HD-DVD versus Blu-Ray: The Format War (old)

[Eug]

Originally posted by: destrekor
Universal needs to hurry up and support BD, I want that damned set! I haven't seen ANY of the shows, and keeping it that way, until I can watch all episodes in their proper order! And I really want to watch it in HD, as I basically just want to stay away from all non-HD, as I've basically spoiled myself with HD and don't wanna look back. lol But the new season I won't be able to see in HD, unless it airs on NBC, but it airs on Sci-Fi only, right? Will it come on the UniversalHD channel? I know that cable is an option through the cable offered in my building.. I don't know if its a TimeWarner service or OSU cable or a combo of both, but I know I can get an HD cable box. I might look into picking one up. The basic channels we get in HD since my TV has QAM, but that's the only stuff free on the cable line.

You're gonna be waiting a long time then.

Either watch it on UniversalHD, or borrow somebody's HD DVD player.

 

[palladium]

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: Eug
Here is my Amazon review of the BSG HD DVD box set:

Battlestar Galactica is a reimagined version of the original series from the 1970, but with a lot more substance and infinitely better acting. It even managed to win the prestigious Peabody award, among many others. I was anxiously awaiting this box set to come out in hi-def, and was very pleased to hear Universal came through for us in 2007.

As expected, the original miniseries (shot on film) as well as some of the episodes (shot on high definition video) are grainy, but that was the directors' and producers' intent. In fact, I've been told that the episodes had additional grain added in post production to enhance this effect. Fortunately, the detail was well preserved on this release. Not only do we get the gritty look with the grain and the documentarian style, we also get fine details that simply are not present on the DVD. On the HD DVD, the image quality is a huge step forward compared to the DVD, not surprisingly.

Unfortunately, there are some technical issues with the authoring of this set. For example on disc two at approximately 55'37" in part 2 of the miniseries, there is a serious synchronization problem between the audio and the video for a short period. This is most obvious in the scene when one character is screaming at the other. This problem is not due to hardware, as it can be replicated on multiple different players, but appears to be due to improper authoring of the disc. Most of the rest of the set is properly synched, and therefore this problem may not be a huge concern for some people, but nonetheless this could be a deal-killer for some others.

This box set had the chance to be THE collectors' archival set for fans of this series, but unfortunately it isn't, because of simple technical issues that should have never been allowed to occur in any title, much less a relatively big TV release like this one.

I give this release 5 stars for content but only 3 stars overall, because of the audio synchronization issue.

Universal needs to hurry up and support BD, I want that damned set! I haven't seen ANY of the shows, and keeping it that way, until I can watch all episodes in their proper order! And I really want to watch it in HD, as I basically just want to stay away from all non-HD, as I've basically spoiled myself with HD and don't wanna look back. lol But the new season I won't be able to see in HD, unless it airs on NBC, but it airs on Sci-Fi only, right? Will it come on the UniversalHD channel? I know that cable is an option through the cable offered in my building.. I don't know if its a TimeWarner service or OSU cable or a combo of both, but I know I can get an HD cable box. I might look into picking one up. The basic channels we get in HD since my TV has QAM, but that's the only stuff free on the cable line.

If you are that excited about HD, get a HD-DVD/BD combo player, then the format war will be of no relevence to you.

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: palladium

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: Eug
Here is my Amazon review of the BSG HD DVD box set:

Battlestar Galactica is a reimagined version of the original series from the 1970, but with a lot more substance and infinitely better acting. It even managed to win the prestigious Peabody award, among many others. I was anxiously awaiting this box set to come out in hi-def, and was very pleased to hear Universal came through for us in 2007.

As expected, the original miniseries (shot on film) as well as some of the episodes (shot on high definition video) are grainy, but that was the directors' and producers' intent. In fact, I've been told that the episodes had additional grain added in post production to enhance this effect. Fortunately, the detail was well preserved on this release. Not only do we get the gritty look with the grain and the documentarian style, we also get fine details that simply are not present on the DVD. On the HD DVD, the image quality is a huge step forward compared to the DVD, not surprisingly.

Unfortunately, there are some technical issues with the authoring of this set. For example on disc two at approximately 55'37" in part 2 of the miniseries, there is a serious synchronization problem between the audio and the video for a short period. This is most obvious in the scene when one character is screaming at the other. This problem is not due to hardware, as it can be replicated on multiple different players, but appears to be due to improper authoring of the disc. Most of the rest of the set is properly synched, and therefore this problem may not be a huge concern for some people, but nonetheless this could be a deal-killer for some others.

This box set had the chance to be THE collectors' archival set for fans of this series, but unfortunately it isn't, because of simple technical issues that should have never been allowed to occur in any title, much less a relatively big TV release like this one.

I give this release 5 stars for content but only 3 stars overall, because of the audio synchronization issue.

Universal needs to hurry up and support BD, I want that damned set! I haven't seen ANY of the shows, and keeping it that way, until I can watch all episodes in their proper order! And I really want to watch it in HD, as I basically just want to stay away from all non-HD, as I've basically spoiled myself with HD and don't wanna look back. lol But the new season I won't be able to see in HD, unless it airs on NBC, but it airs on Sci-Fi only, right? Will it come on the UniversalHD channel? I know that cable is an option through the cable offered in my building.. I don't know if its a TimeWarner service or OSU cable or a combo of both, but I know I can get an HD cable box. I might look into picking one up. The basic channels we get in HD since my TV has QAM, but that's the only stuff free on the cable line.

If you are that excited about HD, get a HD-DVD/BD combo player, then the format war will be of no relevence to you.

Uh.. why would I buy a combo player now... when I own no HD DVDs, and it's basically dead format.. Not to mention, that's a shitload of cash that I don't have to waste on something as trivial as a format player. I got my PS3 because I knew I'd get an HDTV afterward (I did, relatively fast after getting the PS3) and because I know I'd enjoy the games. The BD ability was something I wanted, but it was a bonus for purchasing imho. But, I have made great use of that BD player and I am excited I don't have to buy any other devices at this point.

 

[Eug]

You can get an HD DVD player with 7 free movies for $130 now.

That's a pretty easy way to go format neutral, if you want to watch BSG that badly.

Oh and that BSG series really does rock.

 

[cliftonite]

Originally posted by: Eug

Originally posted by: destrekor
Universal needs to hurry up and support BD, I want that damned set! I haven't seen ANY of the shows, and keeping it that way, until I can watch all episodes in their proper order! And I really want to watch it in HD, as I basically just want to stay away from all non-HD, as I've basically spoiled myself with HD and don't wanna look back. lol But the new season I won't be able to see in HD, unless it airs on NBC, but it airs on Sci-Fi only, right? Will it come on the UniversalHD channel? I know that cable is an option through the cable offered in my building.. I don't know if its a TimeWarner service or OSU cable or a combo of both, but I know I can get an HD cable box. I might look into picking one up. The basic channels we get in HD since my TV has QAM, but that's the only stuff free on the cable line.

You're gonna be waiting a long time then.

Either watch it on UniversalHD, or borrow somebody's HD DVD player.

If a few months means a long time I guess its not too bad 😉

 

[JC86]

What's the over/under for when Paramount and Universal either go BD exclusive or format neutral?

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: cliftonite

Originally posted by: Eug

Originally posted by: destrekor
Universal needs to hurry up and support BD, I want that damned set! I haven't seen ANY of the shows, and keeping it that way, until I can watch all episodes in their proper order! And I really want to watch it in HD, as I basically just want to stay away from all non-HD, as I've basically spoiled myself with HD and don't wanna look back. lol But the new season I won't be able to see in HD, unless it airs on NBC, but it airs on Sci-Fi only, right? Will it come on the UniversalHD channel? I know that cable is an option through the cable offered in my building.. I don't know if its a TimeWarner service or OSU cable or a combo of both, but I know I can get an HD cable box. I might look into picking one up. The basic channels we get in HD since my TV has QAM, but that's the only stuff free on the cable line.

You're gonna be waiting a long time then.

Either watch it on UniversalHD, or borrow somebody's HD DVD player.

If a few months means a long time I guess its not too bad 😉

Keep dreaming. Even if Universal and Paramount go neutral in a few months it could be 2 years before you see HD DVD exclusive titles on BD. Warner who was neutral, and now Blu-ray only, still does not have the matrix or batman begins on BD, as well as others.

 

[cliftonite]

Originally posted by: Shawn

Originally posted by: cliftonite

Originally posted by: Eug

Originally posted by: destrekor
Universal needs to hurry up and support BD, I want that damned set! I haven't seen ANY of the shows, and keeping it that way, until I can watch all episodes in their proper order! And I really want to watch it in HD, as I basically just want to stay away from all non-HD, as I've basically spoiled myself with HD and don't wanna look back. lol But the new season I won't be able to see in HD, unless it airs on NBC, but it airs on Sci-Fi only, right? Will it come on the UniversalHD channel? I know that cable is an option through the cable offered in my building.. I don't know if its a TimeWarner service or OSU cable or a combo of both, but I know I can get an HD cable box. I might look into picking one up. The basic channels we get in HD since my TV has QAM, but that's the only stuff free on the cable line.

You're gonna be waiting a long time then.

Either watch it on UniversalHD, or borrow somebody's HD DVD player.

If a few months means a long time I guess its not too bad 😉

Keep dreaming. Even if Universal and Paramount go neutral in a few months it could be 2 years before you see HD DVD exclusive titles on BD. Warner who was neutral, and now Blu-ray only, still does not have the matrix or batman begins on BD, as well as others.

Batman is coming out this year....

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: Eug
You can get an HD DVD player with 7 free movies for $130 now.

That's a pretty easy way to go format neutral, if you want to watch BSG that badly.

Oh and that BSG series really does rock.

Just like Transformers, and even when HD DVD players were $100... I don't want to watch those movies THAT bad. Not when in a few months time the market is going to declare HD DVD dead. With all the reporters already doing so, I see this whole thing over soon enough.

Originally posted by: Shawn

Originally posted by: cliftonite

Originally posted by: Eug

Originally posted by: destrekor
Universal needs to hurry up and support BD, I want that damned set! I haven't seen ANY of the shows, and keeping it that way, until I can watch all episodes in their proper order! And I really want to watch it in HD, as I basically just want to stay away from all non-HD, as I've basically spoiled myself with HD and don't wanna look back. lol But the new season I won't be able to see in HD, unless it airs on NBC, but it airs on Sci-Fi only, right? Will it come on the UniversalHD channel? I know that cable is an option through the cable offered in my building.. I don't know if its a TimeWarner service or OSU cable or a combo of both, but I know I can get an HD cable box. I might look into picking one up. The basic channels we get in HD since my TV has QAM, but that's the only stuff free on the cable line.

You're gonna be waiting a long time then.

Either watch it on UniversalHD, or borrow somebody's HD DVD player.

If a few months means a long time I guess its not too bad 😉

Keep dreaming. Even if Universal and Paramount go neutral in a few months it could be 2 years before you see HD DVD exclusive titles on BD. Warner who was neutral, and now Blu-ray only, still does not have the matrix or batman begins on BD, as well as others.

Warner has already stated they are working on bringing their past titles, ones that had all the interactive features, over to the BD side. This was stated a couple days ago.

 

[Genx87]

Originally posted by: JC86
What's the over/under for when Paramount and Universal either go BD exclusive or format neutral?

They will eventually. I cant see them staying exclusive thorugh 08. I only wonder if they will be satisfied with a 30% HD-DVD market share to keep supporting the format. Or if they will go BluRay exclusive as well.

 

[Genx87]

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: Eug
You can get an HD DVD player with 7 free movies for $130 now.

That's a pretty easy way to go format neutral, if you want to watch BSG that badly.

Oh and that BSG series really does rock.

Just like Transformers, and even when HD DVD players were $100... I don't want to watch those movies THAT bad. Not when in a few months time the market is going to declare HD DVD dead. With all the reporters already doing so, I see this whole thing over soon enough.

Originally posted by: Shawn

Originally posted by: cliftonite

Originally posted by: Eug

Originally posted by: destrekor
Universal needs to hurry up and support BD, I want that damned set! I haven't seen ANY of the shows, and keeping it that way, until I can watch all episodes in their proper order! And I really want to watch it in HD, as I basically just want to stay away from all non-HD, as I've basically spoiled myself with HD and don't wanna look back. lol But the new season I won't be able to see in HD, unless it airs on NBC, but it airs on Sci-Fi only, right? Will it come on the UniversalHD channel? I know that cable is an option through the cable offered in my building.. I don't know if its a TimeWarner service or OSU cable or a combo of both, but I know I can get an HD cable box. I might look into picking one up. The basic channels we get in HD since my TV has QAM, but that's the only stuff free on the cable line.

You're gonna be waiting a long time then.

Either watch it on UniversalHD, or borrow somebody's HD DVD player.

If a few months means a long time I guess its not too bad 😉

Keep dreaming. Even if Universal and Paramount go neutral in a few months it could be 2 years before you see HD DVD exclusive titles on BD. Warner who was neutral, and now Blu-ray only, still does not have the matrix or batman begins on BD, as well as others.

Warner has already stated they are working on bringing their past titles, ones that had all the interactive features, over to the BD side. This was stated a couple days ago.

One thing you should have noticed by now is nothing moves fast in business. Even if both of those studios go neutral tomorrow. It will take months or longer to author content in BD and fire up production lines to stamp the movies. afaik the production lines for BluRay are much much lower than HD-DVD.

HD-DVD eventhough declared dead will have legs through 08 and probably longer.

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: Genx87

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: Eug
You can get an HD DVD player with 7 free movies for $130 now.

That's a pretty easy way to go format neutral, if you want to watch BSG that badly.

Oh and that BSG series really does rock.

Just like Transformers, and even when HD DVD players were $100... I don't want to watch those movies THAT bad. Not when in a few months time the market is going to declare HD DVD dead. With all the reporters already doing so, I see this whole thing over soon enough.

Originally posted by: Shawn

Originally posted by: cliftonite

Originally posted by: Eug

Originally posted by: destrekor
Universal needs to hurry up and support BD, I want that damned set! I haven't seen ANY of the shows, and keeping it that way, until I can watch all episodes in their proper order! And I really want to watch it in HD, as I basically just want to stay away from all non-HD, as I've basically spoiled myself with HD and don't wanna look back. lol But the new season I won't be able to see in HD, unless it airs on NBC, but it airs on Sci-Fi only, right? Will it come on the UniversalHD channel? I know that cable is an option through the cable offered in my building.. I don't know if its a TimeWarner service or OSU cable or a combo of both, but I know I can get an HD cable box. I might look into picking one up. The basic channels we get in HD since my TV has QAM, but that's the only stuff free on the cable line.

You're gonna be waiting a long time then.

Either watch it on UniversalHD, or borrow somebody's HD DVD player.

If a few months means a long time I guess its not too bad 😉

Keep dreaming. Even if Universal and Paramount go neutral in a few months it could be 2 years before you see HD DVD exclusive titles on BD. Warner who was neutral, and now Blu-ray only, still does not have the matrix or batman begins on BD, as well as others.

Warner has already stated they are working on bringing their past titles, ones that had all the interactive features, over to the BD side. This was stated a couple days ago.

One thing you should have noticed by now is nothing moves fast in business. Even if both of those studios go neutral tomorrow. It will take months or longer to author content in BD and fire up production lines to stamp the movies. afaik the production lines for BluRay are much much lower than HD-DVD.

HD-DVD eventhough declared dead will have legs through 08 and probably longer.

Oh I know there won't be a sudden release of the built up back catalog of titles.. because yea, production moves slow apparently.. but still, I can wait. 🙂 Enough BD titles come out that I can't actually buy all the ones I'd prefer to buy, which in turn leaves me with a lot of movies to rent.

 

[jpeyton]

For anyone who wants to know what went on behind the scenes after the Warner Brothers announcement, check it out.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
For anyone who wants to know what went on behind the scenes after the Warner Brothers announcement, check it out.

LOL:laugh:

 

[Genx87]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
For anyone who wants to know what went on behind the scenes after the Warner Brothers announcement, check it out.

I found the Hitler losing his xBox live account funnier.

btw if anybody is into WWII this is a great movie. It is done in German with english sub titles. Really captures the last days of the third reich. Hitler and his party's denial about the outcome of the war. Hitler still believes he can push the allies and Soviets back. Nazi leadership believes Eisenhower will allow thier national socialist state to continue to exist after the war. And the utter futility of children fighting Soviet troops in the streets of Berlin.

 

[tatteredpotato]

Originally posted by: Genx87

Originally posted by: jpeyton
For anyone who wants to know what went on behind the scenes after the Warner Brothers announcement, check it out.

I found the Hitler losing his xBox live account funnier.

btw if anybody is into WWII this is a great movie. It is done in German with english sub titles. Really captures the last days of the third reich. Hitler and his party's denial about the outcome of the war. Hitler still believes he can push the allies and Soviets back. Nazi leadership believes Eisenhower will allow thier national socialist state to continue to exist after the war. And the utter futility of children fighting Soviet troops in the streets of Berlin.

Title?

 

[Genx87]

Downfall

Really great movie imo.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

HDDVD's one final push?

Text

The entry-level AD-A3 model, once sold for $300, will sell for $149.99 starting Jan. 13. The HD-A30, sold at $400 just a few months ago, will now be $199.99, while the high-end HD-A35 will go for $299.99.

 

[Genx87]

Originally posted by: BlahBlahYouToo
HDDVD's one final push?

Text

The entry-level AD-A3 model, once sold for $300, will sell for $149.99 starting Jan. 13. The HD-A30, sold at $400 just a few months ago, will now be $199.99, while the high-end HD-A35 will go for $299.99.

It is the only option Toshiba has left. They absolutely have to close the player gap the PS3 has created. And they have to do it by May of this year if there is any hope to sway Warner back to neutrality.

Selling your units near the up converting units cost is a good start. THough I say they need to drop it about 50 bucks more across the board. 99 dollar A2s were going at a clip of 100K a weekend. Even if that was a one time bulge they have to get these things moving in the range of 100K a week over the next 20 weeks for any hope to make an impression.

 

[CorCentral]

Back to the Profile deal with Blu Ray 1.0, 1.1 and 2.0......
The newer profiles only effect special features on a disc, and not the playability of a certain profile disc, correct? If it only effects special features, that would'nt bother me too much, as I rarely watch them.

I read an article this morning HERE

Snips---
Blu-ray: Early adopters knew what they were getting into

Blu-ray may have taken a commanding lead in the next-generation format war, but the group has a big problem looming: early supporters of the format will be left out in the cold when the Blu-ray Disc Association introduces BD Profile 2.0

In order to allay confusion, the BDA has adopted special labels that will be placed on Blu-ray movies. Those with a "Bonus View" sticker will require Profile 1.1 players, while those with "BD Live" will require Profile 2.0.

 

[Genx87]

Like I said before, BDA will be its own worst enemy from here on out.

 

[Ricochet]

Originally posted by: CorCentral
Back to the Profile deal with Blu Ray 1.0, 1.1 and 2.0......
The newer profiles only effect special features on a disc, and not the playability of a certain profile disc, correct? If it only effects special features, that would'nt bother me too much, as I rarely watch them.

I read an article this morning HERE

Snips---
Blu-ray: Early adopters knew what they were getting into

Blu-ray may have taken a commanding lead in the next-generation format war, but the group has a big problem looming: early supporters of the format will be left out in the cold when the Blu-ray Disc Association introduces BD Profile 2.0

In order to allay confusion, the BDA has adopted special labels that will be placed on Blu-ray movies. Those with a "Bonus View" sticker will require Profile 1.1 players, while those with "BD Live" will require Profile 2.0.

Are you saying there is no way for someone with a Profile 1.0 to update to the latest firmware? I don't own a BD player or read up on it's spec.

A majority of people including myself do not care much for the extras, but I can understand why one would be a little upset if he/she finds out that not all the implemented feature are fully functional. A person may think his/her player has malfunctioned. People generally like to have options even though they may not act on or take advantage of any of those options. This really cannot be a good thing for HD migration.

 

[CorCentral]

Originally posted by: ricochet

Originally posted by: CorCentral
Back to the Profile deal with Blu Ray 1.0, 1.1 and 2.0......
The newer profiles only effect special features on a disc, and not the playability of a certain profile disc, correct? If it only effects special features, that would'nt bother me too much, as I rarely watch them.

I read an article this morning HERE

Snips---
Blu-ray: Early adopters knew what they were getting into

Blu-ray may have taken a commanding lead in the next-generation format war, but the group has a big problem looming: early supporters of the format will be left out in the cold when the Blu-ray Disc Association introduces BD Profile 2.0

In order to allay confusion, the BDA has adopted special labels that will be placed on Blu-ray movies. Those with a "Bonus View" sticker will require Profile 1.1 players, while those with "BD Live" will require Profile 2.0.

Are you saying there is no way for someone with a Profile 1.0 to update to the latest firmware? I don't own a BD player or read up on it's spec.

A majority of people including myself do not care much for the extras, but I can understand why one would be a little upset if he/she finds out that not all the implemented feature are fully functional. A person may think his/her player has malfunctioned. People generally like to have options even though they may not act on or take advantage of any of those options. This really cannot be a good thing for HD migration.

I'm not saying, I'm asking....... See bolded/Underlined part above or below 🙂
The newer profiles only effect special features on a disc, and not the playability of a certain profile disc, correct?

I just want to make sure if things change and I go Smurf, that I'm not going to get screwed by Smarty Smurf.......(Sony)

 

[Ricochet]

Originally posted by: CorCentral

Originally posted by: ricochet

Originally posted by: CorCentral
Back to the Profile deal with Blu Ray 1.0, 1.1 and 2.0......
The newer profiles only effect special features on a disc, and not the playability of a certain profile disc, correct? If it only effects special features, that would'nt bother me too much, as I rarely watch them.

I read an article this morning HERE

Snips---
Blu-ray: Early adopters knew what they were getting into

Blu-ray may have taken a commanding lead in the next-generation format war, but the group has a big problem looming: early supporters of the format will be left out in the cold when the Blu-ray Disc Association introduces BD Profile 2.0

In order to allay confusion, the BDA has adopted special labels that will be placed on Blu-ray movies. Those with a "Bonus View" sticker will require Profile 1.1 players, while those with "BD Live" will require Profile 2.0.

Are you saying there is no way for someone with a Profile 1.0 to update to the latest firmware? I don't own a BD player or read up on it's spec.

A majority of people including myself do not care much for the extras, but I can understand why one would be a little upset if he/she finds out that not all the implemented feature are fully functional. A person may think his/her player has malfunctioned. People generally like to have options even though they may not act on or take advantage of any of those options. This really cannot be a good thing for HD migration.

I'm not saying, I'm asking....... See bolded/Underlined part above or below 🙂
The newer profiles only effect special features on a disc, and not the playability of a certain profile disc, correct?

I just want to make sure if things change and I go Smurf, that I'm not going to get screwed by Smarty Smurf.......(Sony)

Okay..I should improve on my reading comprehension.

My understanding from other posters is that your statement is correct. The profile 1.0 can play the main feature of any BD just fine, but not the special features.

 

[CorCentral]

Reading that article though scares me a little (see bolded below). I was thinking of buying a stand alone player but now I'm not sure. I play zero console games (pc rules for this) and have sold all my consoles xbox & xbox360 because I never played them, so the PS3 for $350./$400. just to play movies? Is the PS3 the best choice?

In addition, the BD-J interactivity layer, based on Java, has continued to evolve since the introduction of Blu-ray Profile 1.0. This means that early players may have a buggy implementation and perhaps more importantly, they are not powerful enough to play the latest films properly.

When BetaNews asked developers of BD Live whether they were concerned about a backlash from early adopters who supported the format from the beginning, we were told: "They knew what they were getting into."


EDIT: Post below---- Thanks for the link 😉