlayStation 3 with HDMI port); $999 and more (stand-alone players)Movie prices$6 and more (retail)$20 to $28 (retail)$20 to $28 (retail)Number of titles available by the end of 200650,000-plusDozens to hundredsDozens to hundredsPlayers are backward compatible with existing DVD videosYesYesYesSet-top recorders available nowYesNoNoCan record high-def at full resolution (eventually)5NoYesYes"Managed copy" option6NoYesYesCopy protection/digital rights management7Macrovision, CSSAACS, ICTAACS, ICT, BD+, BD-ROM MarkRegion-coded discs and players8YesNo (currently; could change in future)Yes

Well!?! Beta max vs VHS all over again? If you're looking at the past.. remeber Betamax was actually sorta better.. but lost due to a higher price. Blue ray is also in many ways superior (much larger disks)... but Blockbuster recently announced it would not sell HD DVD's. A crippling blow most would agree

Which do you like.. what are your plans for the near future

I like Blue Ray better, but sorta wish HD would win cus that'd make me feel better about owning a 360 (simple attachement you can buy to allow it to play HD DVDs) Yet... every episode of Sienfeld or Friends on maybe 2 disks is awesome (Blueray anyone)

Im not gunna do NOFIN 'bout it until it's crystal clear who's won and prices on the palyers drop a bit.

*G_Man* · 06-19-2007, 07:25 PM

consumerism at its finest...

**Noodles** · 06-19-2007, 09:00 PM

The consumer will decide on this one. I can't use either one so I am not even really
following the market on this.

*G_Man* · 06-19-2007, 09:18 PM

Quoting: Noodles

The consumer will decide on this one. I can't use either one so I am not even really
following the market on this.

The consumer ALWAYS decides, but only the manufacturers win. In any event the consumer is simply pissing his money away... Then will complain about being broke.

*Godfather* · 06-19-2007, 10:54 PM

Well Im glad we're not still using cassette players and VHS though

**Sp00k** · 06-20-2007, 01:32 AM

I will wait to see what develops and who wins. We'll still end up paying through the nose for it regardless. I'm in favour of Blu Ray only because of the storage capacity.

*Godfather* · 06-21-2007, 07:06 PM

I think I am too.. but the cost is more.

I read an article in the buisness section today that was talking about how Blockbuster saying they'll only go with Blu Ray is not a huge twist in the war. We'll see in time I guess. Too bad one cant just give up and start producing the other so we can start using them before the next film format shows up

**Noodles** · 06-21-2007, 10:11 PM

I agree that Block Buster only going Blu Ray is not that big.

The retail sales market is bigger and with Netflix grabbing a lot of Block Buster's
glory it may boost Netflix because they are going to carry all three flavors.

*Lisey* · 06-22-2007, 11:14 AM

Blue Ray- I still don't know much about it...HD is very popular but still way too expensive IMO.

In my industry we still use Betas, digi betas and vcr's! Cheap! I actually miss my beta from the last job...

*Godfather* · 06-23-2007, 09:39 PM

I was at future shop today and they had a blu-ray/hd dvd player...looked sooo nice, but the price tag didnt (1200$ ish)

**Noodles** · 06-23-2007, 09:47 PM

That is crazy, they start here at $399 US and mid range is $599. Hi end is $1200.

I notice Sony is not making there first players HD capable. Big marketing blunder.

*Godfather* · 06-24-2007, 12:19 AM

Meh.. it's a war

But you cant buy a HD/Blu ray all in one player for 400$

Yah... the thing did look high end. Im actually just looking at it on the net. (it's actually worth $1400, 1200$ US)

It's made by LG and is the only one capable of playing both Blu ray and HD DVD. Sooo yah you can get a player starting at 400$ish (US and Can dollar are about the same at this point) but you hafta chose one player or the other

Cheapest blu ray is about 600$ (Best Buy in the states has one at 500$) and HD starts at about 400$... you could buy both separatly for cheaper!!

Im headed to NY at the end of August... if one or the other looks to be winning big time in the next 2 months, maybe Ill pick one up

**Noodles** · 06-24-2007, 10:29 PM

Quoting: Godfather

Meh..

But you cant buy a HD/Blu ray all in one player for 400$

There are some Toshibas that go on sale for $399. Right now they are $449.

I think I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so............

Moving At 33 RPM In An iPod World