Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD vs. DVD

[xtknight]

http://www.gamescentral.com/blogs/tek_j...blu-ray-vs-xbox-360-hd-dvd-vs-dvd.aspx

Blu-Ray looks oversaturated even when it's using the VC-1 codec. I must conclude the PS3's decoder is the reason.

 

[shabby]

Using 640x480 pics to compare hddvd/bluray quality is pure genius...

 

[GundamSonicZeroX]

Very nice. You can easily tell the difference between the three formats.

 

[TanisHalfElven]

Originally posted by: GundamSonicZeroX
Very nice. You can easily tell the difference between the three formats.

and there goes my sarcasm meter. blowing away in the wind.

 

[JBT]

Originally posted by: shabby
Using 640x480 pics to compare hddvd/bluray quality is pure genius...

agreed that and you would expect most of those shots to be the exact same frame. Almost every shot was slightly diffrent than the other a frame ahead or behind...

 

[xtknight]

I don't know what he was thinking by using 640x480 but the color difference is easy to see. It's not exactly comprehensive but I know I won't be buying a PS3 if that's true. Part of it could be because Blu-Ray's preferred format is MPEG-2 (same as regular DVD).

Take a look at this one.

Blu-Ray: http://www.gamescentral.com/photos/tek_jansens_ps3_gallery/mibr05.jpg
HD-DVD: http://www.gamescentral.com/photos/tek_jansens_ps3_gallery/mihd10.jpg
DVD: http://www.gamescentral.com/photos/tek_jansens_ps3_gallery/dvdmi5.jpg

Obvious difference there. HD-DVD's colors look much more natural. The DVD lacks lots of detail.

 

[rbV5]

Part of it could be because Blu-Ray's preferred format is MPEG-2 (same as regular DVD).

Is MPEG-2 the "preferred format", or is it just that the initial authoring tools only supported MPEG-2, so you were forced to use MPEG-2 compression? Blu-Ray players must also support H264 and VC1 compression in addition to MPEG-2 correct?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: rbV5

Part of it could be because Blu-Ray's preferred format is MPEG-2 (same as regular DVD).

Is MPEG-2 the "preferred format", or is it just that the initial authoring tools only supported MPEG-2, so you were forced to use MPEG-2 compression? Blu-Ray players must also support H264 and VC1 compression in addition to MPEG-2 correct?

I have no idea to be honest, but it is listed as the "primary" codec on the site. I have also heard that both formats (players/etc) are supposed to support MPEG-4 H.264. They do test a VC-1/Blu-Ray title (Syriana) so the authoring tools must be in existence as we speak.

*Both are capable of outputting multiple formats, but these are the preferred by each manufacturer.

I can't see any reason why anyone would want to use MPEG-2 anymore when VC-1 is available. I'd be surprised if the "Blu-Ray readiness" encrypter was also the encoder, but it may very well be.

Edit: Syriana not Sylvania.

And actually come to think of it, the quality difference isn't nearly as significant with Syriana so I'll have to revoke my original conclusion. It's good they tested that as it serves as a "control" for this experiment.

 

[rbV5]

According to Sonic, Sonic Scenarist, which is a professional level DVD authoring tool... supports both Blu-Ray and HD DVD authoring and supports both AVC (H.264) and VC1 compression for both formats(as well as MPEG-2)

Sure, I could see Sony promoting MPEG-2 for Blu-Ray due to its higher capacity, and Microsoft promoting "their" VC1 compression for HD DVD, but I believe both formats must support MPEG2/AVC/VC1 compression.

I'd say there was very little to go by as far as Blu-Ray vs HD DVD in the OP linked article. Its more like a user comparison between a couple of gaming console media players with several caveats.

He is using analog for one and digital connectivety for the other console. His display isn't calibrated to the hardware, instead he simply uses default setting....? Yikes. The comparison shots are compressed and not of the same frame either.

Basically, you have to go by what he says he "sees", and which console has the best PQ at whatever default settings for the console and displays happen to be. Not real comprehensive IMHO, but maybe what a typical user may be dealing with "out of the box" I guess.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: rbV5
Sure, I could see Sony promoting MPEG-2 for Blu-Ray due to its higher capacity, and Microsoft promoting "their" VC1 compression for HD DVD, but I believe both formats must support MPEG2/AVC/VC1 compression.

It seems like with the higher capacity they might as well just tout H.264 w/ Quad HD capability or something just for the hype. Well, not quite that extreme, but you get what I mean.

Not too many people have calibration equipment or TVs that they've had calibrated, but I hadn't noticed he used different connections. I'm not sure how much of a difference calibration could make if both were hooked up to the same display. I doubt that the Xbox or PS3 themselves can be calibrated in any way. (For that matter I don't think any DVD players can be calibrated either.)