Netflix dropping HD-DVD

[lokiju]

Originally posted by: rsd
So what do people think, get the LG HD DVD/Blu Ray combo drive for my HTPC or a PS3? Already have an Xbox 360 and not particularly interested in the PS3 for games.

You can use the PS3 like a media player also.

Supports Divx now.

 

[LS21]

Originally posted by: BigToque
Has anyone else thought that blu-ray would win simply because it sounded cooler? Specs aside, so many types of electronics have moved to using things like blue led's. Why? They look cool. For the general public, I'm sure nobody would tell the difference between an HD-DVD and a Blu-Ray disc, so why not go for the one with blue led's and "blue" in the name?

I'd say that coupled with the fact that there is so much media attention on blu-ray securing studios and the "death of HD-DVD", I'd say that from here on out Blu-Ray winning might just become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I don't really care either way, I'm just waiting until prices come down. I don't even have a TV

It may sound stupid to some but Ive always thought the same thing, too. And this is very reminiscent of the Tivo vs ReplayTV when they both came out. A catchy name is a strong strong marketing device.

2nd part I also very much agree with you on

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: Noirish

Originally posted by: SunnyD
As soon as Microsoft releases a BluRay XBox360 drive, I will jump on the HD bandwagon. Until then, I'm happy with regular old 480 line DVD.

why is it relevant since their game will never run on either HD format?

It's relevant for the same reason as PS3's are relevant. For me, I *plan* on purchasing a console in the next few months. Might as well make it a convergence device instead of dolling out even more money for a discrete player.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Wow, that is big news.

I was never loyal to one format over another. I just want a winnar so that the prices come down and I can invest in one or the other.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: paulxcook
Anyone still perfectly fine with DVD? I think they look great on my HD tv. I'll get a high def (apparently Blu Ray) player when their prices are competitive with what DVD players are now.

Yes...I've had no problem with upscaled DVD's

 

[rsd]

Originally posted by: lokiju

Originally posted by: rsd
So what do people think, get the LG HD DVD/Blu Ray combo drive for my HTPC or a PS3? Already have an Xbox 360 and not particularly interested in the PS3 for games.

You can use the PS3 like a media player also.

Supports Divx now.

Yeah but I just built a nice and new, fancy HTPC that works great so that money is already spent. I guess I'm debating is it worth spending $200 for the pc drive and dealing with somewhat flaky playback due to the PC software (PowerDVD, Arcsoft, etc), or just get a standalone machine for $350ish. I'd prefer the former but I hate all the issues I see people have with the software.

 

[ultimatebob]

Game Over... BluRay wins

Does this mean that the damn things will finally start dropping in price?

 

[eleison]

Originally posted by: Uppsala9496
"From the Netflix perspective, focusing on one format will enable us to create the best experience for subscribers."

So, the best experience is me cancelling my subscription because you no longer carry the format I have an HD player for?

Yep, the only reason I signed up for netflix was to get hddvds.. Oh, well, I will be canceling my subscription with them. After watching both hidef movies and dvds, my toshiba hddvd is good enough for upscaling dvds on my 42" tv -- at least in my eyes.

Oh, snap.. looks like blockbuster still has hddvds. When my free subscription runs out, I'll probably go to blockbuster total online..

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: zinfamous

Originally posted by: ForumMaster

Originally posted by: Tobolo
well, i guess that settles it. I really thought that the porn industry would make HD win. But then again, do you really want high def porn?

uhh, first, why not?

second, i read that p0rn will reach Blu-Ray too. some japanease studios have managed to secure a license from Sony and will begin pressing blu-ray media for the porn industry as well.

seems like the fight has been won? blu-ray triumphs over HD-DVD...

seriously...porn is fantasy. I don't consider anal warts and shave burns part of fantasy.

it may be fantasy, but the women are very much reality, as is their lifestyle.

 

[Shawn]

Netflix will continue to rent out HD DVDs, they just won't be getting any new ones. Also Blockbuster Online still rents out HD DVDs so it looks like I will be switching back to them.

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
Game Over... BluRay wins

Does this mean that the damn things will finally start dropping in price?

No, it means they will be going back to their usual prices. This past holiday season the Samsung BD-P1400 got down to $269 shipped on Amazon. After the Warner announcement it's price shot up to $349.

 

[Narse]

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: rsd
So what do people think, get the LG HD DVD/Blu Ray combo drive for my HTPC or a PS3? Already have an Xbox 360 and not particularly interested in the PS3 for games.

I thought the PS3 couldn't do DTA-MA. Plus it looks like ass unless you're a bachelor living with three other guys and have it propped up on milk cartons in which case it's a freaking modern art centerpiece that classes up the joint.

The PS3 has HDMI 1.3 so the hardware is there, just needs a software update from what I have read.

 

[rsd]

Originally posted by: Narse

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: rsd
So what do people think, get the LG HD DVD/Blu Ray combo drive for my HTPC or a PS3? Already have an Xbox 360 and not particularly interested in the PS3 for games.

I thought the PS3 couldn't do DTA-MA. Plus it looks like ass unless you're a bachelor living with three other guys and have it propped up on milk cartons in which case it's a freaking modern art centerpiece that classes up the joint.

The PS3 has HDMI 1.3 so the hardware is there, just needs a software update from what I have read.

True, but I unfortunately I use a 4-2 component matrix switch, so I'm using Component/SPDIF anyway so it doesn't help me in the near future

I wish there was a decent HDMI matrix switch that didn't have major issues and didn't cost $1k.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Meh, I jumped on the HD-DVD bandwagon this last Holidays season (just before the Warner announcement actually) simply because I got a great price on the 360 add-on after pricematch. HD-DVD Xmas gifts, plus 5-free MIR and B1G1 deals will keep me going with HD-DVD long enough.

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob

Does this mean that the damn things will finally start dropping in price?

why would they drop the price now that they have a monopoly? they can keep the price at the current level indefinetly, months, years, however long they want to rake in the $$$

 

[spacejamz]

Originally posted by: BigToque
I'd say that coupled with the fact that there is so much media attention on blu-ray securing studios and the "death of HD-DVD", I'd say that from here on out Blu-Ray winning might just become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

here is list of worldwide studios/retailers who have either dropped HD DVD support in favor of blu ray or have added blu ray support since the WB announcement on Jan 4th...

In the same timeframe, no studio/retailer has dropped blu ray support. granted many of these are not major players, but added together, it does not paint a positive picture for the future of HD DVD.

01/04/08: Warner goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/05/08: New Line goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/09/08: Adam & Eve goes neutral
01/10/08: HBO goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/11/08: Constantin Film goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/16/08: Senator Entertainment goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/21/08: Eagle Rock goes neutral
01/21/08: RBFilms goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/22/08: Grant's Appliances goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/24/08: Topics goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/28/08: Woolworths goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/28/08: FS Films goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/30/08: Sonic Scenarist Goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/30/08: EMI Japan Goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/30/08: National Geographic Goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/31/08: Surround Records goes neutral
02/01/08: ADV Goes Blu-ray
02/04/08: Manga Films Goes Blu-ray Exclusive
02/04/08: German Distributor Highlight Video Blu-ray Exclusive
02/04/08: French Distributor BAC Films Joins the Blu-ray Trend
02/06/08: Kaleidescape announces Blu-ray Support (No current HD DVD plans)
02/07/08: Swedish film companies SF and Scanbox go Blu-ray Exclusive
02/07/08: Spanish distributor Filmax goes Blu-ray Exclusive
02/11/08: Netflix goes blu ray exclusive

from zombieflanders at highdefforums...

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: Narse

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: rsd
So what do people think, get the LG HD DVD/Blu Ray combo drive for my HTPC or a PS3? Already have an Xbox 360 and not particularly interested in the PS3 for games.

I thought the PS3 couldn't do DTA-MA. Plus it looks like ass unless you're a bachelor living with three other guys and have it propped up on milk cartons in which case it's a freaking modern art centerpiece that classes up the joint.

The PS3 has HDMI 1.3 so the hardware is there, just needs a software update from what I have read.

The PS3 doesn't have the hardware to do DTS-MA. It could use software decoding, but I don't think the PS3's processor is fast enough.

 

[spacejamz]

Originally posted by: FoBoT

Originally posted by: ultimatebob

Does this mean that the damn things will finally start dropping in price?

why would they drop the price now that they have a monopoly? they can keep the price at the current level indefinetly, months, years, however long they want to rake in the $$$

unlike HD DVD who really only had one company making players, blu ray has several companies making blu ray players. They are competing with each other, so there is incentive to lower prices to beat their competition.

 

[Pocatello]

Originally posted by: spacejamz

Originally posted by: FoBoT

Originally posted by: ultimatebob

Does this mean that the damn things will finally start dropping in price?

why would they drop the price now that they have a monopoly? they can keep the price at the current level indefinetly, months, years, however long they want to rake in the $$$

unlike HD DVD who really only had one company making players, blu ray has several companies making blu ray players. They are competing with each other, so there is incentive to lower prices to beat their competition.

And there are the regular DVD players that people still have. Blu-ray players are still too expensive for most people. The selections of movies are still too small.

 

[spacejamz]

Best Buy is getting in on the act...

Text

Best Buy to Recommend Blu-ray as the Customer's Digital Format Choice

February 11, 2008 3:31 PM EST

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) is taking a step forward in addressing consumer confusion about high-definition formats. Beginning in early March, the leading consumer electronics retailer will prominently showcase Blu-ray hardware and software products in its Best Buy retail and online channels in the United States.

"Consumers have told us that they want us to help lead the way. We've listened to our customers, and we are responding. Best Buy will recommend Blu-ray as the preferred format," said Brian Dunn, Best Buy's president and chief operating officer. "Our decision to shine a spotlight on Blu-ray Disc players and other Blu-ray products is a strong signal to our customers that we believe Blu-ray is the right format choice for them."

Dunn continued, "Best Buy has always believed that the customer will benefit from a widely-accepted single format that would offer advantages such as product compatibility and expanded content choices. Because we believe that Blu-ray is fast emerging as that single format, we have decided to focus on Blu-ray products."

"With the explosion of HDTVs, customers are hungry for quality, high definition content. We believe our move to feature Blu-ray should help consumers feel confident in their hi-def content choices," said Mike Vitelli, Best Buy's senior vice president, Home Solutions. "Best Buy is excited by the next generation of digital products and we know our customers are too. We are excited about helping customers find the right mix of products and services to make the next generation of high definition entertainment technology come alive for them. We believe that Blu-ray is the right solution for consumers."

Best Buy currently carries a wide array of Blu-ray hardware and software products. The company noted that it will continue to carry an assortment of HD-DVD products for customers who desire to purchase these products.

About Best Buy Co., Inc.

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) operates a global portfolio of brands with a commitment to growth and innovation. Our employees strive to provide customers around the world with superior experiences by responding to their unique needs and aspirations. We sell consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services through nearly 1,300 retail stores across the United States, throughout Canada and in China. Our multi-channel operations include: Best Buy (BestBuy.com, BestBuy.ca and BestBuy.com.cn), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Geek Squad (GeekSquad.com and GeekSquad.ca), Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers (PacificSales.com), Magnolia Audio Video (Magnoliaav.com), Jiangsu Five Star Appliance Co. (Five-Star.cn) and Speakeasy (Speakeasy.net). Best Buy supports the communities in which its employees work and live through volunteerism and grants that benefit children and education.

Source: Best Buy Co., Inc

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: spacejamz

Best Buy is getting in on the act...

BB has always featured Blu-Ray more prominently than HD DVD to begin with. I don't think much has changed here.

 

[erikistired]

Originally posted by: Goosemaster

Originally posted by: Uppsala9496
"From the Netflix perspective, focusing on one format will enable us to create the best experience for subscribers."

So, the best experience is me cancelling my subscription because you no longer carry the format I have an HD player for?

Best experience means investing in delivering ____ as quickly as possible.

Just you have _____ doesn't mean _____ will spend a lot of $$$ to give you more of ____ when most people have ____.

most people have dvd players.

 

[spacejamz]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: spacejamz

Best Buy is getting in on the act...

BB has always featured Blu-Ray more prominently than HD DVD to begin with. I don't think much has changed here.

we will see what impact this has in-store once this new policy is officially implemented...if the 'assortment' of HD DVD stuff gets moved to the back of the store and the Toshiba endcaps go away, HD DVD sales will get even worse.

 

[secretanchitman]

Originally posted by: spacejamz

Originally posted by: BigToque
I'd say that coupled with the fact that there is so much media attention on blu-ray securing studios and the "death of HD-DVD", I'd say that from here on out Blu-Ray winning might just become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

here is list of worldwide studios/retailers who have either dropped HD DVD support in favor of blu ray or have added blu ray support since the WB announcement on Jan 4th...

In the same timeframe, no studio/retailer has dropped blu ray support. granted many of these are not major players, but added together, it does not paint a positive picture for the future of HD DVD.

01/04/08: Warner goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/05/08: New Line goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/09/08: Adam & Eve goes neutral
01/10/08: HBO goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/11/08: Constantin Film goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/16/08: Senator Entertainment goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/21/08: Eagle Rock goes neutral
01/21/08: RBFilms goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/22/08: Grant's Appliances goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/24/08: Topics goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/28/08: Woolworths goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/28/08: FS Films goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/30/08: Sonic Scenarist Goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/30/08: EMI Japan Goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/30/08: National Geographic Goes Blu-ray exclusive
01/31/08: Surround Records goes neutral
02/01/08: ADV Goes Blu-ray
02/04/08: Manga Films Goes Blu-ray Exclusive
02/04/08: German Distributor Highlight Video Blu-ray Exclusive
02/04/08: French Distributor BAC Films Joins the Blu-ray Trend
02/06/08: Kaleidescape announces Blu-ray Support (No current HD DVD plans)
02/07/08: Swedish film companies SF and Scanbox go Blu-ray Exclusive
02/07/08: Spanish distributor Filmax goes Blu-ray Exclusive
02/11/08: Netflix goes blu ray exclusive

from zombieflanders at highdefforums...

wow didnt realize that blu-ray had so many backers now!

 

[spacejamz]

here is the email that Netflix HD DVD subscribers are getting:

We're Going Blu-ray

Dear XXXXX,

You're receiving this email because you have asked to receive high-definition movies in the HD DVD format. As you may have heard, most of the major movie studios have recently decided to release their high-definition movies exclusively in the Blu-ray format. In order to provide the best selection of high-definition titles for our members, we have decided to go exclusively with Blu-ray as well.

While we will continue to make our current selection of HD DVD titles available to you for the next several months, we will not be adding additional HD DVD titles or reordering replacements.

Toward the end of February, HD DVDs in your Saved Queue will automatically be changed to standard definition DVDs. Then toward the end of this year, all HD DVDs in your Queue will be changed to standard definition DVDs. Don't worry, we will contact you before this happens.

You can click here to change your format preferences.

We're sorry for any inconvenience. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call us at 1 (888) 638-3549.

-The Netflix Team