Blu-Ray vs. HD DVD?
The Creator
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 37,950
Likes: 8
From: Albany, NY
Originally Posted by SiGGy
What's sorta disconcerting is you can see the detail differences even on low-res photos... It's not like we have some 12Mp camera shots to compare.
So it's another HD lite product
Although looking at the last pics it does seem to keep up on low motion video OK.
So it's another HD lite product
Although looking at the last pics it does seem to keep up on low motion video OK.All-in-all I'm fairly impressed with the Apple TV in the comparisons posted so far (I haven't forked over the $5 to rent any HD on it myself). Nobody expected the device to even compare to a HD disc.
The maximum bitrate of Apple TV is merely 5mbps... most Blu-ray discs are encoded at around 25mbps.
Nonetheless, I'll take some high res shots just to see just how much detail loss there is.
The Creator
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 37,950
Likes: 8
From: Albany, NY
Originally Posted by AdamNJ
I'll tell you why. If they are 100% sure the PS3 is 2.0 capable...that would mean they have the firmware update ready. Why wouldn't you release it at this point...and then be the only 2.0 player avail? Releasing it sounds like a way to get more PS3's sold. The PS3 was also supposed to play PS2 games. That went well for them.
There's no reason to think the PS3 won't be firmware upgradable to Profile 2.0.
Big White Chocolate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,487
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From: San Francisco, CA
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080216/...ba_hd_dvd_dc_1
Toshiba to give up on HD DVD, end format war: source
By Mayumi Negishi and Kentaro Hamada2 hours, 39 minutes ago
Toshiba Corp (6502.T) is planning to give up on its HD DVD format for high definition DVDs, conceding defeat to the competing Blu-Ray technology backed by Sony Corp (6758.T), a company source said on Saturday.
The move will likely put an end to a battle that has gone on for several years between consortiums led by Toshiba and Sony vying to set the standard for the next-generation DVD and compatible video equipment.
The format war, often compared to the Betamax-VHS battle in the 1980s, has confused consumers unsure of which DVD or player to buy, slowing the development what is expected to be a multibillion dollar high definition DVD industry.
Toshiba's cause has suffered several setbacks in recent weeks including Friday's announcement by U.S. retailing giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N) that it would abandon the HD DVD format and only stock its shelves with Blu-ray movies.
A source at Toshiba confirmed an earlier report by public broadcaster NHK that it was getting ready to pull the plug.
"We have entered the final stage of planning to make our exit from the next generation DVD business," said the source, who asked not to be identified. He added that an official announcement could come as early as next week.
No one answered the phone at Toshiba's public relations office in Tokyo.
NHK said Toshiba would suffer losses running to tens of billions of yen (hundreds of millions of dollars) to scrap production of HD DVD players and recorders and other steps to withdraw from the business.
Hollywood studios had initially split their alliances between the two camps, meaning only certain films would play on any one DVD machine.
The balance of power tipped decisively toward the Sony camp in January after Time Warner Inc's (TWX.N) Warner Bros studio said it would only release high-definition DVDs in Blu-ray format. With that, studios behind some three-quarters of DVDs are backing Blu-ray, although some release in both formats.
Toshiba responded by slashing prices of HD DVD players, but the loss of retail support has hurt.
In addition to Wal-Mart, consumer electronics chain Best Buy Co Inc (BBY.N) and online video rental company Netflix Inc (NFLX.O) also recently signed up to the Blu-ray camp.
The exclusive backing of Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) was also put in doubt when the software giant said in January that it could consider supporting Blu-ray technology for its Xbox 360 video game machine, which currently works only with HD DVD.
Sony has spent large sums of money to promote Blu-ray in tandem with its flat screen TVs and its PlayStation 3 game console, which can play Blu-ray movies.
The Toshiba source said the experience would not be a total loss for the sprawling conglomerate, whose products range from refrigerators to power plants, which would learn valuable lessons.
"Marketing was a weak point for Toshiba. We learned a lot from HD DVD. Strengthening marketing will continue to be an issue for us going forward," the source said.
(Reporting by Mayumi Negishi, Kentaro Hamada and Nathan Layne, editing by Mike Peacock)
By Mayumi Negishi and Kentaro Hamada2 hours, 39 minutes ago
Toshiba Corp (6502.T) is planning to give up on its HD DVD format for high definition DVDs, conceding defeat to the competing Blu-Ray technology backed by Sony Corp (6758.T), a company source said on Saturday.
The move will likely put an end to a battle that has gone on for several years between consortiums led by Toshiba and Sony vying to set the standard for the next-generation DVD and compatible video equipment.
The format war, often compared to the Betamax-VHS battle in the 1980s, has confused consumers unsure of which DVD or player to buy, slowing the development what is expected to be a multibillion dollar high definition DVD industry.
Toshiba's cause has suffered several setbacks in recent weeks including Friday's announcement by U.S. retailing giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N) that it would abandon the HD DVD format and only stock its shelves with Blu-ray movies.
A source at Toshiba confirmed an earlier report by public broadcaster NHK that it was getting ready to pull the plug.
"We have entered the final stage of planning to make our exit from the next generation DVD business," said the source, who asked not to be identified. He added that an official announcement could come as early as next week.
No one answered the phone at Toshiba's public relations office in Tokyo.
NHK said Toshiba would suffer losses running to tens of billions of yen (hundreds of millions of dollars) to scrap production of HD DVD players and recorders and other steps to withdraw from the business.
Hollywood studios had initially split their alliances between the two camps, meaning only certain films would play on any one DVD machine.
The balance of power tipped decisively toward the Sony camp in January after Time Warner Inc's (TWX.N) Warner Bros studio said it would only release high-definition DVDs in Blu-ray format. With that, studios behind some three-quarters of DVDs are backing Blu-ray, although some release in both formats.
Toshiba responded by slashing prices of HD DVD players, but the loss of retail support has hurt.
In addition to Wal-Mart, consumer electronics chain Best Buy Co Inc (BBY.N) and online video rental company Netflix Inc (NFLX.O) also recently signed up to the Blu-ray camp.
The exclusive backing of Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) was also put in doubt when the software giant said in January that it could consider supporting Blu-ray technology for its Xbox 360 video game machine, which currently works only with HD DVD.
Sony has spent large sums of money to promote Blu-ray in tandem with its flat screen TVs and its PlayStation 3 game console, which can play Blu-ray movies.
The Toshiba source said the experience would not be a total loss for the sprawling conglomerate, whose products range from refrigerators to power plants, which would learn valuable lessons.
"Marketing was a weak point for Toshiba. We learned a lot from HD DVD. Strengthening marketing will continue to be an issue for us going forward," the source said.
(Reporting by Mayumi Negishi, Kentaro Hamada and Nathan Layne, editing by Mike Peacock)
HD-DVD...I hardly knew ye.
The Third Ball
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 50,493
Likes: 5,869
From: Los Angeles, Ca
My friends is SO impressed with the take 2 update from apple tv that he set up his extra unit that he was going to sell me 
So he now has two apple tvs in his place. One in his pro home theater, and one in his living room home theater.
He said the quality for HD rentals is pretty good for what you get. But its still not the solution in the long run (which we all know).
He sights the strongest performance of the take 2 update is photos and music.
So he now has two apple tvs in his place. One in his pro home theater, and one in his living room home theater.
He said the quality for HD rentals is pretty good for what you get. But its still not the solution in the long run (which we all know).
He sights the strongest performance of the take 2 update is photos and music.
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 64,153
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the quality on the ATV does look real good. I think lots of people didn't even know it was a "player" in this game.. I sure as hell didn't. Sounded like some kind of mickey mouse tv top box the first time I heard of it. hehe
The Third Ball
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 50,493
Likes: 5,869
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Originally Posted by srika
the quality on the ATV does look real good. I think lots of people didn't even know it was a "player" in this game.. I sure as hell didn't. Sounded like some kind of mickey mouse tv top box the first time I heard of it. hehe
But now, they are starting to get into the true potential of the unit. I think even at a more compressed 720p wtih 5.1 they offering a great service. Much like Xbox live, but I think maybe a little faster to access, dont know yet.
Netflix and Bluray (and hddvd for rest of its shelftime) is still the best way to go, but apple tv gives a great instant gratification option.
The Creator
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 37,950
Likes: 8
From: Albany, NY
Originally Posted by Sarlacc
I always thought it was released too soon. The lack of HD quality showed when it was hooked up to HD TVs...which is what all the demos use in stores.
But now, they are starting to get into the true potential of the unit. I think even at a more compressed 720p wtih 5.1 they offering a great service. Much like Xbox live, but I think maybe a little faster to access, dont know yet.
Netflix and Bluray (and hddvd for rest of its shelftime) is still the best way to go, but apple tv gives a great instant gratification option.
But now, they are starting to get into the true potential of the unit. I think even at a more compressed 720p wtih 5.1 they offering a great service. Much like Xbox live, but I think maybe a little faster to access, dont know yet.
Netflix and Bluray (and hddvd for rest of its shelftime) is still the best way to go, but apple tv gives a great instant gratification option.
It does basically the same things but like you said it's alot faster, easier to use, quieter, and prettier.
Unlike the Xbox it's purpose built. The Xbox is now just a game machine again.
I can't find my garage
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From: SoCal
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 64,153
Likes: 14,305
rumours of a Blu-Ray 360 as early as May '08... I wouldn't doubt it, the wall has come down, it's go time. Oops the other link said May too. Thought that was a new bit of news. 
Anyways some more info.
http://www.smarthouse.com.au/Gaming/...7L7H2R4?page=1
Anyways some more info.http://www.smarthouse.com.au/Gaming/...7L7H2R4?page=1
Blu-ray Xbox 360 Planned By Microsoft
By David Richards | Monday | 18/02/2008
Rumours were circulating today that Microsoft is set to dump HD DVD and bring out a Blu ray Xbox 360 by as early as May 2008. The move will allow the Company to go head to head with the Sony PS3 gaming console which has been credited with being one of the main reasons that retailers have preferred Blu-ray over Toshiba’s HD DVD.
Insiders at Microsoft in the USA have told SmartHouse that Microsoft has already configured a standalone Blu-ray player that can be connected into an Xbox 360 and that subject to internal marketing and sales approvals the model could be on sale within 3 months.
The Company has also been working on a built in Blu-ray player however insiders are claiming that Microsoft see the HD format battle moving online with consumers offered 1080p movie and content files as a download as opposed to having to buy a HD DVD or Blu-ray disc.
Both Intel and Microsoft have been supporters of the HD DVD format that is set to be killed off this week.
The Company has also held discussions with several OEM manufacturers of media centres with nearly all of them telling the software Company that they are set to move to Blu-ray configured Media Centres within the next month.
Late last week US Media Centre maker Niveus dumped HD DVD in favour of Blu-ray.
The Company VP of marketing Brian Paper said that Niveus had received support from Microsoft and Intel when implementing HD DVD. The format wasn't pushed on Niveus, he said, adding that the commitment in both Intel and Microsoft "isn't religious for HD DVD".
Michael Ephraim the Managing Director of Sony Computer Entertainment said: "We would welcome Microsoft to the Blu-ray stable. In fact it is quite logical for them as the PS3 has been very succesful in driving consumers to Blu-ray. In fact we believe that it has done more to win the format war than traditional Blu-ray player".
When asked whether Sony would grant Microsoft a Blu-ray licence he said: "That is up to Sony Corporate but I see no reason why they would not do it".
During CES 2006 the then Microsoft's Xbox corporate VP of worldwide marketing and publishing Peter Moore told Japanese site ITmedia that a Blu-ray Xbox 360 peripheral could appear for the system if the need arises. Moore admitted that Microsoft isn't sure of the next-generation format war's outcome, with the worst-case scenario being a repeat of the Beta vs. VHS war of the '80s.
However, he suggested that whatever the outcome of the HD-DVD/Blu-ray war, the Xbox 360 can adopt the dominant format since its uses an external drive.
By David Richards | Monday | 18/02/2008
Rumours were circulating today that Microsoft is set to dump HD DVD and bring out a Blu ray Xbox 360 by as early as May 2008. The move will allow the Company to go head to head with the Sony PS3 gaming console which has been credited with being one of the main reasons that retailers have preferred Blu-ray over Toshiba’s HD DVD.
Insiders at Microsoft in the USA have told SmartHouse that Microsoft has already configured a standalone Blu-ray player that can be connected into an Xbox 360 and that subject to internal marketing and sales approvals the model could be on sale within 3 months.
The Company has also been working on a built in Blu-ray player however insiders are claiming that Microsoft see the HD format battle moving online with consumers offered 1080p movie and content files as a download as opposed to having to buy a HD DVD or Blu-ray disc.
Both Intel and Microsoft have been supporters of the HD DVD format that is set to be killed off this week.
The Company has also held discussions with several OEM manufacturers of media centres with nearly all of them telling the software Company that they are set to move to Blu-ray configured Media Centres within the next month.
Late last week US Media Centre maker Niveus dumped HD DVD in favour of Blu-ray.
The Company VP of marketing Brian Paper said that Niveus had received support from Microsoft and Intel when implementing HD DVD. The format wasn't pushed on Niveus, he said, adding that the commitment in both Intel and Microsoft "isn't religious for HD DVD".
Michael Ephraim the Managing Director of Sony Computer Entertainment said: "We would welcome Microsoft to the Blu-ray stable. In fact it is quite logical for them as the PS3 has been very succesful in driving consumers to Blu-ray. In fact we believe that it has done more to win the format war than traditional Blu-ray player".
When asked whether Sony would grant Microsoft a Blu-ray licence he said: "That is up to Sony Corporate but I see no reason why they would not do it".
During CES 2006 the then Microsoft's Xbox corporate VP of worldwide marketing and publishing Peter Moore told Japanese site ITmedia that a Blu-ray Xbox 360 peripheral could appear for the system if the need arises. Moore admitted that Microsoft isn't sure of the next-generation format war's outcome, with the worst-case scenario being a repeat of the Beta vs. VHS war of the '80s.
However, he suggested that whatever the outcome of the HD-DVD/Blu-ray war, the Xbox 360 can adopt the dominant format since its uses an external drive.
The Creator
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 37,950
Likes: 8
From: Albany, NY
I wonder why the existing standalone HD-DVD player couldn't become a Blu-ray player with just a firmware upgrade?
Essentially the hardware between the two formats, at least so far as the bare bones Xbox player is concerned, are virtually identical... no?
If they do create a second player it will be interesting to see a guts-to-guts comparison.
Essentially the hardware between the two formats, at least so far as the bare bones Xbox player is concerned, are virtually identical... no?
If they do create a second player it will be interesting to see a guts-to-guts comparison.
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 64,153
Likes: 14,305
Originally Posted by soopa
I wonder why the existing standalone HD-DVD player couldn't become a Blu-ray player with just a firmware upgrade?
Essentially the hardware between the two formats, at least so far as the bare bones Xbox player is concerned, are virtually identical... no?
If they do create a second player it will be interesting to see a guts-to-guts comparison.
Essentially the hardware between the two formats, at least so far as the bare bones Xbox player is concerned, are virtually identical... no?
If they do create a second player it will be interesting to see a guts-to-guts comparison.
The Creator
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 37,950
Likes: 8
From: Albany, NY
Originally Posted by srika
20 years from now we'll be talking about this the same way we occasionally mention Betamax vs. VHS now.. it's been fun watching history happen.
Big White Chocolate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,487
Likes: 7
From: San Francisco, CA
Originally Posted by soopa
I wonder why the existing standalone HD-DVD player couldn't become a Blu-ray player with just a firmware upgrade?
Essentially the hardware between the two formats, at least so far as the bare bones Xbox player is concerned, are virtually identical... no?
If they do create a second player it will be interesting to see a guts-to-guts comparison.
Essentially the hardware between the two formats, at least so far as the bare bones Xbox player is concerned, are virtually identical... no?
If they do create a second player it will be interesting to see a guts-to-guts comparison.
So here's the technical nitty gritty before we drop the graphs n' charts on you. Both Blu-ray and HD DVD use the same kind of 405nm wavelength blue-violet laser, but their optics differ in two ways. Since the Blu-ray disc has a tighter track pitch (the single thread of data that spirals from the inside of the disc all the way out -- think: grooves on a 12-inch vinyl single vs. an Elvis Costello full-length album with 40 songs), it can hold more pits -- information -- on the same size disc as HD DVD even with a laser of the same wavelength.
The differing track pitch of the Blu-ray disc makes its pickup apertures differ, however -- 0.65 for HD DVD vs. 0.85 for Blu-ray -- thus also making the two pickups technically incompatible despite using the same type of lasers. HD DVD discs also have a different surface layer (the clear plastic layer on the surface of the data -- the part that collects all your fingerprints and scratches) from Blu-ray discs. HD DVD use a 0.6 mm-thick surface layer, the same as DVD, while Blu-ray has a much smaller 0.1mm layer, which enables the laser to focus at that 0.85 aperture.
The differing track pitch of the Blu-ray disc makes its pickup apertures differ, however -- 0.65 for HD DVD vs. 0.85 for Blu-ray -- thus also making the two pickups technically incompatible despite using the same type of lasers. HD DVD discs also have a different surface layer (the clear plastic layer on the surface of the data -- the part that collects all your fingerprints and scratches) from Blu-ray discs. HD DVD use a 0.6 mm-thick surface layer, the same as DVD, while Blu-ray has a much smaller 0.1mm layer, which enables the laser to focus at that 0.85 aperture.
The Creator
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 37,950
Likes: 8
From: Albany, NY
Interesting. How do the dual-format players work then, do they have two blue lasers? Or is there some mechanism present to adjust the aperture?
Wouldn't it be funny if Microsoft had the "foresight" to include such mechanism should it exist...
IB conspiracy theories.
Wouldn't it be funny if Microsoft had the "foresight" to include such mechanism should it exist...
IB conspiracy theories.
The Creator
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 37,950
Likes: 8
From: Albany, NY
Hah... here's an interesting discussion of a dual-format player from only a few days ago.
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/02/07...-combo-drives/
read the comments.
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/02/07...-combo-drives/
read the comments.
The Creator
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 37,950
Likes: 8
From: Albany, NY
Originally Posted by soopa
Interesting. How do the dual-format players work then, do they have two blue lasers? Or is there some mechanism present to adjust the aperture?
Wouldn't it be funny if Microsoft had the "foresight" to include such mechanism should it exist...
IB conspiracy theories.
Wouldn't it be funny if Microsoft had the "foresight" to include such mechanism should it exist...
IB conspiracy theories.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 15,295
Likes: 131
From: IL
Wonder if someone will do a hardware retrofit and software update to the XBOX 360 HD-DVD drives, would be nice, but I'm not holding my breath. Can't wait till broadband networks get faster and digital media improves.
CNN's article about Toshiba dropping Blu-Ray:
http://money.cnn.com/2008/02/17/news...ex.htm?cnn=yes
That would be sweet. This way I will not need to buy a PS3 and I'll have both formats through my X360
http://money.cnn.com/2008/02/17/news...ex.htm?cnn=yes
Originally Posted by srika
rumours of a Blu-Ray 360 as early as May '08... I wouldn't doubt it, the wall has come down, it's go time. Oops the other link said May too. Thought that was a new bit of news. Anyways some more info.
Anyways some more info.
Pink things in...
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 570
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From: Chantilly, VA (northern va)
http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/18/t...row-stop-sale/
Conference is scheduled for 5pm tokyo time - 3am eastern.
http://kotaku.com/357925/hd+dvd-deat...mestop-edition
...Japanese publication Nikkei has it that Toshiba president Atsutoshi Nishida will be announcing the final discontinuation of HD DVD tomorrow, as well as halted sales of hardware and media by March (as in days from now). Apparently Toshiba will pull its units from retail shelves, but has no intention to give burned early adopters any refunds (no kidding?)...
http://kotaku.com/357925/hd+dvd-deat...mestop-edition
We've been tipped off by a number of GameStop employees that, commencing tomorrow, the company will no longer be accepting HD-DVD gear for trade-in. That means you won't be able to trade in your HD-DVD movies, and more importantly, you won't be able to get anything for that soon-to-be-useless 360 HD-DVD player, either.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,034
Likes: 10
From: Outside Houston
It is all over!!!
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,331150,00.htmlToshiba Discontinues HD DVD Format, Hands Sony Victory
TOKYO — Toshiba said Tuesday it will no longer develop, make or market HD DVD players and recorders, handing a victory to rival Blu-ray disc technology in the major format war in next-generation video.
"We concluded that a swift decision would be best," Toshiba President Atsutoshi Nishida told reporters at his company's Tokyo office.
The move would make Blu-ray -- backed by Sony Corp., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., which makes Panasonic brand products, and five major Hollywood movie studios -- the winner in the battle over high-definition DVD formatting that began several years ago.
Nishida said a decision by Warner Bros. Entertainment to release movie discs only in the Blu-ray format made the move inevitable, although his company had confidence in HD DVD as a technology.
"That had tremendous impact," he said. "If we had continued, that would have created problems for consumers, and we simply had no chance to win."
Warner joined Sony Pictures, Walt Disney Co. and News Corp.'s Twentieth Century Fox in that move.
Nishida tried to assure the estimated 1 million people in the world who already bought HD DVD machines by promising that the company will provide continued product support for HD DVD.
Nishida said it was still uncertain what will happen with the Hollywood studios that signed to produce HD DVD movies, including Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation.
Toshiba's pulling the plug on the technology is expected to reduce the number of new high-definition movies that people will be able to watch on HD DVD machines.
Toshiba Corp. said shipments of HD DVD machines to retailers will be reduced and will stop by end of March.
Both HD DVD and Blu-ray deliver crisp, clear high-definition pictures and sound, which are more detailed and vivid than existing video technology. They are incompatible with each other, and neither plays on older DVD players. But both formats play on high-definition TVs.
HD DVD was touted as being cheaper because it was more similar to previous video technology, while Blu-ray boasted bigger recording capacity.
Only one video format has been expected to emerge as the victor, much like VHS trumped Sony's Betamax in the video format battle of the 1980s.
Now, sales in Blu-ray gadgets are likely to pick up, as consumers have held off in investing in the latest recorders and players because they didn't know which format would emerge dominant.
Despite being a possible blow to Toshiba's pride, the exit would likely be good for business. Goldman Sachs has said such a move would improve Toshiba's profitability between 40 billion yen (US$370 million; euro253 million) and 50 billion yen (US$463 million; euro316 million) a year.
The reasons behind Blu-ray's triumph over HD DVD are complex, as marketing, management maneuvers and other factors are believed to have played into the shift to Blu-ray's favor that became more decisive during the critical holiday shopping season.
Once the balance starts tilting in favor of one in a format battle, then the domination tends to grow and become final, said Kazuharu Miura, an analyst at Daiwa Institute of Research in Tokyo.
"The trend became decisive I think this year," he said. "When Warner made its decision, it was basically over."
Big White Chocolate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,487
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From: San Francisco, CA
Originally Posted by fuzzy02CLS
Read that this morning as well. Now is there anything else down the pipe that may take blu-ray out?
Big White Chocolate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,487
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From: San Francisco, CA
And hurry up, will ya?http://www.homemediamagazine.com/new...ticle_id=12118
At least one of the two studios exclusive to HD DVD is already gearing up to join the other team.
"While Universal values the close partnership we have shared with Toshiba, it is time to turn our focus to releasing new and catalog titles on Blu-ray," said Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
"The path for widespread adoption of the next-generation platform has finally become clear. Universal will continue its aggressive efforts to broaden awareness for hi-def’s unparalleled offerings in interactivity and connectivity, at an increasingly affordable price. The emergence of a single, high-definition format is cause for consumers, as well as the entire entertainment industry, to celebrate."
"While Universal values the close partnership we have shared with Toshiba, it is time to turn our focus to releasing new and catalog titles on Blu-ray," said Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
"The path for widespread adoption of the next-generation platform has finally become clear. Universal will continue its aggressive efforts to broaden awareness for hi-def’s unparalleled offerings in interactivity and connectivity, at an increasingly affordable price. The emergence of a single, high-definition format is cause for consumers, as well as the entire entertainment industry, to celebrate."
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 121
From: Ronkonkoma, NY
Originally Posted by fuzzy02CLS
Read that this morning as well. Now is there anything else down the pipe that may take blu-ray out?
But now the big question is - will Blu-ray even be successful?
Your average consumer thinks upscaling dvd players = HD.
The transition from VHS -> DVD was huge, and that was a much easier sell.
DVD -> Blu-ray - not so obvious, and not even apparent for people without
large HDTVs.
RIP, HD-DVD, we hardly knew ya.
I'm glad the format war is over, but It's too bad Blu-ray won.
So it's a bit bittersweet for me. Time to pick a blu-ray player now.
Looks like features will be 'backwards' compatibile meaning if you buy
a Profile 2.0 disk, most features are 1.1 compatible, just web junk.
(no big loss, and that's coming from a special features junkie)
- Frank