Blue-ray?

[LockedOut]

Are there or will there be players that play both formats? I thought I heard somewhere before that there would be eventually so no need to choose one over the other.

[kermitology]

Originally Posted by Kerplunk

I have a question for those willing to answer, because I'm curious. If both HD-DVD and Blu-ray format came out at the same time and from the same company (no pre-existing bias), and had equal support from hardware makers, which one would be your prefered format?

I think that in the end the HD-DVD players will be cheaper to make and cheaper to buy so I'm pulling for HD-DVD. That and every time Sony is involved in a format war they lose. With the PS3 they are losing $300 per machine that is sold but are hoping to recoup the losses because they hold the rights to the discs being produced, so every game that you buy means more money for Sony. Nintendo is similar, but mostly on games that they develop rather than third party developments.

[nfotiu]

Originally Posted by Kerplunk

I have a question for those willing to answer, because I'm curious. If both HD-DVD and Blu-ray format came out at the same time and from the same company (no pre-existing bias), and had equal support from hardware makers, which one would be your prefered format?

For movies, the differences are too trivial to justify the format war. Both are fully capable of displaying a near transparent to the original 1080p picture and lossless soundtrack.

I bought an hd-dvd player mostly because it was cheaper.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by Kerplunk

I have a question for those willing to answer, because I'm curious. If both HD-DVD and Blu-ray format came out at the same time and from the same company (no pre-existing bias), and had equal support from hardware makers, which one would be your prefered format?

I've heard blue-ray is the better technology.
However, beta was better then VHS too

[Igottago]

Has any format being pushed by Sony ever succeeded? I predict Sony and their Blu-Ray gets pwned as usual. Sorry for the geek speak.

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by Kerplunk

That's odd, because I've seen reports of Sony starting to ramp up production of the 50GB discs (single layed is 25GB). The theoretical max for HD-DVD is 30GB (dual layered), so I'd say that Sony is getting on top of that. I'd also think that any changes to format will be data compression, since any changes to the laser configuration could make backwards compatability a pain, or addition of layers to the disc (possible for both).

You also have to be careful with Xbox vs PS3 comparisons, since the two systems were release so far apart, use different technologies and have different initial target area's.

1200 v 250 for a Blue Ray vs HD DVD player. Enuff said.

The only thing that Blue Ray has going for it is Sony Entertainment getting alot of movie studios to sign on to BlueRay before either products went to market (peculiar) and the PS3. If there arent noticeable improvements of PS3 games vs XBOX games by next Christmas, you should see HD DVD take this market.

MYK

[Agamemnon]

Will there be players developed that can just play both HD-DVD and Blue-Ray? Or will Sony not allow that...?

[someguy51]

Originally Posted by Agamemnon

Will there be players developed that can just play both HD-DVD and Blue-Ray? Or will Sony not allow that...?

I hope that will happen sooner or lately. Most consumers won't buy both types and will be upset that they can't buy a movie because its in the wrong format.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

1200 v 250 for a Blue Ray vs HD DVD player. Enuff said.

Also add to it that HD-DVD already has name recognition. Everyone and their dog is familiar with the DVD format, everyone uses it now, it is the standard. People feel alot better about buying into HD DVD because it is something, in their mind, they are alot more familiar with.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Originally Posted by Barnes

These are the only formats for the near future. Pick a side already

8 track?

[arsenal]

Originally Posted by Igottago

Has any format being pushed by Sony ever succeeded? I predict Sony and their Blu-Ray gets pwned as usual. Sorry for the geek speak.

I believe part of the reason that VHS won the consumer market is because that format allowed you to put an entire movie on one tape. Where with Beta, you had to use 2 tapes. The logistics made VHS the more viable consumer product.

The big differences between blu-ray and hd-dvd:
Parameters Blu-ray HD-DVD
Storage capacity 25GB (single-layer) 15GB (single-layer)
50GB (dual-layer) 30GB (dual-layer)
Data transfer rate (data) 36.0Mbps (1x) 36.55Mbps (1x)
Data transfer rate (video/audio) 54.0Mbps (1.5x) 36.55Mbps (1x)

[See the nicely formatted page here: linky]

Blu-Ray may be the better technology, and being pushed by one of the most successful video game consoles, i don't think it will go away with out a fight.
If they do loose the format wars, what do you think the chances that sony will start selling the PS3 with HD-DVD player.

[jzA]

The quality of blue ray vs HD DVD is uncomparable in my opinion.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by jzA

The quality of blue ray vs HD DVD is uncomparable in my opinion.

What does that mean?

[kermitology]

Originally Posted by jzA

The quality of blue ray vs HD DVD is uncomparable in my opinion.

Soo.. you support VHS?

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

Also add to it that HD-DVD already has name recognition. Everyone and their dog is familiar with the DVD format, everyone uses it now, it is the standard. People feel alot better about buying into HD DVD because it is something, in their mind, they are alot more familiar with.

Good point, althought normally markets like this are settled with the more tech savvy purchaser unless both formats can last until the "Walmart" years.

If HD DVD systems come to Walmart, Blue Ray is dead. As I said above the movie studio issue will be a tough one to overcome but I think that was done more for solidarity with Sony Pictures than with actuall buisness sense in mind.

Also, who would want LOTR on one disk, I prefer the elaborate box sets

MYK

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by jzA

The quality of blue ray vs HD DVD is uncomparable in my opinion.

I will say this, at Best Buy in Edmonton South Common they had both of them set up preactically right next to each other and while the Blue Ray seemed to be on the better TV, it did look better than the HD DVD.

I dont think it looked $1000/ player better but thats just my opinion.

Also it could have been that BB was pushing the more expensive BlueRay and had the TV's setup differently by BR did look better. It likeley had to do with the compression each movie was shot in but.

MYK

[Kerplunk]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

I will say this, at Best Buy in Edmonton South Common they had both of them set up preactically right next to each other and while the Blue Ray seemed to be on the better TV, it did look better than the HD DVD.

I would of thought that it would be the codecs that would make the biggest difference in picture quality. Since both have basically the same codecs they would be the same quality. Might have been the TV; some HD ones look horrible.

Now, while it is more likely that NA will go over to HD-DVD, due to the HD label and decreased cost, I have to wonder what kind of role the Asian market, specifically Japan, will have. With Blu-ray built in the PS3, and with many over there being loyal to the Sony brand, will that influence which format is more popular?

[jzA]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

What does that mean?

exactly what it says.

PS. I know says isnt a word but this is the internet, TKS!111

[jzA]

Im mearly stating my opinon. I think blue-ray's picture is better then HD DVD. Why? Mainly because when I was looking at LCD TV's in best buy in red deer they had them both set up side by side on the same model television.

They werent showing a movie but some high definition watch advertisement. The quality IMO wasnt even comparable Blue-Ray is practically clearer then perfect vision lol.

Movies on the other hand, im not sure of I havent seen a Blue-Ray or HD DVD movie...yet.

[fredr123]

Originally Posted by Kerplunk

Now, while it is more likely that NA will go over to HD-DVD, due to the HD label and decreased cost, I have to wonder what kind of role the Asian market, specifically Japan, will have. With Blu-ray built in the PS3, and with many over there being loyal to the Sony brand, will that influence which format is more popular?

Interesting point although that didn't help MiniDisk survive in the North American market.

I would love to see an honest comparison of HD-DVD and BluRay side by side but I don't trust any retailer to do it properly. Especially when commissions are involved (I know BB isn't commissioned).

Does anyone have a link to movies available on BluRay, HD-DVD or both?