Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
HD-DVD vs Blu-Ray Battle Over? Warner Switches to Blu-Ray
- Thread starter hvfsl
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Thank you and all the others who answered, I really appreciate it. Sounds like it is a great product. I will go and scope them out in person. I see there seems to be three versions with different abilities does one need the top of the line to have all the benefits?
Wow. Through all those comments, only a very small percentage of the comments were sensible. Both formats have identical picture quality and both hold more than enough storage for a movie and extras.
I hope all the Blu-Ray fans love replacing Blu-ray disks when fingerprints and scratches cause playback issues due to the tighter track pitch and the 0.1 mm layer clear coat.
I'd rather have a looser and far more error tolerant pitch and thicker coating and backward compatibility.
I hope all the Blu-Ray fans love replacing Blu-ray disks when fingerprints and scratches cause playback issues due to the tighter track pitch and the 0.1 mm layer clear coat.
I'd rather have a looser and far more error tolerant pitch and thicker coating and backward compatibility.
Nonsense. Same picture quality output from both formats. Stop kidding yourself.
Meh. BD+ was cracked within a few weeks of the its release. Both formats are DRMed to death. But it's AACS that requires all the special PC playback requirements, and it's on both formats.
Buena Vista is Disney's distribution division.
"Buena Vista is/was frequently used as a name for divisions of The Walt Disney Company, whose primary studios and offices are located on Buena Vista Street in Burbank, California (Disney announced plans to retire the name in May 2007)."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buena_Vista_(Walt_Disney_Company)
I would guess manufacturers are keeping the brakes on due to product development costs and manufacturing. They have to make a stand for a while to make money. We all get spoiled with software that can be updated anytime mostly (well unless it is Vista lol). It's easy to mentally see the world digitally though, I keep feeling the need for a Command F key in my head so I can find lost stuff in the real world with Spotlight.
You can easily replace the 2.5" HDD with any other one so HDD space isn't really an issue (and you can use externals). The higher-end models have PS1/2 backwards compatibility so that's not an issue for you. They have a few more USB slots (dunno if you want them) and memory card readers built in (memory stick, SD, compact flash).
The 40Gb will probably do everything you need it to, just do a bit of research and check the higher models don't have anything you need (I doubt they do).
jaw04005 said:
Blu-Ray discs are more damage resistant than DVDs are, since they have a TDK designed protective layer that no other format has had the benefit of.
The fact that HD-DVD discs could be pressed on existing DVD manufacturing facilities was supposed to be a serious advantage to the format since it would allow studios and their disc production houses to leverage existing infrastructure. With Blu-Ray, all new production facilities needed to be built which would eat into the profit margins for each disc sold. However, that extra cost apparently wasn't as large a factor as some analysts predicted.
I wonder if Blu-Ray's consumer support on the home video side is being driven by future consumer support on the computer side? Are consumers buying Blu-Ray players now with the intent to buy Blu-Ray burners later? The current Blu-Ray recordable specifications hold more data then the current HD-DVD recordable specifications so consumers who are looking towards a next-generation video and data-storage format might just be going with Blu-Ray.
Of course, it could be as simple as the number of PS3's in folk's homes. While there are more Xbox 360s then PS3s, every PS3 has an internal Blu-Ray player while an Xbox 360 requires the purchase of an external HD-DVD player (of which 92,000 had been sold by the end of 2006).
I wonder if Blu-Ray's consumer support on the home video side is being driven by future consumer support on the computer side? Are consumers buying Blu-Ray players now with the intent to buy Blu-Ray burners later? The current Blu-Ray recordable specifications hold more data then the current HD-DVD recordable specifications so consumers who are looking towards a next-generation video and data-storage format might just be going with Blu-Ray.
Of course, it could be as simple as the number of PS3's in folk's homes. While there are more Xbox 360s then PS3s, every PS3 has an internal Blu-Ray player while an Xbox 360 requires the purchase of an external HD-DVD player (of which 92,000 had been sold by the end of 2006).
I'd have to say the exact opposite. Warner has traditionally been VERY CLOSE with Toshiba, the two were BFFs and instrumental in advocating DVD together as a tag team 10 years ago. I think Warner did the pragmatic thing, Blu-Ray is coming out ahead and it's just time to follow the market and put this format war to an end. For that, I applaud Warner's move.
Now, I'm a wonk; I have a Home Theater PC with a combo drive that supports both formats. While my beautiful Macs support neither. Let's hope Apple adopts at least one at Macworld.
I'm primarily interested in HD video for my big, big screen (front projection) as even though I own a 1080i 30" HDTV for the livingroom, it only ever gets used for DVD and SD broadcast content.
In any case, my point is that for most folks DVD will suffice for a little bit longer yet, and I suspect that the two formats will merge in a cross licensing deal this year letting them build more, less expensive dual format players. I think my the holidays this year we'll see plenty of $300-400 dual format players along side $200 single format players, and '08 will be the last year for single format devices.
Once I can get a dual format player for $199, or one of the two has gone completely out of the picture and all the exclusive titles have been re-released on the winning format I'll buy a new player and a new projector for that matter. Until them 480p at 98" is surprisingly good.
In any case, my point is that for most folks DVD will suffice for a little bit longer yet, and I suspect that the two formats will merge in a cross licensing deal this year letting them build more, less expensive dual format players. I think my the holidays this year we'll see plenty of $300-400 dual format players along side $200 single format players, and '08 will be the last year for single format devices.
Once I can get a dual format player for $199, or one of the two has gone completely out of the picture and all the exclusive titles have been re-released on the winning format I'll buy a new player and a new projector for that matter. Until them 480p at 98" is surprisingly good.
True... Imagine if they hadn't bribed Paramount & Dreamworks to go HD-DVD a few scant months ago. The war would definitely be over now.
I do have to say, though, that I'm not completely happy Blu-Ray is winning, because cooperation and openness (the DVD Forum) was defeated at the hands of the Sony/Philips proprietary express. Sony & Philips walked away from the DVD Forum and insisted on their proprietary tech (for the purposes of collecting royalties and license fees for themselves). The two formats are fraternal twins, and unfortunately, the guys who stomped their feet and took their ball home are winning. I also hold a grudge against Sony for their proprietary stubbornness (Mini-Disc, ATRAC, et al). I hate to see Sony arrogance rewarded.
I used to participate in the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) and Sony blocked MP3 from being accepted as a standard, baseline audio format because if MP3 was adopted ATRAC had to be too. As a result the only baseline audio was PCM. ******s!
I download my HD from the internet anyway. I could care less about HD-DVD or Blu-ray. I won't be purchasing any of those formats.
Exactly the same here
But it's "couldn't care less".
I didn't know DVD upscaled could look as good as it does on my friends £1500 TV. That and skipping out putting £hundreds into lacklustre media and their respective players is single handedly wiped out with digital downloads.
Yeah, all these companies got together and sat in a lab having milk and cookies together figuring out Blu-Ray together. Someone developed it initially. And that someone, big guy, was Sony w/ Pioneer. Sony is the founder. They have the most invested. Therefore, they'll get the most return.
Don't get me wrong. Sony builds amazing stuff. Their hardware is 2nd to none. Even when they built VHS players!
But, they're also political morons when it comes to fighting format wars. Everytime, Sony shoots themselves in the foot to help kill their cool new format. This time, Sony managed to wrangle up some help first to push them further along.But I still think supporting Sony is a big mistake. HD-DVD and Blu-Ray are way too similar in the end. I read earlier on that a "DVD Author" says that HD-DVD is MPEG-2 still? Yeah, HD-DVD does. So is Blu-Ray. But both formats also support and mostly use h.264. Actually, more Blu-Ray discs are encoded with MPEG-2 than anything. While HD-DVD is using more h.264 than MPEG-2. Even Disney's Blu-Ray politician told me that (I work right next to Disney, Warner & Universal).
In the end, both formats are awesome looking. But I can guarantee you that if Blu-Ray wins, what sort of woes are you going to experience when they have their way with you? How about that DRM on Blu-Ray? How about pricing levels? Supporting Blu-Ray is a larger mistake than you can imagine, fueled by ignorance. But have it your way. You bought your PS3 and "Blu-Ray kicks so much ass, bro!"
Of course it has bluetooth support -- the controllers are bluetooth.
I also use the bluetooth for my headset.
But the controller is still IR, not bluetooth. In fact, I'd never heard of a bluetooth remote control before I read this thread. Doesn't sound like it would work very well.
Yeah sony used to be very closed off although lately they seemed to have backed away with other divisons putting pressure on the music and movie divisions.
Well one of the reasons Paramount is stuck to the HD-DVD camp is due to exclusive licensing agreement Viacom Inc. (MTV, Vh1, COmedy, Nickelodeon etc.), the parent company, made with Microsoft.
I am actually surprised by the move after the less than glitter partnership with MS on URGE.
At the end of the day I think it is less about consumer experience and more about how much money can both companies generate out of consumers.
I am actually surprised by the move after the less than glitter partnership with MS on URGE.
At the end of the day I think it is less about consumer experience and more about how much money can both companies generate out of consumers.
You talk about DRM like HD-DVD doesn't have any.
Holy **** you're just realizing that now? Welcome to capitalism.
STOP THE PRESS: THE FORMAT WAR IS OVER!
On January 4, 2008, Warner Brothers announced that it would release its high-definition DVD titles exclusively in Blu-ray beginning June 1, 2008[91], which The New York Times speculated would "kill HD DVD".[92]As a result of this, the HD DVD group canceled their CES press conference.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu-ray_Disc
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_high_definition_optical_disc_formats
On January 4, 2008, Warner Brothers announced that it would release its high-definition DVD titles exclusively in Blu-ray beginning June 1, 2008[91], which The New York Times speculated would "kill HD DVD".[92]As a result of this, the HD DVD group canceled their CES press conference.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu-ray_Disc
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_high_definition_optical_disc_formats
Your last sentence is the correct one.
Didn't you notice your cable company runs ads from the satellite companies bashing cable? They don't care, they sold the spot.
And the folks at Universal (film) and Universal HD (TV) are under the same corporate behemoth but different branches (Universal proper versus NBC/TV arm).
Controller vs. controllers? You're confusing me by saying the controller IS and the controllers ARE. Which/what are you referring to?
It looks like the XBox 360 doesn't have Bluetooth built into it and PS3 does. I was just saying that's pretty nice for PS3.
~ CB
HD-DVD and Blu-Ray both have AACS (the successor to DVD's CSS encryption). It has already been broken.
Blu-Ray adds another 2nd layer on top of that.
I own an HD-DVD player so you can bet I'm totally excited about this announcement---but I guess it's the risk you take. A lot of people comment how they are happy to see the better (BD) survive. The thing about BD is that it can hold a lot of extra special features and interactivity. Personally, when I buy a movie, it's so I can relax and watch it...not so I can sit down and play with it. That's what video games are for.
With both HD DVD and Blue Ray being the same quality, it just didn't make sense to buy the more expensive Blue Ray set up. Either way, it's my opinion that both of these formats are mere "pit stops" on the way to something better and longer-lasting.
Honestly, it's my hope that somehow Toshiba would settle a deal with Blue-Ray to share the format rights. Then, maybe Blue Ray Discs could contain the "code" necessary to work on my HD-DVD only player----is this even possible? I understand that the basic physical properties of these discs are relatively the same--right? Is this something that could even happen??
With both HD DVD and Blue Ray being the same quality, it just didn't make sense to buy the more expensive Blue Ray set up. Either way, it's my opinion that both of these formats are mere "pit stops" on the way to something better and longer-lasting.
Honestly, it's my hope that somehow Toshiba would settle a deal with Blue-Ray to share the format rights. Then, maybe Blue Ray Discs could contain the "code" necessary to work on my HD-DVD only player----is this even possible? I understand that the basic physical properties of these discs are relatively the same--right? Is this something that could even happen??