PinoyDVD: The Pinoy Digital Video & Devices Community

High-Def => Blu-ray Players => Topic started by: krazy on Mar 19, 2006 at 03:21 AM

Title: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Mar 19, 2006 at 03:21 AM
The first HD-DVD and Blu-ray players are now available for reservation/pre-order on Amazon US:

Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc Player (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000DZS0G8/ref=amb_link_821312_1/104-5343260-7533548?n=172282)

Toshiba HD-A1 HD DVD Player (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E1PTGK/ref=pd_sbs_e_1/104-5343260-7533548?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=172282)

Looks like it'll be an interesting fight for supremacy between the Blu-ray and HD-DVD sides ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Mar 19, 2006 at 08:39 AM
Ill stick my nose to the release of the PS3.. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

....then after a while those players will be on sale at any local store here. ;D ;D ;D

peace!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 19, 2006 at 09:20 AM
Ill stick my nose to the release of the PS3.. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Amen to that aldrinpsx!  ;D

For the BD player, since the manufactureres are still trying to resolve some technical issues...it's too risky to jump into the hot lava now...too much risk for early adopters.... 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 03, 2006 at 12:46 PM
Ill stick my nose to the release of the PS3.. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

....then after a while those players will be on sale at any local store here. ;D ;D ;D

peace!!!
  yeah...if it will be released in the US this november....it will be here probably just before xmas......yeah...xmas gift... ;D ;D  but it'll be a long wait........
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: CocoBoy on Apr 05, 2006 at 08:10 AM
  yeah...if it will be released in the US this november....it will be here probably just before xmas......yeah...xmas gift... ;D ;D  but it'll be a long wait........

Musnkie, what's the expected pricetag for the PS3 pala? Can't wait!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 05, 2006 at 09:05 AM
Thought there's an initial report from Merril that it'll cost over $800 to produce a unit but most industry news reported the expected price range could be around $500
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 05, 2006 at 09:12 AM
how much did ps2 cost when it was released here?   i think it was 30k plus rin.....so halos ganun din cguro labas ng ps3 rito.... ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Apr 05, 2006 at 10:48 AM
The first HD-DVD and Blu-ray players are now available for reservation/pre-order on Amazon US:

Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc Player (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000DZS0G8/ref=amb_link_821312_1/104-5343260-7533548?n=172282)

Toshiba HD-A1 HD DVD Player (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E1PTGK/ref=pd_sbs_e_1/104-5343260-7533548?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=172282)

Looks like it'll be an interesting fight for supremacy between the Blu-ray and HD-DVD sides ;D

There's a good chance it may not turn out to be a war.  But it could be a profitable coexitence, just like with gaming consoles and software - PS2, Xbox, PCgames, Nintendo, Sega, etc.  The software is often developed on more than 2 consoles.  So I wouldn't be surprised if studios release their movie titles in both formats.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Apr 17, 2006 at 07:33 PM
Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with Standard-DVD Upconversion
 
Model: HD-A1
 
(http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/7652/7652523_rc.jpg)

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7652523&type=product&id=1134699969167

Now available... masilip nga ng actual mamya. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

peace!!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 17, 2006 at 07:45 PM
Toshiba HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with Standard-DVD Upconversion
 
Model: HD-A1
 
(http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/7652/7652523_rc.jpg)

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7652523&type=product&id=1134699969167

Now available... masilip nga ng actual mamya. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

peace!!!!

its here na....start savin' up boys!! ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 17, 2006 at 11:43 PM
Munskie, do u mean u saw it in a local shop na? :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Apr 18, 2006 at 02:41 AM
(http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/2460/toshhddvd013qx.th.jpg) (http://img116.imageshack.us/my.php?image=toshhddvd013qx.jpg)(http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/5097/toshhddvd020cj.th.jpg) (http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=toshhddvd020cj.jpg)(http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/9681/toshhddvd033tp.th.jpg) (http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=toshhddvd033tp.jpg)(http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/7233/toshhddvd048eo.th.jpg) (http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=toshhddvd048eo.jpg)(http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/903/toshhddvd055co.th.jpg) (http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=toshhddvd055co.jpg)(http://img436.imageshack.us/img436/6789/toshhddvd061vt.th.jpg) (http://img436.imageshack.us/my.php?image=toshhddvd061vt.jpg)(http://img436.imageshack.us/img436/8812/toshhddvd079cp.th.jpg) (http://img436.imageshack.us/my.php?image=toshhddvd079cp.jpg)
(http://img436.imageshack.us/img436/9550/toshhddvd088ht.th.jpg) (http://img436.imageshack.us/my.php?image=toshhddvd088ht.jpg)(http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/7784/toshhddvd092jn.th.jpg) (http://img450.imageshack.us/my.php?image=toshhddvd092jn.jpg)(http://img436.imageshack.us/img436/184/toshhddvd0117wh.th.jpg) (http://img436.imageshack.us/my.php?image=toshhddvd0117wh.jpg)


Toshiba - HD DVD High-Definition DVD Player with Standard-DVD Upconversion HD-A1


peace!!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 18, 2006 at 05:43 AM
Congrat aldrinpsx for the grand PQ player & being the first dude in the block to try out HD movie! Pls give your review & feedback bro!!!  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: baby on Apr 18, 2006 at 07:23 AM
congrats bro.  I'm droooooling.  I can't wait to get one.  I must control meself and wait.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 18, 2006 at 07:45 AM
Munskie, do u mean u saw it in a local shop na? :D
nope....i mean its officially in stores na di ba?  kelan kaya dating nito locally
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 18, 2006 at 07:47 AM
aldrin congrats!!!  i think you're the first member here to have HD player....reviews, pics, comments will be very much appreciated in the near future.....DROOL ALERT AGAIN!!!!!!  I need tissue please!!  ;D ;D  again, congratulations man!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 18, 2006 at 07:48 AM
I see...for a sec I thought there's a local shop that already carrying stock of such HD player hehe  ;D

O nga ya...have to start saving now... ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aeris30 on Apr 18, 2006 at 07:56 AM
here's a link from the AVS Forum on discussions regarding the Toshiba HD-A1 player:

Let The Battle Begin - Toshiba HD-A1 is here! (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=667248)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 18, 2006 at 08:52 AM
the avsforum regarding the hd player is moving so fast, i was reading one page and two pages have been added already....the guys there are really excited over the new toys.  Lucky dogs!!   ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 18, 2006 at 09:11 AM
That's true....so many posts na since my last view. Everyone is so excited over the US...lucky our friend aldrinpsx has got his new HD toy na & hopefully can give us some feedbacks soon :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: jonster on Apr 18, 2006 at 11:08 AM
Just want to ask if this new HD-DVD or Blu-ray are compatible with our current HT setup?  I mean, Dolby or DTS 5.1 din ba?  Yung digital output ba pwede din sa optical or coax ng present ampli natin na madedecode yung dolby & dts?  And lastly, pwede din ba sa ordinary CRT TV na may s-video or component video or ordinary composite video? Or kelangan HDTV ready na?  ???   

Mas maganda sana kung plug and play na sa mga current HT setup natin.  Yung no need to buy another set of ampli or TV just to enjoy the surrounds and the superb video.  TIA! :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 18, 2006 at 11:22 AM
Just want to ask if this new HD-DVD or Blu-ray are compatible with our current HT setup?  I mean, Dolby or DTS 5.1 din ba?  Yung digital output ba pwede din sa optical or coax ng present ampli natin na madedecode yung dolby & dts?  And lastly, pwede din ba sa ordinary CRT TV na may s-video or component video or ordinary composite video? Or kelangan HDTV ready na?  ???   TIA! :)
HD-DVD and Blu ray has new sound formats DTS-HD and Dolby Digital PLus, you can still use your current amp with this formats if you use the 5.1 multi-channel analog outputs of the HD player (which will do the decoding).  You can still use digital coaxial or Toslink but will only play the current sound formats, DD or DTS.

Best if you have hd capable display/monitor if you really want highest PQ possible.  though tosh hd-a1 has all the outputs you mentioned.

"Another issue is hobbled compatibility with older HDTVs. All HD-DVD and Blu-ray players--and all forthcoming HD-DVD players--will output high-definition resolutions only via copy-protected HDMI outputs, so people whose HDTVs don't have HDMI (or DVI/HDCP inputs) will have to settle for the downconverted analog image that's little better than standard DVD."
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Apr 18, 2006 at 11:52 AM
Hold on to your horses guys... unit posted is not mine.got it from another forum..i was at my local bestbuy store this evening,but the last unit was sold before me.what i did i ordered it online(thru bbuy )and should be ready for pick up tommorow or the following day.my apology for the confusion and lack of details on my last post..anyway,, feedback and reviews is just a sleep away.. ill keep you posted..one more thing..  I appriciate those warm words/praises coming from pchin,baby and munskie.. ;D ;D ;D ;D..in advance. ;D ;D ;D


**im also thinking about the release of blu ray player this may 23..with the capabilities and good software titles  to run.. i have 30 days to return the HD DVD player at no cost.*** ;D ;D ;D ;D.. HAIL !! to the consumer act law!! ;D ;D ;D

peace!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Apr 18, 2006 at 12:35 PM
I guess if one's serious saving up for these new toys, one has to stop buying DVDs already. Right? 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 18, 2006 at 02:26 PM

**im also thinking about the release of blu ray player this may 23..with the capabilities and good software titles  to run.. i have 30 days to return the HD DVD player at no cost.*** ;D ;D ;D ;D.. HAIL !! to the consumer act law!! ;D ;D ;D peace!!!

Tnx for the clarification Aldrin . Nevertheless, you'll be getting it tomorrow so it's still considered early as you're the first Pinoydvd member who will actually having a "real live" HD experience.  ;D Yes, after that pix & comments pls..pls...!  :D

Wow...I feel like migrating to USA na...such a wonderful consumer law!! IMHO: Try out the HD DVD before the expiry period then exchange it with a BD player..in this way you can judge which one is better??  ;D In this case, you may need to delay your HD DVD purchase a bit longer... This is really PEACE!!  :-*
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Apr 18, 2006 at 02:34 PM
Only in America.  Where the consumer is King!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 18, 2006 at 02:45 PM
I guess if one's serious saving up for these new toys, one has to stop buying DVDs already. Right? 

O nga ya...lucky si Aldrin in USA...hey not fair...we should practise the same law here.  ;D

Not really av_phile1 ...those who save up for a HD player will have the benefit of playing backward all their DVD collection plus with the upscale feature converting to 720p or higher thru HDMI, it may improve the SD PQ to near HD quality... As time goes by DVD may even be much cheaper to buy than before... :D

With the current HD movie price...DVD could still be living for a very looooog period...  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Apr 18, 2006 at 03:37 PM
Ok, so tuloy ligaya.  ;D

If our lawmakers were more interested in putting this country on its feet rather than some charter change and another impeachment round, maybe we could see some genuine push in favour of the consumer for a change.   America got to where it is after more than 200 hundred years after independence.  This country is just over a hundred years old.  So maybe we can have the same consumer laws after another hundred years.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Apr 19, 2006 at 08:49 AM
(http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/125/bestbuy0hv.th.jpg) (http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bestbuy0hv.jpg)

Me sings.... Im So excited and I just can't hide it,I'm about to lose control And I think I like it. ;D ;D ;D

peace!!!


im selling my pristine sony with hdmi ouput..any takers?? ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 19, 2006 at 09:12 AM
Ay nako aldrinpsx is jumping up & down with tears na & will celebrate jubilantly soon....after getting his new hi-tech toy. We are all very happy to share your joy  :D (tho it would be much better if we can get one for ourselves) :P

Congrat bro for your new gadget of the millenium! Can't wait to see more pics & hear your comments.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 19, 2006 at 09:23 AM
Yah, its really sad that we still don't know when we'll have access to that hd player.  I just have to console myself that wala pa gaano titles and the most essential thing:  wala pa dough/budget.  Congrats again sir aldrin on your new toy.  we'll be expecting reviews, comments and pics on your new player.   ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 19, 2006 at 10:21 AM
Yes yes! Plenty of pics pls!!  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: baby on Apr 19, 2006 at 05:48 PM
Your lucky Brod aldrin.  I hope they have plenty of stocks.  All of the Players are sold out at all best buy stores.  And more are still waiting for their unit.  I hope it arrives here on our shoes so we can look at it personally and maybe get one.  But the problem is how can I view it.  I still don't have HDTV  :'( ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 19, 2006 at 05:58 PM
But the problem is how can I view it.  I still don't have HDTV  :'( ;D
No problem at all James....I have the solution. You are always welcome to try it out at my home. LOL  ;D 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: baby on Apr 19, 2006 at 06:15 PM
No problem at all James....I have the solution. You are always welcome to try it out at my home. LOL  ;D 
haha.  .   :)  I wan't to see serenity or last samurai in true 1080p. :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 19, 2006 at 07:39 PM
we'll be lucky if we get to see something locally by june... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Apr 19, 2006 at 07:46 PM
Lucky for me... its currently sold out and no idea when the next batch will be..this gives me an idea..hmmmmmmmm... will i keep it or sell it to ebay for profit. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

peace!!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 20, 2006 at 12:21 AM
we'll be lucky if we get to see something locally by june... ;D ;D

Probably some relatives from USA may bring back those HD DVD players into the Philippines  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Apr 20, 2006 at 02:11 AM
HD DVD players selling out in major cities

April 18, 2006 4:47 PM PDT

Those eager to get their hands on the first ever HD DVD players in the United States cleared shelves quickly at Best Buy stores in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.

An employee at the Best Buy store in Midtown Manhattan said Tuesday that all 10 Toshiba HD DVD players were sold out on Monday, the day before the players' official launch.

Customers also bought up all the HD DVD movie titles, the employee said.

The Best Buy store in San Francisco sold out of six Toshiba HD-A1 models, which retails for $499, according to a store clerk. Best Buy's branch in Northridge, Calif., about 25 miles north of Los Angeles, also reported that it quickly ran out of the handful of HD DVD players it received.

HD DVD and Blu-ray are competing technologies vying to replace the DVD format. Both sides are represented by movie studios, electronics makers and software companies. At stake is the $24 billion home-video market.

Toshiba is the first company to actually present a player on one of the formats to the public. In addition to the HD-A1, Toshiba also sells the $800 HD-XA1.

Several publications have reported that the number of units made available in the U.S. is around 10,000, a relatively small roll out.

"We don't share the exact the number that we shipped," said Jodi Sally, Toshiba's vice president of marketing. "I can tell you that we're going to be in about 3,000 stores nationwide and we're continuing to ship the devices. We're shipping just as fast as we can."

source:cnet news



Samsung Delays Blu-ray Disc Player

Samsung Electronics will delay the U.S. launch of its Blu-ray Disc player by one month, the company said Monday.

 The delay has been called to allow completion of compatibility testing with Blu-ray Disc test media that is due available in April, Samsung said in a statement. Once compatibility is confirmed the player will be ready for mass production, it said.


The new launch date has been set for June 25 and Samsung confirmed the player price at $999.


The player was due to launch on May 23, the same day that Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Lionsgate Films had chosen as the release date for their first Blu-ray Disc movies.


Sony Pictures said it remains committed to a May 23 launch date for its first titles despite the likely lack of any playback hardware. Lionsgate could not immediately comment on whether its launch plans remain in place.

Competing Formats

Blu-ray Disc is one of two new optical disc formats vying to replace current DVDs for high-definition content, such as movies. The format battle has pitted industry giants against each other. The main backers of Blu-ray Disc include Sony, Panasonic, and Samsung while companies supporting the rival HD-DVD format include Toshiba, NEC, and Intel.


News of the Blu-ray Disc player delay comes days after the rival HD-DVD format was commercially launched.

source:yahoo news



One reason firms are being cautious is that HD-DVD and Blu-ray are incompatible formats. You can’t watch HD-DVD movies using a Blu-ray player, and vice versa, and anyone who ends up investing in the losing format will be stuck with obsolete technology.

As a result, many consumers could sit on their wallets until a clear winner emerges.



peace!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 20, 2006 at 07:54 AM
Probably some relatives from USA may bring back those HD DVD players into the Philippines  ;D
sending it through freight would be costly....ship weight is 25 lbs and have you seen the box?  its kinda huge.  Yeah, you're right, probably some considerate relatives can bring that home...itago na lang sa customs... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: baby on Apr 20, 2006 at 08:00 AM
sending it through freight would be costly....ship weight is 25 lbs and have you seen the box?  its kinda huge.  Yeah, you're right, probably some considerate relatives can bring that home...itago na lang sa customs... ;D ;D
send it via royal logistics.  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 20, 2006 at 08:17 AM
Wow HD DVD is selling like hot cake...obviously due to the advantage of an early launch & cheaper unit price than Blu-ray. :) Another 1 more month delay...what a bumer.  :-[

Yeah many consumers would indeed sit on their wallets until a clear winner emerges but waiting patiently is the hardest!  ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 20, 2006 at 08:34 AM
that means more time to set aside a budget.... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: slowhand on Apr 20, 2006 at 09:02 AM
As expected, early reviews of the HD-DVD discs are spotty. Apparently some look really good (King Kong) while some look both good and bad (Batman Begins) and some look bad (The Last Samurai).
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 20, 2006 at 09:07 AM
It would be a safer bet to go for new & latest movies to minimize the risk. :)

The other sure option would be reading all the HD DVD movie reviews. :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 20, 2006 at 09:41 AM
based on some reviews in avsforum...the determination whether its a wise investment or not depends on the user, some have commented a night and day difference, some have said slight but noticeable improvement in PQ (especially those who had experienced HD before).  Some have also stated that you have to view it in bigger screens to see high definition in its full glory.  The toshiba also has issues...slow loading times, dolby digital reflects DTS on the amp when connected thru coaxial or optical digital (but sounds great nevertheless, experienced on warner titles), the remote sucks.  Some have commented on the PQ but they viewed it in a display that is not HD ready, soliciting some feedback from other users.  to see reviews on the initial three titles:The Last Samurai, Phantom of the Opera, Serenity

http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/lastsamurai.html
http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/phantomoftheopera2004.html
http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/serenity.html

and the CNet review of the Toshiba HD-A1 hd-dvd player
http://reviews.cnet.com/Toshiba_HD_A1/4505-6463_7-31736203.html


Title: Review: Toshiba HD-XA1 HD-DVD player
Post by: pchin on Apr 20, 2006 at 01:20 PM
My overwhelming impression of the HD-XA1 has been of slowness, and this is mainly down to the start-up. It takes about 35 seconds for the Toshiba HD-DVD logo to appear on-screen after hitting the on button, and the Welcome message remains on the player's display until 55 seconds after launch. A further 10 seconds elapse -- meaning 65 seconds in all -- before the first images from the disc appear on the screen.

Full article: http://www.digitmag.co.uk/news/index.cfm?NewsID=5685
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Apr 21, 2006 at 05:43 AM
(http://img488.imageshack.us/img488/7308/picture079large1pl.th.jpg) (http://img488.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture079large1pl.jpg)(http://img488.imageshack.us/img488/2/picture080large5oh.th.jpg) (http://img488.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture080large5oh.jpg)(http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/4360/picture081large6yh.th.jpg) (http://img226.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture081large6yh.jpg)(http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/3118/picture083large7pa.th.jpg) (http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture083large7pa.jpg)(http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/4172/picture083large8id.th.jpg) (http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture083large8id.jpg)(http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/570/picture084large1ab.th.jpg) (http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture084large1ab.jpg)(http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/3559/picture085large3sp.th.jpg) (http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture085large3sp.jpg)(http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/7908/picture086large8cs.th.jpg) (http://img226.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture086large8cs.jpg)(http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/2982/picture088large0zo.th.jpg) (http://img226.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture088large0zo.jpg)(http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/6308/picture089large4ha.th.jpg) (http://img226.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture089large4ha.jpg)(http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3821/picture092large6nh.th.jpg) (http://img507.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture092large6nh.jpg)(http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/4262/picture093large1va.th.jpg) (http://img507.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture093large1va.jpg)(http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/5871/picture094large0de.th.jpg) (http://img507.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture094large0de.jpg)(http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/1128/picture096large3vf.th.jpg) (http://img226.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture096large3vf.jpg)

Monitor is Sony Wega 42' LCD TV 720p/1080i resolution.Downscaling of HD-DVDs to 720p is terrible. Only 1080i output should be used.


pros:
video quality
much better sound quality, even on SD-DVD and music CDs.
nice quality player and nice-looking remote
usb ports
1 HDMI cable is included
easy to setup
nice interface

cons:
$500 may be steep
no 1080p (my monitor is 1080i)
takes over 1 minute to get to the DVD Menu to play the movie
there seems to be a lag after you hit a button the remote
the directional arrows on the remote just flat out suck
limited support, limited software, high priced software (The last samurai was $24.99)


Im  gonna hold on this for a while...decide if im gonna keep it or toss it. ;D.anyway its only a month for the release of blu ray.

peace!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 21, 2006 at 06:06 AM
Finally you received your new hi-tech toy aldrinpsx!  :D Tnx for sharing the pics....wow!  :D Glad to hear that HDMI cable is even included.

Sad to hear it'll take over 1 minute just to get in to the DVD Menu to play the movie. Even as for our current DVD menu...I'm already running out of patient...overall the size is a bit bulky tho.  :-[ Oh well, with all the pros, we shouldn't keep counting the cons hehe.  ;D
 
Bro, do verify your local Blu-ray schedule as there's a report that Samsung delays again its first BD player launch until late June....unless there's another manufacturer will beat Samsung to the BD launch, your 30-day period will expire.  :-\
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 21, 2006 at 07:09 AM
congrats on your new player aldrin!! ;D ;D Yeah, loading time is slow on the player and theres lag sa function ng remote, but im sure you'll still enjoy the fact that theres better PQ and lossless audio(thats what DD+ and DTS-HD says).....just cant wait to see HD here....enjoy your gear aldrin, congrats again.. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Apr 21, 2006 at 08:37 AM
Thanks for all the praises...

I am guessing even though there will be more BluRay titles i will be interested in at/near launch, the $1000 price tag will keep me away for a while. The more I look at it, the PS3 will probably be my first Blu-ray player.

start saving and WAY too much stuff to consider, this is all driving me nuts! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: baby on Apr 21, 2006 at 08:49 AM
So the player only cost $399.  The HDMI cable is $100. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 21, 2006 at 08:52 AM
That's a good & positive way to put it baby...  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: baby on Apr 21, 2006 at 08:59 AM
well What are waiting for.  Request for a player that doesn't include HDMI cable for $399 and get a china made cable for less the price. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 21, 2006 at 10:00 AM
Thanks for all the praises...

I am guessing even though there will be more BluRay titles i will be interested in at/near launch, the $1000 price tag will keep me away for a while. The more I look at it, the PS3 will probably be my first Blu-ray player.

start saving and WAY too much stuff to consider, this is all driving me nuts! ;D ;D ;D ;D

yeah....the ps3 to me comes with a good WAF (wife acceptance factor).....i guess its gonna be my first blu ray player too....just cant wait.. ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Apr 21, 2006 at 10:30 AM
Don't know if this HD DVD  format will survive, but im definitely going to enjoy the ride. ;D ;D

peace!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 21, 2006 at 07:58 PM
Don't worry too much bro...right now you're the owner of the CooLest  8) gadget on earth!  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 21, 2006 at 10:05 PM
they could co exist you know......look at the game consoles...  ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Apr 23, 2006 at 09:27 PM
Video of one being dismantled. ;D

http://hdvforever.com/blog/HDDVD.wmv   .... you wont believe whats inside..(maybe thats the reason it take some time to load) ;D ;D

peace!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: hemisphere on Apr 23, 2006 at 09:39 PM
can you confirm countries included in region 1 category? and would the player have Region code emblem on the set?

 8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Apr 23, 2006 at 09:47 PM
Its region FREE for HD DVD and R1  for  S DVD..

peace!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: hemisphere on Apr 23, 2006 at 10:13 PM
cool!

that's a good start. thanks aldrin for the info. and congrats! big time ka talaga!

 :D 8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Apr 23, 2006 at 10:34 PM
look whos talking... mas BIG TIME ka.. money is not an option to you. ;D ;D ;D

peace!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: hemisphere on Apr 23, 2006 at 10:37 PM
ok yung video sa link. so technically, buying an HDDVD Player is like buying a dedicated PC for a higher-level entertainment.

aldrin, im just a small time dude in a big package.

 ;D 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 24, 2006 at 08:49 AM
htpc pala sya....htpc enthusiast must be wondering when sila makakakuha ng drive.... (oh btw paul....got my wife's approval na...) ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: kimpOy on Apr 24, 2006 at 04:20 PM
dude.....you must  teach me your  new JEDI MIND TRICK....  ;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 24, 2006 at 04:23 PM
Munskie, good to hear you got your wife's approval na hehe  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 24, 2006 at 08:21 PM
got the approval...but still no budget......wait wait wait....... ;D
kim.....learn the ways of the FORCE... ;D

wait and see attitude pa rin....im happy that i got my wifey's approval but still, reading your posts, makes me think twice really.  baka nga maging $500 paperweight lang sya someday..... ;D  safe bet really is ps3...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 25, 2006 at 04:50 PM
Hi guys, I got a special report (in a digital print format) on HD DVD & Blu-ray, the latest AV news from the popular Sound & Vision magazine. If any of you're interested to know more about the new HD format, you may drop me a PM with your email address.  :)

A complete introduction to the new high-def disc formats: The Top 10 Questions Answered.

1. I'm happy with DVD. Why should I care about high-deft discs?
2. What are the key differences between HD DVD & Blu-ray?
3. Why are there two formats, instead of one, like with DVD?
4. So which companies are supporting which format?
5. When can I buy a player and disc, and what will they cost?
6. Will Blu-ray & HD DVD players play DVDs?
7. Can we expect to see Blu-ray & HD DVD recorders?
8. What kind of copy production will the formats use?
9. Will the new disc have more interactive features than DVDs?
10. Is there a chance the two sides will still agree on a single format?

Another special report:

Exactly what does make the new players & discs tick?: Inside Blu-ray & HD DVD

Very imformative articles plus lots of other latest hi-tech gadget reviews. :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Apr 25, 2006 at 08:08 PM
send me the details.. ;D ;D ;D before i re box my player. ;D ;D

peace!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Apr 26, 2006 at 12:05 AM
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=21310 more news.

peace!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Apr 26, 2006 at 12:51 PM
Nice article.  Makes me drool over the new formats.  But I'm in no rush.  The author is right.  There are still a lot of refinements that can be expected.  The DVDs and DVD players of today are a lot better than the first generation DVDs.  And we're talking 7-8 years after they debutted.  So I could expect the same for these HD formats and their players.  Maybe in 3-4 years, the 3rd or 4th generation HD discs and players will be much better in terms of features and convenience and so much cheaper.  And how many HD titles are there today? 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 26, 2006 at 12:58 PM
Very informative article aldrinpsx :) Yep I agree with av_phile1. I'm in no rush too...will wait for PS3 launch & see what will happen next.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Apr 27, 2006 at 11:38 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=9717480376&ssPageName=ADME:B:TB6:US:2   :o :o :o :o


peace!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: baby on Apr 28, 2006 at 01:42 AM
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=9717480376&ssPageName=ADME:B:TB6:US:2   :o :o :o :o


peace!!!
no one is crazy to get this one at around $900. :o
the guy who won the bid must be desperate and is definitely is not living in US.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 28, 2006 at 07:12 AM
Geez..how desperate can one really get but at $900??  ::)

The winner is from UK....gosh, he should have just order online & have it delivered....that would save him lots of $$$  :-X
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 28, 2006 at 07:37 AM
Nice article.  Makes me drool over the new formats.  But I'm in no rush.  The author is right.  There are still a lot of refinements that can be expected.  The DVDs and DVD players of today are a lot better than the first generation DVDs.  And we're talking 7-8 years after they debutted.  So I could expect the same for these HD formats and their players.  Maybe in 3-4 years, the 3rd or 4th generation HD discs and players will be much better in terms of features and convenience and so much cheaper.  And how many HD titles are there today? 
baka rin in a matter of 7-8 years, we'll be hearing terms like upscaling or upconverting hd-dvd players.....for super high definition hehe, just like what is prevalent this days...upconverting dvd players.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Apr 28, 2006 at 11:15 AM
Maybe.  HD is really the frontier's edge.  When you see one, it's so lifelike it's as if you're looking at a professional glossy Vogue magazine pictorial but moving.  The highest resolution for current HD-DVD is 1080i and for Blu-Ray it's 1080p where there's hardly any difference.  There are already movies entirely made in digital that have resolutions twice or more.  But that's because you have to contend with really huge theater screens of 100feet accross.  But for home entertainment with typically 42" to 60" screens, HD resolutions of 1080i or p will simply trash the best DVD set-up.   

The next frontier......maybe high definition holographic 3D projection, Using those large eyewear goggles where you feel yourself right in the middle of a movie scene and interacting with the actors.  ;D
Title: High-def DVD player: Don't expect to be dazzled just yet
Post by: pchin on May 01, 2006 at 08:59 AM
From Business & Tehnology news:

As it rolls out the first high-definition DVD player, Toshiba Corp. is boasting: "Image is everything".

After testing the so-called HD DVD machine on three TVs of various dimensions, I hit on a more appropriate slogan: "Size matters."

We reached a milestone in viewing recently with the debut of the Toshiba HD-A1, which costs just shy of $500. (A deluxe model, the HD-XA1, goes for $800).

Should you care? Probably not. Because unless you already have a high-definition television at least 40 inches in size, you won't notice much of a difference.

Here's my advice: If you have a spare $500, use it toward an upgrade to a bigger set instead. In the time it takes to save up another $500, the price of HD disc players will probably drop and a pending format war may well be decided.

Full article: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2002960326_ptcolker29.html?syndication=rss



Title: Re: High-def DVD player: Don't expect to be dazzled just yet
Post by: av_phile1 on May 02, 2006 at 07:07 PM

Full article: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2002960326_ptcolker29.html?syndication=rss


The author of this article seems to be just learning the ropes about high definition. It's really all about big screens and how realistic it can get at those sizes.  Because at those sizes, ordinary DVD's 480p progressive simply won't impress.  You won't see that much difference on a 23"TV.  Even on a 32" TV with some upsampling players.   It usually starts at 42."
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 02, 2006 at 09:26 PM
I thought that's what the author implied as he mentioned:

"....unless you already have a high-definition television at least 40 inches in size, you won't notice much of a difference"  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on May 02, 2006 at 09:49 PM
That was the correct conclusion he learned  after going through the rounds of his testing starting with an old 32" SONY HD ready set where he used analog connections.  Then he used a 23" Samsung with HDMI.  And concluded correctly there wasn't much difference between DVD and HD-DVD at that screen size. .  Then as he went to a bigger screen the difference became obvious.   And after going through the test with 3 different TV set dimensions, he concluded that with HD, "Size matters."  How true.  So his article seemed to me like an odyssey towards HD awareness.  But that's just my impression.     ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 02, 2006 at 09:54 PM
Ah I see what you meant... ;D

Hopefully newbies will learn a lesson from this article & not conducting experiment by using small TVs to make comparison  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on May 02, 2006 at 10:12 PM
I hope so too.  But I guess some people will still want to see the comparison for themselves using the small screens they may have at home.  Worst, using analog connections like s-video or composite.  ;D


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Quitacet on May 04, 2006 at 12:37 PM
From: TV.Com (http://www.tv.com/story/story.html&story_id=4339)

Fully Equipped- Ten Ways HD-DVD Falls Short
By TV.com Staff
May 1, 2006 at 03:15:00 PM

We take a look at the issues surrounding the latest media format.

For Tom Cruise watchers, April 18 was a big day. Yes, there was something about him having a kid with Katie Holmes, but more importantly for videophiles, The Last Samurai HD-DVD was officially released along with Toshiba's new next-gen DVD player, the HD-A1 and three other discs: The Phantom of the Opera, Million Dollar Baby, and Serenity. Kudos to Toshiba for actually getting a semiaffordable first-generation product out well ahead of Sony and Camp Blu-ray. But as I've said before, that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of things to complain about. So, here we go. I've ordered my gripes from mildly bothersome to really irksome. And of course, feel free to add your own peeves.

1. Initial HD-DVDs are just rehashes of the existing DVDs
OK, so it's early in the game. But this is the same complaint that folks had about a lot of early Xbox 360 games--that they're just graphically spruced-up versions of their Xbox counterparts. Hopefully, we'll soon see some HD-DVD discs that actually show off some of the interactive features that Toshiba is touting.

2. Extra features not in high-def
This format is called HD-DVD, so why am I not watching extras in HD? Enough said.

3. Player doesn't do enough
 understand Toshiba wanting to come out with a basic player for a semiaffordable price. Five hundred bucks is a lot, but it's half the price of what Blu-ray players will start out at, and it's not an outrageous figure for those wanting a first crack at cutting-edge technology. That said, the company's step-up HD-DVD player, the HD-XA1 ($799) should have offered a little more in the way of features--instead, it boasts only a motorized front door, some better-looking cosmetics, an RS-232 port, and a backlit remote. How 'bout a little DVD-Audio support? (SACD is probably a no-no, since it's a Sony-backed format.) What about slots for memory cards, so you can show your digital photos at high-def resolutions or play back digital music? And why couldn't those USB ports in front accept thumbdrives filled with digital photos and music?

4. No 1080p output
The high-definition video output of first-generation HD-DVD players is limited to 720p or 1080i, not 1080p, which is currently the best high-def image you can get. With only a handful of HDTVs out there that accept and display a native 1080p signal, what's the big deal? For starters, 1080p is quickly becoming the new de facto gold standard for HDTVs, with 1080p inputs set to become a lowest common denominator for nearly all 2006 HDTVs. But the dearth of 1080p output is most frustrating, once you find out that HD-DVD movies are being mastered in 1080p--but that theoretically better picture quality will remain locked on the disc until 1080p HD-DVD players appear (sometime in 2007, if not earlier). Needless to say, it's a bummer to not get 1080p right out of the gate, especially when first-gen Blu-ray players will offer it. I don't need to be completely future-proofed, but give me some basic protection, please.

5. Component video can be flagged
I almost wrote a full column on this issue alone. The unfortunate fact is that studios can encode their discs with an image-constraint flag that downconverts the HD-DVD's output resolution to 960x540 when played through the analog component-video outputs, which lack the robust digital copy-protection of HDMI. That means discs that are so flagged will display only a quarter of their best possible resolution if you own one of the early HDTVs that are lacking digital video inputs (HDMI or HDCP-compatible DVI). Yes, Blu-ray discs carry the same restrictions, and almost all of the studios have tentatively agreed to no flag their initial batch of releases. But that still leaves early adopters at the mercy of the studio bosses, who can choose to reverse course at any time.

6. Wacky audio
HD-DVD discs allegedly offer even better sound than do DVDs. And while we actually believe this--HD-DVD discs are encoded with the higher-resolution Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, and/or DTS-HD soundtracks--the player's audio setup is a real hassle to figure out, and we're still not certain we've gotten optimal sound out of the home theater here in our lab. In our review of the HD-A1, we note that, "There's a full-page chart in the manual that details which connections can pass which types of soundtracks, including footnotes such as this: 'Bitstream audio output is possible only when the connected HDMI device has bitstream decoding function. If not, sound is output in PCM (48k) format.'" If that isn't confusing enough, word is that Warner's initial HD-DVD offerings don't appear to have been mastered correctly. As reported at DVD enthusiast site The Digital Bits, if you go from watching The Last Samurai to Universal's correctly mastered Serenity, your speakers may get blown out, because the latter disc is so much louder--a fact to which we can attest.

7. HDMI hiccups
Toshiba didn't create the finicky beast known as HDMI, so we can't totally fault the company for this one, but the fact remains that we've encountered our share of problems while trying to connect the HD-A1 to various HDTVs in our lab. On a couple of occasions, the player simply stopped playing in the middle of a movie, or we got an "HDMI error" message--and a black screen of death--when we switched inputs while the player was running. Blame game aside, we expect that HD-DVD early adopters will encounter their share of connectivity snafus.

8. Sluggish performance
One of biggest disappointments with Toshiba's first-gen player is how slow it is. Yeah, the first DVD players weren't jackrabbits either, but HD-A1 truly chugs--Windows XP loads faster on some PCs than HD-DVDs do on this thing, and certain button presses give new meaning to the word delay.

9. The smaller the display, the smaller the difference
So we compared the The Last Samurai HD-DVD to its DVD counterpart on a Panasonic TH-42PX60U 42-inch plasma. The standard DVD was in our reference player, the Denon DVD-3910 (outputting at 720p), while the HD-DVD was, naturally, in the HD-A1. We flipped back and forth between the TV's two HDMI inputs, and though the HD-DVD image was distinctly sharper and clearly had the edge, the difference wasn't huge. We're pretty certain, however, that you'll see a much bigger difference the bigger you go. As we wait to get a large HDTV back in our labs--say, something along the lines of a Sony KDS-R60XBR1 60-inch SXRD rear-pro or a higher-end front projector--we'll stick by our recommendation that at these prices, next-gen DVD players should interest only those with HDTVs of 50 inches or larger.

10. A dearth of discs
Originally, HD-DVD was supposed to launch with 30 discs, but that number shrunk to 4--and we ended up finding only 3 in stores the week of April 18. Any way you look it, that's a paltry number. By comparison, DVD had at least 30 titles available within the first month of the format's March 1997 debut. HD-DVD backers hope to have around 200 titles--by the end of 2006.don

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on May 04, 2006 at 01:04 PM

4. No 1080p output
The high-definition video output of first-generation HD-DVD players is limited to 720p or 1080i, not 1080p, which is currently the best high-def image you can get. With only a handful of HDTVs out there that accept and display a native 1080p signal, what's the big deal? For starters, 1080p is quickly becoming the new de facto gold standard for HDTVs, with 1080p inputs set to become a lowest common denominator for nearly all 2006 HDTVs. But the dearth of 1080p output is most frustrating, once you find out that HD-DVD movies are being mastered in 1080p--but that theoretically better picture quality will remain locked on the disc until 1080p HD-DVD players appear (sometime in 2007, if not earlier). Needless to say, it's a bummer to not get 1080p right out of the gate, especially when first-gen Blu-ray players will offer it. I don't need to be completely future-proofed, but give me some basic protection, please.


This really shouldn't be a problem.  1080i resolution has ALL the information you need to recompose the picture into 1080p.  A player then doesn't need 1080i input abilities.  It only needs to have the chip to buffer the interlaced data and send a complete 1080p progressive signal to the TV. 

Quote
5. Component video can be flagged
I almost wrote a full column on this issue alone. The unfortunate fact is that studios can encode their discs with an image-constraint flag that downconverts the HD-DVD's output resolution to 960x540 when played through the analog component-video outputs, which lack the robust digital copy-protection of HDMI. That means discs that are so flagged will display only a quarter of their best possible resolution if you own one of the early HDTVs that are lacking digital video inputs (HDMI or HDCP-compatible DVI). Yes, Blu-ray discs carry the same restrictions, and almost all of the studios have tentatively agreed to no flag their initial batch of releases. But that still leaves early adopters at the mercy of the studio bosses, who can choose to reverse course at any time.


This is actually my concern about those HDTV kuno displays without HDMI or DVI ports now flooding the market.  Using analog component connection will downconvert HD-DVD signals to their HDTV sets.   Early titles will have no such constraints according to this article and others I've read.  So these early adopters of HD-DVD players and titles can benefit with true 1080i HD quality via analog component connection.  For now.  Until when, I hope much later, for the benefit of those using HDTV sets without digital connections. 

Quote
10. A dearth of discs
Originally, HD-DVD was supposed to launch with 30 discs, but that number shrunk to 4--and we ended up finding only 3 in stores the week of April 18. Any way you look it, that's a paltry number. By comparison, DVD had at least 30 titles available within the first month of the format's March 1997 debut. HD-DVD backers hope to have around 200 titles--by the end of 2006.don


200 titles by the end of 2006.  I'll take note of that. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: MAtZTER on May 04, 2006 at 05:18 PM
I thought that's what the author implied as he mentioned:

"....unless you already have a high-definition television at least 40 inches in size, you won't notice much of a difference"  :)

This certainly reminds me of the conclusion we got with HDMI upconverting DVD players when pchin visited our house -  That the PQ difference doesnt seem to matter at 32" or below.

Quote
9. The smaller the display, the smaller the difference
So we compared the The Last Samurai HD-DVD to its DVD counterpart on a Panasonic TH-42PX60U 42-inch plasma. The standard DVD was in our reference player, the Denon DVD-3910 (outputting at 720p), while the HD-DVD was, naturally, in the HD-A1. We flipped back and forth between the TV's two HDMI inputs, and though the HD-DVD image was distinctly sharper and clearly had the edge, the difference wasn't huge. We're pretty certain, however, that you'll see a much bigger difference the bigger you go. As we wait to get a large HDTV back in our labs--say, something along the lines of a Sony KDS-R60XBR1 60-inch SXRD rear-pro or a higher-end front projector--we'll stick by our recommendation that at these prices, next-gen DVD players should interest only those with HDTVs of 50 inches or larger.


Thats a relief to hear, I can wait a year then  ;D.

I cant wait when China gets a hold of this technology, affordable price plus no more component flagging (they will find a way, its just a matter of ...time) ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 04, 2006 at 06:30 PM
Chinese are very determine people you know.... ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on May 04, 2006 at 07:02 PM
based on this, i think my first hd player won't be a toshiba hd-a1... ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Quitacet on May 05, 2006 at 02:11 PM
Munskie,

you're probably right. There's a more elaborate review of the Toshiba A1 HD-DVD player in DVDTown. It seems there are even problems with the remote controller.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on May 05, 2006 at 02:19 PM
It's really not always adviseable to get the first launch product.  Unless you want something to show later as a historic memorabilla. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on May 10, 2006 at 09:51 AM
PlayStation 3 prices: $499 and $599
By Chris Morris, CNNMoney.com staff writer
May 9, 2006: 5:47 PM EDT


LOS ANGELES (CNNMoney.com) - When the PlayStation 3 launches in the United States on Nov. 17, it will carry the highest price of any major console launch.

Sony announced plans Monday to offer two packages when the system goes on sale this fall. A PS3 with a 20 GB hard drive will cost consumers $499. Those wanting a larger, 60 GB hard drive will pay $599. The $499 version will also lack several features found in the more expensive one.

The PS3 will be $200 and $300 higher than the launch price of the PlayStation 2 six years ago. It\\\'s $100 higher than the current retail price of Microsoft\\\'s (Research) Xbox 360.

European gamers will pay 499 and 599 for the two packages.

Gamers were quick to react on message boards, protesting the high price. \\\"My wallet just cried,\\\" wrote \\\"DingoStoleMyBaby,\\\" a member of Shacknews.com.

Sony (Research) also revealed a key feature of its new controller, showing a functionality that appears very similar to the one Nintendo will offer with the Wii, its new system.

While the controller looks virtually identical to the current PS2 controller, user wrist movements can also be translated into onscreen movement - \\\"but it\\\'s based upon our industry standard controller, which has been enjoyed by so many gamers,\\\" said Phil Harrison, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios.

Nintendo shrugged off the similarities, with a spokesperson saying \\\"imitation is the sincerest form of flattery\\\".

The $499 price had been widely speculated, but industry observers were surprised with Sony\\\'s decision to offer two packages - as well as with the $599 price.

\\\"At least Sony\\\'s giving people advance notice on how much they\\\'re going to need to save up,\\\" said P.J. McNealy, an analyst for American Technology Research. \\\"I think some people are going to find $599 intimidating - maybe not early adopters, but definitely the mainstream audience.\\\"

Sony said it is taking steps to avoid the widespread shortages consumers faced last holiday with the Xbox 360. The company plans to ship 2 million PlayStation 3s at launch and plans to ship another 2 million before the end of 2006. Kaz Hirai, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America, said the company also plans to ship an additional 2 million units in the first quarter of 2007.

\\\"The next generation doesn\\\'t start until we say it does,\\\" said Hirai.

While Sony is offering two pricing options for consumers, the more expensive machine is much more feature rich – and likely the default choice for gamers who can afford it. This is somewhat similar to Microsoft\\\'s launch of the Xbox 360, where the more expensive $399 machine actually proved to be the better bargain.

Although Sony did not note these changes in its pre-E3 press conference, printed material handed out by the company indicate that in addition to having a smaller hard drive, the $499 PS3 will not be able to read data from Sony memory sticks, SD or compact flash cards (a feature Sony touted Monday evening). Nor will it offer 802.11 b/g wireless compatibility. And perhaps most importantly to owners of newer high definition television sets, the $499 PS3 will not have an HDMI output.

Sony said many of the features which were removed from the less expensive version could be found on many home computers and it was relying on the assumption that buyers would be able to use those through their home networks.

\\\"It\\\'s a computer system,\\\" said spokesperson Kim Otzman. \\\"It can be expanded using adapters on the market.\\\"

In addition to revealing the system\\\'s price and launch date, Sony showcased more than a dozen titles for the PS3, mixing familiar franchises such as \\\"Tekken\\\" and Electronic Arts (Research)\\\' \\\"NBA Live\\\" with new ones, such as \\\"Heavenly Sword,\\\" which bears a striking resemblance to the company\\\'s own \\\"God of War\\\" franchise.

The PlayStation 3 is powered by the \\\"Cell\\\" processor, which Sony boasts makes the machine 35 times more powerful than the PlayStation 2. It will support Blu-Ray storage devices, which hold significantly more data than today\\\'s DVDs, as well as seven wireless controllers, and has outputs for two high-definition televisions (HDTVs). The PS3 will also offer a free online network.

Sony was the first of the three console manufacturers to speak before the beginning of the Electronic Entertainment Expo, the annual trade show of the computer gaming industry. Nintendo and Microsoft both have press conferences scheduled Tuesday.


http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/08/technology/ps3_pricing/index.htm?cnn=yes


more detail specs here.
http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/08/500-ps3-to-lack-hdmi-wifi-card-reader/


OMG!!! so much for the long wait. You have to shell a whooping $600 so that you can watch HD movies.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on May 10, 2006 at 10:42 AM
Start making those  gamestore  pre reservation and  plans for store camp out. ;D ;D ;D ;D

peace!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: slowhand on May 10, 2006 at 10:59 AM
Just got this advice from someone on my speaker forum, regarding HDMI --

----
"HDMI 1.3 is required to send a raw unprocessed single to the pre-pro so the Dolby Plus/DTS-HD decoders can process it. But no pre-pro’s have these processors in them yet because there is no way to get the unprocessed single from the player to the pre-pro until HDMI 1.3 is done."

"A true player won't be around until they have an HDMI 1.3 output...
Kind of like the first DVD players that came out without Component outputs..."
----

Can anyone comment on this? Is this correct? Thanks.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on May 10, 2006 at 12:19 PM
30k+++  ang dating ng PS3 (at $599), maybe might reach 40k pa.  tsk tsk...lalung naging komplikado desisyon sa pagkuha ng HD player.  But if you're into gaming...i think it speeds up the decision making process.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 10, 2006 at 03:47 PM
(http://www.i4u.com/images/2006/sony-ps3-60gb-20gb-hdd.jpg)

"To make sure your friends know you have the $599 priced Sony PS3, Sony has made the case design a bit different by adding a chrome colored edge. The Sony PS3 will launch in black."

Hmm...the first impression that we got PS3 is completely in silver or chrome color. :-[ Very pricey at the initial launch price...guess will have to play the "waiting" game.  :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on May 12, 2006 at 02:53 PM
It's a classic marketing strategy.  The gamers can be seen as a captive market.  Their addiction guarantess their captive situation to Sony or Nintendo, etc.    Once you've created and nurtured a market for your product over the years, you can make product upgrades that further increase this addiction.  And more importantly, you can dictate the price.  They can complain, but they'll still buy.  That's the nature of a captive market.   ;D Sony seems to be exploiting this.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on May 12, 2006 at 03:18 PM
Ive read somewhere that sony is getting negative feedback for their pricing scheme. They had been on a defence eversince the E3. And with everybody getting ga-ga over the nintendo Wii, Im not sure if they made the right decision.

Console makers sell their unit at a losing price, they recover their loss from the software that they or the third party makers sell (which they have a share).  My point is they cannot market PS3 as a BR disc player. It  should just be an add-on to attract regular or avid gamers.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on May 12, 2006 at 03:51 PM
Ive read somewhere that sony is getting negative feedback for their pricing scheme. They had been on a defence eversince the E3. And with everybody getting ga-ga over the nintendo Wii, Im not sure if they made the right decision.

Console makers sell their unit at a losing price, they recover their loss from the software that they or the third party makers sell (which they have a share).  My point is they cannot market PS3 as a BR disc player. It  should just be an add-on to attract regular or avid gamers.

True.  Nintendo earns a lot from those handheld Gameboys.  Not so much from the sales of these gadgets which are quite cheap, but from royalties of game software developers.   I would think, if SONY can give their game consoles even for FREE, there'd be more people getting them, more games would be sold, and more game developers will put out more titles, and altogether more royalties to SONY.  Like cellphones - network providers can subsidize the cost offering models free to consumers, and they earn from their usage charges.  ;D  Just a thought.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on May 12, 2006 at 08:57 PM
The next HD DVD Player will be RCA.  It will be released third week of May.   Hope it gets better reviews than the Toshiba.  Priced also at $499
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 12, 2006 at 09:25 PM
Good...will give Toshiba a run for its money  :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on May 16, 2006 at 09:10 PM
(http://www.i4u.com/images/2006/sony-ps3-60gb-20gb-hdd.jpg)

"To make sure your friends know you have the $599 priced Sony PS3, Sony has made the case design a bit different by adding a chrome colored edge. The Sony PS3 will launch in black."

Hmm...the first impression that we got PS3 is completely in silver or chrome color. :-[ Very pricey at the initial launch price...guess will have to play the "waiting" game.  :P

(http://www.ebgames.com/gs/ps3/ps3_system.jpg)(http://www.ebgames.com/gs/ps3/ps3_pic1.jpg)(http://www.ebgames.com/gs/ps3/ps3_pic2.jpg)(http://www.ebgames.com/gs/ps3/ps3_pic3.jpg)

                     
SYSTEM SPECS

                                     
CPU Cell Processor 3.2GHz AV Output  HDMI, A/V, Digital (Optical)
GPU RSX "Reality Synthesizer" Disc Media  DVD, Blu-ray, Backward compatible PS2 
Supported Resolution  480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p Communication  Ethernet, WiFi 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 
System Memory  256MB XDR Internal Storage Detachable 2.5" HDD slot
Controller  Bluetooth Wireless (up to 7 additional), Motion sensitive  I/O  MemoryStick, SD Memory, CompactFlash, USB 2.0 (4 ports) 

peace!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on May 16, 2006 at 09:59 PM
WOW!!  :o :o
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 16, 2006 at 11:45 PM
The only 3 words i can say:

Wow...wow.....& wow (translated into I WANT IT!!) :o   :-*
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on May 19, 2006 at 01:50 PM
Worth owning for 50T??
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 19, 2006 at 02:14 PM
Why 50k av_phile1? If that amount includes shipping, etc then no way consumers will simply buy it. Way too expensive :-[

If based on $600..around P32k...or let say around 38k range after considering freight cost, etc...still very high but probably only those with spare $$$ can consider it... ;D Either way, it's beyond my budget  :'(

Yeah I want it but got to play the waiting game first.... ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on May 19, 2006 at 03:08 PM
I think I saw an xbox 360 for 48T at SM appliance.  The PS3 is said to cost in the same price point.  If customs classify this as a luxury item and tax it accordingly, it would cost that much, won't it?  I see $130 price tags on PS2 these days, but they're still around 13T locally.  So maybe it's closer to 2x as a safe bet when translating dollar prices of electronic non-essentials into pesos.  ;D 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 19, 2006 at 03:32 PM
Whoa Xbox 360 selling at 48k? Gosh that's too much for a game console... :o If that's true bro, the seller is really taking advantage of gullible consumers.

The retail price of Xbox 360 is $400. If we import in by ourselves thru online, shipping is around $50. Even if we add up to 40% custom/tax...the final amount is still no way near 48k. Whilst PS3 higher end edition is at $600.

There's a possibility of PS3 would cost that much but as for Xbox 360 at 48K....that's something else mate.  :)
 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on May 19, 2006 at 04:40 PM

There's a possibility of PS3 would cost that much but as for Xbox 360 at 48K....that's something else mate.  :)
 
pricy mga game consoles sa SM.  Even the game titles of PS2 are way higher than other street prices.  One option is kung me kamag anak ka uuwi from the states.  Thats what im planning to do.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 19, 2006 at 05:28 PM
I just verified from a game shop seller. Xbox 360 is selling at 29k  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: macx on May 19, 2006 at 05:43 PM
Or you could try the sellers at pinoyxbox.com, they've got a lot of good deals there, some even selling for as low as 22k.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on May 19, 2006 at 06:43 PM
I just verified from a game shop seller. Xbox 360 is selling at 29k  :)
grabe ang mahal talaga sa SM
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aeris30 on May 19, 2006 at 06:58 PM
Sa Toykingdom sa Megamall ang Xbox 360 Japan version 29k...yung 48k na Xbox 360 US version...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 21, 2006 at 11:09 PM
I see...no wonder it's mahal...there are 2 versions pala...Gosg that's a huge difference, one at 20k+ & the other almost 50k (double!). What's the difference btw the Jap & US?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrid on May 21, 2006 at 11:30 PM
Baka naman ang Japan version, walang HD, then ang US version, may HD.  :) Two versions nga, maski sa US, with and without HD ang main difference and a couple of accesories.  ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: jojitv on Jun 09, 2006 at 11:13 AM
More Blu-ray vs. HD-DVD news!!

From Yahoo News!

PCs seen playing key role in HD-DVD vs Blu-ray war
By Doug Young
Tue Jun 6, 7:10 AM ET
 

TAIPEI (Reuters) - PCs are emerging as a battleground in the budding war between two technologies vying to be the standard for high capacity DVDs -- and take the lucrative mantle of next benchmark in optical storage.

The stakes are huge for one group led by Sony Corp. (6758.T), developer of the standard known as Blu-ray, and another led by Toshiba Corp. (6502.T), developer of the rival HD-DVD standard, with each party standing to reap a fortune in royalties if its candidate becomes the next industry standard.

Many liken the war to the 1980s battle over video cassette recording standards, which ultimately saw the VHS standard emerge the victor over Sony's Betamax.

Most attention to date has focused on a new generation of video players that can take advantage of up to 30 gigabytes of storage capacity -- six times the amount in current DVDs -- to show movies in high definition.

But PC makers will also be vital in deciding which standard ultimately wins, said Howard Locker, director of new technology at China's Lenovo Group Ltd. (0992.HK), the world's third biggest computer maker.

"The three major suppliers of the players of these new next generation discs will be the PC industry, consumer electronics and gaming machines," Locker said. "If you look at the volumes, PCs are now more than 50 percent of that total space, so we'll have a big say on who wins."

So far, however, most PC makers are refusing to take sides.

Lenovo itself is taking a wait-and-see approach, keeping its feet in both camps but committing to neither just yet.

Among other industry giants, Dell Inc. (Nasdaq:DELL - news), the world's biggest PC maker, has said it is committed to Blu-ray, while Hewlett-Packard Co. (NYSE:HPQ - news), the number two player, has said it will support both standards.

LEG UP

Taiwan's Acer Inc. (2353.TW) was showing four notebook models with HD-DVD drives this week in Taiwan at Computex, the world's second biggest computer show. But a spokeswoman said the company also plans to support Blu-ray when drives become available.

PC and optical disc makers at Computex said Sony could once again be behind the game, with its technology about a half year behind HD-DVD in terms of market readiness.

Like Acer, laptop specialist Asustek Computer Inc. (2357.TW) said it was planning to incorporate both standards into its models, but was only showing an HD-DVD-equipped laptop at the show.

"Right now we have no supply (of Blu-ray drives)," said Vicki Hsiao of the company's sales and marketing department. "We're expecting some this month."

She and others said PCs equipped with HD-DVD or Blu-ray will cost several hundred dollars more than comparably equipped models with DVD drives -- a factor that should keep sales relatively low this year as consumers wait for applications and video titles that can take advantage of the higher capacity.

CMC Magnetics Corp. (2323.TW), the world's largest maker of compact discs, was showing both Blu-ray and HD-DVD formats at Computex, but Chairman Bob Wong said Blu-ray was about six months behind HD-DVD.

But sales of both types of discs -- which now cost around $20 each but are expected to come down quickly as volume ramps up -- are expected to zoom next year as the disc drives find their way into more PCs and standalone video players.

"We've just started taking orders for these discs," Wong said.

Heres the link http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060606/tc_nm/opticaldiscs_dc;_ylt=AjvLDIiGcsoTeSv1dJMklzqs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3cjE0b2MwBHNlYwM3Mzg-

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jun 10, 2006 at 11:27 AM
Baka naman ang Japan version, walang HD, then ang US version, may HD.  :) Two versions nga, maski sa US, with and without HD ang main difference and a couple of accesories.  ;)

I checked the US version, it has no HD whatsoever...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jun 13, 2006 at 11:28 AM
Sa Toykingdom sa Megamall ang Xbox 360 Japan version 29k...yung 48k na Xbox 360 US version...

The 360 xbox I saw at SM appliance is priced just 1 peso short of 50T.  Must be a US version.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Jun 15, 2006 at 10:39 AM
theres already a new version of HDMI. its  HDMI 1.3.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/hdmi-spec-upgraded-to-support-deep-color-180393.php

HDMI President of Licensing Leslie Chard explains:
    “The color bit depth [of today’s displays] is typically 24-bits RGB - that gets you 16 million colors, and the human eye can distinguish that. That leads to scaling and onscreen effects which you can pick up. Either 36-bit or 48-bit RGB is beyond the ability of the human eye to distinguish.”





\"We have seen scaling, and it’s not all that pretty. In areas where there are subtle gradations of the same color, you can see bands of color across the screen. Beyond about 30-bit color, we can’t see the difference. Anyway, expect to see numerous products by the end of the year that support this HDMI 1.3 spec, and then colors will be far deeper than any of us can see. That’s great: pay extra, get a new product that supports something you can’t see. Sounds like a flea circus.\" – Charlie White
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jun 15, 2006 at 12:23 PM
That’s great: pay extra, get a new product that supports something you can’t see. Sounds like a flea circus.\" – Charlie White

It applies both in video and in audio where many pay more for something they can't really hear.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: slowhand on Jun 15, 2006 at 05:34 PM
Reports from the States say the first Blu-Ray Hi-Def DVD player the Samsung BD-P1000 has been seen at Best Buy stores.

(http://images.bestbuy.com:80/BestBuy_US/images/products/7772/7772822_sa.jpg)

Along with the following movies…

The Fifth Element
XXX
Hitch
House of Flying Daggers
The Terminator

The Sony BDP-S1 is scheduled to release on, or around August 15, and the Pioneer Elite BDP-HD1 has been pushed back to September.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: GM on Jun 21, 2006 at 06:08 AM
I grabbed the RCA HDV5000 HD-DVD Player last weekend (can't find Tosh HDA1 anywhere). It's basically the same hardware innards as Toshiba HD-A1. I've seen the Sammy BD-P1000 at BB last weekend and though I wanted to try it out, I can't shell $999 for that player :D

First impressions: The player is freakinly slow to bootup(just like what the others have experienced). I've read about this at avsforum(and here) but I never thought that it would be that slow(around 30-35 seconds). I'm pretty used to almost instant-on of my Sammy upscaler. I tried Serenity and Jarhead HD-DVDs (I have the DVD versions). You can see PQ difference (my display is a 50" plasma) but not that drastic(DVD is upscaled to 720p, HD-DVD is running in the same resolution as well).  there's a 1.3 firmware available for Tosh and I read that it can be used on RCA, so what the heck, I flashed my RCA and now, its Tosh branded  ;D No dramatic difference on my part, boot up speeds up a little (now its just around 20-30 secs tops)

i'm surprised on the number of titles that are currently available in HD-DVD format. I expected to see like less than 15 titles but right now, I have more than 10 in my Netflix queue(some of which were new releases like 16 blocks and Firewall) and it looks like a lot more is coming
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: baby on Jun 21, 2006 at 06:38 AM
I grabbed the RCA HDV5000 HD-DVD Player last weekend (can't find Tosh HDA1 anywhere). It's basically the same hardware innards as Toshiba HD-A1. I've seen the Sammy BD-P1000 at BB last weekend and though I wanted to try it out, I can't shell $999 for that player :D

First impressions: The player is freakinly slow to bootup(just like what the others have experienced). I've read about this at avsforum(and here) but I never thought that it would be that slow(around 30-35 seconds). I'm pretty used to almost instant-on of my Sammy upscaler. I tried Serenity and Jarhead HD-DVDs (I have the DVD versions). You can see PQ difference (my display is a 50" plasma) but not that drastic(DVD is upscaled to 720p, HD-DVD is running in the same resolution as well).  there's a 1.3 firmware available for Tosh and I read that it can be used on RCA, so what the heck, I flashed my RCA and now, its Tosh branded  ;D No dramatic difference on my part, boot up speeds up a little (now its just around 20-30 secs tops)

i'm surprised on the number of titles that are currently available in HD-DVD format. I expected to see like less than 15 titles but right now, I have more than 10 in my Netflix queue(some of which were new releases like 16 blocks and Firewall) and it looks like a lot more is coming
thanks for sharing bro.  We're still waiting here for the release of BD and HD-DVD.  Good thing it wasn't release here the same date as in the states.  At least we have a chance to copare , select and even look through the different reactions in different forums.  Congrats btw on your new toy. :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jun 21, 2006 at 07:36 AM
Funny the blu-ray discs were released earlier than the player.  Early blu-ray adopters have all the time to read the inserts!!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: baby on Jun 21, 2006 at 07:40 AM
Funny the blu-ray discs were released earlier than the player.  Early blu-ray adopters have all the time to read the inserts!!  ;D ;D
OO nga. ;D  Or take them to their friends house to show off.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jun 21, 2006 at 07:25 PM
he he  ;D

Maybe BD actually means "Best Delay"  :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: classicman on Jun 22, 2006 at 08:43 AM
not an auspicious debut for Blu-ray either.......here's an initial review from thedigitalbits:


"Well... I've had my first experience with Blu-ray Disc, and Samsung's BD-P1000 Blu-ray Disc player. For the record, I have four titles on hand... The Fifth Element and The Terminator (from Sony and MGM) and Lord of War and Crash  (from Lionsgate).

You know how I keep saying that these formats are being rushed to market about a year before they're ready? And you recall how hard I was on the HD-DVD camp for their klutzy launch and buggy hardware? And you know how I said that Blu-ray Disc looked like the superior format, at least on paper? Well... unfortunately, the Blu-ray camp has dropped a dud with their big launch too. Every bit as klutzy as HD-DVD. Think Clark Kent klutzy, or Gerald Ford klutzy, or Chevy Chase playing Gerald Ford klutzy.

Let's start with the Samsung player. Nice box, nice packaging. You pull the BD-P1000 out of said packaging and it looks pretty badass. Love the lines. It's a much nicer looking player than Toshiba's HD-A1, though it's lighter and feels a little less solid. The BD-P1000's remote is nicer too... not backlit unfortunately, but it feels better in your hand and the buttons are laid out more conveniently.

Connection via HDMI is pretty easy. You fire the BD-P1000 up and the first thing you notice is a sexy blue glow from the various openings on the player. Nice... except I have yet to find a dimmer. And it's just a little too bright, you know? Anyway... the player fires up very quickly. You get a welcome screen within about 5 seconds of power-on. BIG improvement over the Tosh HD-DVD player. You can load a disc after less then 30 seconds, also an improvement over the Tosh. I also like that when it's loading or thinking, you get a little onscreen icon to let you know, rather than just nothing. At least you feel like the thing is doing something. For whatever reason, the player defaults to 720p output via HDMI... you have to go into the setup menu to select 1080i. Okay, so that's what I did.

Now it's time to look at my first Blu-ray Disc. Naturally, my hand swerved towards The Fifth Element. The title was an amazing bit of reference work on standard DVD, and that Superbit version was awesome. Obvious choice, right? Should look amazing in HD. Yeah... it should. But it doesn't. In fact... I'm not going to come out and say it looks like crap, but it is easily the worst looking high-definition title I've seen yet, and I've seen 30+ titles now. The image is muddy looking, lacking in crisp, clean detail. The colors don't quite pop off the screen like they should. Just a mess. Okay... I will say it. It looks like crap. Sony should never have released this title like this. In fact, they should be embarrassed about this disc. Seriously, if you compare the upscaled Superbit standard-definition DVD to this, the Blu-ray Disc looks only marginally better. This should have been a reference title in high-def and it's not even in the ball park. My brow furrowed in troubled surprise at this point. Wow... and not the good kind.

Next, I tried The Terminator. A big improvement. This is easily the best quality I've ever seen The Terminator looking before. Still... it's a little bit soft and gritty looking, but then it's an older film and that's the nature of the film stock used. The disc is very good looking, but not blow-you-away good. In any case, this is probably not the best title to test the video quality of Blu-ray Disc, so let's move on.

Now these two Lionsgate titles... they're much better looking. Crash and Lord of War have significantly improved clarity, crisp yet clean detail, vibrant color... they're much more like what I expected Blu-ray Disc would look like. Both have a more film-like image. And yet...

There are some problems I'm seeing right away with all of the Blu-ray Disc titles on the BD-P1000. First, when I switch to 1080i, I'm noticing some very obvious scaling issues that I don't see when the player is set to 720p. I also don't see anything like this on the Toshiba HD-A1 at any resolution, so this is specific to THIS player, which may be why Samsung ships it with 720p set by default. Second, I'm noticing a very slight "studdering" problem. About once a second, or maybe once every few seconds, the video seems to hesitate for just a instant - a tiny fraction of a second. You notice it most when the images on screen are moving quickly, or when the camera is panning. It may be that this issue is related to the first. Still trying to figure out what I'm seeing here. Lionsgate's Lord of War was the title where I noticed it first, and I'll have to check them all before knowing whether it's just this title or all of the discs. Again, it's not something I've seen on any HD-DVD titles thus far.

By the way, I haven't tested the Samsung's standard DVD upconversion capability to any real degree yet. Just FYI.

If I had to compare my initial impressions of Blu-ray Disc to those of HD-DVD... well, I certainly need to see more Blu-ray titles and spend more time with the player. I'm really just giving you my initial, off-the-cuff comments, based on less than 10 hours of viewing time with the Samsung. It's worth noting that we've only seen one player for each format, so it's hard to say what issues are specifically related to the players, and what are format related. But right now... I think I may end up giving Round One of this format war to HD-DVD, and that surprises the hell out of me. Sure, that Tosh HD-DVD player was a lemon until the firmware upgrade, but it's worked like a charm since. And the first 25 or so HD-DVD discs I've viewed just look better overall than the first 4 Blu-ray Discs I've seen. The HD-DVDs also have a LOT more extra features than the Blu-ray Discs (even if you consider that most of the extras are recycled from standard DVD). For the record, Terminator on Blu-ray has 7 deleted scenes and 2 featurettes, recycled from standard DVD. Fifth Element has a pop-up trivia track, again from the standard DVD. The Lionsgate titles have nothing. I keep hearing these comments (both official and unofficial) from Blu-ray execs saying that they're leaving off the extras so they can give all the extra disc space over to the best video quality possible. Which tells me that Blu-ray is having major disc space problems. I've heard from more than a few industry sources that Blu-ray is having trouble getting the dual-layered BD media to work, which means that discs with lots of extras and good video quality aren't an option now. It also means that longer movies aren't an option now either. Both are problems for this format that don't seem to be troubling HD-DVD at the moment - at least not at first glance, based on the initial title offering.

What all of this goes to prove, of course, is just what I've been saying all along: These formats are being rushed to market before they're ready. And it also proves that the best option for the vast majority of you out there is just to save your money. Don't even bother with Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD for at least a year, because there are significant bugs to be worked out yet. Wait until better hardware and software is available at a better price, and the early adopter types have dealt with the problems and getting the manufacturers and studios to fix them. Anyway, I'll have more to say about Blu-ray Disc and the Samsung player in the next few days, as I spend a little more time with it. But so far, I'm less than impressed."


 8)
Title: Burning Questions: Blu-ray vs. HD DVD--Which Has the Early Edge?
Post by: jojitv on Jun 27, 2006 at 06:56 AM
from Yahoo! news

Blu-ray vs. HD DVD--Which Has the Early Edge?

There will not be differences in image quality between HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc movie content. Expect it to be tough to isolate which format is superior for delivering video, given the number of variables that come into play--including choices in the video codec, bit rate, and encoder used, not to mention whether you're viewing the output over analog or HDMI, on a display capable of 1080i or 1080p. There will be subtle differences. Sony plans to encode its first generation of discs in MPEG-2, while Warner and Universal's HD DVDs are using the VC-1 or MPEG-4 AVC codec. RCA's and Toshiba's HD DVD players output at 1080i (even though the movie discs are 1080p), while the first Blu-ray players from Pioneer, Samsung, and Sony all output at 1080p.

For more details, click here (http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20060620/tc_pcworld/126112;_ylt=AuClBZ6vV_dlm6RxxAuWmh6s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3cjE0b2MwBHNlYwM3Mzg-)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Jun 28, 2006 at 09:07 AM
Went to a Sony store awhile ago and they had a blue ray player connected to a 60" SXRD RPTV.All i can say is  :o! I saw a demo of Underworld:Evolution,Ultraviolet,Click and Narnia.Time to save up for a new HT setup.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jun 28, 2006 at 06:23 PM
Just dawned on me me that the video industry seems to be repeating the mistakes that the audio industry made.  I am referring to the high-end rift between DVD-A and SACD which ensured neither of them could succeed in supplanting the CD as the digital audio standard.   Now they are doing the same for high end high resolution video that is targetted to replace DVD.  And so far the reviews for either camp is anything but flattering. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Jun 28, 2006 at 10:06 PM
I'd still go for blue ray though since it has support for 1080p resolution.By the time i've saved enough for a 1080p capable TV probably in a couple of years,everything should clear up.I was leaning towards getting an HD-DVD drive for my XBOX 360 when it comes out but after seeing Underworld:Evolution in 1080p,man that demo just blowed me away.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: GM on Jun 29, 2006 at 07:15 AM
HD-DVD players will eventually support 1080p (first gen HD-DVD players may contain updated firmware to support 1080p output). contents for both BD and HD-DVD are encoded in 1080p/24, so that leaves to the player and the display to handle the resolution.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jun 29, 2006 at 07:34 AM
maybe in a year or two from now...we'll have a clearer picture who'll survive the format war... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: MAtZTER on Jun 29, 2006 at 09:45 AM
maybe in a year or two from now...we'll have a clearer picture who'll survive the format war... ;D ;D

So lets all enjoy our DVDs for the next year or two  :). Para sulit
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jun 29, 2006 at 10:28 AM
HD-DVD players will eventually support 1080p (first gen HD-DVD players may contain updated firmware to support 1080p output). contents for both BD and HD-DVD are encoded in 1080p/24, so that leaves to the player and the display to handle the resolution.

Read from one internet article that if your display can upconvert to 1080p, a player that outputs just 1080i is sufficient.  1080i contains ALL the video information to make it progressive in the upconversion process so nothing is lost. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: slowhand on Jun 29, 2006 at 11:10 AM
Just dawned on me me that the video industry seems to be repeating the mistakes that the audio industry made.  I am referring to the high-end rift between DVD-A and SACD which ensured neither of them could succeed in supplanting the CD as the digital audio standard. 

"In the war between DVD-A and SACD, the winner is...the iPod." - Bob Stuart, Meridian, creator of MLP

If we use this analogy pala, in the war between HD-DVD and Blu-Ray, the winner will be...BitTorrent.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Jun 29, 2006 at 09:26 PM
Read from one internet article that if your display can upconvert to 1080p, a player that outputs just 1080i is sufficient.  1080i contains ALL the video information to make it progressive in the upconversion process so nothing is lost. 


Yup,actually only a handful of 1080p marketed HDTVs has the capability of accepting true 1080p signals without having to upconvert.One of them is HP's MD6580n.Samsung,Mitsubishi and Westinghouse have units that can accept true 1080p signals through their computer inputs.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Jun 30, 2006 at 12:09 PM
Went to a Sony store awhile ago and they had a blue ray player connected to a 60\" SXRD RPTV.All i can say is  :o! I saw a demo of Underworld:Evolution,Ultraviolet,Click and Narnia.Time to save up for a new HT setup.

Which Sony store sir, if you dont mind?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Jun 30, 2006 at 07:46 PM
Which Sony store sir, if you dont mind?


I'm here in the U.S. Chicago area, Schaumburg Woodfield Mall.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jul 04, 2006 at 05:17 PM
To those who already have HD-DVD or Blu-Ray players, how do you connect the player audio to the receiver.  Do you use analog, S/PDIF or HDMI connection?   There are no receivers on earth that can yet decode DD+, HD-DTS and Dolby TrueHD.  So how? 

The HD-DVD players I hear, like the Tosh, downconvert these to DTS streams so you can use current receivers.  But this is a degradation of the high resolution sonics promised by the new formats. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Jul 04, 2006 at 05:53 PM

I\'m here in the U.S. Chicago area, Schaumburg Woodfield Mall.

yikes. akala ko nasa pinas ka sir.  he he he. I went to a sony store here yesterday. kaya pala wala ako makita. he he he.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Jude on Jul 13, 2006 at 11:14 PM
I've been avidly following the developments of the format war and HD-DVD is currently kicking Blu-ray's ass in almost every aspect: pricing, picture quality, and content. HD DVD players and discs are outselling Blu-ray players and discs by a huge margin, it's been getting difficult to find the players in stock since they're almost always sold out. The number of people returning their Blu-ray players has gotten so bad that retailer Best Buy has cut in half their usual 30 day return period to only 15 days (plus they charge you a 15% re-stocking fee) just for the Blu-ray player.

Here's an article from ProjectorCentral that pretty much sums things up.

Hi folks,

Many of you are closely watching developments in the face-off between HD-DVD and Blu-ray, the two competing high definition formats representing the future of disc-based digital video storage and playback. We have been experimenting with both formats since they were released, and have formulated some initial impressions, as follows:

HD-DVD as a format is performing beautifully. ProjectorCentral enthusiastically endorses HD-DVD for anyone who wants to experience a major step forward in video quality for a nominal cost. The Toshiba HD-A1 player is slower to load that anyone would like, and the non-backlit remote is difficult to get used to. But the picture is worth suffering through these quirks. HD-DVD represents a dramatic improvement in picture quality, and for $500 there is simply nothing else like it.

Blu-ray is, as of this moment, not as impressive. It delivers a noticeable improvement in image quality over standard DVD, but the difference is not as dramatic as HD-DVD. We believe that this is a short term problem related to the fact that Blu-ray discs are not yet being manufactured in their dual-layer, 50 GB configuration. With only one layer available, the maximum capacity of a Blu-ray disc is 25 GB, compared to 30 GB on the HD-DVD. Furthermore, the Blu-ray discs that have been release thus far are in MPEG-2, which is an old and inefficient video codec. The combined limitations of MPEG-2 and 25 GB of storage translate into a less than ideal image on the screen. HD-DVD's current storage capacity of 30 GB plus the use of the more efficient VC-1 codec produces a much more dramatic HD image. So we have the odd spectacle of the $500 HD-DVD player actually outperforming the $1000 Blu-ray player.

We believe Blu-ray's defects will be resolved and that eventually the image quality of Blu-ray will match that of HD-DVD. However, there is no reason to expect that Blu-ray will ever exceed the quality of HD-DVD. Contrary to widespread rumor, both formats will contain transfers of films in 1080p/24 resolution. As noted in an earlier article, the actual transmission of the signal in 1080i vs. 1080p is not going to produce any visible differences in image quality to the vast majority of users.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jul 14, 2006 at 08:00 AM
I say ROUND ONE TO HD DVD.  Blu-ray's hasty introduction comes up short and unprepared.  :)

an article from HD Digest:  BLU-RAY VS. HD DVD: ROUND ONE (click) (http://www.highdefdigest.com/feature_blu-ray_vs_hd_dvd_round_one.html)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jul 14, 2006 at 09:06 AM
Nice article Munskie....I agree with the report :)

Congrat to HD DVD on round one!  ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bayonic on Jul 14, 2006 at 10:17 AM
any ideas on when either players will be available for demo  in Manila ?


or baka naman may PinoyDVD member dyan na pwedeng mag pa demo ???? :):):)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jul 14, 2006 at 10:47 AM
Nice article Munskie....I agree with the report :)

Congrat to HD DVD on round one!  ;)
By ROUND TWO or yearend, where there will be numerous releases of HD DVD and BLU-RAY titles,  we will have a more clearer picture who goes ahead.  The release of Blu-ray equipped PS3 and 2nd wave of players(which I hope will be a lot better in terms of audio/video output, connectivity, functionality, efficiency and price) will also be determining factors in the race. 

If one format goes way ahead of the other, it will be easier for studios to cross the line and support the leading format... ;D  By that time I guess, upgrading will be an easier decision.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jul 15, 2006 at 09:50 AM
That's right. As for the PS3, the first gen could suffer similar bugs, etc. So it's safer to wait at least a year or two until the tech matures & all bugs are iron out.

All good things come to those who are patient  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jul 18, 2006 at 09:37 AM
Some more war news....

HD DVD backers to Launch $150 million Ad Campaign (click) (http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/news/show/HD_DVD_Backers_to_Launch_Massive_$150_Marketing_Blitz/134) :o :o 

It will feature a home theater truck......hehehe sana dito meron din...  ;D ;D which i doubt
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jul 18, 2006 at 11:52 AM
That's right. As for the PS3, the first gen could suffer similar bugs, etc. So it's safer to wait at least a year or two until the tech matures & all bugs are iron out.

All good things come to those who are patient  ;D

Very true. 

I am just a little uncomfortable about SONY banking on the success of its Blu-Ray to the PS3.  As if the psychographic and demographic profiles of the gaming market is the same as that of the high-definition HT market.    PS2 consoles also play DVDs, but I doubt if HT afficionados put the PS2 at the heart of their HT racks.   HT addicts who are gamers probably do.  But even so,  I am almost certain they also have a dedicated DVD player among the racks. 

The PS3 when it arrives will be the most expensive game console ever.  I am sure serious game addicts will not find that a problem.  The PS3 will be bought because of its games, assuming there'd be killer games meant to max the blu-ray format.  But I doubt if people will buy it because of its HD abilities.  Perhaps, it could if other Blu-ray players continue to be $500 pricier than HD-DVD players.  But when it arrives Christams 2006, with HD-DVD taking firmer market root, HD-DVD player  prices could start to plummet to below $300.   And SONY's argument will just fall apart.

SONY did learn from its Betamax experience.  They bought MGM and Columbia/tristar pictures.   And promptly embarked on another marketing war to dictate on the market what it should buy.  The hell with industry cooperation.  If only for this, I want them to eat the same dust they did with the betamax fiasco.    ;D  But don't get me wrong, i'm no SONY basher.  I like their Bravia LCDs, have a Sony jap surplus TV and use SonyEriccson cellphones.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: jojitv on Jul 19, 2006 at 09:51 AM
Disney Pushes Blu-ray Bar (http://www.homemediaretailing.com/news/html/breaking_article.cfm?sec_id=2&&article_ID=9390)  :-\

excerpts from the article

...“These are incredibly exciting times, since we are in an era where the consumer has growing control over the delivery of their entertainment choices, including packaged media,” Chapek said. “We are confident that the Blu-ray Disc will be the high-definition choice for the home entertainment future.”

Buena Vista’s expected announcement will make it the fourth studio to announce titles and release dates for Blu-ray, tipping the scale in favor of the Sony-developed format. Warner Home Video weighed in last week with four titles (see story, page 14), while Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Lionsgate have both been releasing product since late June.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrid on Jul 19, 2006 at 11:32 AM
Disney a company who once stated that would not somewhat support DVD is now supporting a new media.  ??? That's something!  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jul 19, 2006 at 01:50 PM
For me, the eventual release of LOTR and the Matrix in HD-DVD is enough incentive to go HD-DVD.  Disney pics can remain in the current DVD format for a long long while.  The kids are happy enough in that format.   Toy Story, Nemo, and a host of Pixar films are already quite gorgeous in upsampled DVD.   And there's only so much improvement and restoration you can do with old Disney anmation prints.  Snow White in blu-ray???  Ho- hum. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jul 24, 2006 at 09:00 AM
another reason to hold back that HD player purchase...

Samsung BD player has faulty chip..... click here (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Sony/Samsung/Hardware/Samsungs_Blu-ray_Player_Reportedly_Has_Faulty_Chip/144)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Jul 24, 2006 at 01:55 PM
Some more war news....

HD DVD backers to Launch $150 million Ad Campaign (click) (http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/news/show/HD_DVD_Backers_to_Launch_Massive_$150_Marketing_Blitz/134) :o :o 

It will feature a home theater truck......hehehe sana dito meron din...  ;D ;D which i doubt

Toshiba is our client and right now we are doing designs for the HD-DVD HT truck campaign here in dubai featuring their HD-DVD enabled laptop Qosmio. Its really a massive campaign to promote HD-DVD. Ill post pix when we finished this project (if theye approved our design proposition).
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: slowhand on Jul 25, 2006 at 07:04 AM
Denon is reportedly releasing an $800 HD-DVD player this year. NAD is supposed to be releasing a $1,000 HD-DVD player in November. It would be the first 1080p HDMI 1.3 HD-DVD player on the market, as well as the first player to do internal decoding of the high-end DTS codecs.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jul 25, 2006 at 10:10 AM
pag ba hdmi 1.3 na, di na sya compatible dun sa hdmi input ng mga PJ, say a panny ae900? :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Phobos on Jul 25, 2006 at 10:34 PM
And the winner is... (http://www.cracked.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=716)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Jul 26, 2006 at 06:04 PM
That's outrageously funny man!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jul 27, 2006 at 11:23 AM
Denon is reportedly releasing an $800 HD-DVD player this year. NAD is supposed to be releasing a $1,000 HD-DVD player in November. It would be the first 1080p HDMI 1.3 HD-DVD player on the market, as well as the first player to do internal decoding of the high-end DTS codecs.

Care to point to an internet site on these announcements?  Thanks.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: slowhand on Jul 28, 2006 at 06:40 AM
No Internet announcements as of this date (July 28). Newsbit comes from a U.S. dealer, so the info is still in the supply chain, not yet in the public domain.

The Denon is sparking some interest as customers seem to be happy with their recent-generation standard dvd players. Let's see what happens.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jul 28, 2006 at 09:20 AM
I surmise if a Denon HD DVD player comes out...its pricier than the Toshiba....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jul 28, 2006 at 01:16 PM
Another plus factor in favour of HD-DVD is that their dics don't carry region-coding as the players themselves are region-free.  Whereas Blu-Ray has.  At least for now. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: rascal101 on Aug 02, 2006 at 11:28 AM
Review on HD-DVD vs Blu-Ray ... http://www.highdefdigest.com/feature_blurayvshddvd_firstcomparison.html
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Aug 02, 2006 at 02:17 PM
Review on HD-DVD vs Blu-Ray ... http://www.highdefdigest.com/feature_blurayvshddvd_firstcomparison.html

just read it...ay naku...Bugbog na naman ang Blu-Ray.  In those three titles which has dual releases in HD DVD and Blu-Ray:  Training Day, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and Rumor Has It.........HD DVD was the winner in each face-off. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Aug 09, 2006 at 01:25 PM
A friend of mine went to cyberzone in MM. Infomax store have a demo of toshiba HD-DVD connected to a  pioneer plasma. Showing was Cinderella man.

He also saw Underworld BD and Last Samurai HD-DVD disc on display.

(http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/7377/image016cu7.jpg)

Might drop there later. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Aug 09, 2006 at 03:13 PM
A friend of mine went to cyberzone in MM. Infomax store have a demo of toshiba HD-DVD connected to a  pioneer plasma. Showing was Cinderella man.

He also saw Underworld BD and Last Samurai HD-DVD disc on display.

(http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/7377/image016cu7.jpg)

Might drop there later. 

That's cool, can you do a mini review after you demo the BD and HD-DVD comparison?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Aug 09, 2006 at 08:12 PM
wow...first commercial sightings......are they selling na the TOSH? details naman oh.... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Aug 10, 2006 at 10:21 AM
I Wasnt able to go there yesterday. :(

@kratos - only HD-DVD is on Demo.

@munskie - according to my friend, The size of the plasma is around 40-42 inches. They selling the tosh for P42K.  The width of the remote is normal, but the length is about 13-18 inches. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Aug 10, 2006 at 10:51 AM
I Wasnt able to go there yesterday. :(

@kratos - only HD-DVD is on Demo.

@munskie - according to my friend, The size of the plasma is around 40-42 inches. They selling the tosh for P42K.  The width of the remote is normal, but the length is about 13-18 inches. 
wow!!!!  42k? kaya its really expensive to be an early adopter, sa US its $499...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Aug 10, 2006 at 01:45 PM
just got back from infoMaxx.

They are still playing cinderella man as demo. I havent seen it yet on DVD I really cant compare, nevertheless heres my initial impression.

-though theyre playing the demo on a big screen (42" plasma). I can say the resolution is the same or a bit bitter than my 28" jap surplus tv
-around 5 feet away, I can see a little bit of noise on dark scenes.
- according to the lady the resolution is running on 1080p(?) maybe its 1080i.


addtional note:
-they have lots of BD and HDDVD disc on display, price is from P1600-P2100
-they also have a samsung BD player which is still on box. with a whooping price of P65.5K

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Aug 10, 2006 at 01:54 PM
yup, ur right, the resolution is 1080i, the Tosh HD DVD player still cant do 1080p output.....but discs I believe are already encoded in 1080p......as with user reviews, noticeable diffrence starts at larger screens, better kung projector ang gamit....

samsung BD player pricing in US is $1000k......the only way to go for their prices is down.....I hope... :)

at least me sighting na locally......by january, we'll have some good look who will be ahead by round two......round one won by HD DVD camp....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bayonic on Aug 10, 2006 at 07:37 PM
wow!!!!  42k? kaya its really expensive to be an early adopter, sa US its $499...

magkano kaya aabutin if you order online assuming they will ship to manila ?

499 + freight + taxes and duties ?



Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: baby on Aug 10, 2006 at 08:48 PM
magkano kaya aabutin if you order online assuming they will ship to manila ?

499 + freight + taxes and duties ?




Sadly.  Hindi pwede mag ship ng electronics form US to any other country.  May warranty kasi or may iba pang reason.  In other words.  Hindi pwede hardware. sofware lang pwede.  Pero Kung may magpapadala, pwede.  At hindi aabot sa 40k range.  Basta conceal lang ang box at huwag papadaan sa MCPO. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Aug 10, 2006 at 11:33 PM
according to a fellow pinoydvder....medyo hirap ang supply ng TOSh HD DVD....you might get a unit, pero black market, which will cost you more than the $499 tag price....mababa pa rin dun sa 42k local price indicated here...something like 36k including shipping ....though not shipped by seller but by relatives
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Aug 11, 2006 at 11:29 AM
Personally, Im not that satisfied with what I saw yesterday. Is this next gen just all hype?
I mean pq was great but not the 'ohhh' and 'ahhh'  i felt when I first saw DVD compared to VHS.

heres a comparison

VHS to DVD  = windows 3.1 to windows95

DVD to HD-DVD = windows95 to windows98



Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Aug 14, 2006 at 06:12 PM
Personally, Im not that satisfied with what I saw yesterday. Is this next gen just all hype?
I mean pq was great but not the 'ohhh' and 'ahhh'  i felt when I first saw DVD compared to VHS.

heres a comparison

VHS to DVD  = windows 3.1 to windows95

DVD to HD-DVD = windows95 to windows98

Maybe the demo you saw used smaller display kaya you didnt notice the difference. I belive you will notice the gain in PQ when viewing it in larger displays or PJ. But nevertheless this insight is very helpful.



Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Aug 14, 2006 at 06:55 PM
It's very deceiving in observing the PQ in HD. Lost of factors have to be taken into consideration as pointed out by other members. Disc source, type of HDTV, size, viewing distance, etc  ;)

Similar in comparison btw a sedan cheap Toyato & a luxury BMW...there's a BIG price & quality difference right? But for some people they're the same cos they're all cars & as long as they can travel from point A to point B, that's good enough. But for those who know how the quality difference must know first where to 'see"....the design, the engines, the power, the weight, the materials used, etc  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Aug 15, 2006 at 09:50 AM
From my 3 months experience with HD dvd, the difference in PQ and Audio quality is really huge, Take the case of The last Samurai, the etching pattern on their clothes are clearlly visible, the grass looks very natural and the color saturation is excellent. For 499 dollars the HD-A1 is a steal. I have 2 DVD players costing 3250 and 1600 US dollars respectively but they cannot keep up with the quality. The picture quality is determined by the weakest link in your system. I dont even care about the demo's in store because I know I can (in most cases) do a better job than they can. I do my own greyscale calibration and to see a video presentation with a uniform d65 color temperature at 20 to 100 IRE is exceptional.

If you will use a 842x480 plasma to display its capability then you are not doing justice to the source. It will look better but not exceptional. Now if you can use a display that can handle 720p or native 1080i then you are in for a treat.

As a general rule, if your display is 60 inch and below then you might see an improvement of 20% but as you go bigger, maybe 100 inch PJ, then the difference will not be suttle anymore.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Aug 15, 2006 at 10:02 AM
I dont know if this was posted already but the Toshiba HD players are heavy at 21 lbs. Shipping would range from around 100 to 180 dollars depending on the mode of transport
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Aug 15, 2006 at 11:51 AM
It's very deceiving in observing the PQ in HD. Lost of factors have to be taken into consideration as pointed out by other members. Disc source, type of HDTV, size, viewing distance, etc  ;)

Similar in comparison btw a sedan cheap Toyato & a luxury BMW...there's a BIG price & quality difference right? But for some people they're the same cos they're all cars & as long as they can travel from point A to point B, that's good enough. But for those who know how the quality difference must know first where to 'see"....the design, the engines, the power, the weight, the materials used, etc  ;D

Good analogy to defend the next-gen DVDs.

Isa sa major differences between the current gen DVD and the next-gen DVD is the surround format used, which according to the review (on the previous page of this thread), is much superior than DTS and DD. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Aug 15, 2006 at 04:22 PM
Isa sa major differences between the current gen DVD and the next-gen DVD is the surround format used, which according to the review (on the previous page of this thread), is much superior than DTS and DD. 

As pointed out by alvinthx2 & others with HD dvd, the difference in PQ and Audio quality is really huge as compared to our standard DVD but given time for the technology to mature & stabilize, I'd say it just getting better  :)

Similarly in audio, you'll need major upgrade to your sound system esp your AVR with the latest HDMI version to take full advantage of the new superior HD audio combined with good speakers system otherwise only mediocre results lang ;D

In short, our AV equipments play an important role too in order to fully enjoy the full glorious of HD. Tho I have a 720p display but until such time those bugs have been iron out, more HD movies release & eventually when the market price drop...then that's the time I might consider to jump into the back wagon (tho I'm tempted & dying to jump ship now) ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Aug 17, 2006 at 02:28 PM
Similarly in audio, you'll need major upgrade to your sound system esp your AVR with the latest HDMI version to take full advantage of the new superior HD audio combined with good speakers system otherwise only mediocre results lang ;D


There are many users of Toshiba HD players on the net that are using current HT audio gears.  There are still no AV gears in the market than can process the high resolution lossless Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD that will require the new HDMI ver 1.3 to carry the digital signals and only if the content makers will allow it.   And that's a big IF.  Content makers are apparently not interested in allowing this.  So the only way at the moment to experience the new audio formats is via multi-channel analog connection or via HDMI 1.1 from the player to the preamp/receiver.  The player decodes the native DolbyTrueHD, or DTS-HD and streams them as uncompressed  5.1 LPCM into your receivers via HDMI or multichannel analog. Otherwise, if you use S/PDIF connection, you'll get downconverted DTS streams (but at its highest bitrate of 1500+mbps )which the player re-encodes from the HD audio track.  And surprisingly, I heard neither the i-link nor d-link can carry these digital signals.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Aug 17, 2006 at 02:35 PM

They selling the tosh for P42K.  The width of the remote is normal, but the length is about 13-18 inches. 

Unless CHINA is given the technology to manufacture HD sets, I'm afraid HD players will not see their prices dropping to comparable levels as those generic DVD players.  Right now, the branded HD makers are not interested in sharing the technology to China, for fear of the repeat of the DVD player experinece that drove prices down to sub $50 mark last Christmas.  As such, even if the prices drop more later than sooner, I won't be surprised if HD players will settle eventually in the P20,000 mark even for an entry level one.  That's a far cry from the 4-5T levels among regular branded entry level DVD players.  Thanks to China flooding the world with generic DVD players that don't pay hardware royalties.  This time, it could be an entirely different ball game.  HD could very well be a niche player  reserved only to the high-end moneyed class.   And with HD titles hovering in the 2T - 2.5T  mark per, with no cheap pirated titles ever, I doubt if the ordinary joe will let go his DVDs for HD titles. 
Title: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray: And the Winner is ... No One
Post by: pchin on Aug 17, 2006 at 09:57 PM
HD DVD vs. Blu-ray: And the Winner is ... No One

http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/articles/2006/08/hd_dvd_vs_blu-r.php  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Aug 18, 2006 at 02:20 PM
An AV forum member elsewhere opined that the format winner will be determined by which one has the most number of PORNO titles.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Aug 18, 2006 at 03:24 PM
Just read a news article that Toshiba has licensed HD-DVD technology to a number of CHinese manufactuers to make low-cost HD-DVD players.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/10/20/business/dvd.php

This is in direct contrast to SONY and Matsus**ta's snooty attitude against licensing their Blu-ray technologies to Chinese makers as this could undercut their profits and R&D investments.  My hats off to Toshiba for doing the right thing and not following the business line.  For sure, making HD-DVD players in large numbers the way China did for DVD will bring down the player cost to mass market levels and thus ensure the format's faster acceptance to a larger market segment.  This will certainly undercut Toshiba's R&D inveestment and compete with their own products but in the long run, with a larger market share, Toshiba's HD-DVD format should win out.

Unless SONY catches up and does the same, I hazard to opine that with this move from Tosh, the War just ended. 

This format war is really a marketing war, not a product technology war.  It reminds me that the Betamax was said to be a superior product technically but lost out to VHS because the latter was able to satisfy the market with 2-hour movies faster and in droves.  Now, SONY is about to repeat history by losing sight of the fact that this is not about technology.  It is about satisfying the market and giving value for the price they pay.   It is plain that both formats can deliver the pic and sound quality for high definition video and sound.  It is now all about allowing as much of the market to benefit from that technology.  At a price the majority can afford and reasonable for them to replace their DVD collection with, if at all. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Aug 18, 2006 at 08:20 PM
An AV forum member elsewhere opined that the format winner will be determined by which one has the most number of PORNO titles.   ;D

hehe nice one  ;D Meanwhile my hat off to Toshiba for licensing HD-DVD technology to a number of Chinese manufactuers  8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: MAtZTER on Aug 22, 2006 at 01:34 PM
hehe nice one  ;D Meanwhile my hat off to Toshiba for licensing HD-DVD technology to a number of Chinese manufactuers  8)


oooh, maybe they might have a good cheap release HD-DVD player in HK by the end of the year  :)

Exciting.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: 5Speed on Aug 22, 2006 at 01:41 PM

oooh, maybe they might have a good cheap release HD-DVD player in HK by the end of the year  :)

Exciting.

Actually meron na sa HMV....pero kokonti pa lang ang titles.... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Aug 22, 2006 at 01:56 PM

oooh, maybe they might have a good cheap release HD-DVD player in HK by the end of the year  :)

Exciting.

Don't bet on that yet.  If I go by the DVD experience, it took China some time to reach critical mass to flood the world with cheap generic DVD players only starting in 2002 - a good 5 years after the intro of DVD in 97.  After that the prices went downhill pretty fast culminating in christmas of  2005 with $30 DVD players at Wallmart - 8 years after the DVD debut.  It may be shorter this time though but I doubt it wlll happen that soon. 

Also, generic DVD players never paid a single cent to the DVD consortium.  This time, the agreement with Toshiba required such payment to Toshiba.  So I doubt if the cheapest HD-DVD player that China can make can match the price levels of the cheapest DVD generics we now enjoy.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Aug 24, 2006 at 09:49 AM
BLU-RAY vs HD DVD:  An Early Update on ROUND 2

click here (http://reviews.cnet.com/4531-10921_7-6623572.html)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 01, 2006 at 09:21 PM
I had earlier opined a prediction that the HD format war just ended with China DVD makers being licensed to make low cost HD-DVD from Toshiba. WHile the Sony camp maintains its snooty attitude.   But I guess there's more than one way to end this war before it even heats up.  ;D

Pioneer is planning to unveil a HYBRID DRIVE that can play both formats.  Read here:

http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.aspx?NewsId=17880

I knew this would be possible but I didn't expect it to be this soon.  In the same way that Universal DVD Players allowed combating SACD and DVD-A high res audio formats to co-exist, I see no reason why a similar universal player concept won't do the same for the competing high def video formats.  So consumers can just pick the title they want regardless of which format it's on.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 04, 2006 at 12:27 PM
In one AV forum, a poster said he didn't like BluRay discs because if you pronounced it fast enough, it gets to sound like Blurry disc.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Sep 04, 2006 at 10:05 PM
Movies 'the key' ;D ;D

Backers of the rival formats have been reluctant to concede any ground in the battle to emerge on top in the HD video market.

 
The backers of Blu-ray hope Sony PS3 will boost its reach
Both formats offer greatly increased storage capacity, compared with traditional DVD players, to cope with the huge sizes of video encoded for new high definition TVs and displays.

But while HD-DVD discs can contain up to 30GB of data, backers of Blu-ray boast that their discs can store even larger files, of up to 50GB.

Analysts and manufacturers say that deals with film studios may hold the key to winning the emerging contest between the two formats.

While Toshiba showed off its new HD-DVD machines at IFA in Berlin, Hollywood giant Twentieth Century Fox gave Blu-ray a boost by announcing plans to release films for that format only.

"We have no plans to release on HD-DVD. Consumer-wise Blu-ray is the best proposition," said Mike Dunn, global president of home entertainment for the studio.

Time Warner also announced plans to release films on Blu-ray, Reuters reported.

Only three of the major studios have said they will release movies in HD-DVD formats.

Seven studios are releasing their movies on Blu-Ray. Two of those studios overlap. If you want to watch a Universal movie (King Kong, Apollo 13, Back to the Future, E.T.),  that movie will only be available in High Def on HD DVD. Conversely, if you want to see a 20th Century Fox, Sony, Tristar, Columbia, MGM, UA, or Disney Movie (Star Wars, Alien, The Fifth Element, The Big Chill, Ghostbusters, James Bond franchise, Species, Rocky, Pink Floyd The Wall, 2001 - A Space Odyssey, The Last Waltz, Harry Potter franchise, Chronicles of Narnia franchise), you'll have to go with Blu-Ray. Warner/New Line and Paramount (The Matrix franchise, Batman franchise, Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, Lord of the Rings franchise, Friday the 13th franchise, Mission: Impossible franchise, Jack Ryan franchise) are coming out on both formats.

But Yoshihide Fujii, Toshiba's digital consumer chief, raised doubts that most Hollywood films would require the greater storage capacity of Blu-ray discs.

"The question is: who needs this," he told Reuters, referring to Blu-ray's capacity.

He said the rival formats could continue to co-exist, but conceded that the major film studios could make or break either format.

Porn industry may decide battle between Blu-ray, HD-DVD   :o :o

Just as in the 1980s, when the Betamax and VHS video formats were battling it out for supremacy, the pornography industry will likely play a major role in determining which of the two blue-laser DVD formats -- Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD -- will be the winner in the battle to replace DVDs for high-definition content.

Ron Wagner, director of IT operations at E! Entertainment Television Inc. in Los Angeles, said his company has already chosen the Blu-ray Disc format, in large part because of talk in the porn industry favoring it over rival HD-DVD.

Wagner said that while attending last year’s National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) annual conference in Las Vegas, more than one panel discussed “several major players in the porn industry going the Blu-ray route.” He said the rivalry between Blu-ray and HD-DVD was also the buzz around NAB 2006 last month.

“If you look at the VHS vs. Beta standards, you see the much higher-quality standard dying because of [the porn industry’s support of VHS],” he said. “The mass volume of tapes in the porn market at the time went out on VHS.”

E! Entertainment is using Blu-Ray discs primarily for Sony Corp.’s XDCam applications for acquisition of television programming materials. The television network, which has more than 85 million subscribers to its celebrity gossip and entertainment news, said it is not considering optical formats for long-term data archiving but will stick with magnetic tape for now.

The pornography industry, which generates an estimated $57 billion in annual revenue worldwide, has always been a fast leader when it comes to the use of new technology, according to analysts.

Porn studio Digital Playground Inc., which claims to have produced the largest number of high-definition movies in the industry over the past three years, said it is choosing Blu-ray Disc for all of its “interactive” videos because of its greater capacity. It also selected Blue-ray because Sony chose the format for its PlayStation 3 (PS3) box, due out in November.

The co-founder of Chatsworth, Calif.-based Digital Playground, who goes by the one-word name “Joone,” said the fact that Sony chose Blu-ray guarantees his studio an instant home audience.

“PlayStation 3 is going to be the Trojan horse that will get a lot of numbers into the home theater systems -- the living rooms,” said Joone, who is also a movie director. “Technology-wise, we’ve chosen Blu-ray, which doesn’t mean we won’t support both formats ... but as far as having really cool technology and a lot of storage for future-proof, Blu-ray is a good format.”

Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD are the new optical-disc formats that are positioned as replacements for DVDs with high-definition content.

Blu-ray is not only backed by entertainment giant Sony, but Panasonic Corporation of North America, LG Electronics Inc., Philips Electronics NV and movie studios The Walt Disney Co. and Fox Filmed Entertainment. Blu-ray offers storage up to 50GB capacity, or up to nine hours of high-definition content. In contrast, HD-DVD has 30GB capacity and is supported by companies including Toshiba Corp., NEC Corp. and Warner Home Video Inc.

Paul O’Donovan, an analyst at Gartner Inc., said pornography’s support of either DVD format will be a “strong factor” to the uptake of the technology by the general marketplace, but even more critical is Sony’s adoption of the technology.

O’Donovan said even though the Blu-ray format will be more expensive initially and will come after that of HD-DVD, the sheer support it is receiving from the entertainment industry, including pornography studios, will catapult it to a victory within a range of 18 months to five years.


Steve Hirsch, head of the adult film studio Vivid Entertainment Group, said he’s currently using the HD-DVD format because it was the first to be available, but his studio will begin burning to the Blu-ray format as soon as it’s available.

“The adult industry has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to technology. We don’t have any theatrical distribution issues, nor do we have 'big box' retailers, like Wal-Mart and Blockbuster, to cater to. We’re forced to find distribution wherever we can,” Hirsch said.

Hirsch, who founded Vivid Entertainment in 1984, said the porn industry -- just as in the 1980s -- will have a big influence on the outcome of the latest high-definition video-format wars. In the 1980s, Hirsch said VHS tapes started selling for $50 a piece, and Betamax sold for $55. “Therefore, we pushed VHS harder, and in that sense, we did have something to do with VHS winning out,” said Hirsch, whose studio pulls in an estimated $100 million in revenue a year.

“It was the adult industry who jumped right in and were putting movies on both VHS and Beta. We pushed the actual technology more than anyone else,” he said. “The adult industry has always been ahead when comes to technology.”

But not everyone believes the format war will be determined by the porn industry. Steve Duplessie, founder of research firm Enterprise Strategy Group Inc. in Milford, Mass., and a Computerworld columnist, said the porn industry’s influence over the fate of VHS and the upcoming high-definition DVD formats is overstated. Duplessie said VHS ultimately won over Betamax because Betamax was a proprietary format owned by Sony, while VHS was more open.

“I love the whole pornography concept simply because porn is still the No. 1 money-making use of the Internet," he said. "But I don’t believe the porn industry will drive the format. Like any other industry, it will supply what the consumer wants."





Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 04, 2006 at 10:34 PM
From hereon, Blu ray has to catch up with HD-DVD.  Notwithstanding more studio support for BD, there are now more than twice the number of HD-DVD titles than Blu-ray titles.   
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Sep 05, 2006 at 08:34 AM
Just read a news article that Toshiba has licensed HD-DVD technology to a number of CHinese manufactuers to make low-cost HD-DVD players.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/10/20/business/dvd.php

This is in direct contrast to SONY and Matsus**ta's snooty attitude against licensing their Blu-ray technologies to Chinese makers as this could undercut their profits and R&D investments.  My hats off to Toshiba for doing the right thing and not following the business line.  For sure, making HD-DVD players in large numbers the way China did for DVD will bring down the player cost to mass market levels and thus ensure the format's faster acceptance to a larger market segment.  This will certainly undercut Toshiba's R&D inveestment and compete with their own products but in the long run, with a larger market share, Toshiba's HD-DVD format should win out.

Unless SONY catches up and does the same, I hazard to opine that with this move from Tosh, the War just ended. 

This format war is really a marketing war, not a product technology war.  It reminds me that the Betamax was said to be a superior product technically but lost out to VHS because the latter was able to satisfy the market with 2-hour movies faster and in droves.  Now, SONY is about to repeat history by losing sight of the fact that this is not about technology.  It is about satisfying the market and giving value for the price they pay.   It is plain that both formats can deliver the pic and sound quality for high definition video and sound.  It is now all about allowing as much of the market to benefit from that technology.  At a price the majority can afford and reasonable for them to replace their DVD collection with, if at all. 

Sony is already well versed regarding format wars. Thats why they bought out some of the movie studios so they can get their hands on the software needed. You cannot blame some of the manufacturers for being protective over their investment. After spending billions, you do expect to get a windfall.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 05, 2006 at 08:55 AM
True,  And that's what puts Toshiba and the HD-DVD camp at a higher moral level in my eyes.  Their move to license the Chnese to put out low cost HD-DVD players defies typical business prudence in favour of the consumer. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Sep 05, 2006 at 08:58 AM
Sony is already well versed regarding format wars. Thats why they bought out some of the movie studios so they can get their hands on the software needed. You cannot blame some of the manufacturers for being protective over their investment. After spending billions, you do expect to get a windfall.
I guess we can say that coz Sony is 0-1 when it comes to format wars..... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Sep 06, 2006 at 09:11 AM
We can give credit to Sony and Philips for the CD though.
They both invented CD 25 years ago.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: edboy7 on Sep 06, 2006 at 11:12 AM
upcoming Bluray titles all with Lossless dts ;)
(http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/9030/foxbluray2ph5.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
 some details that caught my attention :)
-Kingdom Of Heaven (Director's Cut): To accommodate the full 3 hour and 42 minute run time of Ridley Scott's Director's cut version of his epic masterpiece is one of the industry's first dual-layer BD releases and is authored in HDMV presented with DTS HD Lossless Master Audio.
 -The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: One of the industry's most advanced BD releases, it is authored in BD-J with DTS HD Lossless Master Audio and AVC (MPEG 4 compression) and includes commentaries by the cast and crew, a unique search index which allows the viewer to sort scenes from the movie into 72 categories ranging from actor (e.g., Shane West, Sean Connery) to character (e.g., Allan Quarterman, Agent Tom Sawyer) to locations (e.g., Paris, Venice), among others. Additional features include an interactive first person shooter game boasting 12 unique play modes, up to 99 bookmarks, an animated pop-up trivia track, and HD trailers of upcoming BD releases.


 Hoping that Pioneer will come up with the universal hd player ;D parang dvd-audio/sacd lang yan e ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Sep 06, 2006 at 11:41 AM
umiinit na nga ang labanan na ito.....

heto medyo humahabol na ang Blu Ray in terms of number of titles released

Blu-ray Closing the Gap with HD DVD? (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Industry_Forecasts/Blu-ray_Closing_the_Gap_with_HD_DVD/217)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 06, 2006 at 12:02 PM
BD is still using the older MPEG4 AVC which accdg to many forums is inferior to the VC-1 codec used in HD-DVD.  Sony will most likely insist on the MPEG4 because VC-1 is a Microsoft product and MS is allied to HD-DVD.  Although Warner will release in VC-1 for boths its HD-DVD and BD titles.   Makes economic and business sense,  you only need to produce one master for both formats.   ;D

There has been a miss-call from the pioneer camp saying it never said it will release hybrid players to play both formats.  False alert here.  So the war continues.  As they say, bring it on.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: edboy7 on Sep 06, 2006 at 12:37 PM
older? but not inferior  to some who works with both ;)
A simple question: which is the best codec for the HD, H264 or VC1 (WMV9)?

"The answer is much less. Then to try to see there a little more clearly, I went to see in turn, people of APPLE who presented QuickTime 7, idem at Microsoft for the VC1 and to finish, the various partners present on the stand of the AVC Alliance (which gathers 46 editors and manufacturers).

At APPLE, one says to me: H264 gives a better quality of image than the VC1 for the same flow, or a result identical for 10 to 20 % less flow. For them, the true advantage of H264 is that it bénificit very many development tools and software compatible with QuickTime, additional H264 being only one codec.

At Microsoft, the answer is: the VC1 is very powerful (not comparison with QT7) and of very many development tools exist. When I asked them the question of compatibility with Mac, they returned me illico worms of the third solutions, Compression Master from Popwire and Flip4Mac from Telestream.

After these two visits, I was not gifts not much more advanced: - (

On the other hand, on the stand of the AVC Alliance, everyone agreed on these 2 points:

- H264 compresses indeed better than the VC1, but requires also more power CPU for decoding.
- H264 is supported by very many editors and manufacturers, of which 46 are members of the AVC Alliance whereas format WMV9 - VC1 is much more "owner"

But the true answer is this one: The choice between H264 and VC1 (WMV-9) is not technical, but political. The editors who are close to Microsoft will tend to propose the VC1 initially, but nothing will prevent them from being also compatible with H264. The question of the DRM is also important for the choice of one or the other of the formats, H264 does not have yet a system of compatible DRM, whereas Microsoft proposes its own DRM with those which wishes it... but it is not free...; -)"[
/i]

but then again... to see is to believe! ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 06, 2006 at 01:05 PM
My bad, MPEG2 not MPEG4.  The launch BD titles used MPEG2 which ate more disc space and was obviously inferior to the VC-1 used by HD-DVD launch discs.  Sony will definitely insist on the MPEG4 while the other camp will use VC-1.  But Warner will use VC-1 for both its HD-DVD and BD releases.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: taggart on Sep 06, 2006 at 02:25 PM
the war is still on alright!  this just in...(quote from bbcnews)..."Hollywood giant Twentieth Century Fox gave Blu-ray a boost by announcing plans to release films for that format only."

"We have no plans to release on HD-DVD.  Consumer-wise Blu-ray is the best proposition," said Mike Dunn, global president of home entertainment for the studio.

Time Warner also announced plans to release films on Blu-ray, Reuters reported.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Sep 06, 2006 at 02:59 PM
Hi av_phile.

I have read read from the net (specifically from ign posters) that Blu Ray is also capable of VC1 codec and will soon start to use it.

Kinda confuse me though why they are not implementing it on current blu ray releases.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 06, 2006 at 04:55 PM
True.  That's why I said Warner will be releasing their HD-DVD and BD discs in VC-1.  It's just that Sony and its Columbia/TriStar outfit I heard are not disposed to it.  But no prblem with the player decoding VC-1.  Eventually, if they see how efficient VC-1 is, they could start using it.  But that can be interpreted as short of surrendering to the Microsoft camp.  ;D  So they could be using MPEG4 AVC instead, which I heard eats more disc space than VC-1 for the same material.  But even that should be no problem, BD is supposed to have more disc capacity anyway. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Sep 06, 2006 at 05:21 PM
Pioneer has no current plans for HD-DVD/Blu-ray drives :'( :'(

On September first, we reported, along with many other websites, that Pioneer would provide hybrid, Blu-ray/HD-DVD blue laser drives, in the near future. This was of course very exciting news, however, sadly, it has turned out to be false.

We have received a mail this morning from a representative of Pioneer, he has told us stories originating during this years IFA in Berlin, were incorrect and do not reflect their current plans. The Pioneer representative, stated to CD Freaks that his standard response to this question: "Does Pioneer have any plans to support HD DVD?"  is as follows:

"Currently we have no plans to do so..... however, Pioneer will monitor the market situation with other formats and will "consider" to adopt those formats as and where the market is demanding it".

He went on to say that his comments to some press people at IFA have been taken totally out of context and that it has been concluded by themselves that Pioneer would be introducing HD DVD support into their 3rd generation BD writer model.

Pioneer has clarified the statement further by saying this..... "Currently we have no plans to do so....."  :-\ :-\
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 06, 2006 at 06:26 PM
Read this too in another forum,  Seems they were earlier misquoted.  It's just a matter of time though.  Multi laser pick-ups shouldn't be difficult to make. If not pioneer, there are others.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Sep 06, 2006 at 06:44 PM
More bad news for Sony... :-\ :-\

PlayStation 3 Euro launch delayed

The launch of Sony's long-awaited PlayStation 3 games console in Europe has been delayed until March 2007.

Ken Kutaragi, head of Sony's global computer entertainment division, said the machine would still be launched in November in the US and in Japan.

Mr Kutaragi blamed the European delay on problems in mass producing elements of the high-definition Blu-ray disc drives in the machines.  

Sony said it still aimed to ship six million new PlayStations by March.

But it halved its forecast for the end of 2006, saying just two million units would be shipped worldwide before the end of December.

Production problems meant that fewer machines than anticipated would be available for the launch in Japan and the US, Mr Kutaragi said.
 
Speaking at Sony's global headquarters in Tokyo, Mr Kutaragi apologised for the delays to the PlayStation 3 launch.

But he said Sony had decided to focus on the US and Japan in the run-up to Christmas.

"I am so sorry not to be able to answer all the expectations," he said.

Christmas disappointment

The delay means Microsoft's Xbox 360, which was launched last year, will enjoy another Christmas without facing a challenge from Sony in Europe.

Nintendo's Wii console is also scheduled for a worldwide release this autumn, although no firm date has been set.

Ray Maguire, senior vice president and managing director of Sony UK, said: "We are extremely disappointed at news of this delay, and can truly empathise with everyone who was looking forward to PS3's imminent release.

"We will however be working tirelessly to ensure that the March 2007 launch, is the biggest and best in the company's history."

On Wednesday Sony began introducing UK retailers to the new games console.

Some were hoping to begin taking pre-orders for the console from the middle of September.

Tim Ellis, head of games for HMV, said the delay was a disappointment for gamers and for retailers, who had been waiting for the launch for much of 2006.

"It also presents a major opportunity to Microsoft to consolidate Xbox's position in the market, while Nintendo have a great chance to launch and firmly establish Wii," Mr Ellis added.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 07, 2006 at 07:19 AM
At the rate Sony is missing on its promises over the last 12 months and disappointing eager markets, one woud think heads should start rolling, either in their PR department, Inventory management department or the planning department.  It is clear, some sony HQ people goofed. Elementary contingency planning, resource planning and inventory management planning with the proper coordination with marketing and the PR departments would have prevented such embarrassing delays that have given the other camp a clear advantage.

But without heads rolling, Sony seems to be deliberately delaying in order to whet the market appetite for the PS3. ;D  A marketing ploy that can easily backfire.  They should not underestimate a disappointed consumer.  Then again, the market has a collective patience that's quite admireable.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 07, 2006 at 07:39 AM
Titles on HD-DVD as of Sept 5, 2006

• 16 Blocks (Warner)
• Aeon Flux (Paramount)
• Apollo 13 (Universal)
• Assault on Precinct 13 (Universal)
• ATL (Warner
• Blazing Saddles (Warner)
• The Bone Collector (Universal)
• The Bourne Supremacy (Universal)
• Caddyshack (Warner)
• The Chronicles of Riddick (Universal)
• Cinderella Man (Universal)
• Constantine (Warner)
• Doom (Universal)
• Dukes of Hazzard (Warner)
• Enter the Dragon (Warner)
• Firewall (Warner)
• Four Brothers (Paramount)
• Friday Night Lights (Universal)
• The Fugitive (Warner)
• Full Metal Jacket (Warner)
• Good Night, and Good Luck (Warner)
• Goodfellas (Warner)
• Happy Gilmore (Universal)
• The Italian Job (2003) (Paramount)
• Jarhead (Universal)
• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (Warner)
• Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (Paramount)
• The Last Samurai (Warner)
• Lethal Weapon (Warner)
• The Manchurian Candidate (2004) (Paramount)
• Million Dollar Baby (Warner)
• National Lampoon's Animal House (Universal)
• The Perfect Storm (Warner)
• The Phantom of the Opera (2004) (Warner)
• Pitch Black: Unrated Director's Cut (Universal)
• Ray (Universal)
• Rumor Has It... (Warner)
• The Rundown (Universal)
• Sahara (Paramount)
• The Searchers (Warner)
• Serenity (Universal)
• Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (Paramount)
• Sleepy Hollow (1999) (Paramount)
• Spy Game (Universal)
• Swordfish (Warner)
• Syriana (Warner)
• Training Day (Warner)
• U2: Rattle & Hum (Paramount)
• U-571 (Universal)
• Unforgiven (Warner)
• Unleashed (Universal)
• Van Helsing (Universal)
• We Were Soldiers (Paramount)

HD-DVD Titles scheduled for release

September 12, 2006
• House of Wax (2005) (Warner)
• Lethal Weapon 2 (Warner)
• Red Dragon (Universal)
• Seabiscuit (Universal)
• Space Cowboys (Warner)
• That's the Way of the World (BCI)
• Traffic (Universal)
• Troy (Warner)

September 19, 2006
• Backdraft (Universal)
• Dazed & Confused (Universal)
• End of Days (Universal)
• Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas (Universal)
• Galaxina (BCI)
• Golgo 13 (BCI)
• Land of the Dead (Universal)

September 26, 2006
• The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) (Warner)
• The Dirty Dozen (Warner)
• The Fast and the Furious (Universal)
• 2 Fast 2 Furious (Universal)
• The Fast and the Furious: Toyko Drift (Universal)
• Grand Prix (Warner)
• The Lake House (Warner)
• Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (Warner)

October 3, 2006
• The Pat Metheny Group: The Way Up (Eagle Rock)

October 10, 2006
• Army of Darkness (Universal)
• Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Universal)
• Waist Deep (Universal)

October 17, 2006
• The Break-Up (Universal)

October 24, 2006
• 12 Monkeys (Universal)
• The Interpreter (Universal)
• Out of Sight (Universal)
• The Thing (1982) (Universal)
• Slither (Universal)
• Spartacus (Universal)

October 30, 2006
• Mission: Impossible III (Paramount)
• Mission: Impossible - Ultimate Missions Collection (Paramount)

November 7, 2006
• Barry Manilow Live! (Image Entertainment)
• Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire: Live at the Greek Theatre (Image Entertainment)
• Heart: Alive in Seattle (Image Entertainment)
• The Sopranos: Season Six, Part One (HBO)

November 14, 2006
• Hulk (Universal)
• King Kong (2005) (Universal)
• Waterworld (Universal)

December 5, 2006
• Poseidon (Warner)

Street Date To Be Announced
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Warner)

Release Dates Pending

The following titles are planned for release in the HD DVD format (as indicated by press release or previous public statements made by the distributor), but release dates have not been announced:

 • 2001: A Space Odyssey (Warner)
• Above the Law (Warner)
• Accepted (Universal)
• Alexander (Warner)
• American Pie (Unrated) (Universal)
• American Pie Presents: A Naked Mile (Universal)
• An American Werewolf in London (Universal)
• Angels in America (HBO)
• Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (New Line)
• The Aviator (Universal)
• Awake (Weinstein Co.)
• Band of Brothers (HBO)
• Batman Begins (Warner)
• Bikini Destinations (Magnolia)
• The Black Dahlia (Universal)
•Black Rain (Paramount)
• Blade (New Line)
• Blade Runner (Warner)
• The Blues Brothers(Universal)
• Braveheart (Paramount)
• The Breakfast Club (Universal)
• Breaking and Entering (Weinstein Co.)
• Bubble (Magnolia)
• Casino (Universal)
• Catwoman (Warner)
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Warner)
• A Clockwork Orange (Warner)
• Coach Carter (Paramount)
• Conan the Barbarian (Universal)
• Contact (Warner)
• The Corpse Bride (Warner)
• Dante's Peak (Universal)
• Dark City (New Line)
• Deadwood: Season One (HBO)
• Decameron (Weinstein Co.)
• The Deer Hunter (Universal)
• Derailed (Weinstein Co.)
• The Dirty Harry Collection (Warner)
• Dune (1985) (Universal)
• Elizabethtown (Paramount)
• Eraser (Warner)
• Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (Magnolia)
• Executive Decision (Warner)
• Eyes Wide Shut (Warner)
• Jet Li's Fearless (Universal)
• Field of Dreams (Universal)
• Final Destination (New Line)
• Forbidden Planet (Warner)
• Forrest Gump (Paramount)
• Friday (New Line)
• Friends: Season One (Warner)
• From the Earth to the Moon (HBO)
• Ghost (Paramount)
• Gothika (Warner)
• Grease (Paramount)
• The Green Mile (Warner)
• Grind House (Weinstein Co.)
• Hard to Kill (Warner)
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Warner)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Warner)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Warner)
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas(Universal)
• Idlewind (Universal)
• Killshot (Weinstein Co.)
• Last Legion (Weinstein Co.)
• The Lemon Drop Kid (Universal)
• The Libertine (Weinstein Co.)
• Lucky Number Slevin (Weinstein Co.)
• The Maltese Falcon (Warner)
• The Mask (New Line)
• The Matador (Weinstein Co.)
• The Matrix (Warner)
• The Matrix Reloaded (Warner)
• The Matrix Revolutions (Warner)
• Maverick (Warner)
• Meet the Parents (Universal)
• Miami Vice (2006) (Universal)
• Mission: Impossible (Paramount)
• Mission: Impossible 2 (Paramount)
• Mrs. Henderson Presents (Weinstein Co.)
• The Mummy (Universal)
• The Music Man (Warner)
• Mutiny on the Bounty (Warner)
• Mystic River (Warner)
• Next of Kin (Warner)
• North by Northwest (Warner)
• Ocean's Eleven (Warner)
• Ocean's Twelve (Warner)
• Out of Sight(Universal)
• Passenger 57 (Warner)
• Passion of the Clerks (Weinstein Co.)
• The Player (New Line)
• The Polar Express (Warner)
• Pulse (Weinstein Co.)
• Red Planet (Warner)
• The Return (Universal)
• Rush Hour (New Line)
• Save the Last Dance (Paramount)
• Scary Movie 4 (Weinstein Co.)
• School of Rock (Paramount)
• School for Scoundrels (Weinstein Co.)
• Scoop (Universal)
• The Scorpion King (Universal)
• Se7en (New Line)
• The Shining (1980) (Warner)
• Shuttle Discovery's Historic Mission (Magnolia)
• Sin City 2 (Weinstein Co.)
• Soldier (Warner)
• Son of Paleface (Paramount)
• Spawn (New Line)
• Spongebob Squarepants: The Movie (Paramount)
• Star Trek: First Contact (Paramount)
• Superman Returns (Warner)
• Superman: Ultimate Collector's Edition (Warner)
• TransAmerica (Weinstein Co.)
• Twister (Warner)
• The Ultimate Star Trek Collection (Paramount)
• Under Siege (Warner)
• Unleashed (Universal)
• U.S. Marshals (Warner)
• Vanilla Sky (Paramount)
• Vengeance of the Zombies (BCI)
• The War Within (Magnolia)
• Wild Wild West (Warner)
• Wolf Creek (Weinstein Co.)
• You, Me & Dupree (Universal)
• Young Hannibal (Weinstein Co.)

http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/currentlist.html
http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/releasedates.html

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 07, 2006 at 07:44 AM
Titles on Blu ray as of Sept 5, 2006

• 50 First Dates (Sony)
• Basic Instinct 2 (Sony)
• The Benchwarmers (Sony)
• Blazing Saddles (Warner)
• Crash (Lionsgate)
• The Devil's Rejects (Lionsgate)
• The Fifth Element (Sony)
• Firewall (Warner)
• Full Metal Jacket (Warner)
• Good Night, and Good Luck (Warner)
• Hitch (Sony)
• House of Flying Daggers (Sony)
• Into the Blue (Sony)
• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (Warner)
• The Last Waltz (MGM)
• Lethal Weapon (Warner)
• Lord of War (Lionsgate)
• Memento (Sony)
• The Punisher (Lionsgate)
• Rumor Has It... (Warner)
• RV (Sony)
• Saw (Lionsgate)
• Silent Hill (Sony)
• Species (MGM)
• Stargate (Lionsgate)
• Stealth (Sony)
• Stir of Echoes (Lionsgate)
• The Terminator (MGM)
• Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Lionsgate)
• Total Recall (Lionsgate)
• Training Day (Warner)
• Ultraviolet (Sony)
• Underworld: Evolution (Sony)
• xXx (Sony)

Blu Ray titles Scheduled for release

September 5, 2006
• Blazing Saddles (Warner)
• Firewall (Warner)
• Full Metal Jacket (Warner)
• Lethal Weapon (Warner)

September 19, 2006
• The Big Hit (Sony)
• Dinosaur (Buena Vista)
• Eight Below (Buena Vista)
• The Great Raid (Buena Vista)
• Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (Buena Vista)
• A Knight's Tale (Sony)
• S.W.A.T. (Sony)
• Tears of the Sun (Sony)

September 26, 2006
• Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (Warner)
• Four Brothers (Paramount)
• The Fugitive (Warner)
• House of Wax (2005) (Warner)
• The Lake House (Warner)
• Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (Paramount)
• Lethal Weapon 2 (Warner)
• Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (Paramount)
• Sleepy Hollow (Paramount)
• Space Cowboys (Warner)
• Swordfish (Warner)

October 3, 2006
• The Pat Metheny Group: The Way Up (Eagle Rock)

October 10, 2006
• Aeon Flux (Paramount)
• Click (Sony)
• The Italian Job (2003) (Paramount)
• Sahara (Paramount)
• U2: Rattle and Hum (Paramount)

October 17, 2006
• American Psycho (Lionsgate)
• The Brothers Grimm (Buena Vista)
• Dark Water (Buena Vista)
• First Blood (Lionsgate)
• Gattaca (Sony)
• Glory Road (Buena Vista)
• Gone in 60 Seconds (Buena Vista)
• Haunted Mansion (Buena Vista)
• The Professionals (Sony)
• Saw II (Lionsgate)
• Young Guns (Lionsgate)

October 24, 2006
• Monster House (Sony)
• Reservoir Dogs (Lionsgate)

October 30, 2006
• Mission: Impossible III (Paramount)
• Mission: Impossible - Ultimate Missions Collection (Paramount)

November 14, 2006
• Behind Enemy Lines (Fox)
• Fantastic Four (Fox)
• Kingdom of Heaven: The Director's Cut (Fox)
• Kiss of the Dragon (Fox)
• The League of Extraordinary Gentleman (Fox)
• The Omen (2006) (Fox)
• Speed (Fox)
• The Transporter (Fox)

November 21, 2006
• Ice Age: The Meltdown (Fox)

November 28, 2006
• The Usual Suspects (Fox)
• Windtalkers (Fox)

December 5, 2006
• Bulletproof Monk (Fox)
• Rocky (Fox)

Release Dates Postponed

The following titles were originally given release dates but have since been postponed with no new dates announced.

• Black Hawk Down (Sony)
• The Da Vinci Code (Sony)
• Kung Fu Hustle (Sony)
• Legends of the Fall (Sony)
• Resident Evil: Apocalypse (Sony)
• Sense & Sensibility (Sony)

Release Dates Pending

The following titles are planned for release in the Blu-Ray format (as indicated by press release or previous public statements made by the distributor), but release dates have not been announced:

 • 2001: A Space Odyssey (Warner)
• Above the Law (Warner)
• Alexander (Warner)
• Angels in America (HBO)
• Armageddon (Buena Vista)
• Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (New Line)
• Band of Brothers (HBO)
• Batman Begins (Warner)
• Black Rain (Paramount)
• Blade (New Line)
• Blade Runner (Warner)
• Bram Stoker's Dracula (Sony)
• Braveheart (Paramount)
• The Bridge on the River Kwai (Sony)
• Catwoman (Warner)
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Warner)
• Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (Sony)
• Chicken Little (Buena Vista)
• A Clockwork Orange (Warner)
• Coach Carter (Paramount)
• Constantine (Warner)
• Contact (Warner)
• Dark City (New Line)
• Deadwood: Season One (HBO)
• Desperado (Sony)
• The Dirty Dozen (Warner)
• The Dirty Harry Collection (Warner)
• The Dukes of Hazzard (Warner)
• Frank Herbert's Dune (Lionsgate)
• Elizabethtown (Paramount)
• Eraser (Warner)
• Executive Decision (Warner)
• Eyes Wide Shut (Warner)
• Final Destination (New Line)
• Flightplan (Buena Vista)
• For a Few Dollars More (Sony)
• Forbidden Planet (Warner)
• Forrest Gump (Paramount)
• Friday (New Line)
• Friends: Season One (Warner)
• From the Earth to the Moon (HBO)
• Ghost (Paramount)
• Goodfellas (Warner)
• Gothika (Warner)
• Grand Prix (Warner)
• Grease (Paramount)
• The Green Mile (Warner)
• The Guns of Navarone (Sony)
• Hard to Kill (Warner)
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Warner)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Warner)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Warner)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Warner)
• • Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (Buena Vista)
• Kill Bill Vol. 2 (Buena Vista)
• The Last Samurai (Warner)
• The Maltese Falcon (Warner)
• The Manchurian Candidate (2004) (Paramount)
• The Mask (New Line)
• The Matrix (Warner)
• The Matrix Reloaded (Warner)
• The Matrix Revolutions (Warner)
• Maverick (Warner)
• Million Dollar Baby (Warner)
• The Music Man (Warner)
• Mutiny on the Bounty (Warner)
• Mystic River (Warner)
• Next of Kin (Warner)
• North by Northwest (Warner)
• Ocean's Eleven (Warner)
• Ocean's Twelve (Warner)
• Passenger 57 (Warner)
• The Perfect Storm (Warner)
• Phantom of the Opera (2004) (Warner)
• The Player (New Line)
• Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (Buena Vista)
• The Polar Express (Warner)
• Poseidon (Warner)
• Red Planet (Warner)
• Rush Hour (New Line)
• Save the Last Dance (Paramount)
• School of Rock (Paramount)
• See No Evil (Lionsgate)
• Se7en (New Line)
• The Shining (1980) (Warner)
• Soldier (Warner)
• The Sopranos: Season One (HBO)
• Spawn (New Line)
• Spongebob Squarepants: The Movie (Paramount)
• Stargate: Atlantis - Season One (Sony)
• Star Trek: First Contact (Paramount)
• Superman Returns (Warner)
• Superman: Ultimate Collector's Edition (Warner)
• Syriana (Warner)
• Troy (Warner)
• Twister (Warner)
• Under Siege (Warner)
• Unforgiven (Warner)
• U.S. Marshals (Warner)
• Vanilla Sky (Paramount)
• We Were Soldiers (Paramount)
• Wild Wild West (Warner)

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/currentlist.html
http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/releasedates.html
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Sep 07, 2006 at 11:27 PM
Even if HD DVD loses that doesn't mean that your player dies with it. You will still be able to watch the movies that you purchased. ;D ;D ;D ;D

peace and blessing!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Sep 08, 2006 at 08:50 PM
Grrr...Maybe this question will eventually come into mind.  :-X :-X Any of you guys stopped buying DVD and  have intentions of overhauling your DVD collection? Also which format will you choose now?Nakaka hinayang bumili ng DVD kung may katumbas na HD nalalabas na kasabay. :'( :'( example: Underworld Evolution.
Title: Re: HD-DVD vs BLU RAY
Post by: levi on Sep 08, 2006 at 11:01 PM
AV phile,

    I noticed that you are really following the HDDVD/BLU RAY players. So what is your choice and when are you getting one? Would you recommend to buy now or wait and what monitor do you recommend for these players? Im also following the development but still has no plans of buying.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: taggart on Sep 09, 2006 at 12:49 AM
Grrr...Maybe this question will eventually come into mind.  :-X :-X Any of you guys stopped buying DVD and  have intentions of overhauling your DVD collection? Also which format will you choose now?Nakaka hinayang bumili ng DVD kung may katumbas na HD nalalabas na kasabay. :'( :'( example: Underworld Evolution.

not me.  i'll stick to sd as long as it takes breath.  ;D  then again, i'm not an early adopter so that's my stand.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Sep 09, 2006 at 01:15 AM
Grrr...Maybe this question will eventually come into mind.  :-X :-X Any of you guys stopped buying DVD and  have intentions of overhauling your DVD collection? Also which format will you choose now?Nakaka hinayang bumili ng DVD kung may katumbas na HD nalalabas na kasabay. :'( :'( example: Underworld Evolution.
for me, ill just buy DVD release of recent films that I havent watched (coz I really want to watch now, even if they have HD release now).  Other catalog titles not in my collection, im planning to have them in HD, so stop na muna ako sa mga dun.  Thats my plan for now. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Sep 09, 2006 at 08:36 AM
Highdefdigest's Blu-Ray VS HD DVD ROUND TWO

CLICK HERE (http://www.highdefdigest.com/feature_blurayvshddvd_roundtwo.html)

(http://www.highdefdigest.com/images/post/0/715/original.jpeg)
Title: Re: HD-DVD vs BLU RAY
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 09, 2006 at 09:16 AM
AV phile,

    I noticed that you are really following the HDDVD/BLU RAY players. So what is your choice and when are you getting one? Would you recommend to buy now or wait and what monitor do you recommend for these players? Im also following the development but still has no plans of buying.

Yes, I am following it closely.  My personal take is that it's a silly wasteful needless war that I fear will settle into a war of attrition, or even a detente, with neither side winning especially when news about a dual format player gets floated around.

If I had the money and if I already own an HDMI-equiped 1080p HDTV or pj, based on many reviews I've read and the av forums I've visited, i'd get the Toshiba HD-A1. The HD-XE1 for Europe is better specified but is priced higher and you get the same pic quality but faster load times.  The reviews, the forums, and net articles are unamimous in praising its excellent price/performance for a launch player compared with the pathetic Samsung BDP-1000 for  bluray. You can do a similar browse on the net about it. 

For less than $390, with reports that it is now $370, it's definitely a better value proposition than many upscale upsampling DVD players costing twice or more. Providing 6x resolution (720x480 regular DVD vs 1920x1080 for HD-DVD) while similarly capable of de-interlacing and upsampling standard DVDs via HDMI, this player simply delivers the best value for a logical upgrade for your 1080p pj or LCD/plasma at this time.   I have seen the demos for HD using bravias and aquos and they simply confirm what those posters in forums who already own them say:  you will never know what night and day difference means until you've compared HD-DVD with regular DVD.   ;D

If you want to experience HD now, this is the route.  You can ofcourse wait and sit it out to see who the winner will be, which may or may not emerge over the next 18 months, if at all.  But why wait for such a small price and if you already own an HDTV?   Those who have ordered online lately from www.movietyme.com even gets 6 or 7 HD-DVD titles of their choice FREE.  And if you check the site and at amazon, the HD titles aren't that expensive at $26 each - justly slightly more than a regular priced 2-disc SE DVD. 

And another thing, the next generation players may offer better features and slimmer designs.  But improvements in picture quality will hardly be significant nor be commensurate with the increased prices expected to hover around $1000, as compared to what the Tosh A1 already delivers.  The Tosh's HD picture already conforms to what the industry expects from HD.  Don't get suckered into the arguments that it can only deliver 1080i.  Nope, the 1080i output already contains ALL the video frame information needed for a suitable HDTV to upscale to 1080p without any loss or motion artifacting.  HD-DVD discs use the VC-1 compresion codec which is already the best there is, compared to mpeg2 that bluray launch discs use.  For $390 today, this is said to be the best upgrde you can have for your 1080p HDTV.

But you may ask, what if the HD titles I want are in Bluray?  I can only echo the sentiments of those early adopters who bought the HD-A1: they will still buy BD players once they see performance value better than what the Samsung and the crappy early BD titles offer.  That may come early or mid next year.  It would seem to me that serious HD enthusiasts have no qualms getting the players from both camps.   

But there's great danger in going HD.  After experiencing one,  you might not want to watch any regular DVD anymore.   ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Sep 09, 2006 at 09:45 AM
nice take sir AV. 

A post ive read in one of the forums, an early adopter sounded off:  "while you're bickering or weighing your options, and waiting for any format winner to come out, im already lying on my recliner, watching movies on HD  in all its visual glory.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 09, 2006 at 09:56 AM
Very true.  If you have to wait at all, wait for the BD camp to get its act right and get a better value BD player later or a dual format player when it comes out.  In the meantime, enjoy what you can enjoy with the Tosh HD player for a measly $390 or less.   ;D  (Assuming you already have an HDTV display.)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 09, 2006 at 10:09 AM
Grrr...Maybe this question will eventually come into mind.  :-X :-X Any of you guys stopped buying DVD and  have intentions of overhauling your DVD collection? Also which format will you choose now?Nakaka hinayang bumili ng DVD kung may katumbas na HD nalalabas na kasabay. :'( :'( example: Underworld Evolution.

It certainly won't happen overnight, unless you get the urge to suddenly splurge on all those HD titles at amazon.   ;D The apparent consensus from early HD adopters seem to suggest that, yes, their DVD collection is ended and will have to go sometime via attrition. Maybe not all, but only the titles they cherish will get the HD version when they arrive.  And certainly they will only get the HD releases of new films from hereon.   If right now, the repeat viewing of most DVD titles on your shelves is nearly zero,  what more after you've seen what HD can do?  There just won't be any incentive to revisit a DVD title.  ;D  Except maybe for nostalgic reasons.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: levi on Sep 09, 2006 at 06:20 PM
OK so you are saying to get the HD DVD? Im sorry Im at lost with the format war and somewhat not to up to date with recent developments. Are you planning to get one very soon? If only the players are priced at 5T each then just buy both, but its not.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Sep 09, 2006 at 06:48 PM
I have some junk video format: VHS, Beta, LD... The machines that run them don't work anymore and uneconomical to repair them, and you'd be lucky if you do find one that new.  I hope not to end up with the losing HD format cuz I don't want to add to this junk pile. :P :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 10, 2006 at 03:19 PM
That's a valid but pointless fear.  Because with HD, sooner or later,  even your current DVD players and DVDs might well join their ranks.   ;D  A lot of early HD adopters have already quit buying DVDs.  After they've experience one, many have lost all interest going back to their DVD collection.  They still buy TV series released in DVD though.  But most TV series were never shot at 1080p to merit HD anyway.   ;D

In this technology driven world,  the phenomenon of obsolescence gurantees the consumer will end up with junk sooner or later.  I have my own share of beta and vhs tapes in a sack I am sure is gathering mildew in a closet.  And apart from taxes and death, DVDs becoming junk eventually looms much more imminent than I earlier thought. 

It is only normal and prudent to be cautious with these new formats.  I and most pundits in the forums I've visited agree this war will last for a while - maybe at least 4- 5 years before a clear winner emerges.   And there's even a good chance both will co-exists just like those various game formats.  Studios like Disney are seriously considering releasing titles in both formats and many like Warner already does. 

But if you're a serious HT afficionado, I don't know if you can wait out 4-5 years before you get your first taste of high definition in your home.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 10, 2006 at 04:01 PM
OK so you are saying to get the HD DVD? Im sorry Im at lost with the format war and somewhat not to up to date with recent developments. Are you planning to get one very soon? If only the players are priced at 5T each then just buy both, but its not.

Yes, IF I already have an  HDMI 1080p display, I would charge one Tosh HD-A1 to my card online today.  But I don't, so I won't.  ;D

I haven't visited the more upscale AV shops that are said to carry these Toshiba A1s at around 40T.  That's really quite an investment on its own.   Maybe if you order online, at $390, that's a much better value, not sure though  with shipping and duties. 

HD-DVD player prices are expected to plummet especially with the licensing of China's biggest DVD makers to make low-cost units.  I doubt if BD players will do likewise which are expected to be twice the prices of HD-DVD at anytime from hereon.    With no commensurate improvement in HD pic quality whatsoever.



Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 12, 2006 at 10:31 AM
A poster in a british avforum had the resourcefulness to extract the top 10 best selling high defintion titles from the rankings of DVD sales at Amazon.  Here's his findings:

1. Terminator 3 - Rise of the Machines [HD DVD] Sales rank: 157
2. Backdraft (HD DVD) Sales rank: 974
3. Red Dragon (HD DVD) Sales rank: 1062
4. Space Cowboys [HD DVD] Sales rank: 1686
5. Ray Sales [HD DVD] rank: 1879
6. Serenity [HD DVD] Sales rank: 1889
7. Lethal Weapon 2 [HD DVD] Sales rank: 1928
8. The Searchers Sales rank: 2032
9. The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) [HD DVD] Sales rank: 2204
10. Apollo 13 [HD DVD] Sales rank: 2205
12. Tim Burton's Corpse Bride [Blu-ray] Sales rank: 5415

The best selling HD-DVD is ranked 157th while the best selling Blu ray title is ranked 5415th.  And the top 26 HD-DVD titles outrank the best selling BD title .  I don't know what's  keeping the studios from deciding, but this silly needless format war can end right now.  Forget about the ps3, after prolonged delays and reduced launch quantities, it is plain SONY is screwing its market,  The  market can just SNUB their release and that's it for BD. 

Here's a rather objective assessment of the war so far:

http://www.thedvdwars.com/index.cfm
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: akyatbundok on Sep 12, 2006 at 01:27 PM
how about HVD ---- Holographic Versatile Disc

it will store 80 times the maximum capacity of BD or HD-DVD. (wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holographic_Versatile_Disc))
maybe these 2 formats are already...... (gulp!)...... obsolete?  :-X

one disk to rule them all  ;D ;D

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/38/Hvd_disc.jpg)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: akyatbundok on Sep 12, 2006 at 01:32 PM
Ricoh has already developed a lens that reads both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray (as well as DVD and CD).

http://www.eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=190300953
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 12, 2006 at 03:04 PM
Good, so we can see univerasl or dual format players anytime soon.  That should settle the war into a detente.  Peaceful co-existence. 

Actually, early adopters already own both players.  So this should not be necessary, except maybe for the masses, if it's priced low enough.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Sep 12, 2006 at 06:37 PM
That's a valid but pointless fear.  Because with HD, sooner or later,  even your current DVD players and DVDs might well join their ranks.   ;D  A lot of early HD adopters have already quit buying DVDs.  After they've experience one, many have lost all interest going back to their DVD collection.  They still buy TV series released in DVD though.  But most TV series were never shot at 1080p to merit HD anyway.   ;D

On the contrary, most primetime TV shows (at least in the US) are shot on 35mm film which (needless to say) has higher resoloution than HDTV (not to mention newer shows being filmed in HDCAM) so it would be easy to release TV series on HD-DVD/BD at 1080p.  Sound would be another issue though with very few TV series being recorded in 5.1, let alone Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Sep 15, 2006 at 07:23 AM
TOSHIBA  OFFICIALLY UNVEILS 2ND GEN HD DVD PLAYERS (CLICK) (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Hardware/Toshiba/Toshiba_Unveils_Second-Gen_HD_DVD_Players/233)

Toshiba unveils 2nd gen players while also fixing its first gen players thru firmware updates.  The Blu Ray camp's first player is still being fixed.

Samsung to Finally Upgrade Blu-ray Player (click) (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Samsung/Firmware_Upgrades/Hardware/Samsung_to_Finally_Upgrade_Blu-ray_Player/234)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 15, 2006 at 12:02 PM
HD-DVD is obviously enjoying a headstart.  It's now on its second generation player.  The BD camp has yet to get their act together and still fixing the problems in its shameful launch player.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 15, 2006 at 04:23 PM
Just FYI, there are now 3 variants of the DTS codecs to be used in both Bluray and HD-DVD.

http://www.dtsonline.com/dts-hd/dts-on-bluray-and-hddvd.php

DTS-Encore
Rebadged old DTS but using maximum bitrates at a CONSTANT 1.5mbps on compressed LOSSY format.

DTS-HD
High Defintion DTS at CONSTANT bitrate of 6mbps for Bluray and 3mbps on HD-DVD that can deliver 7.1 channels at 96/24 using compressed LOSSLESS codec

DTS-HD Master Audio
High Defintion DTS at VARIABLE bitrate up to 24.5mbps for Bluray and 18mbps on HD-DVD that can deliver 7.1 channels at 96/24  using compressed LOSSLESS codec - virtually indistinguishable from original audio masters. 

OTH, DolbyTrueHD  is said to be similar to DTS-HD Master Audio with a variable bit rate up to 18mbps on both formats using MLP - same lossless compression codec used for DVD-A.   

Just for reference, the CD uses a constant bit rate of 1.1mbps of uncompressed data for 2 channels.

The typical DTS tracks on SD DVDs use LOSSY compression at a constant bitrate of 768kbps or 0.77mbps for 5.1 channels.

The typical DD tracks on SD DVD use LOSSY compression at a variable bitrate averaging 384 kbps to 448kbps max for 5.1 channels.

If people are generally happy with the CD and the DTS tracks on their DVDs, wait til they hear what the  DolbyTrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio for HD-DVD can do.   ;D It seems that both formats today represent the pinnacle of digital audio fidelity for both BD and HD-DVD.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Sep 16, 2006 at 12:41 AM
Sony will definitely insist on the MPEG4 while the other camp will use VC-1.  But Warner will use VC-1 for both its HD-DVD and BD releases.

Round Two:  Blu-Ray in VC-1 vs. HD DVD

Peter M. Bracke says Round Two is a draw.  http://www.highdefdigest.com/feature_blurayvshddvd_roundtwo.html

I say HD DVD won Round Two because its retail price is lower.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 16, 2006 at 07:20 AM
HD-DVD is delivering on its promises.  Can't say the same for the other camp.

Also, HD-DVD has not and might not implement region locking.  IT is region-free.  None of its launch players are region locked.  OTH, blu ray is.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bumblebee on Sep 18, 2006 at 04:15 PM
Anyone seen this? Sorry if it's already posted...

http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/10reasonsHDDVDsfailed.php
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 18, 2006 at 04:33 PM
Have come across this article before.  The author thumbs down both formats as having a luckluster appeal to the public for a number of  reasons containing some truths, half truths and sheer nonsense.   Suffice it to say that the author apparently can't let go of his DVD collection to bother about high def.   ;D  But I can agree with his parting statement that HIgh Def could just be headed for a niche market.  FOR NOW.  If and when the prices of progressive flat panels and HD players tumble near where DVD is today, an industry takeover becomes a real possibility.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Sep 18, 2006 at 05:16 PM
just got back from infoMaxx.

They are still playing cinderella man as demo. I havent seen it yet on DVD I really cant compare, nevertheless heres my initial impression.

-though theyre playing the demo on a big screen (42" plasma). I can say the resolution is the same or a bit bitter than my 28" jap surplus tv
-around 5 feet away, I can see a little bit of noise on dark scenes.
- according to the lady the resolution is running on 1080p(?) maybe its 1080i.




I take back my word.  :-[

I happen to drop by listening in style yesterday in shang. They are playing U-571 on HD-DVD using a 50-70" projection TV. PQ is jaw dropping and in great details. NO pixelation whatsover. I even went closer to the screen and only a little bit of noise is noticeable (and this is just a projection TV!)

Hats off to HD-DVD.   :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: akyatbundok on Sep 19, 2006 at 11:37 AM
while hardware manufacturers are working on the universal player route, here's an alternative point-of-view from content producers:

Warner is working on a universal disk that has both formats in different layers, so it can be played on both a BD and HD-DVD player...... although it will cost more than pressing either format, its still cheaper than pressing both formats for every movie release.

format wars make life more complicated for everybody. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: MAtZTER on Sep 19, 2006 at 12:09 PM
Just FYI, there are now 3 variants of the DTS codecs to be used in both Bluray and HD-DVD.

http://www.dtsonline.com/dts-hd/dts-on-bluray-and-hddvd.php

DTS-Encore
Rebadged old DTS but using maximum bitrates at a CONSTANT 1.5mbps on compressed LOSSY format.

DTS-HD
High Defintion DTS at CONSTANT bitrate of 6mbps for Bluray and 3mbps on HD-DVD that can deliver 7.1 channels at 96/24 using compressed LOSSLESS codec

DTS-HD Master Audio
High Defintion DTS at VARIABLE bitrate up to 24.5mbps for Bluray and 18mbps on HD-DVD that can deliver 7.1 channels at 96/24  using compressed LOSSLESS codec - virtually indistinguishable from original audio masters. 

OTH, DolbyTrueHD  is said to be similar to DTS-HD Master Audio with a variable bit rate up to 18mbps on both formats using MLP - same lossless compression codec used for DVD-A.   

Just for reference, the CD uses a constant bit rate of 1.1mbps of uncompressed data for 2 channels.

The typical DTS tracks on SD DVDs use LOSSY compression at a constant bitrate of 768kbps or 0.77mbps for 5.1 channels.

The typical DD tracks on SD DVD use LOSSY compression at a variable bitrate averaging 384 kbps to 448kbps max for 5.1 channels.

If people are generally happy with the CD and the DTS tracks on their DVDs, wait til they hear what the  DolbyTrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio for HD-DVD can do.   ;D It seems that both formats today represent the pinnacle of digital audio fidelity for both BD and HD-DVD.


With these new technologies, maybe another audio format war....HD-DVD audio or Super BR-CD or whatever... ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Sep 19, 2006 at 01:45 PM
An investigative report by the reviewers of ProjectorCentral.com on what is truly happening on the battlefront:  on the displays of US Retailers.....see how dirty the Propaganda is.....The Format Wars is truly ragin on...

The Retailing of HD-DVD and Blu-ray (click) (http://www.projectorcentral.com/retailing_HD-DVD_Blu-ray.htm)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 19, 2006 at 02:48 PM

Warner is working on a universal disk that has both formats in different layers, so it can be played on both a BD and HD-DVD player...... although it will cost more than pressing either format, its still cheaper than pressing both formats for every movie release.

format wars make life more complicated for everybody. ;D


That's quite interesting.  Do you have a press release link I can visit and read more about?  Thanks.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 19, 2006 at 03:27 PM
With these new technologies, maybe another audio format war....HD-DVD audio or Super BR-CD or whatever... ;D

Curiously enough, no such thing in the works.  IF ever there'd be one, it would just be a extention of the DD vs DTS sort to which we all know the answer.  This time, DolbyTrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio are quite close that they'd be natural for an audio format war.  But so far the industry is not abuzz with any such. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 19, 2006 at 03:37 PM
An investigative report by the reviewers of ProjectorCentral.com on what is truly happening on the battlefront:  on the displays of US Retailers.....see how dirty the Propaganda is.....The Format Wars is truly ragin on...

The Retailing of HD-DVD and Blu-ray (click) (http://www.projectorcentral.com/retailing_HD-DVD_Blu-ray.htm)

This site has been discussed in other AV forums as well.  And it is clear that salesfloor guys have a better incentive to push for a higher priced higher yielding product like a BD player which typicaly hovers around $1,000.  The sad thing about this is that they dish out misinformation about the two formats at the expense of practical home HD use.  While BD is superior in storage, it has no advantage whatsover in practical HT use.  While the BD players output in 1080p, it again has no practical advantage as far as the final resolution on a progressive HDTV display is concerned.  You only need to listen to the people who are early adopters of both formats to know which camp delivered and which disappointed the market.  As always,  never bank on salespeople to get the facts straight.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 19, 2006 at 11:37 PM
while hardware manufacturers are working on the universal player route, here's an alternative point-of-view from content producers:

Warner is working on a universal disk that has both formats in different layers, so it can be played on both a BD and HD-DVD player...... although it will cost more than pressing either format, its still cheaper than pressing both formats for every movie release.

format wars make life more complicated for everybody. ;D


Ok I just got the article on this here
http://www.newscientisttech.com/arti...ine-news_rss20
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Sep 20, 2006 at 08:02 PM
look what the format war has done...T3...rise of the Machines is only availbale on HD DVD...while the first two Terminators are available soon only in Blu-Ray.  Only in hollywood, the Terminator series spanned three studios, two formats...and us, the consumers, caught in between... :(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 20, 2006 at 08:31 PM
Don't worry, when the PS3 gets released with the BD drive.....$599 ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Sep 20, 2006 at 10:09 PM
I would have been more happy if studios cross the line, but I wouldnt mind getting that PS3 if the price goes down coz gamer din naman ako, though im playing just madden lately.... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 21, 2006 at 11:30 AM
I think that same dilemna was aired in another forum and one HD early adopter said: Just get both players.  I guess in Europe and in the US, that's really a non-issue.  But here, it could be, especially for those still paying deferred payments on their Bravias and Aquos.   ;D  I have foreseen something like this, but didn't think much about it as I am sure it will affect very few titles.  Most series and sequels come from just one studio.   And if I had an HDTV, I would get both - HD-DVD first for the great value that the Tosh A1 has, then get a Blurry player later when it gets better value.   

But just for the record, if you ask me,  I prefer to see Blurry eat dust.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrid on Sep 22, 2006 at 11:50 AM
Are foreign countries planning to release their movies in HD format too?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 22, 2006 at 02:30 PM
Are foreign countries planning to release their movies in HD format too?
If any other country at this time is capable of releasing thier movies in HD other than the US, it would be Japan.  I haven't looked into them with any seriousness but I read one poster in another forum say that the titles released locally in Japan were not as impressive as those released by hollywood in terms of PQ.  I think they were talking about a Jap release of a foreign movie at that.

Next should be India with a total output greater than Hollywood.  HD has yet to be introduced in Europe so I don't know if those Italian and British moviehouses have started.  Then China and Hongkong.  But no internet news about their progress in HD.

Take a look here for the titles available and soon to be released:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_HD_DVD_releases
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Sep 22, 2006 at 04:39 PM
This just in......

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's... 'Superman Returns' on Blu-ray, HD DVD (click) (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/Disc_Announcements/Its_a_bird,_its_a_plane,_its..._Superman_Returns_on_Blu-ray,_HD_DVD_/252)

(http://www.highdefdigest.com/images/post/0/798/original.jpeg)

both will be released in HD DVD and Blu-Ray....with the former being a combo HD/SD disc....this is pretty exciting!!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 22, 2006 at 05:05 PM
At $40 excludng shipping, its combination HD and SD makes it $5 pricier than the BD release and the 2-disc SE regular DVD release   I would love to get this one instead of the regular 2 disc SD DVD.   It will play on any regular DVD player for the SD side and give me incentive to go HD.  This sort of reminds me of my SACD buying days -  getting hybrid SACD titles and playing the CD layer while planning to get a universal player.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Sep 22, 2006 at 05:27 PM
the anticipation heats up....which leads me to consider selling other titles in my DVD collection....im thinking they would still command fair value today.....and would certainly help in financing HD titles purchases....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Sep 22, 2006 at 05:36 PM
I haven't looked into them with any seriousness but I read one poster in another forum say that the titles released locally in Japan were not as impressive as those released by hollywood in terms of PQ.  I think they were talking about a Jap release of a foreign movie at that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_HD_DVD_releases

Probably those are Japanese movies/titles in the first place.   It seems that cameras for film-making are still the forte of American makers and Hollywood, while cams for any other kind of video stuff are mostly Japanese.  As far as my experience with Japanese made tapes, CDs, DVDs, and SACDS, I think they, at the very least, match the US made ones, and in many cases, richer in features and better in sound...kaya nga grabe ang mahal.


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 22, 2006 at 05:37 PM
the anticipation heats up....which leads me to consider selling other titles in my DVD collection....im thinking they would still command fair value today.....and would certainly help in financing HD titles purchases....

Thinking about the same thing.  Better now than later.  But let's wait until mid next year to see how things go.  Pero sa totoo lang.  Wala na akong gana manood ng DVD.  HD na talaga.  Really praying hard to win the lotto.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Sep 22, 2006 at 05:40 PM
Really praying hard to win the lotto.  ;D
im just glad theres paylite... :)  ill be browsing my DVD collection and select which has to go....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 22, 2006 at 05:46 PM
Probably those are Japanese movies/titles in the first place.   It seems that cameras for film-making are still the forte of American makers and Hollywood, while cams for any other kind of video stuff are mostly Japanese.  As far as my experience with Japanese made tapes, CDs, DVDs, and SACDS, I think they, at the very least, match the US made ones, and in many cases, richer in features and better in sound...kaya nga grabe ang mahal.




Actually, soome recent hollywood blockbusters no longer use film.  They are using those superHD digital cams, forgot the resolution I think 4X 1080p.   If not mistaken,  Star Wars Attack of the Clones and  Revenge of the Sith were shot enitrely in digital high def.  Not film. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Sep 22, 2006 at 05:46 PM
Pero sa totoo lang.  Wala na akong gana manood ng DVD.  HD na talaga.  Really praying hard to win the lotto.  ;D

If the content is the same Bro.  My case, I would rather watch clear p*r*t*d hollywood movies than sumo wrestling, or the mountains and the trees and the flowers and the bees in full HD.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Sep 22, 2006 at 05:51 PM
Actually, soome recent hollywood blockbusters no longer use film.  They are using those superHD digital cams, forgot the resolution I think 4X 1080p.   If not mistaken,  Star Wars Attack of the Clones and  Revenge of the Sith were shot enitrely in digital high def.  Not film. 

dapat pala di ko nalang pinalitan yung una kong word na movie-making...he he he....anyway, I really can't understand why the Japanese can't make movies that look like "hollywood" stuff in terms of image quality, although the storylines are some of the most imaginative I've ever watched.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 22, 2006 at 06:13 PM
If the content is the same Bro.  My case, I would rather watch clear p*r*t*d hollywood movies than sumo wrestling, or the mountains and the trees and the flowers and the bees in full HD.


Well, if i just want to see a so-so movie, maybe that will do.  And to be honest, if and when I get into HD, I'd be more selective and disicplined (i hope).  ;D

When I first went into DVDs, I also started with pirated stuff and then moved on to origs especially during SALE periods. Within a year, I had collected more than 200 orig titles and twice that in pirated discs.  I would even plunk in deposits for advance orders.  Sillly of me.  And then later, even when I started cutting back, any title na matipuhan basta SALE.  This time, I'd get only those worth keeping and watching again.  I really don't want to have anymore shelf-load of titles whose repeat-viewing is virtually ZERO. And I think I can count with my fingers those that will go High Def.  Even with new movies. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Sep 22, 2006 at 06:36 PM
Thank god for DVD rental shops, they allowed me to be extremely selective with my DVD purchases.  Don't have 200 titles in my collection, not even 100, but I got the ones my family and I really really wanted.  Ang nakakatuwa pa non, my daughter grew up watching her DVD collections like 10x over each.  Sulit na sulit.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 22, 2006 at 07:19 PM
True,  about the only DVD titles in my collection that have enjoyed repeat viewings were those Jurrasic Park series, Toy Story and all those Pixar and Disney animation that my son kept watching over and over.  Apart from Saving Private Ryan.   ;D 

The problem with rental shops, especially here in Manila, is that they are soooo late in adopting to new formats.  Video City I think started renting out DVDs only in 2003 and with so few titles.   And now with the new HD format, I would love to rent na lang.  But if it took Video City all 6 years before renting DVDs out, I would think they'll start renting out HD titles in 2012 pa.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Sep 22, 2006 at 10:05 PM
PS3 price cut to around $400 in Japan.  This war is getting more interesting.  NO to region coding..he he

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrid on Sep 23, 2006 at 06:07 AM
Kung sa Tokyo yan, puwede mo ba akong samahan para makapag decide na ako bumili ng HD player. Next month pa naman kung sakali lang. :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 23, 2006 at 06:48 AM
I think November pa release ng PS3 sa Japan.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrid on Sep 23, 2006 at 08:09 AM
Grrrr!!!!!! Nagkamali pala ako ng intindi. Sorry po.  Bitin na naman ang desisyon ko.  ;)

Thanks for quick reply!
Title: Low end PS3 to have HDMI after all
Post by: krazy on Sep 23, 2006 at 07:32 PM
looks like Sony did the right thing by including HDMI on the cheaper (20Gb) PS3 model after all:
http://www.gamespot.com/events/tgs2006/story.html?sid=6158155 At only about US$429, looks like the war is getting more interesting;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Sep 24, 2006 at 05:24 AM
I have read that the 60GB model of the PS3 has dual HDMI uli.

But I think this is only for the Japanese Version.

I think I've read this sa PinoyPSX
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Sep 24, 2006 at 10:22 AM
Olrayt sa OK yan.Now i can get both the PS3 and the HD-DVD drive for the 360.Mwahahaha! ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Sep 24, 2006 at 10:12 PM
I have read that the 60GB model of the PS3 has dual HDMI uli.



for dual monitor purpose? 

or the extra HDMI can be used as av relay for an external equipment?

or perhaps you can use one hdmi to play something from the disc and another to play something from the hard drive...but that's kinda asking too much I think.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Sep 26, 2006 at 11:47 PM

for dual monitor purpose? 

or the extra HDMI can be used as av relay for an external equipment?

or perhaps you can use one hdmi to play something from the disc and another to play something from the hard drive...but that's kinda asking too much I think.


Dual Monitor? That can be possible as I have seen HD Stream Generators from Abenson feeding 3 LCD HDTV displays at the same time. What I mean is, if the HD Stream Generators can do that, why not the PS3?

We shall see the power of the Cell if this Dual HDMI becomes a reality.
But as of now, couldnt find from gaming sites that the 60GB model will indeed have a dual HDMI again.

What is confirmed is the 20GB model will have HDMI.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: MAtZTER on Sep 27, 2006 at 10:46 AM
The problem with rental shops, especially here in Manila, is that they are soooo late in adopting to new formats.  Video City I think started renting out DVDs only in 2003 and with so few titles.   And now with the new HD format, I would love to rent na lang.  But if it took Video City all 6 years before renting DVDs out, I would think they'll start renting out HD titles in 2012 pa.   ;D

Also, another problem is that most of these rental shops have closed due to competition from pirates.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 27, 2006 at 11:07 AM
Exactly.  Why rent when you could own the title for just slightly more.  And you'd still have to spend for the commute and the penalty which I incurred a lot during the LD heyday.   ;D

But if I were to trust studios and the electronic giants behind the format, the 128-bit AACS is virtually unhackable and piracy-proof so I shouldn't expect pirated HD DVDs or Blu rays with the same speed that deCSS'ed DVDs appeared.   And with relatively higher price tags per title that would have no competition from pirates, I don't expect prices to come down anywhere near DVD prices today.  So just like in the days of the LDs, there'd be more reason now for high def rental business to flourish.  Ofcourse I am assuming the relevant player costs can start reaching the mass markets.

One disincentive here is the presence of two high def formats.  Unless rental shops increase their shelf spaces,  stocking on two formats of the same title on top of DVDs and VCDs may not be an attractive business idea.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: jackryan on Sep 27, 2006 at 01:33 PM
I think the battle should be soon over before the real format war can really go full-swing... thanks to another disruptive technology innovation described below:

http://edition.cnn.com/2006/TECH/ptech/09/26/dvd.formats.reut/index.html

New DVD could end format war
POSTED: 1554 GMT (2354 HKT), September 26, 2006
Adjust font size:
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (Reuters) -- The format war around next generation DVDs may be over before it has begun, thanks to a breakthrough from a British media technology company.

Britain-based New Medium Enterprises (NME) said on Tuesday it had solved a technical production problem that makes it possible to produce a cheap multiple-layer DVD disk containing one film in different, competing formats.

"Current technologies to create multiple layer disks mostly don't work. We've created a technology for mass production of multiple layers that does not suffer from the well known problem of low yields," said NME Chief Technology Officer Eugene Levich.

A low yield means that many DVDs coming off the manufacturing lines are not working and have to be discarded.

The production costs of a multi-layer DVD using the new NME technology are estimated to be around 9 cents, compared with the 6 cents for a standard single-layer play-back DVD, according to Dutch company ODMS, one of the world's leading makers of production lines for optical disks.

This 50 percent cost increase compares favorably with the current generation of multi-layer recordable DVD disks which cost 3 to 5 times as much to produce than a single layer disk, due to low yields.

The technological breakthrough comes one week after three employees at movie studio Warner Bros. filed a patent for the application of multiple formats on a single DVD disc.

"There's no collision between Warner and us. They patent the application, we are patenting the technology. These are complementary patents. I'm glad it's happened. Warner opened our eyes, because it shows they really want to do this and create multi-format, multi-layer disks," Levich said.

Time Warner is the world's largest media company and owns Warner Bros. Former Warner Home Video President James Cardwell joined NME as a board member last month.

Nipped in the bud?
Multiple format DVD disks can solve the emerging war between the two new high capacity DVD formats: Blu-Ray, which is backed by Sony Corp., and Toshiba-supported HD-DVD.

High capacity DVD disks are needed to store high definition movies on a single disk. Movies stored in high definition provide five to six times more picture detail than standard definition which is used in normal DVDs.

Hollywood studios have been choosing sides in the DVD format war, each supporting one of the two formats. Some have said they will produce films in both, in addition to the standard DVD format.

By putting the same film on a single disk in the two competing formats, movie studios can save money and consumers do not have to worry if they are buying the right disk for their player.

The technological breakthrough by NME was confirmed by ODMS.

"I can confirm this. We were very skeptical when NME approached us. We have experience with producing dual layer recordable DVD discs and the yield is below 50 percent. But their technology gives a much higher yield and also brings other cost savings," said ODMS Chief Executive Jadranko Dovic.

ODMS said it will have the first prototype production line using NME's technology running by early 2007.

NME said it had also created new technology for the machines which have to read and write the disk, which is another bottleneck with multi-layer disks. The current generation of DVD players can read up to two layers.

NME has created DVD disks with up to 10 different layers that were still readable. It has created its own player, but it is willing to license the technology to mainstream consumer electronics companies, Levich said.

Movies on a DVD are stored at different depths depending on the technology. Blu-Ray discs store information only 0.1 millimeter from the surface while HD-DVD discs store it at 0.6 millimeters.

Movies longer than two hours would need to be stored on two layers of the same format very close to each other.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Sep 27, 2006 at 03:46 PM
from what ive read you still have to buy one of the competing HD players right to experience the HD version of the film.  what it does essentially is for studios to manufacture one unifying disc that contains it all, the standard version, the hd dvd version, and the blu-ray version....the article says its cheap so cost woudnt be a factor here.  from a consumer standpoint, that would mean more film choices, whatever the player you have chosen.  that is if all studios support this multi format disc... :) :)

personally IMO, from a picture quality standpoint, with HD being 6x greater than standard DVD, (and seeing HD in its full glory on a 100 in screen)the upgrade is all worth it.

from a cost/format war standpoint, thats for the HT enthusiast to decide.  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Sep 27, 2006 at 04:31 PM
I think the article says you need to have a "special" DVD player capable of reading "super" multi-layered/multi-format DVD. 

10-layered DVD, that's pretty stacked up ne.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Sep 27, 2006 at 04:42 PM
If all the studios support both formats, this should make sense.

If these discs become the norm, those who have already their upampling Oppos and Denons and Toshiba A1s may have to get another player that can read 10 layers.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Sep 27, 2006 at 04:52 PM
My guess, much like the early gen and expensive DVD players which are incapable of reading all sorts of  recordable CD and DVD formats, if this disc is actually realized, none of the present crop of players would be compatible.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrid on Sep 28, 2006 at 12:24 PM
I think, it's more feasible to make a multi disc player than a multi format disc.  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Sep 30, 2006 at 08:01 AM
For your info only: from Amazon sales, September 30

The bestseller in HD DVD, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift is ranked 101 in overall DVD sales.
The bestseller in Blu-Ray, Click is ranked 4154 in overall DVD sales.

The 40th bestseller in  HD DVD Lethal Weapon 2 is ranked 4073 in overall DVD sales..

Figure out the numbers.  HD DVD is enjoying quite a lead now.   Let us see what happens when PS3 launches.  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 01, 2006 at 10:49 AM
Someone at AVSFORUM just posted some pics displaying an A-B comparison of  some scenes between Troy in HD DVD and the other one in upconverted DVD.  Troy HD DVD isnt even well reviewed at highdefdigest.com, but there is noticeable difference for me.  See and judge for yourself.... ;D

HD vs SD Picture Comparison (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8552228#post8552228)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Oct 01, 2006 at 01:09 PM
Yeah I can see what they meant. The difference btw Roy HD DVD & upconverted DVD isn't big but probably for most Troy purists, they will giv etheir seal of approval?  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Oct 03, 2006 at 02:07 PM
 Sony to join DVD war in December with new Blu-ray machine


The Blu-ray player-recorder will hit the shelves on December 8, going head-to-head with a rival format developed by electronic giants led by Toshiba Corp., which in July released the first home-use HD DVD recorder-player.

The Blu-ray machine will have a price tag of about ¥300,000 ($2,560) for the 500 gigabyte hard disk drive, Sony announced at a consumer electronics show east of Tokyo where manufacturers are vying for customers.

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/breakingnews/infotech/view_article.php?article_id=24515
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 03, 2006 at 03:19 PM
Cant wait.  I have jumped to HD na.  I know I ate my words on how I would wait to see a winner.  But after seeing alvinthx2's demo, I was convinced.  I want to enjoy films in HD now ...even if the debate/war goes on.  I have seen sneak peeks of the HD DVDs that I have, and so far, its really quite a show.  The same feeling I had when I slipped the first DVD on my system.  Titles are limited now I know, but future releases are quite good, from King Kong to Superman Returns etc.....which makes me more discriminating now in my HD DVD purchases. That makes HD DVD showing in  my system  a special event.... ;D ;D

Here are some sample pics of some HD DVD titles namely Doom and The Chronicles of Riddick. 

take note that the digital camera pics doesnt do justice to what ive seen (coz I cant get light or else the video output will be washed out).....ive tried my best to get some decent shots....kaya lang di talaga ako pro with the digicam....

screen size: 97in
video cable:  5meter hdmi/dvi cable with hdmi/dvi adapter (i thought there would be dvi issues, but it worked beautifully)
PJ: Panny AE900....feed this PJ with a HD source, and it will not buck down in its performance....

The HD DVD images...still uncalibrated ...in 1080i



(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/marlai/evey1070.jpg)
Universal never looked so sharp....

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/marlai/evey1055.jpg)
Doom

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/marlai/evey1052.jpg)
Pic taken is quite dark (the whole film too)...but with HD DVD you can see more of an actor's facial blemishes...this one actress Rosamund Pike's not so smooth forehead

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/marlai/evey1077.jpg)
One of the better pics ive taken (Riddick).... picture perfect with sharp, excellent contrast and clarity.  No film grain too... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Oct 05, 2006 at 12:29 PM
The first film release to be 50GB on Blu Ray.

http://www.news4gamers.com/ps3/News-11412.aspx

Also stated, how the PS3 plays Blu Ray.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 06, 2006 at 07:07 PM
HD DVD discs and players will start region coding next year:

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10/06/hd_dvd_to_get_region_coding/
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: edboy7 on Oct 10, 2006 at 03:41 AM
more sony blu ray releases :)
(http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/1055/kungfuhustlebr2deg1.th.jpg)
    * 2.40:1 Widescreen Transfer (1080p)
    * Uncompressed PCM 5.1 Audio (Cantonese and English)
    * English and French Subtitles
 (http://img201.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kungfuhustlebr2deg1.jpg) (http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/1440/stealthbr3dmy2.th.jpg) (http://img201.imageshack.us/my.php?image=stealthbr3dmy2.jpg)
       * 2.40:1 Widescreen Transfer (1080p)
    * Uncompressed PCM 5.1 Audio (English and French)
    * Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, English HoH, Finnish, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Norwegian, Polish, Swedish and Turkish Subtitles

Jessica Alba  on 1080p ;D How i wish!
(http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/3311/intothebluebr3ddc6.jpg)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 10, 2006 at 08:18 AM
wow...great releases!! ........sayang format war still rages on....the cheapest Blu-Ray that will be available out there soon is the PS3 at $499 while Panasonic just released its Blu-Ray player...the DMP-BD10 at a whopping $1299!!  :o :o  Just hoping here that studios cross the line and have a peaceful format coexistence........ ;)  So we can watch all movies in HD...

Thanks to a good guy from Avsforum, David Susilo who offered to ship me the latest firmware update disc from tosh.......sharing all the good stuff...thats what forums is all about... :) 

October 30 release...
(http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/images/post/0/797/original.jpeg)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 10, 2006 at 09:29 AM
cant wait.....
(http://dvd.themanroom.com/images/covers/hddvd/large/3413.jpg)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: FLIM on Oct 10, 2006 at 11:28 AM
WHEN does this come out. the dvd version?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 10, 2006 at 09:16 PM
The first title, Click,  in double layer Blu-Ray disc just came out (BD50), and its review came up good in highdefdigest.  The war is just starting to heat up...... :) :)

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/click.html

(http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/images/post/0/619/original.jpeg)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Oct 10, 2006 at 11:36 PM
Jumped the band wagon..im no.1 of 14 for the 60 gig.well guys...i have to say....that i was one of the lucky ones.pre order was shut before the store opens at 10am.. i was  standing in line(5am) in the freezing mornin. ;D ;D ;D ;D

1st in line, guaranteed a PS3 on Nov 17th.

*** guess ill be watching BLU RAY rather than HD DVD****

(http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/2558/ps3reserfs2.jpg)(http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/9956/ps3systemay8.th.jpg) (http://img144.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps3systemay8.jpg)

peace and blessing!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 11, 2006 at 07:17 AM
sabi ko na nga ba eh, akala ko ba wala pang pa addition ngayon? hehehehe, great stuff aldrin, sana manalo ka rin ng xbox 360...... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Oct 11, 2006 at 01:45 PM
Droooll! Alvinthx you're lucky man, I wasnt able to get a slot here in Dubai when a local game store announced that they are accepting reservations for PS3.  :'( After 3 days they've announced the shipment, its already gone. By the way they are also shipping a US NTSC version here. Probably by 3rd week of November.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Oct 14, 2006 at 12:04 AM
Remember!! Remember!! the 17TH of NOVEMBER!!!!


peace and blessing!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 14, 2006 at 01:20 AM
since having the ultimate experience of watching HD, my view in this format war changed.  when in the start Ive sided with the HD DVD format (great start and affordable players), now i would like to think that im in support of HD in general and not become a format fanboy.  Being a movie fan first and next a HT enthusiast, I simply want to watch all the movies I love in HD.  If my format of choice wins, well and good I dont have to buy a Blu-Ray player...if not and Blu-Ray do succeeds, the HD-A1 has done its job and would like to think its a great investment in terms of entertainment and cinema experience.  But before that happening, I think I have already watched a considerable number of titles in HD DVD on it.....quality of transfer are just getting better for every release...ditto for Blu-Ray.....kaya, im here in support of HD. :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Oct 14, 2006 at 07:30 AM
Remember!! Remember!! the 17TH of NOVEMBER!!!!

Wow amazing bro...a hardcore fan....u even lined up since 5am..well done!!  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Oct 15, 2006 at 01:10 PM
Aha! either an avid gamer like me or trying to get away with both formats. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 16, 2006 at 08:25 PM
Warner has just launched a website for High Def....check it out

http://www.wbhidef.com/

some of the planned releases accdg to the site:

The Wicker Man
Ant Bully
Lady in the Water
The Lake House (already released)
The Departed


The last film on the list just made my day... :)

Check out too the cool resolution comparison....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 18, 2006 at 05:38 PM
nevermind Superman 3 & 4...this the trilogy.......Singer's Superman Returns followed the story after 1 & 2...

the HD DVD set


(http://www.dvdtown.com/media/coverart/medium/20009.jpg)    (http://www.dvdtown.com/media/coverart/medium/20008.jpg)    (http://www.dvdtown.com/media/coverart/medium/20001.jpg)

also to be released in Blu-Ray... ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: jojitv on Oct 18, 2006 at 05:50 PM
Jumped the band wagon..im no.1 of 14 for the 60 gig.well guys...i have to say....that i was one of the lucky ones.pre order was shut before the store opens at 10am.. i was  standing in line(5am) in the freezing mornin. ;D ;D ;D ;D

1st in line, guaranteed a PS3 on Nov 17th.

*** guess ill be watching BLU RAY rather than HD DVD****

(http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/2558/ps3reserfs2.jpg)(http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/9956/ps3systemay8.th.jpg) (http://img144.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps3systemay8.jpg)

peace and blessing!!!

Kaya pala the sudden shift to blu-ray. Hehehe ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: indie boi on Oct 18, 2006 at 09:14 PM
I wrote about this news on the tech blog I'm handling last week. You guys may be interested in this:

NEC Ships Hybrid Blu-Ray/HD DVD Chip

TOKYO, Oct 10 (Reuters) - Japanese chip maker NEC Electronics Corp. said on Tuesday it began shipping a chip compatible with both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats in next-generation DVDs, bridging a format war splitting the electronics industry in two.

If other hybrid technology is developed, the new chip could lower costs to build dual-format players, helping consumers and the movie industry sidestep the rivalry between the two opposing camps.

The chips go on sale for 10,000 yen ($84), roughly the same price as NEC Electronics' chips which read only Blu-ray or only HD DVD formats, the world's No. 8 chip maker said.

NEC Electronics targets monthly shipments of 300,000 during the business year starting April 2007.

A group of companies led by Sony Corp. are promoting the Blu-ray format as the next-generation optical disc standard, while Toshiba Corp. is a leading proponent of the rival HD DVD technology.

Still missing from the dual player equation is optical pick-up technology to read and play back both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats.

The chip and the optical pick-up lens together can make up more than half the cost of a DVD player, said NEC Electronics spokesman Hisashi Saito.

NEC Electronics shares closed up 3.6 percent at 4,040 yen, outperforming the Nikkei average, which nudged up 0.25 percent.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 19, 2006 at 07:25 AM
Have come across this article in another forum.  Sure enough, NEC has the dual format chips and Samsuns and Ricoh already have the dual format lasers but I suspect the BR group does not want to license dual format players.  Such players have already been announced by Samsung and Pioneer late last year and early this year but have now fallen silent.  As if they were thwarted by some unforseen forces from proceeding.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 21, 2006 at 08:01 AM
from highdefdigest:


Sony Delays First Blu-ray Player... Again? (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Sony/Hardware/Sony_Delays_First_Blu-ray_Player..._Again/317)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 22, 2006 at 07:11 PM
Ho hum.   ;D   Why am I no longer surprised?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 22, 2006 at 10:25 PM
Blu-Ray though launched in Europe first....HD DVD to launch there in November...with essentially G2 players.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Oct 23, 2006 at 09:48 AM
http://cgi.ebay.com/PS3-SONY-Playstation-3-60-GB-Console-Premium-Edition_W0QQitemZ330041141518QQihZ014QQcategoryZ62054QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

So expensive blu ray player.. ;D ;D..sold b4 its launch date.

peace and blessing!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 23, 2006 at 04:44 PM
Tuesday is release day!! Titles in stores this week:

 12 Monkeys (HD DVD)
The Interpreter (HD DVD)
The Italian Job (2003) (Blu-ray)
Legends of Jazz Showcase (Blu-ray)
Monster House (Blu-ray)
Nacho Libre (Blu-ray)
Nacho Libre (HD DVD)
Out of Sight (HD DVD)
Sahara (Blu-ray)
Slither (HD DVD)
Spartacus (HD DVD)
The Thing (1982) (HD DVD)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 25, 2006 at 11:21 AM
The Blu-Ray VS HD DVD Smackdown (http://forums.highdefdigest.com/forumdisplay.php?f=6)

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 25, 2006 at 05:49 PM
Seems like a common topic in many AV forums.

Here's a statistical presentation of the current state of the war.  It changes everyday.

http://www.thedvdwars.com/index.cfm
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Oct 26, 2006 at 05:39 PM
Anybody knows the details of the differences between a stand alone BD player and a PS3? 

If we take the potential performance of a stand alone player as reference "1", what kind of rating can we expect out of the $400 PS3?

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 27, 2006 at 11:21 AM
I recall coming across an AVforum poster quoting a Sony exec as saying that if you want better BD performance, get a stand-alone player.   But I think for the price, which is about half of most BD stanalone player cost, the price-performance should be acceptable.  I mean, Sony wouldn't be releasing a BD player on a game console if it can't perform the minimum that a BD standalone can.  Afterall, Sony is positioning the PS3 as a media center. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Oct 27, 2006 at 11:54 AM
..   But I think for the price, which is about half of most BD stanalone player cost, the price-performance should be acceptable.  I mean, Sony wouldn't be releasing a BD player on a game console if it can't perform the minimum that a BD standalone can.  Afterall, Sony is positioning the PS3 as a media center. 


Absolutely agree.  To convince the wife to get a PS3, I'm actually telling her that for that price, buying one is almost like getting an entry level BD player with FREE PS3, and we don't have to worry about region coding even in the future.  Just concerned about the video processors inside the PS3, and perhaps the loading time.  PS3 is practically a "pimped" PC right?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 27, 2006 at 11:59 AM
we don't have to worry about region coding even in the future.

BD is region locked.  HD DVD is not yet.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Oct 27, 2006 at 12:01 PM
BD is region locked.  HD DVD is not yet.

It is, but US and Japan will share the same region code.  Those are the only 2 regions that matter to me personally   :).
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 27, 2006 at 12:13 PM
Ah ok, i think even southeast asia and Phils is part of region 1. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 27, 2006 at 12:14 PM
Ah ok, i think even southeast asia and Phils is part of region 1. 
I believe we are...on HD DVD coding....isnt that great?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Oct 27, 2006 at 12:28 PM
But I'm definitely very interested in the HD DVD add-on drive to the X360 as well.   With the Yen hovering around 120 against the Dollar at the moment, it really is getting more reasonable to invest on these Hi-Def players soon enough.   Anyways, I'm very neutral as regards this so called format war.  I don't even care who survives in the end because I think it's going to take years to settle, or, both formats would simply co-exist until a hybrid system or the next technology is developed.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 27, 2006 at 01:00 PM
I believe we are...on HD DVD coding....isnt that great?

It is.  But don't forget about local distributors.  Even if we now belong in the same R1 for high def, expect packaging to be different between countries.  Even now, packaging in general differs between Korea, Hongkong and Phils for the same R3 release.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 27, 2006 at 03:31 PM
Anyone wanting to go into high def, better get either a Toshiba player bundled with  three(3)FREE HD DVD titles of your choice between Nov 1 and Feb 28.  Or an xbox 360 add-on being bundled with a FREE King Kong HD DVD.  Blurry is offering Talladega Nights for FREE for its PS3 launch players

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Toshiba/Bundles/Hardware/Toshiba_to_Bundle_Three_Free_HD_DVD_Discs_With_Every_Player_Sold_/326

 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 27, 2006 at 04:10 PM

 PS3 is practically a "pimped" PC right?

It's cell technology from IBM is actually so much more powerful than anything that Intel or AMD PCs have at the moment.  It's not only the most powerful game console ever made, it is also the most expensive.  SONY is expected to lose $200 for each console made and will only recover from game licenses.

But I wouldn't get the PS3 for anything.  Because notwithstanding its processing power, game developers across many platforms design their games on the least common denominator, porting them on the appropriate media at the last stage of production.  That means those games common between xbox and ps would look and behave the same.  There are so few games that will be exclusive to PS3, like Resistance: Fall of Man which is currently nowhere near the top 5 among game aficionados.  And it doesn't have as good an online gaming as the 360.  In fact, I think it has no online gaming facility as yet.    ;D

More importantly, I prefer to see SONY eat dust.  I have learned to dislike their tactics in dragging the console war into the format war, dashing market expecations with unkept promises on the PS3 launch 3x in 18 months precisely because they had to put a BR drive in it unnecesarily resulting in delays,  forcing by legal means to close a major Honkong distributor Lik-Sang for importing US and Japanese PSPs into Europe, and insisting that mpeg2 that caused their BD launch discs to bomb to be the equal fo VC1 - treating the market as fools and ignoramuses for releasing their formats half baked, and being behind so many formats and media that attempted to gain vendor lock-in for its customers.   SONY is no longer the fun company it used when it had Trinitrons, walkmans and PS2.  Now they are up for world market domination with their Blurry and PS3 - the products they are hinging on for its business to recover.  But that's just me of course. ;D

Personally, if I already own an xbox 360 which is about 40t at SM appliance, i'd get the HD DVD add-on.  The bundled FREE King Kong HD DVD is a nice icing on the cake.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Oct 27, 2006 at 04:49 PM
The HD DVD player add on to the Xbox360 won't have HDMI support (yet).  Well, that's probably too much to expect from a Yen19,800 ($165) player and hopefully would not be a major issue as long as studios don't implement that signal discrimination thingy.  I read somewhere MS is going to update the X360 soon for full 1080p support but I don't know if that would apply to the D/component video output or through VGA output only.

I grew up a PC gamer, switched to Xbox and Xbox360 when I was finally impressed by console's graphics quality and depth of gameplay (and got tired of endlessly updating the graphics card), but never played PS1, PS2 at all.  Not really looking that much forward to the PS3 as a gaming machine so I try to think of it as an "additional feature" for a $400 machine that can "properly" play BD (hopefully).  Whatever, I'm sure my family would find good use for its gaming functions.

Interesting choices in any case.


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 27, 2006 at 05:04 PM
Based on my readings, it supports 1080i via component, 1080p via VGA for HD DVD.  I hear the upgrade will allow it to upscale SD DVDs to 1080p via VGA. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Oct 27, 2006 at 05:33 PM
Based on my readings, it supports 1080i via component, 1080p via VGA for HD DVD.  I hear the upgrade will allow it to upscale SD DVDs to 1080p via VGA. 

Long  live my PC monitors then!  But at 17" and 19" respectively, they're probably not gonna blow my socks off.  At least they won't enduce vertigo or seizures as much as those huge panels.  ;D 

On the other hand, I remember my "epiphany" back in early 99 when I first played an excellent-transfer DVD movie on a high end PC with 17" aperture grill Diamondtron.  I had to wake up the wife to share the experience.   :D It was a defining moment in our HT life.  :)

1080i via component on a good and not so huge HDTV?   I imagine that would be better than "good enough."
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Oct 27, 2006 at 07:06 PM
Based on my readings, it supports 1080i via component, 1080p via VGA for HD DVD.  I hear the upgrade will allow it to upscale SD DVDs to 1080p via VGA. 

Unfortunately, most HDTVs accept 1080p through HDMI only.

I have read the specs of some Full HD HDTVs including Sony's SXRD and it says that
"1080p (HDMI Only)"

Good thing if there is HDTV that accepts 1080p signal other than HDMI.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 27, 2006 at 08:37 PM
Unfortunately, most HDTVs accept 1080p through HDMI only.


With new HDTVs, yes,  Current HDTVs and HDTV-ready sets don't recognize what 1080p input is.  Just 1080i.  Via component is just fine to enjoy high def.  Good thing the Image Constraint Token (ICT) has not been implemented yet.  Or will it be anytime in the near future.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 27, 2006 at 08:55 PM
The XBox 360 HD DVD Player will connect to Windows Vista-based workstations via USB as both a data drive as well as a HD-DVD video player. (with appropriate HD DVD playback software like Intervideo, etc.)

http://www.cdfreaks.com/news/14187

I'd imagine this may be another boost to HD DVD in the format wars.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Oct 27, 2006 at 09:25 PM
With new HDTVs, yes,  Current HDTVs and HDTV-ready sets don't recognize what 1080p input is.  Just 1080i. 

Yup. That is what I mean.
1080i can pass througn Component (for now).

I have read that difference between 1080p and 1080i is noticeable on screens 50 inches and above.
So, it is ok to have 1080i on 40-incher and below.

Now, how can XBOX 360 implement 1080p on games if it doensn't have HDMI out?
I am not so sure if the HD-DVD add on has HDMI.
If there is, the 1080p for movies is ok.

I haven't come accrossed yet of HDTVs that accept 1080p through VGA.
From what I know, VGA is analog signal. I may be wrong though.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Oct 27, 2006 at 09:27 PM
The XBox 360 HD DVD Player will connect to Windows Vista-based workstations via USB as both a data drive as well as a HD-DVD video player. (with appropriate HD DVD playback software like Intervideo, etc.)

http://www.cdfreaks.com/news/14187

I'd imagine this may be another boost to HD DVD in the format wars.


Seems ironic.

Watch HD-DVD on Computer monitors?
So what is the use of your Toshiba HD-A1 connected to HDTV?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 27, 2006 at 10:25 PM

I have read that difference between 1080p and 1080i is noticeable on screens 50 inches and above.
So, it is ok to have 1080i on 40-incher and below.


The discs are encoded at 1080p.  Accdg to many early adopters in an AV forum I frequent, the Tosh A1 output at 1080i and with 1080p-capable HDTV upsampling to 1080p regardless of input, the resulting video is indistinguisable between 1080i and 1080p input, regardless of screen size.  And they were talking about it over 100" PJ screens. All fixed-pixel display technologies (plasma, DLP, LCD, LCoS, etc.) are naturally progressive and require deinterlacing of interlaced input.  And because with a 1080p source like HD DVD and BR discs, ALL the video data is completely transmitted and the players simply output them sequentially at 1080i, rather than all at the same time at 1080p per unit of time.  Since the data is buffered and reassembled(de-interlaced) and displayed  progressively in the monitor as 1080p, the resulting video is no less gorgeous than if the display accepted a 1080p input.  No motion artifacting common with interlaced sources.  So for practical High Def HT experience, the current toss-up between 1080i and 1080p input capability in displays is irrelevant when talking about 1080p-encoded sources.  Some would even say that 1080p is a waste. But I don't think it is.  To the extent that the display may not be de-interlacing properly, which may happen with cheap HDTVs, 1080p input has its value.  But I have to admit all the hype about 1080p has convinced the market that it is superior, and no amount technical punditry will convince them that for practical HT high def, they have the same pixel count and can't be distiguished. 


I had commented on another sting a few weeks back that I viewed the Pioneer 1080P next to the 1080i and could not tell any difference.  Now I see why, there really wasn’t any difference!  Except for the $6,000 premium the 1080p had on it.

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=52175&pageNo=1&num=



Quote
Now, how can XBOX 360 implement 1080p on games if it doensn't have HDMI out?
I am not so sure if the HD-DVD add on has HDMI.
If there is, the 1080p for movies is ok.

I haven't come accrossed yet of HDTVs that accept 1080p through VGA.
From what I know, VGA is analog signal. I may be wrong though.

VGA is analog and yes, most HDTVs don't have support for 1080p via VGA but only a few.  But like I said, with the vast majority of HDTVs now in homes having no 1080p input capability, MS had been saying all along that they will upgrade their xbox WHEN the market has the gears to accept 1080p, not before. MS may be simply pragmatic to say that its market don't use HDMI yet, and rightly or wrongly designed the xbox without HDMI support as HDMI was still nascent at the time it came out of the drawing board.  But I must say they should have included it with their add-on, if only to match what the PS3 has.  This is admittedly a drawback for the xbox as far as printed tech specs is concerned, but not in practical terms.   Why? How many HDTVs accept 1080p?  Virtually zilch, whether via VGA or HDMI.  1080i is the threshhold for HD.  The ITU-R standards specifies it as minimum.  And true eniough, 1080i input via component is said to be glorious enough since all the data wll be upscaled to 1080p by any competent HDTV - not something you'd lose sleep over. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 27, 2006 at 10:34 PM
Seems ironic.

Watch HD-DVD on Computer monitors?
So what is the use of your Toshiba HD-A1 connected to HDTV?

Haven't heard of HTPC?  Or PCs connected to 34" HDTVs via HDCP compliant graphics cards? 

Haven't heard of Manage Copy that allows you to copy either BD or HDDVD contents once on the PC hard drive? 

You seem to belittle computer monitors. Tthey are actually "HD" ever since.  Many HTPC users already have advance graphic cards to watch upscaled DVD on screens with video resolutions higher than 1920 x 1080.  FYI, Dreamworks and Pixar studios create their animation movies over WS computer monitors. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 28, 2006 at 09:36 AM
Yup. That is what I mean.
1080i can pass througn Component (for now).

I have read that difference between 1080p and 1080i is noticeable on screens 50 inches and above.
So, it is ok to have 1080i on 40-incher and below.


The discs are encoded at 1080p.  Accdg to many early adopters in an AV forum I frequent, the Tosh A1 output at 1080i and with 1080p-capable HDTV upsampling to 1080p regardless of input, the resulting video is indistinguisable between 1080i and 1080p input, regardless of screen size.  And they were talking about it over 100" PJ screens. All fixed-pixel display technologies (plasma, DLP, LCD, LCoS, etc.) are naturally progressive and require deinterlacing of interlaced input.  And because with a 1080p source like HD DVD and BR discs, ALL the video data is completely transmitted and the players simply output them sequentially at 1080i, rather than all at the same time at 1080p per unit of time.  Since the data is buffered and reassembled(de-interlaced) and displayed  progressively in the monitor as 1080p, the resulting video is no less gorgeous than if the display accepted a 1080p input.  No motion artifacting common with interlaced sources.  So for practical High Def HT experience, the current toss-up between 1080i and 1080p input capability in displays is irrelevant when talking about 1080p-encoded sources.  Some would even say that 1080p is a waste. But I don't think it is.  To the extent that the display may not be de-interlacing properly, which may happen with cheap HDTVs, 1080p input has its value.  But I have to admit all the hype about 1080p has convinced the market that it is superior, and no amount technical punditry will convince them that for practical HT high def, they have the same pixel count and can't be distiguished. 

I have a 720p/1080i native PJ (Panny Ae900) with a 96in screen and HD being provided by HD-A1 and I have to agree with sir AV.  With the video im seeing I wonder how it could be "less glorious" compared to a 1080p display.  HD DVD video output at 1080i via hdmi though looks a bit sharper than 1080i via component.  With the reviews and articles ive read (just like what sir AV has posted) Im not looking to upgrade to 1080p PJs for now.....its just impractical at the moment.  No "amoeba and jellyfish" artifacts too as Sony's Don Eklund would put it.... ;D ;D ;D

As for the Xbox 360 add-on.... it has been leaked out in avsforum (and confirmed) that XBOX live would release an update for the 360 to output 1080p via VGA. 

the link: http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/09/21/xbox-360-hd-dvd-playback-maximum-1080i-via-component-1080p-vga/
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 28, 2006 at 05:18 PM
No "amoeba and jellyfish" artifacts too as Sony's Don Eklund would put it.... ;D ;D ;D


Were you able to verify those "amoeba and jellyfish" artifacts of Eklund on your Tosh?  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 28, 2006 at 11:22 PM
Were you able to verify those "amoeba and jellyfish" artifacts of Eklund on your Tosh?  ;D
yeah.....look at the pic below...posted in avsforum..... ;D ;D ;D

(http://www.pbase.com/dscott/image/69083432.jpg)

...would have been dead by all the jellyfish stings....hahaha  ;D ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Oct 29, 2006 at 05:51 PM
It's cell technology from IBM is actually so much more powerful than anything that Intel or AMD PCs have at the moment.  It's not only the most powerful game console ever made, it is also the most expensive.  SONY is expected to lose $200 for each console made and will only recover from game licenses.

But I wouldn't get the PS3 for anything.  Because notwithstanding its processing power, game developers across many platforms design their games on the least common denominator, porting them on the appropriate media at the last stage of production.  That means those games common between xbox and ps would look and behave the same.  There are so few games that will be exclusive to PS3, like Resistance: Fall of Man which is currently nowhere near the top 5 among game aficionados.  And it doesn't have as good an online gaming as the 360.  In fact, I think it has no online gaming facility as yet.

Actually, lots of PS2 games (especially Electronic Arts titles) have online connectivity.  The big difference is how M$ and Sony implement thier online features:  M$ uses a centralized system (XBox Live) while Sony goes the decentralized route leaving it up to the game developer/publishers to have thier own online services, Sony just provides the hardware (network adapter) and the specs for connectivity.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Oct 29, 2006 at 06:24 PM
Yup, that's what I meant.  Sony does not have online gaming, though some of the PS game developers have. Sorry for not being clearer and more specific.   ;D  Often very easy to equate PS3 with Sony. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 30, 2006 at 04:20 PM
This just in.....

(http://www.highdefdigest.com/images/post/1/1052/original.jpeg)
Vivid to Bring First Adult Title to Blu-ray, HD DVD (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Vivid_to_Bring_First_Adult_Title_to_Blu-ray,_HD_DVD/329)

Vivid girls in HighDef?   8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Oct 31, 2006 at 02:39 AM
I've downloaded a couple of movie trailers and previews for my Xbox 360 and they are in 720p resolution.One of them is the Titanic which is coming out in HD-DVD(or is it already out? i don't know).Super clear talaga.One week to go and i'll be able to sample the new HD-DVD drive(with free King Kong)and see if it's really worth it. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Oct 31, 2006 at 09:43 AM
Titanic was released by Paramount in the US but was distributed by Fox worldwide so theres a chance it may be released in HD DVD.....but as of now, its not even in the list of planned release.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Oct 31, 2006 at 10:05 PM
I was able to score a pre-order for the 60 GB PS3.  The mom & pop videogame store only had 6 allocated for the 60 GB and  and you have to win the preorder it via lottery (no lining up necessary).  Just received a call asking me to pick up the PS3 come launch day.  I hope its true.   :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Nov 01, 2006 at 12:25 PM
You're one lucky dude then.  With most stores allocated only 6-12 PS3 units for preorders, most preorders had been snapped up within 5 minutes.  And the launch units have been scaled down by 20%, accordg to a net site. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 01, 2006 at 04:53 PM
Lets see if I can get one 11/11.  Planning to preorder Resistance:FOM and a Blu-Ray movie (just to test). :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Nov 01, 2006 at 05:49 PM
Unless you have at least a 32" HTDV that can display 1080p via HDMI, I doubt you'd notice any difference though .  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Nov 03, 2006 at 03:08 PM
PS3 demos are now on display in big electronic shops in Tokyo. So far, I can't bloody figure out the difference in graphics quality compared with X360 games. However, Sony's demo set-ups are absolutely much more impressive. They're using full HD resolution 46V Bravias (2 side by side in some cases) while MS is still stuck with 26V Samsungs. PS3's catalogue is very cool as well..full A4 size in black while MS has 1/4 size in white...oh well, this is Sony country afterall.

Just wondering why PS3 is equipped only with an HDMI output and their proprietary AV Multi Out.    What about those HDTVs with only D or component video in.   Perhaps 720p and 1080i can also be displayed through AV Multi Out.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Nov 03, 2006 at 05:43 PM
[quote author=Clondalkin link=topic=57050es. However, Sony's demo set-ups are absolutely much more impressive. They're using full HD resolution 46V Bravias (2 side by side in some cases) while MS is still stuck with 26V Samsungs. PS3's catalogue is v.msg632533#msg632533 date=1162537731]
PS3 demos are now on display in big electronic shops in Tokyo. So far, I can't bloody figure out the difference in graphics quality compared with X360 gamery cool as well..full A4 size in black while MS has 1/4 size in white...oh well, this is Sony country afterall.

Just wondering why PS3 is equipped only with an HDMI output and their proprietary AV Multi Out.    What about those HDTVs with only D or component video in.   Perhaps 720p and 1080i can also be displayed through AV Multi Out.
[/quote]

Most likely, just like with the PS2, you will need to buy the appropriate D/Component AV multi-out cable for those without HDMI inputs.  Of course, this also means that you pay a premium for that proprietary cable to hook up to your TV :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Nov 03, 2006 at 06:24 PM
Most likely, just like with the PS2, you will need to buy the appropriate D/Component AV multi-out cable for those without HDMI inputs.  Of course, this also means that you pay a premium for that proprietary cable to hook up to your TV :P


Those D/component cables are still cheaper than HDMI cables anyway.  Just as long as 720p or 1080i can actually be outputted from Sony's AV multi-out.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Nov 03, 2006 at 08:01 PM
D/component cables are analog.  HDMI is an entirely different (and expensive) animal.  It's digital and is the one type-approved for high definition.  Nothing else.  All the  current high def pictures going thu D/Component cables are interim and allowed because the Image Constrant Token (ICT) meant to downscale 1920 x 1080 to 960 x 540 resoution when passing thru component has not been implemented YET.  So the early adopters can still enjoy high def 1920 x 1080 via component/D cables.   
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 04, 2006 at 01:12 AM
I agree with expect av_phile1  ;)

Gosh...I haven't been to any of the major HDTV stores for a few months....I bet lots of new models available na?  ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: D75C on Nov 04, 2006 at 02:14 AM
I don't know how the HD format war will go but one thing is certain. Someone will produce a hybrid that will support both formats. And i would not be surprised if it crawls out of China.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Nov 04, 2006 at 07:24 AM
Hybrid lens and chips are already available from Ricoh, Pioneer and Samsung to make a dual-format player.  In fact, Samsung announced late last year it will come out with such.  But it is now silent.  Rumour has it that the BD camp is not going to license BD for a dual format player.  So it seems this is more a political issue than a technical one.

And hybrid discs containing BD on one side and HD DVD on the other has already been patented by Warner.  But it expected to cost a lot to produce and  market and there is no certainty the market is ready for it, unless ALL the studios support both formats.   Afterall, this is a war that expects a winner, not a detente or peaceful co-existence.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Nov 05, 2006 at 09:55 PM
Nov 11 -

11 11

http://www.jp.playstation.com/psworld/movie/   ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Nov 07, 2006 at 08:57 AM
I was able to score a pre-order for the 60 GB PS3.  The mom & pop videogame store only had 6 allocated for the 60 GB and  and you have to win the preorder it via lottery (no lining up necessary).  Just received a call asking me to pick up the PS3 come launch day.  I hope its true.   :)

I got this news from an insider in bestbuy.com. a hacker was able to dig a link in their website that will  put you on the pre-order page of PS3. The link was not accessible if you go to the main page, but was existing and not disabled (maybe a ready made page for future use). Worst, the hacker posted it on a forum. For 3 hours lots of bestbuy members was able to make an order before the ordering button was disabled. Bestbuy had no choice but to honor those orders or face lawsuits. But I think its defends on availability and store pre-orders are still the priority.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Nov 07, 2006 at 09:01 AM
heres a link..

http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/416602
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Nov 10, 2006 at 05:18 AM
HD DVD: The Real Xbox 360 Killing Application

http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/12195/HD-DVD-The-Real-Xbox-360-Killing-Application/
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 11, 2006 at 02:59 PM
Picked up my 60GB PS3 today which I won in a preorder lottery.  Nice touch on the detachable power cord but the composite video in the pack was disappointing.  Oh well.. I already have a HDMI and D4 and component connector so no problem.  Still waiting for my amazon order of Resistance.  Will test with AE-700 later for dvd playback capability

(http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8727/lsl4848ms4.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

(http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/3718/lsl4855yh2.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

(http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5440/lsl4857bi6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

(http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5130/lsl4859vx7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 11, 2006 at 03:23 PM
wow!!!.  you're one lucky dude.  congrats!!!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Nov 11, 2006 at 03:55 PM
Picked up my 60GB PS3 today which I won in a preorder lottery.  Nice touch on the detachable power cord but the composite video in the pack was disappointing.  Oh well.. I already have a HDMI and D4 and component connector so no problem.  Still waiting for my amazon order of Resistance.  Will test with AE-700 later for dvd playback capability



Congrats.  Enjoy your new toy.

BTW, composite video is always dissappointing.  It's hardly ever used among serious videophiles.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 11, 2006 at 04:09 PM
strider, could you post pics of all the video/audio connections at the back?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 11, 2006 at 04:46 PM
Here you go.
(http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/1230/lsl4860nk5.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

DVD Playback is fast compared to my Toshiba HD-DVD and I think upscaling is quite good as well on the AE-700 (720p).  Am excited about the installing other OS option.  Also was able to wirelessly surf the net just like PSP.  Will find an appropriate KB/Mouse later and this is a potential HTPC replacement.  Can also rip MP3/AAC/Atrac at up to 320 kbps.  If you have a PSP, the menu is prett much intuitive but I need to find the English manual to study other features.  Kulang na lang mahaba-habang bakasyon to play with this new toy.  Loading PS2 games was also quite fast but I don't think its worth doing that in the PS3.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 11, 2006 at 05:00 PM
ok.  thanks strider... :) napaka swerte mo talaga...other guys will be lining up in the cold just to have that.....and you won in a lottery...and with ur Toshy HD DVD...the HD gods are smiling on you...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 11, 2006 at 05:22 PM
Not yet.  I still do  not a 1080p display device.  Its weird having your display device as the bottleneck to get max.  picture quality. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Nov 12, 2006 at 01:45 AM
WowZers!!! Congrats!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Nov 12, 2006 at 10:51 AM
Not yet.  I still do  not a 1080p display device.  Its weird having your display device as the bottleneck to get max.  picture quality. 

Sir,

mini-review naman po and do some tinkering on it.

I read from IGN that the PS3 accepts 3rd Party hard drive.
Impress Watch connected a 120GB on the 20GB PS3 version.

It works but with some flaws.

Mini-review also on the Blu Ray functionality.
I read that it loads Blu Ray Software faster than the HD-A1 with HD DVD.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Nov 12, 2006 at 01:18 PM
Congrats sir! Your one lucky dude! The guys in the US have already started camping out of Bestbuy, 9 days prior to the US launch. I hope i can get mine in HK this Dec. ::)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 12, 2006 at 06:34 PM
Sir,

mini-review naman po and do some tinkering on it.

I read from IGN that the PS3 accepts 3rd Party hard drive.
Impress Watch connected a 120GB on the 20GB PS3 version.

It works but with some flaws.

Mini-review also on the Blu Ray functionality.
I read that it loads Blu Ray Software faster than the HD-A1 with HD DVD.


Hindi pa dumarating Resistance na game and the Blu-Ray titles I'm interested in are on pre-order (X3 and Kindom of Heaven).   Tested DVD playback capability and picture quality is decent but I prefer the HD upconversion of HD-A1 (fw. 2.0).  However, if you don't have a upconverting player,  I think you'll be more than happy with the PS3 (unlike the PS2 with crappy DVD playback).

The internet browser works very well and will be using this capability a lot (like to view movie info/reviews before starting to watch films when I had the HTPC unit).  Kulang na wireless keyboard and mouse.  Checked out the S-ATA drives today and meron na pala 160GBso might want to do that later.  Pics with HD-A1 and AE-700

(http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/6818/lsl4867zc1.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

(http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7364/lsl4864lz9.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)


Someone in AVS already got PS3 and tested Blu-ray capability
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=748982

Bitrate information is also available in dvd playback based on my experience.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 12, 2006 at 06:56 PM
wow.  they both look good in black and silver.....kumpleto na HD viewing mo (youre sitting in both fences), the ae700 is native 720p.  congrats bro.....PS3 will only be released in Asia March 2007 (except Japan).   :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Nov 12, 2006 at 07:45 PM
Sir ganda ng pix ha.
Anglinaw.

Anong digicam yan?  :)

I have read from IGN that PS3 doesn't upscale DVDs.

IGN purchased a retail PS3 and did explore the capabilities of the machine.
Everything from:
- Internet browsing
- Attaching an IPOD, and other Storage Devices.
- Playing PS1 and PS2 game, etc.

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/743/743956p1.html.

Excited na din ako. But matagalan pa yan bago makadating dito sa Pinas.
Congrats again.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 12, 2006 at 08:56 PM
You are correct SD DVDs were only at 480p (525p).  I thought it was upconverting to 720p.  This is where the HD-A1 shines.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 12, 2006 at 09:14 PM
You are correct SD DVDs were only at 480p (525p).  I thought it was upconverting to 720p.  This is where the HD-A1 shines.
T3 Philippines just ran a special HD feature in its November Edition. In the Select Opinion column by Vince Sales.....he stated that, once you go HD, theres just no turning back.  I believe him.  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 12, 2006 at 09:27 PM
Sir ganda ng pix ha.
Anglinaw.

Anong digicam yan?  :)

I have read from IGN that PS3 doesn't upscale DVDs.

IGN purchased a retail PS3 and did explore the capabilities of the machine.
Everything from:
- Internet browsing
- Attaching an IPOD, and other Storage Devices.
- Playing PS1 and PS2 game, etc.

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/743/743956p1.html.

Excited na din ako. But matagalan pa yan bago makadating dito sa Pinas.
Congrats again.

Nikon D200 yung digicam with a 35 mm f2 AF-D lens.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Nov 12, 2006 at 09:59 PM
wow.  they both look good in black and silver.....kumpleto na HD viewing mo (youre sitting in both fences), the ae700 is native 720p.  congrats bro.....PS3 will only be released in Asia March 2007 (except Japan).   :)

Sir may official launch din sya sa HK on Nov 17 for the 60gb version and Dec for the 20gb.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 12, 2006 at 10:29 PM
Sir may official launch din sya sa HK on Nov 17 for the 60gb version and Dec for the 20gb.
thats great news....espcially for enthusiasts in HK.... :) the question naman locally is not when.....but how much?  baka its much cheaper to import one from the US....just like what ive done with the HD-A1
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 13, 2006 at 01:06 AM
Signed up with Playstation network and played RR7 and Blast Factor. RR7 is nice but don't expect to be wowed if you are used to XBOX360 graphics. Blastfactor though is a very fun and easy game. Its a shooter that makes good use of the sixaxis controller. Full version only cost about US$6 so might buy it online.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Nov 13, 2006 at 01:43 AM
The HD-DVD drive for the 360 is already out and i'm still holding out on it because MS will offer downloadable movies for rent and TV shows in HD.Downside is it'll probably take a long time to download one movie.I'll try it out on Nov.22. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Nov 13, 2006 at 08:52 AM
Bic Camera in Yuurakucho (Ginza) has one demo unit on the 1st floor connected to a 40V Bravia X series (at the basement floor they have 2 units with same grade Bravias playing RR7 and some game trailers).  They were playing Eight Feet Below.  NOT impressive (and even the salesman agreed with a wry smile).   Honestly I felt like, "yan na ba yon".  But probably, it's just the quality of the movie/transfer itself and not the PS3 Blu-Ray player because that movie has so many scenes on snow, wide shot, with not much contrast or details to see.  I told/recommended to Bic staff to change the sample movie to a better one.  He just smiled.    But who am I to judge?  I haven't even seen an actual HD-DVD movie yet because Toshiba demo booths don't show any.   Puro sceneries or HD programs recorded on TV lang (natural maganda).

Agree 100% with Strider.  If you own an Xbox360 already, there certainly is no feel of higher strata of wow factor for games, though it's really nicer to see demos on a 40V (PS3) compared to a 26V (Xbox360).  PS3 RR7 looks more detailed than X360 RR6 as expected, because the former is the newer version, that's all.  But compare RR7 with GOW for instance, that's another matter.  So far, depende nalang sa game title itself, I think.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Nov 13, 2006 at 09:01 AM
The HD-DVD drive for the 360 is already out and i'm still holding out on it because MS will offer downloadable movies for rent and TV shows in HD.Downside is it'll probably take a long time to download one movie.I'll try it out on Nov.22. ;D

I'm subscribed to a 100MB broadband service and it takes at least 20-25 minutes to download 1GB demos through Xbox live, on a "very good day" sa Marketplace.  So how long will it take to download full length HD movies and all special features???  Better to buy the HD-DVD add on drive I think.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Nov 13, 2006 at 09:30 AM
Strider can you set the menu language to English?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 13, 2006 at 10:17 AM
For the PS3, you can set the menu to English (almost any language, sobra dami, pero ala ata tagalog, lol)

However, for signing-up with Playstation@network, currently still all Japanese.  Maybe this will change come Nov. 17.

Downloading content is very fast.  Feeling ko around yung 480 MB na ridge racer parang under 10 minutes lang tapos na and then PS3 installed the download.  Kunti pa lang siguro users.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Nov 13, 2006 at 10:37 AM
Sir Strider,

More mini-reviews on the PS3 pa po.
Feedbacks both Good and Bad.

I am now deciding between a 360 and a PS3 so I am gathering feedbacks about the PS3.

Sir, may PS3 game ka na ba (downloaded or on Blu-Ray)? How does it perform?
How about the Backwards Compatibility? I read from IGN that PS1 and PS2 titles are still region-locked.

PS3 unit heat and noise issues?

Sensya na po daming tanong. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 13, 2006 at 10:46 AM
nels...kunin mo na dalawa para walang problem sa titles...hehehehe... ;D ;D 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Nov 13, 2006 at 11:08 AM
nels...kunin mo na dalawa para walang problem sa titles...hehehehe... ;D ;D 

he he he. di pa ako ganon kayaman.

I think this thread does not only discuss about the War between Blu-Ray and HD DVD but also the War among next-gen consoles.  ;D So... The War Begins (with the launch of PS3, and soon, Nintendo Wii).  ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Nov 13, 2006 at 11:17 AM
Bilhin mo pareho to try then sell the one you like less (because I assure you, you'd like both).

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 13, 2006 at 11:19 AM
Si strider walang problema.....me stand alone HD DVD player at me PS3 na....perfect HD situation sya... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Nov 13, 2006 at 12:32 PM

I think this thread does not only discuss about the War between Blu-Ray and HD DVD but also the War among next-gen consoles.  ;D So... The War Begins (with the launch of PS3, and soon, Nintendo Wii).  ;)

That's because Sony dragged the console game wars into the high def video format wars.  Nananahimik yung game console with them winning, then suddently they get tangled in  the format war.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 13, 2006 at 05:47 PM
Sir Strider,

More mini-reviews on the PS3 pa po.
Feedbacks both Good and Bad.

I am now deciding between a 360 and a PS3 so I am gathering feedbacks about the PS3.

Sir, may PS3 game ka na ba (downloaded or on Blu-Ray)? How does it perform?
How about the Backwards Compatibility? I read from IGN that PS1 and PS2 titles are still region-locked.

PS3 unit heat and noise issues?

Sensya na po daming tanong. 

If you're a gamer, the decision to buy PS3 is if there are exclusives that can't be found in 360 and vice-versa.  If you're a movie fan and want to watch pre-recorded HD movie, you're basically screwed because of the format war which is not likely to be settled in the next year or two.

Best of both worlds is PS3+360+HD-DVD add-on (I have no need for the add-on).  Cost should be under US$1,000 part. if you go with the Jap units (slightly higher for US units due to exchange rate)

But the 360 is readily available now so I suggest you go with that first.

Noise is not an issue with the PS3.  If you have to put in inside a cabinet, you need to have space at the back as the exhaust is in there.  Heat is not a problem for me as its winter now... lol.

PS2 games look like PS2 games even when played in the PS3 (i.e. crappy graphics). Good news is the very fast loading times.




Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 13, 2006 at 06:01 PM
on the other hand, if someone's a movie fan first and also a part time gamer, a situation like yours strider is very good.  With a HD-A1 and a PS3, you get to watch all the movies you want in HD, regardless of studios, and still get to play the latest games  :)  its also the most cost-efficent now, since BD players hover around the $1000 mark....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 13, 2006 at 06:04 PM
Munskie, problem is finding the time to play.. mostly watching movies na lang ang free time ko coz I can do that with the family.  Games ay pag tulog na sila lahat (solo ko FPTV).  Puyat lang pagpasok office.

Some pics from downloading RR7.

(http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/9084/lsl4926mq9.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

(http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8986/lsl4927ho5.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

(http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/4166/lsl4929cf4.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

(http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/4494/lsl4930so2.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

These are handheld high iso/low shuttet speed  shots on a 100 inch screen from an old LCD projector so a bit grainy

I'm glad there is a RR7 demo as this title is not worth $50 if you already have XBOX360 racing games.  Mas enjoy  yung blastfactor na demo.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: et414 on Nov 13, 2006 at 07:01 PM
congrats strider! hows the PQ of the ps3 compared w/ the hd-a1 in movies?

600bucks for a BD player is really tempting:) bonus na lang yung gaming capabilities;) my only gripe w/ the ps3 is that it does'nt have 5.1ch analog outputs. kelangan pa magupgrade ng avr to enjoy HD sound:P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Nov 13, 2006 at 10:24 PM
Nice pix.... 4 more days for me. ;D ;D ;D

peace and blessing!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 13, 2006 at 11:53 PM
Good news!  Wireless keyboard and wireless mouse worked out of the box.  Also can now play mp4 HD files and m2t HD files.  You need to format the flash memory using PS3 and not windows.  Wow!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 14, 2006 at 12:17 AM
m2t and mp4 files worked as well when I used a Sony DVD+RW.  Check the avsforum (my handle there is weapon_x11).  Looks like video playing capability is now better than my XBOX360. Truly an HTPC replacement

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8885437#post8885437
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Nov 14, 2006 at 08:29 AM
Nice Sir Strider.

Keep them coming.

So do you highly recommend getting a PS3?

I noticed that this unit is really "open source".

Anyway, there is also a discussion about PS3 at the Tech Talk thread.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Nov 14, 2006 at 08:37 AM
Strider-chan (I think I am older than you - he he he).

Do you have a D3 or D4 rated widescreen CRT?  If you do, could you possibly give feedback on the quality of HD-DVD or Blu-Ray viewing using an HDTV/pseudo HDTV/quasi HDTV/ CRT?  I think many members of this board would be very curious to know what to expect with their HDTV CRTs, as regards these 2 HD format.  I'm guessing HD quality would be better than OK (based on HD movie trailers downloaded through Xbox Live Marketplace) but not as stunning as an LCD or plasma of course.

Thanks ne.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 14, 2006 at 08:52 AM
I have the Sony 36HDF9 Hi Vision CRT (with VGA/BNC/Component/MUSE LD) inputs but no D4 as this is an old horse.  My daughter is using this to watch her videos in a separate room.  Everything looked amazing on this 34 inch 16:9 CRT esp. the XBOX360 so I would assume D4 input on the PS3 would be very good.  It already is on the AE-700 but I only have the HDMI input calibrated (big difference on HDMI vs component on a 100 inch screen but as I said, the component inputs I have yet to calibrate).

@nels, if you have the extra money, yes its highly recommended (but I'm easy to please - happy na ako sa wireless keyboard and laser mouse support. lol)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: indie boi on Nov 14, 2006 at 09:09 AM
According to one reviewer, he claims that blu-ray player response is very quick and even claims that it is the fastest among the Toshiba, Sony, and Matsucrapa HD players/ recorders.

Any truth to this?

I've read that DVD upsampling will be enabled in future firmware updates.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 14, 2006 at 09:41 AM
priority for me though is how good the PQ is for BD movies compared to the stand alones of Samsung, Panasonic and soon to be released Sony and Pioneer BD players.  If it just as good PQ wise, then theres no doubt that the PS3 would be more of value, than the stand alone players, which hovers around $1000 and more.  Sacrifice na muna lossless sound coz walang analog 5.1 outputs....getting it through toslink at the healthy bitrate of 1.5mbps should sound very good already....... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Nov 14, 2006 at 10:10 AM
Di na ako makahintay ;D


(http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/1551/hdix5.jpg)

(http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/9326/hd1wt8.jpg)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 14, 2006 at 10:45 AM
congrats dagul!!!  ive seen M:i:III and is definitely one of the best transfers since it was shot in HD.  V for Vendetta also got great reviews for the Dolby TrueHD soundtrack.  That King Kong is free right?  just wondering if they fixed the stampede scene...watching it in standard def aint good...the CGI effect doesnt look real...wonder how it would look in highdef.....nevertheless, it also got good initial reviews in AVS so I pre-ordered the title.... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Nov 14, 2006 at 11:18 AM
I have the Sony 36HDF9 Hi Vision CRT (with VGA/BNC/Component/MUSE LD) inputs but no D4 as this is an old horse.  My daughter is using this to watch her videos in a separate room.  Everything looked amazing on this 34 inch 16:9 CRT esp. the XBOX360 so I would assume D4 input on the PS3 would be very good.  It already is on the AE-700 but I only have the HDMI input calibrated (big difference on HDMI vs component on a 100 inch screen but as I said, the component inputs I have yet to calibrate).

@nels, if you have the extra money, yes its highly recommended (but I'm easy to please - happy na ako sa wireless keyboard and laser mouse support. lol)



Thanks Strider. Ok medyo convinced na ako based on feedbacks here and on IGN website.
Imagine browsing using the PS3 on your HDTV and the wireless keyboard and mouse.

Availability na lang dito sa pinas.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Nov 14, 2006 at 01:34 PM
Thanks munskie.Yes,the KingKong HD-DVD is free.I might never go back to SD DVD,hehehe.I haven't tried if it will upconvert regular DVDs.Nevertheless,i'm very much satisfied. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Nov 14, 2006 at 03:41 PM
Thanks Strider.  Yeah I know how awesome Xbox360 games look on a D4 widescreeen CRT as mine is connected to a 32DX850 full time.  The wife wouldn't allow me to use our LCD for gaming dahil JAMA raw ako when she's watching DVD or TFC. 

However, I'm very curious about quality of HD movies as viewed on HDTV CRT (because yon lang ang available sa bahay sa Pinas).  Kung meron kang time, hopefully, you'd be able to connect your XA1 or PS3 to the HDF9 through component and kindly give us a feedback on movie playback.

Thank you!

 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 14, 2006 at 07:32 PM
Finally played Resistance today and the game is like COD2 meets Halo.  If you're fan of COD2, you'll like Resistance.  Control was very responsive and gameplay was smooth.  I'm not a fan of FPS (only played COD2 on my 2.4Ghz  S939 Athlon 64 /ATI X800pro) and was just curious about Resistance.  Although the packaging was in Japanese, the game itself is 100 English (menu, control, subtitles everything)

@clondalkin, will see if I can test the CRT with Toshiba AX1 later this week (still have conference hanggang 11 pm tonight and will be busy the next few days).  Have to make money to sustain all these hobbies. Lol.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Ice Storm on Nov 14, 2006 at 08:55 PM
This just in.....

(http://www.highdefdigest.com/images/post/1/1052/original.jpeg)
Vivid to Bring First Adult Title to Blu-ray, HD DVD (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Vivid_to_Bring_First_Adult_Title_to_Blu-ray,_HD_DVD/329)

Vivid girls in HighDef?   8)
A lot of stars will soon loose a lot of fans. :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 14, 2006 at 09:05 PM
Thanks munskie.Yes,the KingKong HD-DVD is free.I might never go back to SD DVD,hehehe.I haven't tried if it will upconvert regular DVDs.Nevertheless,i'm very much satisfied. ;D
yeah, its very hard to go back to SD DVD.  Theres just really no turning back.  Ive stopped purchasing SD DVDs myself.  It will save me from double dips especially when HD goes mainstream.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Nov 15, 2006 at 03:43 AM
I just can't get enough of HD.Finished watching MI3 and the PQ is really amazing.Next in line is Vendetta,then off to bestbuy.Ohhhh the itch. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Nov 15, 2006 at 04:27 AM
And  it begins.........


(http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/5534/picture003mediumul1.th.jpg) (http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture003mediumul1.jpg)(http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1502/picture004mediumyq1.th.jpg) (http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture004mediumyq1.jpg)(http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/3446/picture005mediumve8.th.jpg) (http://img56.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture005mediumve8.jpg)(http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/4389/picture006mediumjw9.th.jpg) (http://img56.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture006mediumjw9.jpg)(http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/4408/picture007mediumnf8.th.jpg) (http://img56.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture007mediumnf8.jpg)(http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/5271/picture008mediumgk7.th.jpg) (http://img56.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture008mediumgk7.jpg)(http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/5170/picture009mediumbm9.th.jpg) (http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture009mediumbm9.jpg)



Shots were taken 1pm today 11/14/06 at CCITY in Rockville Maryland.. the number of people i guess is in 50++ already.number of unitsavailable at this store... 100. ;D ;D ;D



peace and blessing!!

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 15, 2006 at 08:08 AM
Whoa the trill of lining up & getting the gem! Good luck! :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Nov 16, 2006 at 10:33 AM
I went to Bestbuy and sampled their demo unit of PS3.Played a little bit of NBA 2K7,tried to quit the game but the start button wasn't working.Pressed the little button with the PS logo and nothing.Held the button for about 4 seconds then it went to a different menu.Selected Quit game,pressed X as stated,nothing happened.Hmmmm.....Maybe a defective controller or a bad demo unit.Graphics was ok.I would probably buy the PS3 because of blueray but for games,I'd stick with my Xbox 360. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Nov 17, 2006 at 08:54 AM
I went to Bestbuy and sampled their demo unit of PS3.Played a little bit of NBA 2K7,

Meron nang NBA2K7 for the PS3 sa US? 
The only game you can actually try sa demo booths in Tokyo is RR7, which, in my opinion is one of the most boring games there is.   Simply not my cup of tea despite being eye-candy.   Ayaw nilang palitan ng Resistance man lang despite my requests..he he he.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 17, 2006 at 09:02 AM

(http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/9326/hd1wt8.jpg)

dagul...hows PQ of King Kong?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: indie boi on Nov 17, 2006 at 03:43 PM
I would probably buy the PS3 because of blueray but for games,I'd stick with my Xbox 360. ;D

Are you referring to the 360's game library or its graphics?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Nov 18, 2006 at 02:38 AM
Clondalkin,

Yup,meron ng NBA 2K7 dito for the PS3.Also,Tony Hawk's Proj. 8,Madden 07 and NHL 2K7.

Munskie,
 
One word sir,Amazing!


Indie boi,

Yup,both game library and graphics IF we're to base it on this next gen. consoles, xbox 360 and PS3 only.Magkakatalo lang talaga sa games that are exclusive to a particular console.

 ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Nov 18, 2006 at 08:18 AM
Magkakatalo lang talaga sa games that are exclusive to a particular console.


I read in other AVforums that many of the games once exclusive to PS2 that would have remained exclusive to PS3 have now been ported to xbox360 due to the year-long PS3 launch delay.  Am no gamer, so can't confirm that. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: indie boi on Nov 18, 2006 at 08:32 AM
Dagul thanks. I haven't seen the Xbox 360 in action much less the PS3 so I'm looking forward to actually seeing these graphics soon. Sobrang mahal lang talaga.

Av_phile, yup a number of games that were previously exclusive to PS3 have now been announced as multi-console titles -- most notably Assassin's Creed and of course, GTA. The PS3 though still has the venerable Final Fantasy series (not the online game) that has such a loyal fanbase it has been known to increase sales of units when it arrives. I think there's an article floating around the net where there is a rundown of exclusive titles for both consoles. I'll try to look for it.

Oh, PS3 also has Gran Turismo. 360, on the other hand, has Halo and Blue Dragon from Dragon Ball Z creator Akira Toriyama.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 18, 2006 at 07:06 PM
I was able to sign-up to US Playstation@network as well and download was very fast  (seemed like 2Mbytes per second).  More downloadable in US network than Japan (Blu-Ray trailers of  Underworld Evolution, Talladega, Stealth and game demo of NBA Live 2007, Motorstorm and F1)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Nov 18, 2006 at 09:57 PM
Clondalkin,

Yup,meron ng NBA 2K7 dito for the PS3.Also,Tony Hawk's Proj. 8,Madden 07 and NHL 2K7.


Thanks Dagul.  That case, the entire set of launch titles doesn't appear as sh**ty as it does in Tokyo.   I understand region coding for blu ray movies is the same for Japan and the US.  Does that apply to games as well?

 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Nov 19, 2006 at 02:18 AM
I'm biased towards Xbox 360 right now because that's what i have,hehehe.Once i get the PS3 i'll give a blow by blow comparison.But that will be next year because i'll be going back to our beloved country this december.loving loving muna with the wifey ;D.Right now,if you really want to enjoy HD movies walang talo whether Xbox 360 w/HD DVD or PS3 for Blueray.Whatever format wins,you'll still have a console for gaming.Enjoy mga sir! ;D

Clondalkin,

 Are you a member of pinoyxbox?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Nov 19, 2006 at 10:17 AM
Yes Dagul, but very casual gamer now compared to when I was in my teens and twenties.  Just give me a good golf and tennis game, WWII shooter, Sam Fischer and the Master Chief, those are all I need.  ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Nov 20, 2006 at 10:04 AM
I saw a PS3 in SM makati last friday selling for 60K. The games are ridge racer and gundam, both selling for ~5k.  According to the sales lady the unit is a Japan version.  Wonder how SM was able to get one when I believe there is also shortage in Japan?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Nov 20, 2006 at 10:38 AM
I saw a PS3 in SM makati last friday selling for 60K. The games are ridge racer and gundam, both selling for ~5k.  According to the sales lady the unit is a Japan version.  Wonder how SM was able to get one when I believe there is also shortage in Japan?

Giant retailers can go straight to Sony Japan or Sony US.  But what about warranty?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 20, 2006 at 11:02 AM
I saw a PS3 in SM makati last friday selling for 60K. The games are ridge racer and gundam, both selling for ~5k.  According to the sales lady the unit is a Japan version.  Wonder how SM was able to get one when I believe there is also shortage in Japan?
60k?????  gosh....SM really goes for the kill ei?  hehehehe.... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Nov 20, 2006 at 12:31 PM
60k?????  gosh....SM really goes for the kill ei?  hehehehe.... ;D ;D

IMO its cheaper there compared to the price here in UAE where the most popular gaming store is selling it for 5,500AED (P77,000) for the 20gb and 6,000AED (P84,000) 60gb version, though the games are cheaper here 299AED (P4,000) and theye already have 10 titles to choosefrom. Greedy merchants!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dakeldani on Nov 20, 2006 at 02:23 PM
IMO its cheaper there compared to the price here in UAE where the most popular gaming store is selling it for 5,500AED (P77,000) for the 20gb and 6,000AED (P84,000) 60gb version, though the games are cheaper here 299AED (P4,000) and theye already have 10 titles to choosefrom. Greedy merchants!!!

Hmmmm...

in bangkok its 52,000 pesos (60 GB with 2 controllers and 2 games),  36,400 pesos (20GB standard) both japan version

but i didnt ask how much per game each...


....nah..better wait till march wherein hopefully, they would be available at Sony's SRP.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aeris30 on Nov 20, 2006 at 05:55 PM
PS3 at Toykingdom Megamall, saw 2 units each of:

60gb @ P59,999
20gb @ P44,999
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Nov 21, 2006 at 07:58 AM
So, the PS3 managed to sneak out on its way to these countries.

Campers per country?  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 21, 2006 at 05:51 PM
Those who want to make money can buy it & sell in ebay. There was one unit that reach US$14,000 bid!!  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Nov 21, 2006 at 07:40 PM
A Weekend Full of Quality Time With PlayStation 3
By SETH SCHIESEL
Published: November 20, 2006
The New York Times


Howard Stringer, you have a problem. Your company’s new video game system just isn’t that great.

Ever since Mr. Stringer took the helm last year at Sony, the struggling if still formidable electronics giant, the world has been hearing about how the coming PlayStation 3 would save the company, or at least revitalize it. Even after Microsoft took the lead in the video-game wars a year ago with its innovative and powerful Xbox 360, Sony blithely insisted that the PS3 would leapfrog all competition to deliver an unsurpassed level of fun.

Put bluntly, Sony has failed to deliver on that promise.

Measured in megaflops, gigabytes and other technical benchmarks, the PlayStation 3 is certainly the world’s most powerful game console. It falls far short, however, of providing the world’s most engaging overall entertainment experience. There is a big difference, and Sony seems to have confused one for the other.

The PS3, which was introduced in North America on Friday with a hefty $599 price tag for the top version, certainly delivers gorgeous graphics. But they are not discernibly prettier than the Xbox 360’s. More important, the whole PlayStation 3 system is surprisingly clunky to use and simply does not provide many basic functions that users have come to expect, especially online.

I have spent more than 30 hours using the PlayStation 3 over the last week or so and may have played more different games on the system — 13 — than probably anyone outside of Sony itself. Sony did not activate the PS3’s online service until just before the Friday debut. Over the weekend a clear sense of disappointment with the PlayStation 3 emerged from many gamers.

“What’s weird is that the PS3 was originally supposed to come out in the spring, and here it came out in the fall, and it still doesn’t feel finished,” Christopher Grant, managing editor of Joystiq, one of the world’s biggest video-game blogs, said on the telephone Saturday night. “It’s really not the all-star showing they should have had at launch. Sony is playing catch-up in a lot of ways now, not just in terms of sales but in terms of the basic functionality and usability of the system.”

Sadly for Sony, the best way to explain how the PlayStation 3 falls short is to explain how different it is to use than its main competition, Xbox 360. When I reviewed the 360 last year, I wrote: “Twelve minutes after opening the box, I had created my nickname, was in a game of Quake 4 and thought, ‘This can’t be this easy.’ ”

I never felt that way using the PlayStation 3. With the PS3, 12 minutes after opening the box I realized that Sony inexplicably does not include cables to connect the machine to a high-definition television. Keep in mind that one of Sony’s main selling points has been that the PS3 plays Blu-Ray high-definition movie discs. But high-definiton cables? Sold separately. The Xbox 360, by contrast, ships with one cable that can connect to either a standard or high-definition set.

Then, before you are even using the PS3, you have to connect the “wireless” controller to the base unit with a USB cable so they can recognize each other. If you bring your PS3 controller to a friend’s house, you’ll have to plug back in again. The 360’s wireless controllers are always just that, wireless.

If there is one thing one would expect Sony to get perfect, though, it would be music. Wrong. Sure, you can plug in your digital music player and the PS3 will play the tunes. But as soon as you go into a game, the music stops. By contrast, one of the things I’ve always enjoyed most on the Xbox 360 is being able to listen to my own music while playing Pebble Beach or driving my virtual Ferrari. Doesn’t seem too complicated, but the PS3 can’t do it.

In that sense it often feels as if the PlayStation 3 can’t walk and chew bubble gum at the same time. In the PS3’s online store (which feels like a slow Web page) you can access movie trailers and trial versions of new games, but when you actually download the 600-megabyte files, you’ll be stuck watching a progress bar crawl across the screen for 20 or 40 minutes. Astonishingly, you can’t download in the background while you go do something that’s more fun (like play a game). On the Xbox 360, not only are files downloaded seamlessly in the background, but you can also shut off the machine, turn it on later, and the download will resume automatically.

The PS3’s whole online experience feels tacked-on and unpolished. On the Xbox 360 each user has a single unified friends list, so you can track your friends and communicate with them easily, no matter what game you are in. On the PlayStation 3 most games have their own separate friends list and some have no friends function at all. There is a master list as well, but in order to communicate with anyone on it, you have to quit the game you are playing.

There are some high points. The multi-player battles in Resistance: Fall of Man are excellent. The arcade-style action in the downloadable Blast Factor is suitably frantic.

But the list of the PS3’s disappointments remains, from its undersupported voice chat to its maddening cellphone-like text messaging system. (In frustration I ended up plugging in a USB keyboard.) Overall, Sony seems to have put a lot of effort into cramming as much silicon horsepower under the hood as possible but to have forgotten that all the transistors in the world can’t make someone smile.

And so it is a bit of a shock to realize that on the video game front Microsoft and Sony are moving in exactly the opposite directions one might expect given their roots. Microsoft, the prototypical PC company, has made the Xbox 360 into a powerful but intuitive, welcoming, people-friendly system. Sony’s PlayStation 3, on the other hand, often feels like a brawny but somewhat recalcitrant specialized computer. (Sony is even telling users to wait for future software patches to fix some of the PS3’s deficiencies.) The thing is, if people want to use a computer, they’ll use a computer.

Through the decades of the Walkman and the Trinitron television, Sony was renowned as the global master of easy-to-use, seamlessly powerful consumer electronics. But recently Sony seems to have lost its way, first in digital music players, in which it ceded the ergonomic high ground to Apple’s iPod, and now in home-game consoles. For now Sony’s technologists seem to have won out over the people who study fun.

As a practical matter, given the limited quantities Sony has been able to manufacture, the PlayStation 3 will surely remain sold out throughout the holiday season. If you can’t find one, don’t fret. Sony still has a lot of work to do. As Mr. Grant of Joystiq put it: “Maybe in six months it’ll be finished. Maybe by next fall I’ll be able to do all the cool stuff. I’m still kind of waiting.”


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 21, 2006 at 09:25 PM
truly awakening.... ???
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: skylynx888 on Nov 21, 2006 at 09:31 PM
One of the shops in greenhills [somewhere in shopsville], price was at P55,000.00 for a 60gb  :o :o, i guess sometime next year will be the best time to buy it   ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Nov 21, 2006 at 09:46 PM
A Weekend Full of Quality Time With PlayStation 3


Hmmm... It sounds biased to me. Well its just me, coz i dont see the other pros like fully compatible if you install other OS and user upgradeablity of HD's among other things.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Nov 22, 2006 at 05:40 PM
Yeah. Same here.

He only mentioned all PS3 negatives, of which, are addressed by the 360.
Never mentioned PS3's strong points which the 360 doesn't have.

He never mentioned PS3's 60GB which is replaceable by 3rd Party HDD, so on and so forth.

He never mentioned about the PS3's HDMI, while the 360 has yet to come up with.

He never mentioned about PS3's free online play, while you have to pay $50 a year to play on XBL.

Anyway, to each his own.

May nabasa pala ako from a local gaming forum site.
An XBOX 360 game named Blue Dragon shall be released in 3 DVDs.
Yup. we don't need a blu ray.
Who needs a large capacity storage disc?

At this point of next generation competition, one game is about to be released in multiple DVDs.
And yet some are attacking Sony's decision to use a Blu Ray on the PS3.

Just wanted to share.
Peace.  ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: indie boi on Nov 22, 2006 at 06:44 PM
And more importantly, the guy was complaining of the shortcomings of the PS3 at launch but never failed to mention the 360 launch units that made circular scratches on discs when you insert it on the 360 and start playing.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Nov 22, 2006 at 08:41 PM
A Weekend Full of Quality Time With PlayStation 3
By SETH SCHIESEL
Published: November 20, 2006
The New York Times


Howard Stringer, you have a problem. Your company’s new video game system just isn’t that great.

Ever since Mr. Stringer took the helm last year at Sony, the struggling if still formidable electronics giant, the world has been hearing about how the coming PlayStation 3 would save the company, or at least revitalize it. Even after Microsoft took the lead in the video-game wars a year ago with its innovative and powerful Xbox 360, Sony blithely insisted that the PS3 would leapfrog all competition to deliver an unsurpassed level of fun.

Put bluntly, Sony has failed to deliver on that promise.

As a practical matter, given the limited quantities Sony has been able to manufacture, the PlayStation 3 will surely remain sold out throughout the holiday season. If you can’t find one, don’t fret. Sony still has a lot of work to do. As Mr. Grant of Joystiq put it: “Maybe in six months it’ll be finished. Maybe by next fall I’ll be able to do all the cool stuff. I’m still kind of waiting.”




Funny but I also posted the same article in the PS3 thread.   ;D\

Anyway, I,m not enitrely surprised.  Afterall, missed promises have come to be expected from Sony.  They often have a way of botching up an otherwise excellent product.  If the PS3 came from another more customer oriented and responsible company, it might be a different story.  Here's another:

http://www.cbronline.com/article_news.asp?guid=C040CD56-89D9-4FA4-BA60-9507BD9D0A37

PlayStation 3 launch hit by games glitches
14th November 2006
By Staff Writer

Sony has confirmed its PS3 is unable to play games from older PlayStations, refuting its earlier claim that the console was fully backwards compatible. The PlayStation 3 went on sale recently in Japan. According to games magazine publisher Enterbrain, over 84,000 units were shifted in the first two days of the console's launch.

Sony admitted that, with some titles, the audio features do not work, while others have problems with graphics. Titles affected include Final Fantasy and Gran Turismo. Sony has offered to fix the glitches via online console upgrades.

The PS3 is the centerpiece of Sony's strategy to claw back market share from Microsoft's Xbox 360. The PS3 was originally meant to hit the shops in early 2006, but problems with production and shortages of parts delayed the launch. Europe's PS3 launch has also been pushed back to March 2007.


AND ANOTHER:
http://au.psp.ign.com/articles/744/744964p1.html

PSP Firmware Update Misses PS3 Launch
Remote player functionality to make it in some time later this month.
by Anoop Gantayat
US, November 8, 2006 

Early adopters of the PlayStation 3 in Japan have more to look forward to than a paltry lineup of launch titles that can be counted on a single hand. That's right, thanks to the PlayStation Network, the PS3 offers the promise of online content, including downloadable games and messaging features.

The only problem is, the launch PS3 units don't actually have the proper firmware to access the new PlayStation Network hub. Sony Computer Entertainment announced today that purchasers of the launch hardware will need to run a system update in order to get the necessary firmware, System Software Version 1.10, in place.

This is, thankfully, an easy enough process. All PS3 owners will have to do is access the System Update option under the settings header of the cross media bar. Everything should be automatic from there.

The System Software Version 1.10 update will be available when people open their PS3 units for the first time. In making the announcement today, Sony didn't indicate why the latest firmware wasn't included right out of the box. We'll leave the creative speculation to you.

But wait, this sordid tale of a lack of preparedness gets even better. You know all that jazz about connectivity between the PSP and PS3? Well, while the PS3 might be ready for it, it's another story for the PSP. Owners of the portable will have to download Version 3.0 of the firmware in order to use the PSP as a remote media player for the PS3 and to play PSP-compatible software that has been downloaded to the PS3 from the PlayStation Network. Unfortunately, this update won't be ready until the end of November.

Hopefully, that means in time for the US launch.



I don't know how true these assessments are, but they do put Sony in a bad light.  I honestly don't think one should judge game consoles on their launch. And I guess in the next few months, everything will work out fine for the PS3.  Same went with MS on their xbox 360.  But it does not speak well about the company(ies) that sell them.  I can't help but wish all this had been done before the consumers got their hands on them.  For me, firmware patches are really a sign of sloppy production.  They're letting the consumer do things they should have done in the first place.   ;D   Hope the PS3 fanboys don't get me wrong, the PS3 is a powerful wonderful device.  My caveat is not with it, but with the Sony corporation and their mostly condescending consumer strategies.  My misgivings about Sony is at the Thread "What I think Of Sony."  But as always, that's just my perception. 



Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Nov 22, 2006 at 08:42 PM
May nabasa pala ako from a local gaming forum site.
An XBOX 360 game named Blue Dragon shall be released in 3 DVDs.
Yup. we don't need a blu ray.
Who needs a large capacity storage disc?

At this point of next generation competition, one game is about to be released in multiple DVDs.
And yet some are attacking Sony's decision to use a Blu Ray on the PS3.

Just wanted to share.
Peace.  ;)

Yeah! Im about to fight the Dragon boss of stage 3, yeah Im ready for you!  Then it suddenly goes blank and says, insert disk 2 to continue game. Nice.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Nov 22, 2006 at 09:30 PM
Yeah. Same here.

He only mentioned all PS3 negatives, of which, are addressed by the 360.
Never mentioned PS3's strong points which the 360 doesn't have.

He never mentioned PS3's 60GB which is replaceable by 3rd Party HDD, so on and so forth.

He never mentioned about the PS3's HDMI, while the 360 has yet to come up with.

He never mentioned about PS3's free online play, while you have to pay $50 a year to play on XBL.

Anyway, to each his own.

May nabasa pala ako from a local gaming forum site.
An XBOX 360 game named Blue Dragon shall be released in 3 DVDs.
Yup. we don't need a blu ray.
Who needs a large capacity storage disc?

At this point of next generation competition, one game is about to be released in multiple DVDs.
And yet some are attacking Sony's decision to use a Blu Ray on the PS3.

Just wanted to share.
Peace.  ;)

From what I gather,  the author did acknowledge the PS3 as the most powerful game console there is.  But accdg to him, it didn't deliver the FUN factor.  This is not the first time I heard about SONY missing the forest for the tree.  Console Gaming is about having FUN.  It is not about hardware power.  (All those features and power are just means to achieve an end.  And not all means deliver the end successfully. )  And that is why many game forums are saying  it's very likely the much less powerful Nintendo Wii just might overtake both xbox and ps3 in giving gamers more of the FUN.   ;D

from the same review.....
Measured in megaflops, gigabytes and other technical benchmarks, the PlayStation 3 is certainly the world’s most powerful game console. It falls far short, however, of providing the world’s most engaging overall entertainment experience. There is a big difference, and Sony seems to have confused one for the other.

Then again, we're really threading on personal subjective territory again.  People have different notions of what constitutes fun in games.  And each console can have different ways of delivering the level of FUN. That is why serious gamers don't bother with debates on which one is better at giving FUN.  They get ALL the consoles they can lay their hands on.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Nov 22, 2006 at 10:01 PM
I agree, if you have the dinero to spend, you'll buy all these 3 consoles and get the best of both worlds. Although in fairness to PS3, they did deliver to what they have promise, even better. We just have to wait and see for major games like FFXIII, Gran Tourismo and MGS4 to release and that's where the FUN begins.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: indie boi on Nov 22, 2006 at 10:41 PM
Funnily enough the foot's on the other shoe for both Sony and Microsoft. When the Xbox was launched, Microsoft was touting it as the most powerful console ever and that was that as far as they were concerned -- end the console wars now. Sony, on the other hand, was saying that it is all about the games and not the power inside the machine. Fast forward four years later and Sony's mouthing the Microsoft line and Microsoft's doing a Sony.

Ultimately, it really will fall down to the games. Kratos already mentioned three top notch Playstation exclusives. Microsoft, on the other hand, has Halo and Blue Dragon. Wii has the first party titles under its belt. It will be interesting which one will really get ahead.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Nov 22, 2006 at 11:38 PM
Well, let us not give judgment at this very early stage of competition.
THe PS3 has been in the market  for about 2 weeks pa lang.

In the meantime, let us witness this tech war and see for ourselves who will emerge as a winner later on.

"Play Beyond".

Peace.  ;)


 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Nov 23, 2006 at 01:16 AM
Today's the start of downloadable HD TV shows and Movies for the 360.I will try one and see how long it will take. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Nov 25, 2006 at 09:54 AM
Unconfirmed: Apple to offer BR Macs by Feb. 2007.

http://www.qj.net/Apple-to-offer-Blu-ray-equipped-Macs-by-February-/pg/49/aid/73975
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Nov 25, 2006 at 04:56 PM
From what I gather,  the author did acknowledge the PS3 as the most powerful game console there is.  But accdg to him, it didn't deliver the FUN factor. 

Exactly.  The Fun Factor was the article's central theme.

Sir av_phile1 always gets the point without much effort. 


In the Wii-PS3 Playoff, Nintendo Upsets Sony on the Fun Factor
By Mike Musgrove
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Washington Post


xxx

... While the people in my group preferred looking at the PS3's games, they preferred playing the Wii.

xxx

I have never seen a bunch of non-gamers get into this stuff like this, and I have never heard anybody laugh so much while playing any video game. A few of them now say they plan to buy the system for themselves.

My friend Andy has always seemed to dislike video games, but he was immediately taken by the Nintendo system in a way that I -- and he -- did not expect. "I'm surprised by how much I like it," he said. "The controller is so intuitive."

A few minutes later, he was cursing the PS3. Most of my friends who picked up the PS3's controller ended up frustrated. The typical game for the system requires players to have memorized where all the buttons are, and it's much harder to just pick up a controller and have a good time. Some of the verdicts they offered are unprintable.

xxx


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/22/AR2006112201857.html


Nintendo Wii: “least powerful, most fun”
http://www.about-electronics.eu/2006/11/24/nintendo-wii-least-powerful-most-fun/
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Nov 26, 2006 at 01:19 AM
Unconfirmed: Apple to offer BR Macs by Feb. 2007.

http://www.qj.net/Apple-to-offer-Blu-ray-equipped-Macs-by-February-/pg/49/aid/73975

As a matter of fact, the new Macpro already has an open dive bay in its front panel, aparently to accomodate BD drives in the near future.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Nov 26, 2006 at 07:23 AM
I have to get the PS3 next week, I am dying to see the 7 bluray movies that I have bought ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 26, 2006 at 08:13 AM
I admire you alvinthx2...a true BD fan. Phew...already got 7 titles even before you own a BD player hehe  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Nov 26, 2006 at 11:45 AM
I have to get the PS3 next week, I am dying to see the 7 bluray movies that I have bought ;D

(http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/6181/picture081largexi7.th.jpg) (http://img291.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture081largexi7.jpg)

Got another one...  ;D ;D ;D ;D

peace and blessing!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: indie boi on Nov 26, 2006 at 11:46 AM
bro aldrin why do you need two PS3s?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Nov 26, 2006 at 04:52 PM
Exactly.  The Fun Factor was the article's central theme.

Sir av_phile1 always gets the point without much effort. 


Thanks for the complement, Sir Barrister.    ;D   That wasn't really the first I heard about it.  And I would think both MS and Sony can confuse what is really important for gamers.  Wii might indeed turn out to be a surprising dark horse in this game console wars. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 26, 2006 at 08:51 PM
Saw some PS3 games in Datablitz in Park Square 1..being sold for P3600.......then saw a PS3 60gb unit in Rustans (glorietta)....price?   a whopping P80k    :o :o
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Nov 26, 2006 at 08:58 PM
Whoa. mas-mahal pa sila sa Toy Kingdom ha.
Sabagay, it's Rustans.

Meron sa Avant Abensons naka-display out of the box.
It is a 20GB Jap Version. 45k.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aldrinpsx on Nov 26, 2006 at 09:16 PM
bro aldrin why do you need two PS3s?

Sold the 1st one..(profit  ;D)..this time.. i haved this mad angry look from my son... ;D ;D ;D

(http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/6181/picture081largexi7.th.jpg) (http://img291.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture081largexi7.jpg)


peace and blessing!!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 26, 2006 at 09:43 PM
The PS3 is now getting closer to being an HTPC replacement.  You can now access  your music,movies (those allowed by PS3) from your network using Redkawa file server.  I tried this myseld and the system worked perfectly.  You need to attach a FAT32 formatted USB drive to one of the USB ports in PS3 to save your file and then view afterwards.  You can do this with the built in PS3 web browser.  Below is website for fileserver

http://www.redkawa.com/fileserver/

They have a PS3/Wii videoconverted as well but will try those later.

http://www.redkawa.com/videoconverters/

I have stopped messing with Linux for now but I am sure the files can be accessed and saved as well if you're using Linux.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Nov 28, 2006 at 09:59 AM
bought it at 55k with 1 controller and 2 games at shoppesville, greenhills ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 28, 2006 at 10:03 AM
bought it at 55k with 1 controller and 2 games at shoppesville, greenhills ;D
55k sir yun bang 60gb version na?  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Nov 28, 2006 at 11:50 AM
Yap, its the 60g version. difference between the 20g and 60g model are, memory card slot, wifi and the storage capacity of the harddisk
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Nov 28, 2006 at 01:12 PM
PS3's getting cheaper everyday, probably because of its weekly shipment. I've heard nagnormalise na daw yung price sa Ebay. Sana by Dec. consistent na yung price nila and i would definitely get one.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Nov 28, 2006 at 10:00 PM
System update 1.11 is now up.  Don't know exactly what they fixed but supposedly has:

Fixed some HDMI issues
Added an Account management tab in the XMB
Web browsing is faster (maybe)
Fixed the text entry freezing the PS3 issue (maybe)

Also see this video of PS3 Linux running divx files

http://video.stage6.com/246437/1042281.divx

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Nov 29, 2006 at 07:15 AM
will update tonight, firmware is still at 1.02. Tnx
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Nov 29, 2006 at 07:35 AM
The Ps3 is quite heavy. 100 dollar shipping might be in order. Sales tax is approx 40 dollars. The cheapest that you can get would be around 37000 pesos, if you are very lucky. Now here's the tricky part, PS3 is a hot commodity and will surely be slapped a duty. I had 4 low value packages from the US stopped at the customs and I paid 7300 pesos to get them out. At 740 dollars, The tax for this item might be around 8 thousand to 10 ,000 pesos ???. Maybe by January, the price will come down a little bit.

 At Ebay, they are still selling for 1050US plus shipping with Taladega nights as the free movie title. At 49000 (titles excluded from the price.)  its a reasonable offer considering all the risk. At least if you buy it here, you have a 7 day replacement and 6 month service warranty and you get it when you pay for it. Less sleepless nights ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Dec 02, 2006 at 03:46 PM
Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc Player Released

(http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/10381/297265.jpg)

http://news.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/10381/297264.html
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Dec 03, 2006 at 07:37 AM
Apparently the Sony stand alone player can output LPCM but it does not specify that it can decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD. I believe the earlier  Panasonic and Samsung players cannot do this also. It will not play your CD, SACD and has no support for HDMI 1.3 as well as support for 1080p via component. And the PS3 is 40% cheaper ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Dec 03, 2006 at 09:05 AM
From my observations(very subjective) Blu-ray is a tad sharper than HD DVD, maybe 1 to 2%sharper. I have been an early adopter of the 2 formats, and I must say I cannot be more happy kahit hindi ako mag Enervon ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 03, 2006 at 08:02 PM
Now that's quite rare.  Most early adopters at various avforums who own players on both formats, especially at www.avforums.com, are thrashng Blu ray for its soft artifact laden mpeg2 encoding prevalent in many of their eaarly releases, especially Sony releases that are nowhere near VC1 of HD-DVD.  Warner releases are an improvement because they use VC1.  And if you look at this site, Blu ray is performing poorly eversince it launched.

http://www.thedvdwars.com/index.cfm

Interesting to see that the HD-DVD of Superman Returns, costing more, outranks its Blu ray counterpart in terms of sales/pre-orders at amazon.  And it's odd, considering many are saying the release of the PS3 will cause BD sales to immediately shoot up.  It hasn't happend more than a week after its release in the US and Japan. 

Personally, I might not really care which format wins, both will most likely carve their high definition niche market just like SACD/DVD-A did.  I wouldn't root for a winner.  But I might root for a loser.  And my vote goes to Blu ray.   I know the format is backed by a consortium.  But knowing that Sony will win or lose the most by it, and with my sentiments against that company, I prefer to see it eat the same dust it ate with the betamax fiasco.  ;D  But that's just me ofcourse. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Dec 05, 2006 at 09:07 AM

Here's my equipment list first:

Anthem Avm50
Elac 600 series(front stage)
Monitor audio GR series(side and back)
Classe Amplification
Balanced cabling
Panasonic Ptae900 (soon replaced)
Draper 106 inch m2500 screen
Ps3
Hd-A1
EAD Thetervision P
Pioneer 969 DVD
All HDMI cabling
HTPC

Testing equipment:
Terrasonde Audio toolbox
Audio control 3050 Rta
Datacolor Colorfacts 6.0 Color Analyzer.

Software:
22 HD dvd's
7 Blu-ray disc

The comments that I gave are subjective but based on good objective equipments that I have. It is based on my personal equipments and views.

The comments made at AVS were based mostly before the PS3 came about (November 17). It was based on the 2 BD players available at that time namely the Samsung 1000 and the Panasonic BD10. Samsung admitted that their player has a problem with their sharpness control on 1 of their chip which resulted in a very soft picture. In the case of the Panasonic unit, it performed much better than the Samsung but with a 30% premium on its price. Now comes the PS3 with firmware 1.11 which has better specs than the 2 full pledged BD players.

To be fair with this observation, I use the gennum video scaler/processor with my Anthem AVM50 which down-convert the 1080p output of the PS3 to the native 720p resolution of my Panny 900. As I have stated before, the subjective picture quality advantage of the PS3 might just be 2% with a margin of error 3: ;D. It might just be that I am in Awe and still feeling good about my purchase of the PS3 or I was dead tired when I was evaluating the HD dvd version of King Kong.

Tears of the Sun is a very good transfer for the BD camp and I would recommend it highly. Its another Bruce Willis reference material :D

 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Dec 05, 2006 at 10:22 AM
How do you qualify 1 to 2% difference?  Thanks.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 05, 2006 at 11:54 AM
Here's my equipment list first:

Anthem Avm50
Elac 600 series(front stage)
Monitor audio GR series(side and back)
Classe Amplification
Balanced cabling
Panasonic Ptae900 (soon replaced)
Draper 106 inch m2500 screen
Ps3
Hd-A1
EAD Thetervision P
Pioneer 969 DVD
All HDMI cabling
HTPC

Testing equipment:
Terrasonde Audio toolbox
Audio control 3050 Rta
Datacolor Colorfacts 6.0 Color Analyzer.

Software:
22 HD dvd's
7 Blu-ray disc

The comments that I gave are subjective but based on good objective equipments that I have. It is based on my personal equipments and views.

The comments made at AVS were based mostly before the PS3 came about (November 17). It was based on the 2 BD players available at that time namely the Samsung 1000 and the Panasonic BD10. Samsung admitted that their player has a problem with their sharpness control on 1 of their chip which resulted in a very soft picture. In the case of the Panasonic unit, it performed much better than the Samsung but with a 30% premium on its price. Now comes the PS3 with firmware 1.11 which has better specs than the 2 full pledged BD players.

To be fair with this observation, I use the gennum video scaler/processor with my Anthem AVM50 which down-convert the 1080p output of the PS3 to the native 720p resolution of my Panny 900. As I have stated before, the subjective picture quality advantage of the PS3 might just be 2% with a margin of error 3: ;D. It might just be that I am in Awe and still feeling good about my purchase of the PS3 or I was dead tired when I was evaluating the HD dvd version of King Kong.

Tears of the Sun is a very good transfer for the BD camp and I would recommend it highly. Its another Bruce Willis reference material :D

 


Nice set-up you have there. It does compare with a lot of reviewers on the net with reference grade gears.  But it seems to me a waste to use a game console for High Def viewing, wouldn't you say?  For testing, maybe.  A lot of serious HT enthusiasts on many AV forums have opined they wouldn't be caught dead using a game console for their HT viewing.  That's often reserved for their kids or in the game room.    ;D  Rather snobbish I must say.  But that's really the least of the sins in this hobby.   ;D

At any rate, if you noticed a 2% difference in your comparison ???, good for you.   I don't know what titles you have used in your comparison, but I think  it would interesting and  more fair if you compared some warner titles released in both formats,  like Superman Returns, whose BD version is way below the HD-DVD version at Amazon in terms of sales and preorder ranking, (I wonder why?)  ;D 

And yes you are right,  early adopters have compared the BD and HD-DVD using stand-alone players, as it should be.  The PS3 is a game console that SONY is needlessly attempting to position as a media center that can play virtually all video formats (except HD-DVD).   Don't know if that will succeed.  And I am not entirely convinced, with all the write ups and reviews and posts on forums I've visited and read,  that a game console would be better than a dedicated stand-alone player for either HD-DVD or BD.  The PS3 may use the most powerful and advanced cell technology for home use, but that's more for the games.   But that's just me ofcourse.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Dec 05, 2006 at 12:35 PM
How do you qualify 1 to 2% difference?  Thanks.



Color saturation
Accuracy of color
Perceived sharpness
Overall Sound Quality

Even if I state that there is a 10% difference it will be subject to debate. To my eyes and ears, a 1 to 2% difference is negligible because it will be mostly the software that will determine the overall quality of the experience. I just cannot say that they are exactly the same because they are not. Its not like judging a VCD and a DVD player because the DVD player will come out the winner everytime. Both BD and HD DVD are up there in terms of quality and I believe any judgment on who will win is just wishful thinking.

I want them both to win, it would be a shame if just 1 camp will win. Sayang naman ang collection ko ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Dec 05, 2006 at 12:48 PM
Nice set-up you have there. It does compare with a lot of reviewers on the net with reference grade gears.  But it seems to me a waste to use a game console for High Def viewing, wouldn't you say?  For testing, maybe.  A lot of serious HT enthusiasts on many AV forums have opined they wouldn't be caught dead using a game console for their HT viewing.  That's often reserved for their kids or in the game room.    ;D  Rather snobbish I must say.  But that's really the least of the sins in this hobby.   ;D

At any rate, if you noticed a 2% difference in your comparison ???, good for you.   I don't know what titles you have used in your comparison, but I think  it would interesting and  more fair if you compared some warner titles released in both formats,  like Superman Returns, whose BD version is way below the HD-DVD version at Amazon in terms of sales and preorder ranking, (I wonder why?)  ;D 


And yes you are right,  early adopters have compared the BD and HD-DVD using stand-alone players, as it should be.  The PS3 is a game console that SONY is needlessly attempting to position as a media center that can play virtually all video formats (except HD-DVD).   Don't know if that will succeed.  And I am not entirely convinced, with all the write ups and reviews and posts on forums I've visited and read,  that a game console would be better than a dedicated stand-alone player for either HD-DVD or BD.  The PS3 may use the most powerful and advanced cell technology for home use, but that's more for the games.   But that's just me ofcourse.   ;D


I know that the best comparison would be using the same title under both formats. I am not a reviewer but a plain hobbyist. It would be expensive if I have both formats.

I have been an audio/videophile for a long time now. I agree that it seems futile to use a game console as a dedicated Blu-ray player. But the way stand alone players were crafted need a lot to be desired. My PS3 is just the unit that will bridge me through until a REAL honest to goodness stand alone player comes by. I don't see this in the next 6 months. With none of the present and upcoming dedicated players on the horizon having hdmi 1.3, no lossless surround decoding as well as SACD output via HDMI, I think I will stick it out with the PS3 as my Blu-ray player. After 6 months, I will just give it to my son :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: akyatbundok on Dec 05, 2006 at 01:18 PM
i don't see how a game console can't be better, its more demanding on processor & graphics.

as far as corporate greed is concerned, i actually prefer $ony over micro$oft (just me)..... but there's only so much that a company or brand can do for you, its the experience of using the product that matters.

i'm in neutral territory in this format "war"..... i much rather get 720p DivX movies on double-sided DVD media right now at near-DVD prices, and play them on inexpensive DVD/DivX players..... i don't see 1080p TV's or PJ's being anywhere near affordable in the next 6 mos.

just lurking to see who's winning on 1080p.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Dec 05, 2006 at 02:16 PM
Well I imagine if I were in Alvinthx2's place, I would certainly buy 1 common title for BD and HD-DVD out of extreme curiosity and unbearable technical itch and give it an extensive video in 1- 2 test using the same monitors (my CRT HDTV and LCD).  And as I've always done in all previous electronic purchases, my family would help in assessing which one looks better than the other, especially my wife who is really a pain when it comes to color saturation and accuracy.  I think that would help me decide on future purchases of titles that are available in both formats.  Of course, that would be assuming the quality of transfers are reasonably high for both formats.

At the moment, I really don't care if a device is first and foremost a gaming console or a powerful PC.  I'm extremely pleased with the performance of the HD-DVD add on drive for the Xbox360 and it's even significantly faster than the first gen stand-alone Toshiba, albeit the absence of HDMI support (yet).  If ever I find the need to purchase a BD player right now, I would not hesitate to get a PS3

By the way, I am starting to feel the power and advantage of having so many studios backing-up one format over the other, but it's not that serious yet.  Whatever, I will not be making any double dips anyway, and, I have been watching and enjoying my current HD-DVD titles like more than 3x each.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 05, 2006 at 02:21 PM

as far as corporate greed is concerned, i actually prefer $ony over micro$oft (just me)..... but there's only so much that a company or brand can do for you, its the experience of using the product that matters.


$ony and Micro$oft belong in the same category of greedy companies.  It's not really the abundance of greed that peeves me.  All companies have them in varying measures.    But between the two, I find $ony's greed the most arrogant as it takes its customers for fools.   Not only that, it attempts to do a Micro$oft in the entertainment business not just to win market shares but to control its constomers with prioprietary formats that essentially have no value whatsoever.  My take on this is better explained in the thread: "What I think of Sony" in the Display section I think.  

Quote
i'm in neutral territory in this format "war"..... i much rather get 720p DivX movies on double-sided DVD media right now at near-DVD prices, and play them on inexpensive DVD/DivX players..... i don't see 1080p TV's or PJ's being anywhere near affordable in the next 6 mos.

I'd love to be neutral as well, as I have neither formats as yet and would most likely sit it out until a winner emerges.  My apparent rooting for HD-DVD is really more an academic exercise based on the pathetic half-baked launch of the BD that really took its customers as fools, anyway you look at it.  And I love underdogs.  HD-DVD is an underdog whom every pundit thought wouldn't last long in the presence of the BD studio and manufacturing juggernaut.  But it launched its products ahead of BD and came out with near flying colors.  And is now 2-3 mos ahead of BD in terms of sales of gears and titles.  In fact, a number of Studios are expected to support both formats come early next year at CEDIA.  OTH, $ony had a half-baked launch player and titles that was lambasted from day one for its lousy quality.  $ony failed to match it promise.  Toshiba didn't promise as much but came out winning the first rounds of the batte.  BD is now on catch-up mode.   ;D

Quote
just lurking to see who's winning on 1080p.


If I can make a suggestion, there are plenty of British and US-based AV forums that are teeming with reviews, debates, impressions and discussions on the two formats.  They have dozens of members who are early adopters and are video gurus to some extent.  www.avforumscom is one.  The other is www.avsforum.com.  If you want to lurk to find out who's winning, they have a wealth of information.  

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 05, 2006 at 02:34 PM

I know that the best comparison would be using the same title under both formats. I am not a reviewer but a plain hobbyist. It would be expensive if I have both formats.


At least just one title.  Though there are other differences apart from PQ.  Like interactivity and audio quality.  If I had the players on both format, I'd surely get at least one title on both just to satisfy my curiosity, wouldn't you?  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Dec 05, 2006 at 10:13 PM
Magastos yata yun, a.  Ako, babasa na lang ako ng review.   :D


============================================================================

Round One  - Same titles, same masters, same studio, different video codecs:

Training Day, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Rumor Has It... ---- HD DVD was released first, followed by Blu-ray about one month later. Both formats were released by the same company (Warner), using the same masters.

Winner: HD DVD, because its picture quality (VC-1 codec) was simply better than Blu-ray's (MPEG-2 codec).   http://www.highdefdigest.com/feature_blurayvshddvd_firstcomparison.html


----------------------------------------

Round Two -  Same titles, same masters, same studio, SAME VIDEO CODECS:

Firewall, Lethal Weapon, and Blazing Saddles --- HD DVD was released first, followed by Blu-ray; both formats were released by the same company (Warner), using the same masters.  This time, however, Warner used the VC-1 video codec on the Blu-ray releases for the above titles. 

Now that both formats used the same video codec, using the same masters in the same titles released by the same studio, who won?

Peter M. Bracke says it's a draw.

1.  Firewall ---  "I would say the Blu-ray and the HD DVD are like Xerox copies of each other." http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/firewall.html

2.  Lethal Weapon ---  "I would say the Blu-ray and the HD DVD are exact replicas of each other." http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/lethalweapon.html

3.  Blazing Saddles  ---  "The result was that as I found with my Blu-ray reviews of 'Firewall' and 'Lethal Weapon,' any differences between the Blu-ray and the HD DVD are invisible."  http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/blazingsaddles.html


========================================================================


If I can make a suggestion, there are plenty of British and US-based AV forums that are teeming with reviews, debates, impressions and discussions on the two formats. 

Related article: Bad Buzz for Blu-ray http://blogs.business2.com/utilitybelt/2006/12/report_bad_buzz.html
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 05, 2006 at 10:45 PM
Very true, Barrister.  Some avforums are saying that the format war has become a codec war with Sony foolishly insisting that mpeg2 is just as good or better than VC1 at higher bitrates.  And it's so obivous that Sony needed a BD50 in order to bring up the mpeg2 bitrates to be close (not really close) to the  PQ of the more efficient and artifact-free VC1.  IOW, BD needed dual layer 50gb of storage just to match HD-DVD's 20GB single layer discs.   Now, after a preponderance of reviewers bashing mpeg2, Sony is finally acknowledging that it will eventually go VC1 or MPEG4.  What a waste of initial titles that really put BD at a disadvantage.  I am sure these titles will be reissued in VC1 sooner or later.  ;D   For Sony to insists on using an inferior decades old codec when a better codec is available is a real disservice to its customers. They are foisting old codec technology on a supposedly NEXT GEN format.  Just because the codec is made by Microsoft.   ;D  Good thing there's Warner that uses VC1 on both its HD DVD and BD releases.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Dec 06, 2006 at 08:46 AM
I imagine that with my relatively small 32 and 37 inch HDTVS, I would probably have a hard time figuring out the difference in sharpness.  Color saturation probably yes, but that supposition is based on my experience with various video cam makes and not based on codecs.  The 3 HD-DVD titles I've watched so far are highly vivid.  Color accuracy, that would be difficult because most likely, I have not seen the actual scene in life. 

Still, I hope to find a chance to make actual comparisons of same titles for both formats.  If only I have a PS3 right now...he he he
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Dec 06, 2006 at 01:49 PM
Very true, Barrister.  Some avforums are saying that the format war has become a codec war with Sony foolishly insisting that mpeg2 is just as good or better than VC1 at higher bitrates.  And it's so obivous that Sony needed a BD50 in order to bring up the mpeg2 bitrates to be close (not really close) to the  PQ of the more efficient and artifact-free VC1.  IOW, BD needed dual layer 50gb of storage just to match HD-DVD's 20GB single layer discs.   Now, after a preponderance of reviewers bashing mpeg2, Sony is finally acknowledging that it will eventually go VC1 or MPEG4.  What a waste of initial titles that really put BD at a disadvantage.  I am sure these titles will be reissued in VC1 sooner or later.  ;D   For Sony to insists on using an inferior decades old codec when a better codec is available is a real disservice to its customers. They are foisting old codec technology on a supposedly NEXT GEN format.  Just because the codec is made by Microsoft.   ;D  Good thing there's Warner that uses VC1 on both its HD DVD and BD releases.
The comparisons between VC-1 HD-DVD's and early MPEG2 BD releases are actually unfair because the early BD titles were in the BD25 format because BD50 discs were not yet ready at that time.  Granted Sony made the mistake of using MPEG2 on BD25 discs, that does not mean that MPEG2 is inferior to AVC or VC-1 provided the correct bitrates for the respective codecs are used.  Sure, fitting an MPEG2 encoded movie on a BD25 disc will make it look inferior to a VC-1 encoded HD-DVD15  because of the reduded MPEG2 bitrate to make it fit on the BD25 disc.  However, now that BD50 disc production is available, there should be no difference between video quality on VC1 HD-DVD's and MPEG2 BD50 discs.  In fact the reason why Sony is sticking with MPEG2 on BD50's is that MPEG2 is a simpler codec meaning there's less processing needed and results in less compression artefacts, albeit requiring more space which with BD50 discs is no longer an issue
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Dec 06, 2006 at 02:27 PM
This is gonna be a very interesting discussion.  8)

I will sit here and watch these PinoyDVD gurus share their opinions on this "Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD" thing.  8)

 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Dec 06, 2006 at 02:45 PM
However, now that BD50 disc production is available, there should be no difference between video quality on VC1 HD-DVD's and MPEG2 BD50 discs. In fact the reason why Sony is sticking with MPEG2 on BD50's is that MPEG2 is a simpler codec meaning there's less processing needed and results in less compression artefacts, albeit requiring more space which with BD50 discs is no longer an issue

We are talking about the same titles already released on both formats.  Now, if you can discuss an existing single title on both formats, one on HD DVD in VC-1, and the other on BD-50 in MPEG-2, then let's hear it.

The comparisons between VC-1 HD-DVD's and early MPEG2 BD releases are actually unfair because the early BD titles were in the BD25 format because BD50 discs were not yet ready at that time.

Why would HD DVD-15 vs. BD-25 be unfair to Blu-ray when the latter already has 10 GB to its advantage?

You say that a fair comparison should be between HD DVD-15 vs. BD-50?  How fair is that?

 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Dec 06, 2006 at 03:17 PM
My take on the issue.  I dont want to sound like a format fanboy (oh boy, im also setting myself to get a PS3 too, probably next year) but really, Sony blew it when it released those initial titles on  BD25 with an inefficient codec like mpeg2.  Nawawala yung size advantage ng Blu-ray by using Mpeg2.  Take for instance yung Kingdom of Heaven....the PQ is good, but because bit-hungry ang mpeg2, that release was devoid of any extras and suplementary features.  Isnt that bad for consumers?

In the end though, enthusiasts wouldnt care what codec is superior or not....they just want to see HD movies in its full glory.       They want their R-O-I for upgrading.  For now HD DVD does the job for me buhat nung nag upgrade ako.    Blu-ray, with that consortium/studio support, should have kicked the HD DVD camp's a** from the start.  But Sony blew it with those initial releases.....and "word of mouth" among enthusiasts is so fast that until now, HD DVD is hanging with the sales lead (http://www.thedvdwars.com/index.cfm). 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 06, 2006 at 03:18 PM
The comparisons between VC-1 HD-DVD's and early MPEG2 BD releases are actually unfair because the early BD titles were in the BD25 format because BD50 discs were not yet ready at that time.  Granted Sony made the mistake of using MPEG2 on BD25 discs, that does not mean that MPEG2 is inferior to AVC or VC-1 provided the correct bitrates for the respective codecs are used.  Sure, fitting an MPEG2 encoded movie on a BD25 disc will make it look inferior to a VC-1 encoded HD-DVD15  because of the reduded MPEG2 bitrate to make it fit on the BD25 disc.  However, now that BD50 disc production is available, there should be no difference between video quality on VC1 HD-DVD's and MPEG2 BD50 discs.  In fact the reason why Sony is sticking with MPEG2 on BD50's is that MPEG2 is a simpler codec meaning there's less processing needed and results in less compression artefacts, albeit requiring more space which with BD50 discs is no longer an issue

It may seem unfair, but really not when you consider that both sides went into the war prepared and armed with the technologies behind their respective formats and knowing fully well they were meant to satisfy customer expecation on what high definition is all about.  The fact the BD came out with a half-baked product, using BD25  knowing fully well only a BD50 using MPEG2 at their highest bitrates will do is an ignominous indictment of BD's underestimation of its target market and a failure to meet its promise to early HD adopters who promptly lambasted their pathetic launch performance.  They must have thought the public wouldn't notice. 

In the meantime, underdog To$hiba came out exceeding industry  expectations  that thought they won't hack it.  It's now history.   We all know the surprisingly well-deserved praises that HD-DVD got with the CONSISTENCY of picture quality on their releases where BD failed miserably precisely because of their  use of a codec that required oodles of storage capacity it didn't have when it was released.  That is why $ony insisted on a BD50 precisely because they knew their mpeg2 couldn't deliver with half the storage capacity.

Sure, mpeg2 films spread on BD50 can now look as good as a VC1 film on a single sided HD-DVD.  It doesn't matter, that's like fitting an inefficient Cadillac Eldorado engine on a new BMW 7 chassis.   ;D

The disussions in many avforums blaming mpeg2 for the less than stellar performance of the BD launch is quite involved.  And the fact the $ony is finally going to use MPEG4/AVC and possbily VC1 is a tacit acknowledgement of their culpability in letting their launch product fail customer expectations because of  a video codec that has absolutely no place in a NEXT GEN video format on discs.  

$ony stands to eat its pride if and when it adopts VC1 which is unabashedly a Micro$oft product.  $ony owns many patents to mpeg2 so it must insist on using it.  But surprisingly, To$hiba also owns a number of patents to mpeg2 but wisely opted to use the more state-of-the-art compression codec when it had to.  Ofcourse its association with Micro$oft helped but it's all history now.  Micro$oft has made its VC1 technology available to both camps, that is why Warner have used it since Day1 of  releasing titles in both formats.  And I think Paramount/Fox is likewise adopting it in their newer releases.  

Like what Munskie said,  BD blew its chances to win the format war.  Had it come out with the BD50 for its bloated mpeg2 requirements or used VC1 at launch, things could have turned out differently.  As it is, BD is now on a catch-up mode.  Just my observations.
 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Dec 06, 2006 at 03:56 PM
Though I'm not a techno geek but juding from the scenes, reading from av_phile1 & Munskie's posts I do agree with them too (I hate to say it but I'm a BD supporter)  :-[
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 06, 2006 at 04:15 PM

In the end though, enthusiasts wouldnt care what codec is superior or not....they just want to see HD movies in its full glory.       

True.  The average consumer doesn't understand nor care.  It's just that this early, and among early adopters are video gurus who know about codecs.  These are the people who will spread the word around and allow deeper market penetration among early adopters for the format that does the job right the first time.  And we know which format did just that and which one crapped on market expectations.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Dec 06, 2006 at 05:34 PM
Im gonna correct myself....enthusiasts like us do care what codecs are used.  And sir AV is right...the average consumer..the joe 6 packs..the average guy dont.  Thats why we debate over the matter. Im kinda proud as an early adopter and enthusiast, that this group will be the one to voice out their concerns through reviews and forums on how a product is made right. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Dec 06, 2006 at 07:37 PM
It may seem unfair, but really not when you consider that both sides went into the war prepared and armed with the technologies behind their respective formats and knowing fully well they were meant to satisfy customer expecation on what high definition is all about.  The fact the BD came out with a half-baked product, using BD25  knowing fully well only a BD50 using MPEG2 at their highest bitrates will do is an ignominous indictment of BD's underestimation of its target market and a failure to meet its promise to early HD adopters who promptly lambasted their pathetic launch performance.  They must have thought the public wouldn't notice. 

In the meantime, underdog To$hiba came out exceeding industry  expectations  that thought they won't hack it.  It's now history.   We all know the surprisingly well-deserved praises that HD-DVD got with the CONSISTENCY of picture quality on their releases where BD failed miserably precisely because of their  use of a codec that required oodles of storage capacity it didn't have when it was released.  That is why $ony insisted on a BD50 precisely because they knew their mpeg2 couldn't deliver with half the storage capacity.

Sure, mpeg2 films spread on BD50 can now look as good as a VC1 film on a single sided HD-DVD.  It doesn't matter, that's like fitting an inefficient Cadillac Eldorado engine on a new BMW 7 chassis.   ;D

The disussions in many avforums blaming mpeg2 for the less than stellar performance of the BD launch is quite involved.  And the fact the $ony is finally going to use MPEG4/AVC and possbily VC1 is a tacit acknowledgement of their culpability in letting their launch product fail customer expectations because of  a video codec that has absolutely no place in a NEXT GEN video format on discs. 

$ony stands to eat its pride if and when it adopts VC1 which is unabashedly a Micro$oft product.  $ony owns many patents to mpeg2 so it must insist on using it.  But surprisingly, To$hiba also owns a number of patents to mpeg2 but wisely opted to use the more state-of-the-art compression codec when it had to.  Ofcourse its association with Micro$oft helped but it's all history now.  Micro$oft has made its VC1 technology available to both camps, that is why Warner have used it since Day1 of  releasing titles in both formats.  And I think Paramount/Fox is likewise adopting it in their newer releases. 

Like what Munskie said,  BD blew its chances to win the format war.  Had it come out with the BD50 for its bloated mpeg2 requirements or used VC1 at launch, things could have turned out differently.  As it is, BD is now on a catch-up mode.  Just my observations.
I will admit that Sony and co. did make the mistake of fudging up BD's launch (before I get accused of being a BD fanboy :P) but with the speed of advances in technology these days, the launch hiccups will be all but forgotten now that the BD gang has learned thier lesson. what matters is now and not "what happened during the launch" so there's really no point in dwelling on what happened months ago when those problems have now been fixed.  While Sony does own some patens in the MPEG2 (as well as MPEG4/AVC) codec, all MPEG2/4 licensing is done through a separate organization called the MPEG Licensing Authority so neither Sony nor Toshiba have any "vested interests" in sticking with MPEG2 as the licensing for MPEG technology are pooled together (represented by the MPEG LA) and royalties are shared among the members of the MPEG patent pool, saving time and money for companes that wish to use MPEG technology.  I highly doubt Sony will be using VC-1 for thier titles anytime soon as they already have MPEG4/AVC developed by Apple (who is also in the BD consortium) which provides the same quality as M$' VC-1 for low bitrate (ie. BD25 discs) applications.  Remember, the launch is just the first round and the ones playing catch-up can (and sometimes do) win if they play thier cards right ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Dec 06, 2006 at 07:58 PM
Looking at the DVD wars site..Ive noticed that the BD camp has gained ground in terms of titles and sales.  Its just unfortunate that this has become a matter of sheer number of CE and studio support, and not of product superiority.  Being a movie fan first, (and second a HT/HD enthusiast) theres no doubt in my mind that Ill eventually get myself a BD player too.....but definitely within my terms.  But before that, let us see this January in the 2007 CES....some insiders are speculating on some studios crossing the line.......
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Dec 06, 2006 at 09:32 PM
Review links:

1.  The first ever BD-50 disc (MPEG-2): Click    (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/click.html)

2.  Fox's first BD-50 disc (MPEG-2):  Kingdom of Heaven (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/kingdomofheavendc.html)

3.  One of the first 2 titles to use MPEG-4 encoding (BD-25):  Eight Below  (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/eightbelow.html)

4. The first ever BD-50 disc to use the VC-1 codec:  Superman Returns  (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/supermanreturns.html)


Superman Returns was the first title to be released simultaneously on DVD, HD-DVD and Blu-ray.  Both HD-DVD and Blu-ray used dual layers and VC-1 codecs.

Now that we have one title encoded on both formats, both dual layers, using the same masters, under the same studio and using the same video codec, which fared better? 

---- It looks like it's another draw:       Superman Returns (HD DVD) (http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/supermanreturns.html)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 07, 2006 at 11:21 AM

Now that we have one title encoded on both formats, both dual layers, using the same masters, under the same studio and using the same video codec, which fared better? 

---- It looks like it's another draw:       Superman Returns (HD DVD) (http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/supermanreturns.html)

For video yes.  But in toto,  not entirely.

Amid great relief after early info from Warner indicated otherwise, 'Superman Returns' did indeed come with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track on the HD DVD release. Alas, Blu-ray fans aren't so lucky. For whatever reason, Warner decided to drop the track from the Blu-ray release, even though more players, particularly the PlayStation 3, can now decode Dolby TrueHD. That's a very unfortunate omission, because while the Dolby Digital 5.1 track that is included is perfectly fine, such decisions continue to rate Blu-ray as a second-best format in the eyes of some early adopters.

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/supermanreturns.html

Apart from video quality, there's still the audio track codecs where the two formats still have some disparities.  Not that it really matters because the two audio codecs can sound just fine.  BD can accommodate a bitrate-miximized DD5.1 track which HD-DVD cannot so it has to use the next gen DolbyTrue HD which is LOSSLESS compression that DD is not.  Again, another issue of using NEXT GEN technologies. 

Also there's Mission Impossible III released by Paramount in both formats.  Again, almost identical, except:

Now, here's the only aspect of the 'Mission: Impossible III' experience where the Blu-ray is outshined by the HD DVD. Included on the HD DVD only is a picture-in-picture interactive commentary, again anchored by filmmaker J.J. Abrams and Tom Cruise. That's due to what Paramount says was a lack of a "fully-functioning authoring toolset" for the Blu-ray format's BD-J Java environment, so it wasn't possible to include the feature on the Blu-ray release in time for 'M:I III's home video launch date.

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/missionimpossibleiii.html

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 07, 2006 at 12:07 PM
I will admit that Sony and co. did make the mistake of fudging up BD's launch (before I get accused of being a BD fanboy :P) but with the speed of advances in technology these days, the launch hiccups will be all but forgotten now that the BD gang has learned thier lesson. what matters is now and not "what happened during the launch" so there's really no point in dwelling on what happened months ago when those problems have now been fixed.  While Sony does own some patens in the MPEG2 (as well as MPEG4/AVC) codec, all MPEG2/4 licensing is done through a separate organization called the MPEG Licensing Authority so neither Sony nor Toshiba have any "vested interests" in sticking with MPEG2 as the licensing for MPEG technology are pooled together (represented by the MPEG LA) and royalties are shared among the members of the MPEG patent pool, saving time and money for companes that wish to use MPEG technology.  I highly doubt Sony will be using VC-1 for thier titles anytime soon as they already have MPEG4/AVC developed by Apple (who is also in the BD consortium) which provides the same quality as M$' VC-1 for low bitrate (ie. BD25 discs) applications.  Remember, the launch is just the first round and the ones playing catch-up can (and sometimes do) win if they play thier cards right ;)

The MPEG licensing authority consists of 24 companies of which $ony and To$hiba are part of and is just sort of a centralized clearing house so anyone interested in commercially authoring MPEG coded discs can just talk to one entity, not 24.   And the patent owners still have vested interest because they still get the royalties at the end of the day.   

Sure, $ony will most likely use AVC/MPEG4 rather than VC1.  It's understandble for the reasons you've cited. 

And yes, sooner or later, the launch brouhaha can all be forgot.  And if and when BD gets its act right, I see no reason why it can't be at par with HD DVD.   

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Dec 07, 2006 at 01:55 PM
OPTICAL HD BATTLE MAY BE OVER (http://news.digitaltrends.com/talkback158.html)--  a prediction with analysis....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Dec 07, 2006 at 02:38 PM
Those analysts are either stupid or simply well paid or both, and they're getting boring to read.  Always the same plot?  Anything new?    How can anyone make a valid prediction in a time when there are barely 200 titles for each format, most of which I didn't even bother to buy in their previous DVD versions? 

As somebody who has already bought an HD player, all I care about is a steadier and timely supply of honest to goodness HD movie titles that are worth owning or at least renting.  And I'm definitely pissed that some of the better titles are available only in the other format that I don't own.



Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Dec 07, 2006 at 02:58 PM
Excellent article, sir Munskie.  Thanks for the link.




How can anyone make a valid prediction in a time when there are barely 200 titles for each format, most of which I didn't even bother to buy in their previous DVD versions? 

Yes, it's still too early ----  that's why it's a prediction.  Otherwise, it would have been a news report.   ;D




For video yes.  But in toto,  not entirely.

Oo nga, ano.  It might be draw on the video department, but including other aspects, HD-DVD still wins over-all.  (And we haven't even started discussing the price difference yet).
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 07, 2006 at 03:11 PM
Those analysts are either stupid or simply well paid or both, and they're getting boring to read.  Always the same plot?  Anything new?    How can anyone make a valid prediction in a time when there are barely 200 titles for each format, most of which I didn't even bother to buy in their previous DVD versions? 


Predictions are just that, predictions.   They did predict that Blu Ray will win well BEFORE either formats were launched.  The facts at that time pointed to it.  Now more than 6 months after the launches,  they are reversing their predictions.    ;D

Quote
As somebody who has already bought an HD player, all I care about is a steadier and timely supply of honest to goodness HD movie titles that are worth owning or at least renting.  And I'm definitely pissed that some of the better titles are available only in the other format that I don't own.

Don't worry, just be patient.  I hear studios like Disney just might cross over and support both like warner and many other studios now do.  The only hold-out would most likely be Sony/Columbia/Tristar.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Dec 07, 2006 at 03:33 PM
Now these are undeniable effects of actually buying into one of these formats at this stage.  Predictions on who's gonna win the format war become irrelevant; claims of avid supporters are becoming boring and painfully repetitive; and I'm getting more impatient waiting for actual HD movie releases.   And the reason for that is clear.  I'm extremely satisfied with what I've got but bitin na bitin ako sa available contents!

Buti nalang I still have a life other than watching my 3 HD movies repetitively before going to bed.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 07, 2006 at 03:42 PM

Oo nga, ano.  It might be draw on the video department, but including other aspects, HD-DVD still wins over-all.  (And we haven't even started discussing the price difference yet).

Price difference is perhaps the one factor that pissed off many early adopters.   Why spend 50% to 100% more for standalone BD players from Samsung, Panasonic and Sony that potentially can only do as good as the cheapest HD DVD player? The BD premium simply doesn't justify any PQ or SQ inprovement.  There's none.  

There's also the issue of region locking.  BD came out with region locks from day 1.  HD DVD is still region free.  Ofcourse they are talking about region locking it next year.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Dec 07, 2006 at 03:53 PM
One thing about region coding of HD-DVD, if you look closely at the list of titles in Amazon, some of them are indicated as Region 1 only.  I happen to buy one of those titles and it works just fine with my Japanese HD-DVD drive.  So I guess at least the current gen HD-DVD players are region free.  Thus, even if they implement region locking on future releases, it would not be a problem.  On the other hand, based on experience with different generation region free DVD players, compatibility/playability is not 100% guaranteed.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 07, 2006 at 04:09 PM
I think there are HD DVD titles with standard DVD format on the flip side which merit region coding, mostly from warner.  But, HD DVD is region free.  For now.   ;D  But region coding still applies for their SD-DVD playability. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Dec 07, 2006 at 04:28 PM
I think there are HD DVD titles with standard DVD format on the flip side which merit region coding, mostly from warner.  But, HD DVD is region free.  For now.   ;D  But region coding still applies for their SD-DVD playability. 
.

Yeah, that's correct.  I have one of those combo types.  HD DVD side is region free, but the flip side is locked to region 1 and won't play in my Japanese unit.

On the other hand, baka inaccurate lang ang labeling ng Amazon on MI3- HD DVD as region 1.   But not a bother because it plays just fine.  So the player itself appears to be region free.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 07, 2006 at 04:58 PM

On the other hand, baka inaccurate lang ang labeling ng Amazon on MI3- HD DVD as region 1.   But not a bother because it plays just fine.  So the player itself appears to be region free.

Well, it could be their database system which at this time is still designed for describing standard DVDs.  Labelling regions can just be default value they haven't bothered to address for so few items in their inventory. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Dec 08, 2006 at 09:08 AM
another link guys... A Consumer opinions and Trends Report (http://www.cymfony.com/Blu-ray.pdf) in pdf
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Dec 08, 2006 at 02:06 PM
With this Cymfony report, we now have statistical data to back up claims of market preference for HD DVD at this time. 

Things are looking pretty bleak for Sony.  The company might be dangerously close to bankruptcy. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Dec 08, 2006 at 02:24 PM
Statistical data on contents of DISCUSSIONS as back-up of market preference???  You have got to be kidding me.

Amusing read though.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Dec 08, 2006 at 02:57 PM
The statistical population is video enthusiasts and gamers;

Random sample from blogs, discussion boards and other social media sites by Cymphony's Orchestra platform;

Orchestra technology tagged posts for references to HD DVD, Blu-ray and 12 specific models of high definition players;

Sample size is 17,664;

Subset sample size of of 2000 posts tagged with more detailed data on the tonality and discussion topics included;

Descriptive statistics from Cymfony as an independent study.


===============================================


If you can show us a more accurate descriptive/inferential statistical analysis, I'd love to see it.   Otherwise, you're the one who's got to be kidding me.   ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Dec 08, 2006 at 03:10 PM

If you can show us a more accurate descriptive/inferential statistical analysis, I'd love to see it.   Otherwise, you're the one who's got to be kidding me.   ;D ;D ;D


I can't.  Nobody can at the moment.  Let's just be real men.  It's just too early.  This kind of article reminds me of those college feasibility studies with forced positive conclusion no matter how unfeasible.

I appreciate the links though and like I wrote, it's amusing.  Contents wise, o'cmon.




Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Dec 08, 2006 at 04:07 PM
OK.  You seem to be in good faith.  For a moment there, I thought you were just trolling!  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: akyatbundok on Dec 08, 2006 at 05:03 PM
there are 125 HD-DVD and 119 BD releases so far, that's hardly "Game Over" if either one of them want to displace DVD's 67,000 titles..... SACD has had only 4,000 titles after 6 years.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Dec 08, 2006 at 10:36 PM
That is always what I say.

It is too early to tell who wins.
Let us sit back and watch the War.

More people may be talking about the HD-DVD since it launched ahead of the Blu-Ray.

Remember, the first BD Player to launch is the buggy Samsung which has
problems on the pix because of a defective chip.

Why would cymphony come up with this report anyway at this early stage of the war?


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 09, 2006 at 11:22 AM
Never too early to make predicitive assessments.  Business does it regularly to make revenue and market forcasts mid and long term.  If there are enough facts, trends and valid assumptions,  one can make sound predictions or forcasts.  Ofcourse, such predictions can always be upset by unforseen conditions.  Like when they predicted that BD will win LONG BEFORE either formats were launched. 

Seems to me that whenever there are fearless forcasts saying that BD will lose, there are always BD defenders who will say it's too early to say - a common observation across the avforums I've visited.   I am sure if the opposite were hapenning, there'd be HD DVD defenders who'd retort likewise.   ;D

Let me just echo here a sentiment of one early High Def adopter in another forum that I agree with.  BD has always aimed to be the ONE and ONLY ONE format for the next gen video format.  That has been made clear in their press releases since last year.  (And I don't recall Toshiba doing the same, but they may have too. )  The BD camp never envisioned to have any stiff competition from anyone.  They have the studio and manufacturing muscle to kill the competiion.  That is why they never seriously accommodated Toshiba's overtures to merge technologies for a single format.  That is why they never licensed dual format players that Samsung was quite enthusiastic about early this year.  And that is why they thought all along that MPEG2 would be sufficient for the job at this time, reserving AVC or VC1 for latter reincarnations of their titles to further milk the market with title reissues.

Their overconfidence has caused them so much.  They launched late and when they finally launched every indication points to half-baked products.  Their launch products just weren't at par with the competition in terms of value.  Now what is happening is that, at best, BD is catching up but will have to live with a not-so-strange bed fellow for the rest of its natural life.  And what is ironic, by all indications, BD might just now be running for dear life.   ;D  Is it too early to tell?  Maybe.  But IF the trend continues, the safest predition will be that both formats will coexist.  There is now no way that Toshiba and Microsoft won't or can't do to match whatever Sony et al might have up their sleeve.  The die is cast, so to speak, for HDDVD to achieve critical mass ahead of BD.   Their Xbox360 add-on answers the PS3. They have licensed HD DVD technology to the the world's biggest DVD makers in CHINA, which the BD camp adamantly refuses to do.   It is plain as day that BD has failed to neutralize HD DVD - a monumental failure of their goal to become the sole next gen video format meant to supplant DVD. It was never their goal to coexist with any other format, but to be the one and only one. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Dec 09, 2006 at 01:17 PM
In my opinion, the results thus far are not as relevant as which camp will eventually have the richer HD content library within the next few seasons.   The missteps taken by BD camp up to now are in no way irreversible but they clearly have to work on reducing their manufacturing costs as much as reasonably possible.  The standalone makers would not take and cannot afford the same gamble that Sony is attempting on the PS3.   

I still don't know much details about the potential differences in quantities of HD titles between the 2 sides even though it is common knowledge now that most of the studios and giant electronic makers are supporting BD.  I heard most of the rental video shops in Japan will commence HD movie rental in BD, and if that actually happens, there goes one extremely HUGE and lucrative market on the BD side.  Curiously, there are actually more BD titles on shelves in major retailers like Bic Camera than HD DVDs.  I don't think MS and Toshiba can produce movies on their own, but MS certainly has the moolah to buy some studios, if they deem necessary.  But why would Microsoft do that? It is easier and more economical for them to simply switch sides at their own convenience.   

Whatever, I just look forward to more HD DVD title releases NOW.



Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 09, 2006 at 02:29 PM
The HD developments thus far establish a trend from which people can readily make fearless forcasts if they want.   That is why Disney is rumored to make an earth-shaking announcement at CEDIA this spring.  Studios, afterall will always go where the money is.  Rumor lang naman.  ;D

Oh, and it's only in Japan where BD has a substantial lead over HD DVD.   Betamax also had a substantial lead there over VHS in the 80s.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Dec 09, 2006 at 02:52 PM
Why would cymphony come up with this report anyway at this early stage of the war?

It's a good time to present a report at an early stage while many enthusiasts are interested.  At the later stages, debates are less heated and comparisons naturally become less interesting.

For example, Dolby vs DTS today is less interesting now than it was at the early stages of the war.  DVD-Audio vs. SACD today? Yawn.  Betamax vs. VHS today? Ho-hum.   

At any rate, Cymphony's Consumer Opinions and Trends Report was not a prediction; it was merely a statistical analysis of blog posts for the period of Oct. 1 to Nov. 23, 2006.  But if there's anyone guilty of making a prediction that's way too early , then it has to be Sony itself.  Here's what Benjamin Feingold, president of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, had to say in September 2005, when both formats had not even been released:

“I think in 12 months it’s all going to be clear: the combination of Blu-ray and PlayStation 3 machines is going to overwhelm any HD DVD presence and all studios will have to support Blu-ray.  ... There’s going to be a big bang when PS 3 launches.  The convergence aspect is the killer application. If HD DVD does launch it will be a small format, and the real question is do studios want to build an infrastructure to support that and at the same time risk confusing consumers?"   Feingold: Blu-ray to 'Overwhelm' HD DVD  (http://homemediaretailing.com/news/html/breaking_article.cfm?article_id=7965)

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 09, 2006 at 03:55 PM
I was about to say the same thing that cymphony was just making a report about internet discussion trends on the format wars.  Not really a prediction.

But yes, predictions make for interesting and intriguing reads.  And if we have to make predictions,  there's already enough trend to make a sound one more credible today than if they were done before the launch.   Compared to predictions made today based on honest trends in the market for the two formats, the prediction by Feingold in 2005 was nothing more than advertising hype to push for their product.   It was based more on their overconfidence and conceit than anything.  But I can't blame Feingold. BD did have a more formidable army on its side.  But it's interesting to note and quite part from that, is really laughable on hindsight, given the situation today.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 09, 2006 at 06:29 PM
Interesting trending on google searches for both formats.  HD DVD has more google searches. 

http://www.google.com/trends?q=blu+ray+%7C+blu-ray,+hd+dvd+%7C+hd-dvd&date=all&geo=all&ctab=1&sa=N

Only India has the most searches on blu ray. 

Now I really can't equate google searches with a translation to actual sales of players and titles.  But it does give some indication on what the market is more interested in.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Dec 09, 2006 at 09:33 PM

Oh, and it's only in Japan where BD has a substantial lead over HD DVD.   Betamax also had a substantial lead there over VHS in the 80s.   ;D

Nope, I didn't mean to say that BD has substantial lead in Japan.  Actually, it appears that BD and HD DVD are not as debated YET in Japan compared to the rest of the world despite actual availability of the most expensive and advanced players for both sides.    I don't think the players are selling well enough primarily due to their lack of content and prohibitive prices.   I heard each of the cylindrical legs of the top-of-the-line Toshiba HD DVD player costed more than 10,000 each.    In Bic Camera for instance, there are only less than 10 BD titles and there are only 2 or 3 HD DVD titles on display so it's almost like nothing really significant  for BOTH sides.  Mainstream still relies heavily on their High Def HDD recorders(which sells like hotcake) and High Def contents from TV, instead of movies, again because of the latter's inavailability.   I don't know what the movie studios are waiting for but I'm sure they are aware that  on a person to person basis, the Japanese grab everything original from CDs to DVDs in huge quantities on a regular basis.

The market is still relatively quiet on the players per se but BD side appears to be promoting their products more elaborately.   

Panasonic has started using their 103-inch plasma to show some BD movie trailers.  I think most of us who were looking were not blown away.   We imploded.    Standing right beside the 103-screen, it was about 175 cm tall with its proprietary stand, and is actually taller than I am  ;D, but personally, I thought the HD trailers looked most pristine on the 50 inch Pany Plasma.    Toshiba on the other hand is finally showing MI3 on a Toshiba 40 inch LCD.  No doubt it was pretty nice as well, but 103 inch plasma is simply out of this world.

OT, side by side and top to bottom, standard DVD still looks better on a Plasma than a same level LCD.    That, I'm absolutely positive.

I think it was eventually in the Philippines where consumer level Betamax took its very last stand.  ;D.  although I remember in 1990, I saw one or two very very expensive Betamax machines for Japanese enthusiasts.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Dec 09, 2006 at 10:21 PM
How about this...

China unveils fleet of 'HD DVD killer' players.
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/12/07/china_unveils_54_evd_players/

Seems like China will not be supporting HD DVD / Blu Ray.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Dec 09, 2006 at 11:45 PM
How about this...

China unveils fleet of 'HD DVD killer' players.
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/12/07/china_unveils_54_evd_players/

Seems like China will not be supporting HD DVD / Blu Ray.

Uh-oh, seems like the war is just starting up.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Dec 10, 2006 at 01:28 AM
Toshiba HD-A2 on store shelves now
http://a.engadgethd.com/2006/12/08/toshiba-hd-a2-on-store-shelves-now/

(http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadgethd.com/media/2006/11/hd-e1-34r2-ref-a5i-lg.jpg)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dagul27 on Dec 10, 2006 at 01:52 AM
I hope that HD DVD format wins because that's what i have right now,hehehe.I was planning to get the PS3 next year but i'll just save up for a 1080p capable TV.I've seen the 2 formats in action and they're both excellent in terms of PQ.It's just a matter of choice i guess.I choose HD DVD. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 10, 2006 at 06:38 AM
How about this...

China unveils fleet of 'HD DVD killer' players.
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/12/07/china_unveils_54_evd_players/

Seems like China will not be supporting HD DVD / Blu Ray.

Old story this EVD - a government sponsored format to do away with royalites to western captalist economies.  It didn't sail in 2004. and I doubt it ever will.  And there are actually other formats touted to compete with BD and HD DVD.  As long as Hollywood doesn't have titles in them, they'll just be footnotes in this format war, despite the fact that Chna produces more movies than Hollywood.  Then again, if you like wtching Chinese movies more than Hollywood movies, why not get an EVD player?   I would think the only way hollywood movies will get encoded on EVD is the pirated route.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 10, 2006 at 06:50 AM
Toshiba HD-A2 on store shelves now
http://a.engadgethd.com/2006/12/08/toshiba-hd-a2-on-store-shelves-now/

(http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadgethd.com/media/2006/11/hd-e1-34r2-ref-a5i-lg.jpg)

Nice, 30secs faster loading times.  But still slow by DVD experience.  2nd generation na sa US, wala pang launch sa Europe.   ;D  How about here?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Dec 10, 2006 at 07:49 AM
Its not worth upgrading horizontally with the A2 as it has less features than the A1 except for a slimmer design and faster loading time. The AX2 or is it XA2 is the better choice because it can output 1080p and has HDMI 1.3 specs. Of course it is more expensive ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 10, 2006 at 09:10 AM
I would stick with the A1.   If one already has an ultra expensive display capable of accepting 1080p input, then a 1080p outputting player is a natural.  Otherwise, for practical HT purposes, 1080p output players are not necessary to enjoy high def, especially when one already has an upscaling 1080p display.   Accdg to many early adopters on avforums, the nearly doubled cost for both player and display doesn't justify whatever arguable PQ improvement there is between 1080i and 1080p.  At least not now. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: sillyputty on Dec 10, 2006 at 10:08 AM
nice report ;D

may sinabi dun sa report na ngayon ko lang narealize...
mukhang nagbackfire sa sony yung decision nila na gumamit ng bluray sa ps3...nawalan ng option yung hard-core gamers...ito pa yung reason kung bakit naging mahal yung ps3. Ang tanong lang e kung gaano kalaki yung population na ganito yung nafe-feel.

may mga nabasa din ako tungkol dun sa problema ng ps3 sa pagdisplay ng 720p n 1080i. Since ito yung majority ng hd displays e laking problema nito. Kahit lagyan nila ng firmware upgrade e dapat naconsider na nila ito in the first place. Feeling ba nila e bibili lahat ng tao ng 1080p displays para lang makanood sa ps3?? >:(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Dec 13, 2006 at 11:08 AM
Disney to support Blu Ray.

http://www.psu.com/node/5951
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 13, 2006 at 11:13 AM
Don't they already?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Dec 13, 2006 at 12:21 PM
Disney has officially been a member of the Blu-ray Disc Association since December 2004.  However, since Paramount and Warner have released titles in both Blu-ray and HD-DVD, we know that there is no contractual prohibition against supporting both formats. 

Disney is now officially fence-sitting.   ;D

1. Aug. 12, 2004: First announced by the Blu-ray Disc Association: BLU-RAY DISC ASSOCIATION WELCOMES THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY (http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Section-14029/Section-14033/Section-14038/Article-14849.html)

2. Dec. 8, 2004: Announced by Disney itself: THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY TO SUPPORT BLU-RAY DISC FORMAT   (http://corporate.disney.go.com/news/corporate/2004/2004_1208_disneyblu-ray.html)

3. Mar 15, 2006:  Disney may support both HD DVD and Blu-ray (http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/15/disney-may-support-both-hd-dvd-and-blu-ray/)


That's why there are no BD Disney releases yet.  Nag-announce ng titles, pero walang release dates.   
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Dec 13, 2006 at 12:28 PM
Sony says PS3 manufacturing problems all shored up

We'll believe it when we see it. After suffering through what could very well be the most abysmal launch quantity of all time, Sony says that it has ironed out its manufacturing snags and is now back on track to have one million PS3s "in the pipeline" by the December 31, 2006. According to Sony's PR head, David Karraker: "We will continue to utilise airfreight delivery for PlayStation 3 to assure a steady stream of systems for North American consumers through the end of the year." One million units sure is a tall order, given the mere 197,000 boxes Sony managed to move in November, and we can't help but wonder if "pipeline" means "chugging through a factory" or "landing on shelves" by December 31st, but we suppose we'll know either way in a couple of weeks. Luckily for Sony, that certain console of theirs that wasn't bleeding ~$250 per sale for the company sold like gangbusters: 664,000 units, besting both the Wii and 360 in North America.

http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/12/sony-says-ps3-manufacturing-problems-all-shored-up/
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Dec 13, 2006 at 12:33 PM
Disney has officially been a member of the Blu-ray Disc Association since December 2004.  However, since Paramount and Warner have released titles in both Blu-ray and HD-DVD, we know that there is no contractual prohibition against supporting both formats. 

Disney is now officially fence-sitting.   ;D

1. Aug. 12, 2004: First announced by the Blu-ray Disc Association: BLU-RAY DISC ASSOCIATION WELCOMES THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY (http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Section-14029/Section-14033/Section-14038/Article-14849.html)

2. Dec. 8, 2004: Announced by Disney itself: THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY TO SUPPORT BLU-RAY DISC FORMAT   (http://corporate.disney.go.com/news/corporate/2004/2004_1208_disneyblu-ray.html)

3. Mar 15, 2006:  Disney may support both HD DVD and Blu-ray (http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/15/disney-may-support-both-hd-dvd-and-blu-ray/)


That's why there are no BD Disney releases yet.  Nag-announce ng titles, pero walang release dates.   
plain rumors guys.....me big announcement raw, january CES....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: jct_27 on Dec 14, 2006 at 04:14 PM
Mga master, anyone knows where I can buy the Toshiba HD-A1 locally? Mga magkano kaya
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: NeilNo on Dec 14, 2006 at 10:02 PM
Mga master, anyone knows where I can buy the Toshiba HD-A1 locally? Mga magkano kaya

jct_27
There is a separate thread for that.    ;D

Happy Christmas!

_______________________________________________________________________________________
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/Bat_Zignal/logo1.jpg)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: slowhand on Dec 21, 2006 at 05:55 PM
Universal players avert DVD format duel (http://www.eetasia.com/ART_8800446156_590626.HTM)


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Dec 21, 2006 at 07:09 PM
 
Universal players avert DVD format duel (http://www.eetasia.com/ART_8800446156_590626.HTM)

;D ;D ;D

Universal players avert DVD format duel

Machines capable of playing both Blu-ray Disc (BD) and HD DVD discs will emerge next year to short-circuit the format war in next-generation DVD.



=================================================



Sir av_phile1, remind me about this article on January 1, 2008.  I have a feeling that it will be the object of my sarcasm on the said date.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 21, 2006 at 11:28 PM
No problem, if i'm still alive.   ;D

Just curious, why do you say that?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Dec 22, 2006 at 02:06 AM
Another link: http://www.eetasia.com/ARTP_8800446156_590626.HTM

As of the article's date, the only shipped product is a dual HD DVD/BD decoder chip from Broadcom.  Note that it's just a chip, not a player.  Yet the title of the article implies that a universal player already exists by announcing: "Universal players avert DVD format duel".   

Let's move on to the first sentence:  "Machines capable of playing both Blu-ray Disc (BD) and HD DVD discs will emerge next year to short-circuit the format war in next-generation DVD."  Oh, I see.  The players don't exist yet.  But they'll be out next year. 

Let's read on and find out which manufacturers have actually announced that they will release a universal player in 2007.  We reach the end of the article, but contrary to the implication in the first sentence, we learn that no video player manufacturer has ever announced anything to that effect. 

Now read that title again.  It's probably the most deliberately misleading title I've seen in any article.  If the universal player doesn't arrive by January 1, 2008, I'm going to bring this up again.   
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 22, 2006 at 08:39 AM
Well, the title is indeed misleading.  It's like the event has happened when the article is really just talking about future possibilities.  Perhaps their excitement took out the site's better judgement.  Actually, even with dual format players, the war won't be averted.  In the first place the war has already started.  The war will go on even with dual format players.  Only this time, they will be in DETENTE - or forced coexistence.  ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Dec 22, 2006 at 09:47 AM
THE BEST AND WORST OF HIGHDEF DISCS OF 2006 (http://www.highdefdigest.com/feature_best_high_def_discs_of_2006.html)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 22, 2006 at 12:04 PM
Same cite was referred to in avforums.com under a separate thread.  I think same in avsforum.com. Seems to me that HD DVD has more titles in the Best Overall category and Blu Ray has the most in the Worst OVerall category.  Has anyone made a more thorough count?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Dec 23, 2006 at 01:04 PM
From what I have seen using a 1080p PJ , these are some of the notables:

King Kong
Tears of the Sun
Kingdom of Heaven
Batman Begins
Ice age 2
House of flying daggers
MI3
Black Hawk down
U571
Bourne Supremacy
Polar Express

 ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Dec 25, 2006 at 10:41 AM
Coming out in Blu ray (http://www.highdefdigest.com/)

December 26, 2006
The Descent (Lionsgate)
Transporter 2 (Fox)
January 02, 2007
The Covenant (Sony)
January 09, 2007
Crank (Lionsgate)
January 16, 2007
Employee of the Month (Lionsgate)
GoodFellas (Warner)
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (Sony)
Scooby-Doo (2002) (Warner)
Winged Migration (Sony)
January 23, 2007
Alien vs. Predator (Fox)
Black Rain (Paramount)
Casanova (Buena Vista)
Chicago (Buena Vista)
Courage Under Fire (Fox)
Gridiron Gang (Sony)
The Guardian (2006) (Buena Vista)
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Buena Vista)
The Manchurian Candidate (2004) (Paramount)
Men of Honor (Fox)
Saw II (Lionsgate)
Saw II (Unrated) (Lionsgate)
Saw III (Lionsgate)
We Were Soldiers (Paramount)
January 30, 2007
Flyboys (Fox)
Hart's War (Fox)
Open Season (Sony)
February 06, 2007
American Psycho (Lionsgate)
Failure to Launch (Paramount)
First Blood (Lionsgate)
Glory (Sony)
Reservoir Dogs (Lionsgate)
The Tailor of Panama (Sony)
February 13, 2007
Broken Arrow (Fox)
Chain Reaction (Fox)
Entrapment (Fox)
Ladder 49 (Buena Vista)
Marie Antoinette (Sony)
The Marine (Fox)
Phone Booth (Fox)
Planet of the Apes (Fox)
Reign of Fire (Buena Vista)
The Sentinel (Fox)
The Usual Suspects (Fox)
February 20, 2007
Babel (Paramount)
The Prestige (Buena Vista)
Vertical Limit (Sony)
February 27, 2007
Alexander: The Unrated Final Cut (Warner)
Nine Inch Nails Live: Beside You in Time (Interscope)
March 13, 2007
Commando (Fox)
Dances with Wolves (MGM)
Dodgeball (Fox)
Hoosiers (MGM)
Ice Age (Fox)
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Fox)
The Silence of the Lambs (MGM)
The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) (MGM)
April 10, 2007
Payback: Straight Up - The Director's Cut (Paramount)

Release Dates Postponed
The following titles were originally given release dates but have since been postponed with no new dates announced. Watch this space for the latest street date updates as soon as they are made official.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Sony)
The Da Vinci Code (Sony)
From Hell (Fox)
Gattaca (Sony)
Layer Cake (Sony)
Legends of the Fall (Sony)
The Princess Bride (MGM)
The Professionals (Sony)
RoboCop (MGM)
Sense and Sensibility (Sony)
Young Guns (Lionsgate)
Release Dates Pending
The following titles are planned for release in the Blu-ray format (as indicated by press release or previous public statements made by the distributor), but release dates have not been announced:
2001: A Space Odyssey (Warner)
Above the Law (Warner)
Aladdin (Buena Vista)
Angels in America (HBO)
Armageddon (Buena Vista)
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (New Line)
Band of Brothers (HBO)
Batman Begins (Warner)
Beauty and the Beast (Buena Vista)
Blade (New Line)
Blade Runner (Warner)
Bram Stoker's Dracula (Sony)
Braveheart (Paramount)
The Bridge on the River Kwai (Sony)
Catwoman (Warner)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Warner)
Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (Sony)
Chicken Little (Buena Vista)
Chronos (Koch)
A Clockwork Orange (Warner)
Coach Carter (Paramount)
Constantine (Warner)
Contact (Warner)
Dark City (New Line)
Deadwood: Season One (HBO)
Desperado (Sony)
The Dirty Dozen (Warner)
The Dirty Harry Collection (Warner)
District B13 (Magnolia)
Dukes of Hazzard (Warner)
Elizabethtown (Paramount)
Eraser (Warner)
Executive Decision (Warner)
Eyes Wide Shut (Warner)
Father of the Bride (1991) (Buena Vista)
Final Destination (New Line)
Finding Nemo (Buena Vista)
For a Few Dollars More (Sony)
Forbidden Planet (Warner)
Forrest Gump (Paramount)
Frank Herbert's Dune (Lionsgate)
Friday (New Line)
Friends: Season One (Warner)
From the Earth to the Moon (HBO)
Ghost (Paramount)
Gothika (Warner)
Grand Prix (Warner)
Grease (Paramount)
The Green Mile (Warner)
The Guns of Navarone (Sony)
Hard to Kill (Warner)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Warner)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Warner)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Warner)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Warner)
Herbie: Fully Loaded (Buena Vista)
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (Buena Vista)
Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (Buena Vista)
The Lion King (Buena Vista)
The Maltese Falcon (Warner)
The Mask (New Line)
The Matrix Revolutions (Warner)
The Matrix Reloaded (Warner)
The Matrix (Warner)
Maverick (Warner)
The Music Man (Warner)
Mutiny on the Bounty (Warner)
Mystic River (Warner)
National Treasure (Buena Vista)
Next of Kin (Warner)
North by Northwest (Warner)
Ocean's Eleven (Warner)
Ocean's Twelve (Warner)
Passenger 57 (Warner)
The Perfect Storm (Warner)
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (Buena Vista)
The Player (New Line)
The Polar Express (Warner)
Poseidon (Warner)
Red Planet (Warner)
Remember the Titans (Buena Vista)
Rush Hour (New Line)
Save the Last Dance (Paramount)
School of Rock (Paramount)
Se7en (New Line)
See No Evil (Lionsgate)
The Shining (1980) (Warner)
Snow Dogs (Buena Vista)
Soldier (Warner)
The Sopranos: Season One (HBO)
Spawn (New Line)
Spongebob Squarepants: The Movie (Paramount)
Star Trek: First Contact (Sony)
Stargate: Atlantis - Season One (Sony)
Superman: Ultimate Collector's Edition (Warner)
Troy (Warner)
Twister (Warner)
U.S. Marshals (Warner)
Vanilla Sky (Paramount)
Wild Wild West (Warner)
The World's Fastest Indian (Magnolia)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Dec 25, 2006 at 11:11 AM
HD DVD upcoming releases(http://www.highdefdigest.com/)

December 26, 2006
The Breakfast Club (Universal)
The Deer Hunter (Universal)
January 16, 2007
The Mummy Returns (Universal)
Poseidon (Warner)
Scooby-Doo (2002) (Warner)
The Sting (Universal)
January 23, 2007
Black Rain (Paramount)
Brokeback Mountain (Universal)
January 30, 2007
Half Baked (Universal)
February 06, 2007
Failure to Launch (Paramount)
Hollywoodland (Universal)
February 20, 2007
Babel (Paramount)
February 27, 2007
Alexander: The Unrated Final Cut (Warner)
Nine Inch Nails Live: Beside You in Time (Interscope)
April 10, 2007
Payback: Straight Up - The Director's Cut (Paramount)

Release Dates Postponed
The following titles were originally given release dates but have since been postponed with no new dates announced. Watch this space for the latest street date updates as soon as they are made official.
Digital Video Essentials - HD DVD Edition (DVD International)
Galaxina (BCI)
Golgo 13 (BCI)
That's the Way of the World (BCI)
Release Dates Pending
The following titles are planned for release in the HD DVD format (as indicated by press release or previous public statements made by the distributor), but release dates have not been announced:
2001: A Space Odyssey (Warner)
Above the Law (Warner)
American Pie (Unrated) (Universal)
American Pie Presents: A Naked Mile (Universal)
Angels in America (HBO)
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (New Line)
The Aviator (Universal)
Awake (Weinstein)
Band of Brothers (HBO)
Bikini Destinations (Magnolia)
The Black Dahlia (Universal)
Blade (New Line)
Blade Runner (Warner)
The Blues Brothers (Universal)
Braveheart (Paramount)
Breaking and Entering (Weinstein)
Bubble (Magnolia)
Catwoman (Warner)
Clerks II (Weinstein)
A Clockwork Orange (Warner)
Coach Carter (Paramount)
Conan the Barbarian (Universal)
Contact (Warner)
Dante's Peak (Universal)
Dark City (New Line)
Deadwood: Season One (HBO)
Decameron (Weinstein)
The Dirty Harry Collection (Warner)
Elizabethtown (Warner)
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (Magnolia)
Eraser (Warner)
Executive Decision (Warner)
Eyes Wide Shut (Warner)
Final Destination (New Line)
Forrest Gump (Paramount)
Friday (New Line)
Friends: Season One (Warner)
From the Earth to the Moon (HBO)
Ghost (Paramount)
Gothika (Warner)
Grease (Paramount)
The Green Mile (Warner)
Grind House (Weinstein)
Hard to Kill (Warner)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Warner)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Warner)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Warner)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Warner)
HDScape: Antarctica Dreaming (DVD International)
HDScape: Exotic Saltwater Aquarium (DVD International)
HDScape: Fireplace - Visions of Tranquility (DVD International)
HDScape: HDWindow - Hawaii (DVD International)
HDScape: HDWindow - The Great Southwest (DVD International)
HDScape: Serenity - Southern Seas (DVD International)
HDScape: Stargaze II (DVD International)
HDScape: Visions of the Sea (DVD International)
Idlewind (Universal)
Killshot (Weinstein)
Last Legion (Weinstein)
The Lemon Drop Kid (Universal)
The Libertine (Weinstein)
Lucky Number Slevin (Weinstein)
The Maltese Falcon (Warner)
The Mask (New Line)
The Matrix Revolutions (Warner)
The Matrix Reloaded (Warner)
The Matrix (Warner)
Maverick (Warner)
Mrs. Henderson Presents (Weinstein)
The Music Man (Warner)
Mystic River (Warner)
Next of Kin (Warner)
North by Northwest (Warner)
Ocean's Eleven (Warner)
Ocean's Twelve (Warner)
Passenger 57 (Warner)
The Player (New Line)
Pulse (Weinstein)
Red Planet (Warner)
The Return (Universal)
Rush Hour (New Line)
Save the Last Dance (Paramount)
School for Scoundrels (Weinstein)
School of Rock (Paramount)
Scoop (Universal)
Se7en (Universal)
The Shining (1980) (Warner)
Shuttle Discovery's Historic Mission (Magnolia)
Sin City 2 (Weinstein)
Soldier (Weinstein)
Son of Paleface (Paramount)
Spawn (New Line)
Spongebob Squarepants: The Movie (Paramount)
Star Trek: First Contact (Paramount)
TransAmerica (Weinstein)
Twister (Weinstein)
U.S. Marshals (Warner)
The Ultimate Star Trek Collection (Paramount)
Vanilla Sky (Paramount)
Vengeance of the Zombies (BCI)
The War Within (Magnolia)
Wild Wild West (Warner)
Young Hannibal (Weinstein)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Dec 25, 2006 at 06:44 PM
Note: there are fewer titles coming out sa HD-DVD. The studios are really hurting it...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Dec 25, 2006 at 07:51 PM
sana ilabas pa rin ang matrix series sa hd-dvd, i'm contemplating on getting an hd-dvd drive for my xbox360. looks like i have to get a ps3 hehe
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 28, 2006 at 09:18 AM
I shouldn't be too worried about those promised BD titles getting more and better than those of HD DVD.  Most of these BD exclusives will end up as HD DVD in other parts of the globe.  It should interest HD DVD owners that many BD exclusives are released as HD DVD in Europe and Japan like the ff to mention some

Brothers Grimm is Disney  BD exclusive released as HD DVD in Japan. 
Reign of Fire is Disney BD exclusive in the US released as HD DVD in Japan
Terminator 2,  Lionsgate in the US (BD exclusive) is released as HD DVD in Europe  courtesy of Studio Canal. 
Saw 1,2,3, another Lionsgate BD exclusive in US is released as HD DVD in Europe by Studio Canal
Rambo Trilogy, anther Lionsgate BD in the US is released as HD DVD in Europe
Basic Instinct 2, Sony/MGM BD exclusive in the US  released as HD DVD in europe also by Studio Canal.
XXX and Equilibirum, BD exclusives in the US released as HD DVD in Japan,
Resident Evil is Sony Columbia Tristar released as HD DVD in Japan

There are presumably more titles.  Disney films exclusive to BD in the US but not everywhere else in the world.    Distribution deals in different continents apparently account for this.  Ain't it GREAT not having region coding for HD DVD .  ;D

The only studios that have real format exclusivity are FOX (BD) and Universal (HD DVD) because they handle their title distribution world wide.  WARNER and PARAMOUNT also handle their distribution worldwide, but they already release in BOTH formats so they don't figure.   ;D

Regarding HD DVD remaining region free, here are some interesting statements made this month by no less than Amir Majidmerh of Microsoft and a steering committee board member of the DVD forum, popularly known as "amirm" at avsforum.com and avforums.com

HD DVD is pretty far from "going region encoded." There are proposals being studied but none is ratified yet and even if they are, they do not apply to existing software and hardware.

One has to remember that DVD Forum is an open organization, allowing people to propose many things, and those proposals are public. But such data does not lead to firm conclusions of something happening.


Underscoring mine.  And another:

Anyway, region coding is only being studied. Once there is a proposal, it would need to be approved by the board. And even after that, t will not apply to products already in market and will have to be phased in, some time in the future. A lot of "ifs" involved here.

So I would purchase HD DVD with confidence at this point, especially since none of the discs are region coded. BD on the hand, includes region coding in its format license (so good luck finding hacks to get around it) and its discs are already marked as such.

Amir
Microsoft (DVD Forum SC board member)


So it would seem that early users of HD DVD will have their region-free benefits for  long time.  Once region-free, it's region-free forever, so they say.  If HD DVD becomes region coded, a big "IF", expect region coded discs to still play in your region free players. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Dec 28, 2006 at 04:57 PM
Any news ba when will our local market starts selling HD players?  :-[
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Dec 28, 2006 at 05:10 PM
Still far off.  I think there has to be some formal launch announcement yet in the Asian or Southeast Aisan markets for the local shops to start putting High Def players of either formats on sale.  The Tosh E1/E2 has yet to be launched in Europe.  But I think there are already imported Tosh A1 in a few shops.  I saw one at Spectra the other day -  apparently the same one I saw last month playing Sahara on their NEC flat screen display.  Selling for less than 40T if not mistaken.  Same with PS3 in just a few stores. 

Early high def adopters in Britain and elsehwere are ordering US units and titles online or when they go to the US.  Very few are getting them at their local AV shops.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Dec 28, 2006 at 05:25 PM
Tnx av_phile1.  :) My hands are quite itchy to try out these new HD movies ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Dec 28, 2006 at 11:58 PM
Blu-ray, HD DVD fight for high-definition market
Published on December 22, 2006

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?storyid=55071

By Joseph M. deLeon
News-Post Staff
FREDERICK -- The battle between Blu-ray and HD DVD reminds some of the war between VHS and Beta in the 1980s, but some experts believe there is room in the DVD market for both formats.
Blu-ray and HD DVD use blue lasers to deliver high-definition movies and other video content. They can both hold more data than a traditional DVD, and likely represent the future of home video.

Electronics manufacturers have laid their bets on one format or the other, hoping their choice will win the hearts of consumers.

Blu-ray has the support of Panasonic, Phillips and Samsung, as well as computer giants Apple and Dell. Sony leads the coalition, releasing the PlayStation 3, a video came console that plays Blu-ray discs.

HD DVD players are almost half as cheap as Blu-ray players and have the support of Intel, Toshiba and Microsoft, which makes the popular Xbox 360 video game console.

Matt Swanston, the director of business analysis for Consumer Electronics Association in Arlington, Va., said the success of HDTV sets has had a positive effect on the battle. More HDTV sets means more room for the two sides to reach a truce.

"We have seen many instances of competing formats coexisting, like Mac and PC," Mr. Swanston said. "There was support for Beta long after it was declared not the winner, so it's not something people should pay too much attention to."

Gary Yacoubian, president of Gaithersburg-based electronics retailer Myer Emco Inc. disagrees. He said the outcome of the VHS conflict hints at the success of Blu-ray.

"One will win," he said. "One thing we learned with VHS is the best (quality) will not always win. It's who has the most movies."

The reason VHS won, even though Beta was technologically better, is because more manufacturers and content providers supported VHS.

"Going by that metric, Blu-ray should win," he said. "About 90 percent of the DVDs released last year were Blu-ray supporters."

Both agreed the quality of Blu-ray and HD DVD is about equal, but Mr. Swanston said lower prices for HD DVD players could help keep both formats alive.

Mr. Swanston said consumers need to make sure the content they want is available on the format they choose.

"Make sure the title you want is available on each platform, but you really can't lose -- the movie or game will play as long as you own that player," he said. "It's a great time to do it because there is plenty of content."

 Mr. Yacoubian agrees cheaper prices might give HD DVDs a leg up, but consumers will ultimately choose the player that shows the most movies.

This isn't going to be the Christmas that determines which will win -- that will happen next year, he said.

"By the middle of next year, the dust will settle, prices will come down and the rest of consumers who didn't go one way or another will buy Blu-ray," he said. "I'm really unbiased on this one because we sell both, but I have a Blu-ray player in my home."



I doubt the "typical"  American consumer, who will ultimately decide which player goes under, bother to buy a European-Japanese HD-DVD title when there is a Blu ray disc of the same title sitting in their local video store...peace ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Dec 30, 2006 at 08:44 PM
just bought an hd-dvd drive and 3 hd dvd titles (king kong, superman returns, italian job). still waiting for my ps3 and compare (still ordering some blue ray titles though)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 04, 2007 at 01:34 PM
LG is at it again........read on guys.......

Deja Blu: LG Once Again Pledges Dual Format DVD Player (http://www.cepro.com/news/editorial/16800.html)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 04, 2007 at 02:15 PM
How true...Here we go again..& hope no more hic-cups :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 04, 2007 at 05:07 PM
This is also the subject of discussion at other AV forums.  Seems it's getting real the closer we get to the CES next week where LG says it will be unveiled.  Google searching yield a lot of news sites reporting this.  Like this one:

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/01/04/surprise-lg-to-debut-dual-format-blu-ray-and-hd-dvd-player-at-ces/

But I strongly doubt FIRST GENERATION dual format players will be affordable as yet.  Am open to pleasant surprises though.   ;D

But it is a milestone in this silly needless war.  With CEs producing more dual format players the masses can afford, consumers need not bother which format their favorite films are encoded on.    The moderators can lock this thread.  The War has ENDED.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Jan 04, 2007 at 05:33 PM
News:Plenty O PS3s But No Takers

Reports have been steadily trickling in since yesterday of stockpiles of Playstation 3s found sitting around in Best Buys untouched, or hardly touched.

Best Buy announced they would be selling a bunch of the consoles starting Sunday and according to several emailers, very few people took them up on their offer. Of course this is all anecdotally, so I'm not sure how widespread it is.

What I can tell you is that the Best Buy near my house had 31 Playstation 3s sitting in a lovely wall o' consoles this morning when I swung by the store. Many, if not all of them, were the 60GB model.

While taking pictures of the stack load of PS3s (and the nearby wall of Xbox 360s, twice the size) someone came buy and plucked one up. He happened to be right next to the person who took these photos when he was paying for his stuff and he heard him saying that the main reason he decided to get it was because it offered up games at 1080p and he wanted to see what it looked like on his plasma. It appeared he was also buying a Blu-ray movie and a copy of Madden for the system.

I can't help but wonder if this seeming lack of interest in the PS3 at Best Buys is because of a general post-holiday buying drought or something more about the system itself. It certainly doesn't look good, especially when coupled with the details I reported last weak about PS3's grey market.



source:
http://www.emuwizards.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1266
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 04, 2007 at 05:40 PM
Warner to Unveil First Blu-ray/HD DVD Hybrid Discs at CES

In a surprise leak of what may turn out to be the biggest high-def news to come out of this year's CES, The New York Times is reporting that Warner Home Video is set to bring the first Blu-ray/HD DVD hybrid discs to market in 2007.

According to the story, the studio is hoping to both calm consumers' fears over the competing next-gen formats as well as spur high-def hardware sales by creating a Blu-ray/HD DVD hybrid, which the studio is dubbing a "Total HD" disc.

 In an exclusive pre-CES interview with the Times, Barry M. Meyer, the chairman and chief executive of Warner Brothers, claims the studio created the idea of Total HD as it became apparent that while neither the Blu-ray or HD DVD formats would be going away anytime soon, continued consumer reluctance to invest in rival technologies could stall the widespread adoption of high-definition.

“The next best thing is to recognize that there will be two formats, and to make that not a negative for the consumer," said Meyer. "We [Warner] felt that the most significant constituency for us to satisfy was the consumer first, and the retailer second. The retailer wants to sell hardware and doesn't want to be forced into stocking two formats for everything. This is ideal for them."

Should the Times' scoop turn out to be true, it would certainly add an unexpected -- and potentially tremendous -- new wrinkle to the high-def format war. A one-disc-fits-all scenario would seem to please everyone, from early adopters to hardware manufacturers to retailers (who no would no longer have to stock both Blu-ray and HD DVD versions of the same title), regardless of which format they support.

A formal announcement from Warner officially unveiling Total HD is now expected sometime during or right after CES. We'll certainly keep you posted as this exciting story continues to develop. Stay tuned!

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/04/technology/04video.html?ref=technology [New York Times]



Title: CES 2007 Predictions
Post by: pchin on Jan 06, 2007 at 08:40 AM
CES 2007 Predictions. "Remember, these are predictions only, not announcements!"  :P

HD DVD Camp Announces Additional Studio Support - Sure, maybe not Sony Pictures or Columbia Tri-star ... but the buzz is that the HD DVD camp will be adding a studio or two to their stable. It would be really nice if they would also add a manufacturer or two, but I don't think I'm bold enough to predict that.

Microsoft Announces 2nd Generation Xbox 360 Console - OK, this may be way out there, but they need an update to support HDMI before the studios start enabling ICT and blocking all of us Xbox360 add-on owners from viewing glorious HD. Don't expect an entirely new platform, way too early for that, but perhaps additional output options in both audio and video as well as improved core processors.

HD DVD/Blu-ray Combo Player - Perhaps more than one announcement here, but at least one manufacturer will announce that they are planning one. These announcements seem to crop-up every 6 months or so. As with all previous announcements of this ilk, I would not make any future buying decisions until they are more committed.

HDMI 1.3 Now Supported by {Insert Manufacturer Here} - There will be many manufacturers announcing 1.3 compliant products. In particular, look for a few receiver manufacturers like Denon, Yamaha, etc. to announce 1.3-compliant lines. There will likely be a handful of display devices with this support as well.

Read full article: http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/articles/2007/01/ces_2007_predictions-print.php
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 06, 2007 at 08:51 AM
Read t avsforum that LG's combo format player already has a model... and a price....

BH100 priced at $1199
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 06, 2007 at 09:06 AM
Wow finally! Is there any specs yet for the model? :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Jan 06, 2007 at 10:14 AM
Would you pay $1199 for a LG? ???
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 06, 2007 at 10:44 AM
Definitely not me but for those who have deep pockets & loads of spare cash cow will certainly do  ;D

I'm just curious of its specs lang  ;)
Title: Re: CES 2007 Predictions
Post by: john5479 on Jan 06, 2007 at 05:39 PM
CES 2007 Predictions. "Remember, these are predictions only, not announcements!"  :P

Microsoft Announces 2nd Generation Xbox 360 Console - OK, this may be way out there, but they need an update to support HDMI before the studios start enabling ICT and blocking all of us Xbox360 add-on owners from viewing glorious HD. Don't expect an entirely new platform, way too early for that, but perhaps additional output options in both audio and video as well as improved core processors.



this might be true as photos of a new console was leaked. the processor upgrade is confirmed and will result in cooler and more silent units, the hdmi thing is what i want to confirm.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 07, 2007 at 09:01 PM

 Mr. Yacoubian agrees cheaper prices might give HD DVDs a leg up, but consumers will ultimately choose the player that shows the most movies.


That has always been the argument from BD fanboys from the start.  They seem to forget that HD DVD is the UNDERDOG in this war.  BD with its formidable array of CE and Studio support is supposed to have dealt with it early enough.  But look who's trailing now. ANd look who's got more titles on sale?  And it is not the number of studios that matter, it's the number of flms available to both titles.  At AVS, they have made an inventory and there are 48,000 titles for BD and 40,000 for HD DVD.  That's not very far from each other.   Real wars in history have been fought with more lopsided ratios with the lower numbers winnng.   

Quote
I doubt the "typical"  American consumer, who will ultimately decide which player goes under, bother to buy a European-Japanese HD-DVD title when there is a Blu ray disc of the same title sitting in their local video store...peace ;D


You're always free to doubt, it won't change the fact that some BR exclusives will be available as HD DVD from Pathe and Studio Canal in Europe that Americans can order at Amazon.  Nice thing is, HD DVD is region free enough to play those titles.   ;D  Oh, just a side note, Total Recall released by Studio Canal as HD DVD is superior to the BR exclusive version in the states accd to AVS forums.  Apparently from a better remastering work.  Not that it matters coz I hav no interest in that title anyway.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 07, 2007 at 09:52 PM
Blu Ray Faking Picture-In-Picture features

One of the promises offered by high def formats is the  nteractivity feaures that allow dynamic Picture-in-picture facility not possible with DVD.  Blu Ray is supposed to have the BD-Java feature for this purpose,  iHD is its counterpart in HD DVD.  But weird, this specification, while mandatory on HD DVD machines and has been a feature on the Toshiba A1 since day one,  is not, mandatory nor is it available on current standalone BD players, with the exception of the PS3.  That is precisely why the MIII BD release does not have the PiP feature that its HD DVD counterpart has.  One of it latest titles take the cake.

Blu-Ray has dropped to new lows by faking Picture in Picture in one of it's latest films The Descent, instead of having true PiP like on some HD-DVD titles they have 2 full copies of the film on the BD50, one with the extra video window superimposed.

Got this from an av forum.  It's also being discussed down at AVS.  It seems another one of those missed promises from BD that seems to disappoint its markets and gives reason for HD DVD fans to rejoice anew.  Starting from a lousy MPEG2 codecs on inadequate BD25 discs when it needed BD50 that was not there on launch date.  Region locking and lack of lossless audio compression support.  Non implementation of BD+.  Now this.   Makes me wonder what's keeping Sony et al from delivering on the supposed technical advantages of BD.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 08, 2007 at 07:27 AM
LG's Multi Blue Player BH100....the first dual format player...priced at $1199

(http://www.cepro.com/asset/6791.jpg)

(http://www.cepro.com/asset/6792.jpg)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Jan 08, 2007 at 07:49 AM
Nice, for me even the price is ok...a thousand bucks to play both, If I have the money I would get one. For me maybe 600 to 750 down the road would be a good price to buy..However for hddvd unit owners right now this is just a blueray unit....but war might be over..Finally!!!!
Title: Optical HD Battle May Be Over: HD DVD Wins
Post by: pchin on Jan 08, 2007 at 08:06 AM
Optical HD Battle May Be Over: HD DVD Wins

Interesting article which I agree

http://news.digitaltrends.com/talkback158.html
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 08, 2007 at 08:06 AM
Blu Ray Faking Picture-In-Picture features


From your AVforum source

Quote
Mod Comment - Here is a warning. If you can't discuss this subject maturely, you'll receive a short holiday from the forums. Next off topic post, or troll no matter how minor, wins that prize. You have been warned.
__________________
 


Too bad the forum in AVS is already locked...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

troll is a person who enters an established community such as an online discussion forum and intentionally tries to cause disruption, often in the form of posting messages that are inflammatory, insulting, or off-topic, with the intent of provoking a reaction from others.
Title: More Studio Support for HD DVD
Post by: pchin on Jan 08, 2007 at 08:11 AM
More Studio Support for HD DVD

There's a petition form after the article, pls feel free to sign :)

http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/HD_DVD_Studio_Support
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 08, 2007 at 08:22 AM
There will be a HD DVD Party at the CES today......members at Avsforum are expecting announcements to be made before the day is over....... Ill be glad if Band of Brothers and Matrix trilogy or HP series will be announced.... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Jan 08, 2007 at 09:50 AM
From your AVforum source


Too bad the forum in AVS is already locked...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

troll is a person who enters an established community such as an online discussion forum and intentionally tries to cause disruption, often in the form of posting messages that are inflammatory, insulting, or off-topic, with the intent of provoking a reaction from others.


So, does this mean the "Blu Ray PIP Faking" is not true and only posted by a Troll?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aeris30 on Jan 08, 2007 at 10:25 AM
There will be a HD DVD Party at the CES today......members at Avsforum are expecting announcements to be made before the day is over....... Ill be glad if Band of Brothers and Matrix trilogy or HP series will be announced.... ;D ;D

Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire HDDVD is already released in the UK...sayang PAL format :(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 08, 2007 at 10:42 AM
Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire HDDVD is already released in the UK...sayang PAL format :(
i know pwede yan.....HD DVD isnt yet region locked...correct me if im wrong...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aeris30 on Jan 08, 2007 at 11:44 AM
i know pwede yan.....HD DVD isnt yet region locked...correct me if im wrong...

Yup sir munskie hddvd isnt region locked yet. But I'm not sure if a PAL hddvd will play on an NTSC xbox 360.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 08, 2007 at 11:52 AM
So, does this mean the "Blu Ray PIP Faking" is not true and only posted by a Troll?


Ito isang sagot tungkol sa subject sa AVS...Yung pangalan lang ng AVS contributor duda na ::) ::)

Quote
That link was hilarious. A bunch of Hddvd owners patting themselves on the back and being all insulting and thinking they were oh so clever until the moderator came in and threatened to suspend half of them...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 08, 2007 at 12:09 PM
LG's Multi Blue Player BH100....the first dual format player...priced at $1199

(http://www.cepro.com/asset/6791.jpg)

(http://www.cepro.com/asset/6792.jpg)

BOSTON-(Business Wire)-January 7, 2007 - LG's launch of the first dual-standard Blu-Ray Disc/HD-DVD player shifts the balance toward Blu-Ray Disc (BD) in the battle of the two formats, according to Strategy Analytics.

"Dual-standard players will help expand the market for next generation DVD players," says David Mercer, VP and Principal Analyst at Strategy Analytics. "But owners of the LG device will likely choose Blu-Ray over HD-DVD for the same title because the player does not support the full range of interactive features available on HD-DVD discs." 

Quote
Originally Posted by LG Electronics
In addition to offering Full HD 1080p picture quality from high-definition discs, the player incorporates interactive functions based on BD-Java, which allows advanced menus and functions to be displayed over the video of Blu-ray discs. And, while the same level of advanced menu interactivity is not available while playing HD DVD discs, the powerful combination of Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD audio-video playback technologies is like no other on the market
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 08, 2007 at 01:08 PM
From your AVforum source


Too bad the forum in AVS is already locked...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

troll is a person who enters an established community such as an online discussion forum and intentionally tries to cause disruption, often in the form of posting messages that are inflammatory, insulting, or off-topic, with the intent of provoking a reaction from others.


If you have are into BD why don't you check it out yourself regarding the interactive  BD-J feature and report here that you are indeed getting PIP from your BD titles.  Because except fro the PS3, NO standalone BD players available at the moment have the PIP feature that is available to HD DVD.  For the simple reason that two distinct decoders needed to process to independent video streams for PIP is mandated in all HD DVD players and no such mandate for BD players.  No wonder MI III BD version from warner does not have PIP feature that the same ttle in HD DVD has. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 08, 2007 at 01:31 PM
BOSTON-(Business Wire)-January 7, 2007 - LG's launch of the first dual-standard Blu-Ray Disc/HD-DVD player shifts the balance toward Blu-Ray Disc (BD) in the battle of the two formats, according to Strategy Analytics.

"Dual-standard players will help expand the market for next generation DVD players," says David Mercer, VP and Principal Analyst at Strategy Analytics. "But owners of the LG device will likely choose Blu-Ray over HD-DVD for the same title because the player does not support the full range of interactive features available on HD-DVD discs." 

If we'll be talking about the same titles, specifically those from format neutrals Warner and Paramount, Warner hasnt even released a single title in Blu-Ray with interactive HD features(In-Movie Experience).  A classic example too is Paramount's M:I III effort on Blu-Ray...wherein at that time, there was no available authoring toolset for BD-Java, and as reviewed by highdef's peter bracke:

HD Bonus Content: Any Exclusive Goodies in There?

Now, here's the only aspect of the 'Mission: Impossible III' experience where the Blu-ray is outshined by the HD DVD. Included on the HD DVD only is a picture-in-picture interactive commentary, again anchored by filmmaker J.J. Abrams and Tom Cruise. That's due to what Paramount says was a lack of a "fully-functioning authoring toolset" for the Blu-ray format's BD-J Java environment, so it wasn't possible to include the feature on the Blu-ray release in time for 'M:I III's home video launch date.


Blu-ray's first title with interactive PIP content, Descent, wont even play with the Sony and Pioneer BD players. 

With the release of this duo-format player, BD supporters will always go back to the advantage of studio support, while HD DVD supporters will look at it as one additional CE giving support to the format, whereas before LG is BD exclusive. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 08, 2007 at 01:46 PM
From your AVforum source


Too bad the forum in AVS is already locked...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

troll is a person who enters an established community such as an online discussion forum and intentionally tries to cause disruption, often in the form of posting messages that are inflammatory, insulting, or off-topic, with the intent of provoking a reaction from others.


Sorry to disappoint you:

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=453005

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=452295

and here post #289
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9378355#post9378355
and I quote:

Originally Posted by BuGsArEtAsTy
Forgive me for being dense, but just to make this clear to me... Which specific features again do current standalone Blu-ray players not support


The specific list is as follows:

1. The amount of permanent storage in the player so things like bookmarks, interactivity state (e.g. your name, game score, etc.), downloaded subtitles and such can be stored. Needless to say, no firmware fix can add such hardware to your machine.

2. Hardware decode support for two streams of video: one for main movie, and another for the secondary video. Products using the decoder in the Samsung for example, can not handle an HD stream and SD stream decode. The Toshiba which uses the same decoder decodes the secondary stream using its powerful X86 CPU for this task. That CPU horsepower is missing from equiv. BD players. It is not possible to add such functionality via software unless the hardware is already there.

3. TrueHD and or DTS lossless support. BD doesn't mandate any so it is totally up to the player manufacturer to do so or not. If the computational horsepower is there (again, the Toshiba did with its multiple DSPs) then this can be a firmware update, assuming there is an optimized implementation is available for the underlying instruction set.

4. Networking. Most stand-alone players do not have the hardware connection so there is no way to add such a functionality via software. Even with the connection, this is a very complex subsystem and making it compliant with BD-Live may be beyond the means of some companies. The box may also lack sufficient memory to handle the extra code and buffering needed for networking.

__________________
Amir
Microsoft
HD DVD insider
VC-1 insider in BD/HD DVD
Ask me questions about HD DVD here



Really shouldn't be too difficult to verify, just play your BD on a Samsung, Sony or Pioneer BD player (exception is the  PS3 as it has the required processors for processing two distinct video streams) and see if you you have dynamic Picture In Picture  
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 08, 2007 at 01:53 PM

Blu-ray's first title with interactive PIP content, Descent, wont even play with the Sony and Pioneer BD players. 

True, as this has been raised als at AVS.  But at avforums, The Descent is said  not have true PIP interactivity.  It has TWO films encoded in AVC on BD50, one contains windowed PIP commentary and the other doesn't.  It's FAKE picture in picture since you cannot freeze the window or move it around or switch it on/off.

You need TWO separate video decoders to process the two distinct independent HD and SD video streams for dynamic PIP interactivity to work. This feature is MANDATED on all HD DVD players from Day One. Not on BD spec.  Itis a HARDWARE feature and no amount of firmware update can correct it.   I heard it will only appear on BD players starting June 2007.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 08, 2007 at 02:03 PM

HD Bonus Content: Any Exclusive Goodies in There?

Now, here's the only aspect of the 'Mission: Impossible III' experience where the Blu-ray is outshined by the HD DVD. Included on the HD DVD only is a picture-in-picture interactive commentary, again anchored by filmmaker J.J. Abrams and Tom Cruise. That's due to what Paramount says was a lack of a "fully-functioning authoring toolset" for the Blu-ray format's BD-J Java environment, so it wasn't possible to include the feature on the Blu-ray release in time for 'M:I III's home video launch date.



At first I thought this was just a software authoring issue.  But it wasn't.  The current BD machines themslves do not have dual video decoders to process independent video streams from the HD main title and the SD extra features and copmmentaries.  OTH, HD DVD players have as this is part of the mandated HD DVD specs.

The LG dual format accdg to CES has "limited iHD" features and NO BD-J support whatsover.  AmirM of Microsoft is still investigating this as no license can be given to any CE maker that does not conform to the mandated specs for FULL iHD compliance.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 08, 2007 at 02:15 PM
Im glad this topic of  HD feature like Picture in Picture (PIP) interactivity was raised.  To those who havent adopted to HD yet, this  is an advanced feature that lets you watch some special features content in PIP while you're watching the movie.  Warner has the In-Movie Experience (IME), while Universal calls it the U-Control feature.   There is some commentary, some behind the scenes look on how a scene was done, and some pics.  The good thing is, you can turn the feaure on or off as you wish while watching the movie.   You dont get it the whole film, but an icon will alert you if there is interactive content.  So far, im happy with the way HD DVD has delivered the goods on HD interactivity. Some enthusiasts will not care about this, but some will also value it.

if you want to see sample of Warner's In-Movie Experience (IME), its included in its HD DVD Demo clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keLmcUTTLuU
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Jan 08, 2007 at 02:17 PM
Ito isang sagot tungkol sa subject sa AVS...Yung pangalan lang ng AVS contributor duda na ::) ::)


Hmmm. Conspiracy.

With all the other news:
- PS3 not selling well. (Yeah. kasi angdami stocks) Ok. So hindi din mabili ang mga commodities na maraming stocks kasi angdaming naka-display. What a logic?
- MGS4 going to 360
- Tekken 6 going to 360
- Motorstorm going to 360
- Time calling PS3 a bust? (Wow. Time Magazine now into gaming) Buti pa CNN. Balanced on there news about the Next Gen Console.
- DMC4 going to 360.

Bakit wala ang 360 sa Spotlight with all their 3RL Problems?
-
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 08, 2007 at 02:31 PM
Im glad this topic of  HD feature like Picture in Picture (PIP) interactivity was raised.  To those who havent adopted to HD yet, this  is an advanced feature that lets you watch some special features content in PIP while you're watching the movie.

Yup, things like this that would otherwise escape the would-be high def adopter needs to be raised for their due diligence before plunging into any of the format of their choice.  This shouldn't discourge BD buyers from getting the gears if they want one.  At least they'd know what they're missing.  That's all there is to it.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 08, 2007 at 03:02 PM
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- At a press event today at the 2007
Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the companies of the North American
HD DVD Promotional Group recapped a strong year for the high definition
format, surpassing significant milestones for 2006, announcing more than
300 additional movie titles that will be available this year, for an
expected total of more than 600 titles worldwide. The group also revealed
compelling revenue and growth projections for HD DVD in 2007, and showcased
a live demonstration of the next level of internet connectivity to give
consumers a more personalized experience.

In just nine months time, "The Look and Sound of Perfect(TM)" has
struck a chord with consumers, showing strong movie title sales and high
attach rates. As of January 5th, there are estimated to be more than
175,000 HD DVD players sold in North America, with new models in high
demand. Using Nielsen data and retailer reports for title sales to date,
the HD DVD studios projected an annualized attach rate of 28 movies per
player. Based on an expected install base of more than 2.5 million players
by the end of 2007, the HD DVD Promotional Group estimates HD DVD movie
title sales to exceed $600 million in North America for 2007. This is more
than 40 times the revenue accrued in 2006 by the format.

"HD DVD is a well recognized brand name, and it's the best way for
consumers to make the transition from DVD into the high definition world,"
said Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment and
chairman of the North American HD DVD Promotional Group. "Look at the
facts: HD DVD has the most reasonably priced players and drives on the
market, the highest quality picture and sound possible, and our hardware
sales and attach rates are high. By the holidays, we'll have more than 600
movies available globally, and offer an advanced level of internet
connectivity to drive HD DVD sales."

Attendees of the press event saw a live demo of HD DVD's new advanced
interactive features, working on both multiple PC platforms and consumer
electronics based players -- effectively showing the wide breadth of
support for these features. HD DVD titles with advanced interactivity will
take advantage of HD DVD's mandatory specifications for network
connectivity, secondary video decoders and persistent storage. Titles using
player memory as well as the secondary video encoder for picture-in-picture
were shipping throughout 2006, and titles using network connectivity are
expected to be available in 2007. Using Microsoft's HDi(TM) interactive
technology, the live demo showed how to save and share favorite scenes from
a movie with other HD DVD owners, and how to download HD trailers and other
content from the Internet. To date, HD DVD is the only format delivering
titles using true picture-in-picture.

Fueled by brisk sales of second-generation Toshiba HD DVD players, the
HD DVD drive for Xbox 360, and HD DVD-enabled Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo
laptops and desktop PCs from companies like Acer, HP, Niveus and Toshiba,
HD DVD's installed base is estimated to have exceeded 175,000 in North
America.

Several of the more innovative of the Asian manufacturers such as Alco,
Jiangkui/ED Digital, Lite-On, and Shinco will add competitively priced HD
DVD products to the market, and well-known brands such as Meridian and
Onkyo will create HD DVD players as well.

"With the addition of new consumer electronics companies to HD DVD,
we're predicting more than 2.5 million units in the market by the end of
2007," stated Yoshihide Fujii, president and CEO of Toshiba's Digital Media
Network Company. "This growing level of manufacturer support is a clear
result of HD DVD winning over enthusiasts and movie lovers alike."
Earlier today, Toshiba released news of the HD-A20, a 1080p HD DVD
player priced competitively at $599, offering a more affordable path to get
the highest resolution output. The players will be available in the U.S. by
Spring 2007.

Microsoft announced that the HD DVD player for the Xbox 360 video game
console continues to sell rapidly at $199, bundled with the Universal
Studios title "King Kong." Microsoft executives stated that the company
will continue to manufacture players for the Xbox 360 to keep up with
expected demand from gamers in 2007. With the knowledge that every Xbox 360
HD DVD player sold is purchased by someone who wants to watch high
definition movies, studios supporting HD DVD see significant value in the
player, as a great way to bring "The Look and Sound of Perfect" to gamers
while helping ensure strong movie attach rates for each and every player
sold.

Of the more than 41 studios and distributors supporting HD DVD
worldwide, Warner Home Video, Paramount Home Entertainment, Universal
Studios Home Entertainment, HBO Home Video, New Line Home Entertainment,
Genius Product, Inc., The Weinstein Company, Studio Canal, and Bandai
Visual, one of the largest animation companies in the world, collectively
announced more than 300 additional HD DVD titles will be released this
year. The list included acclaimed hits such as: "The Departed," "The Good
Shepherd," "Flags of Our Fathers," "Babel," the entire "Harry Potter"
series, "The Matrix" trilogy and "Blade Runner". Hit TV series will also
appear on HD DVD, including "Battlestar Galactica," "The Sopranos", and the
original episodes of "Star Trek," which have been digitally remastered.

Another reason consumers are finding the transition from DVD to HD DVD
easy and compelling is the release of many of the most anticipated day-and-
date releases on "combo discs" -- with an HD DVD version on one side, and a
standard DVD version on the other. This combo feature, unique to HD DVD,
gives consumers the option of building their library of HD DVDs before they
purchase an HD DVD player, and lets consumers buy one movie that will play
on HD DVD players as well as in standard DVD players elsewhere in the home
or in the car. The release of combo discs was another milestone the HD DVD
camp promised from CES 2006.

As the official successor to DVD, HD DVD is successfully building on
the heritage of the most successful consumer electronics format ever. An
important element of the group's strategy was a nationwide, 18-wheeler tour
known as the HD DVD Mobile Experience. Over five months, the Mobile
Experience helped educate more than 25,000 consumers on the benefits of HD
DVD, showcasing stunning 1080p movie experiences in a home theater, with
PCs and laptops, and through the Xbox 360. New scenarios continue to be
added, including a concept demonstration by Alpine of an HD DVD player
system for use in vehicles. The Mobile Experience will be featured inside
the Main Hall at CES (booth #7914).

About HD DVD

HD DVD is the next generation, post-DVD standard for high capacity,
high definition optical discs, approved by the DVD Forum. The DVD Forum
develops and defines DVD formats. Its more than 200 strong membership
brings together leaders in movies and entertainment, computing, consumer
electronics and software. HD DVD is fast becoming the primary visual medium
for the age of high-definition TV. The North American HD DVD Promotional
Group, Inc. is an organization established to promote the HD DVD format and
educate consumers in North America. For more information and a complete
listing of HD DVD launch titles please visit
http://www.TheLookAndSoundOfPerfect.com.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Jan 08, 2007 at 03:08 PM
the 3RL is in the news, thats why microsoft is planning on making units using 65nm processors for cooler operation.

MGS4 and tekken6 to 360? i doubt it, thats why i will still buy a ps3  ;D

yipeee matrix rilogy for hd dvd ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 08, 2007 at 03:23 PM
Bad news first for HD DVD owners.  I dont think by that announcement that any studio will be crossing the line. 

The good news though for the HD DVD camp is that some Chinese manufacturers are in the mix....ditto with Onkyo and Meridian (though I dont think I can afford this).  And for those planned 300 additional titles this year....I think that would be enough to keep the wallets busy for HD DVD owners....just give us the specific dates and specs!!!  ;D ;D


yipeee matrix rilogy for hd dvd ;D

yeah...give us the Matrix Trilogy....in Dolby TrueHD with IME!!!!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Jan 08, 2007 at 03:41 PM
the 3RL is in the news, thats why microsoft is planning on making units using 65nm processors for cooler operation.



Yup. They are in the news. But not as pronounced as Sony's Bad Press.  ???
 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 08, 2007 at 06:17 PM
Alright Matrix Trilogy...bring it on! Long live HD-DVD!!  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 08, 2007 at 06:50 PM
CES:  Toshiba Surprises with 50GB HD DVD

the link  http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/CES:_Toshiba_Surprises_with_50GB_HD_DVD/422 (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/CES:_Toshiba_Surprises_with_50GB_HD_DVD/422[/u)

might require new set of players...patay patay yan....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Jan 08, 2007 at 07:09 PM
BOSTON-(Business Wire)-January 7, 2007 - LG's launch of the first dual-standard Blu-Ray Disc/HD-DVD player shifts the balance toward Blu-Ray Disc (BD) in the battle of the two formats, according to Strategy Analytics.

"Dual-standard players will help expand the market for next generation DVD players," says David Mercer, VP and Principal Analyst at Strategy Analytics. "But owners of the LG device will likely choose Blu-Ray over HD-DVD for the same title because the player does not support the full range of interactive features available on HD-DVD discs." 

I knew it! From the first (aborted) attempt/announcement of LG's dual format player, I've always assumed that LG would have only basic/barebones HD-DVD capabilities while providing full BD capabilities :P  But then it's also not so surprising as LG is a BD supporter and naturally it would be in thier interest to be biased towards BD in thier dual player ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Jan 08, 2007 at 07:19 PM
CES:  Toshiba Surprises with 50GB HD DVD

the link  http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/CES:_Toshiba_Surprises_with_50GB_HD_DVD/422 (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/CES:_Toshiba_Surprises_with_50GB_HD_DVD/422[/u)
might require new set of players...patay patay yan....

Eh, that's actually old news, there's already a prototype 100GB BDisc made by TDK that has been unveiled a full year ago, so BD still wins in terms of storage capacity :P But yes, both HD DVD50 and BD100 discs will most likely need new players to be able to handle the bigger capacity discs so it's not likely that both disc types will be commercially available in the near future ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 08, 2007 at 11:20 PM
Additional news from CES

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=454085
http://www.hometheaterspot.com/htsthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/823660/an/0/page/0#Post823660
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=783264

Onkyo and HIgh ender Meridian go HD DVD

China Manufacturer Shinco to release HD DVD

350 new HD DVD titles for 2007 inlcuding The Matrix, Harry Potter

Toshiba's new HD-A20 to retail at $599.

51GB triple layer storage from HD DVD.

(http://www.stor-age.com/resources/0C606E30-617D-49B2-8075-F88A977CAF3D/hd2007/51GB-HD.jpg)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 09, 2007 at 07:11 AM
A Dai-ichi HD DVD isn't far off with these generic brands coming out.  It shows that Toshiba is willing to stoop that low cuz there are no Korean or Japanese brand name (besides Onkyo) takers. The HD DVD community are pretty confident (rather wish)that these Chinese generic brands do have a consumer foothold in the US. Beside the new titles in the press release which more than half will also be coming out in BD and a hi-cap disc that won't play on the current players, nothing to applaud about but more sales projections. If a big studio did jump the fence, now that is GREAT NEWS ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Jan 09, 2007 at 07:56 AM
Here is what the Blu-Ray group had to say:
http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/08/blu-ray-disc-association-declares-victory-over-hd-dvd/
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 09, 2007 at 08:02 AM
 
Quote
...as why its market share will continue to increase this year, all but eliminating any competition by 2010.

Quote
Blu-ray has 96% of the HD player market in Japan. "In terms of Japan the game is already over there."

LET MORE BLU RAY BASHING BEGIN... >:( >:(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 09, 2007 at 08:16 AM

LET MORE BLU RAY BASHING BEGIN... >:( >:(

You mean BASHING?

My goodness, with such a formidable array of CEs and studios and pressumably suprerior technology from a 10year old MPEG2, I had thought the UNDERDOG HD DVD had no chance of surviving after 6 months.  And now this?  It will still take them until 2010 to demolish the competition?   What incompetence!! ::)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 09, 2007 at 08:24 AM
gee...I guess a Dai-ichi HD DVD isn't far off with these generic brands coming out.  It shows that Toshiba is willing to stoop that low cuz no Korean or Japanese ('cept Onkyo, but who owns a Onkyo DVD?) brand name takers. 

IMO, its a clever marketing move by the HD DVD camp.....now players around the $200 is indeed very possible with these Chinese CE manufacturers.  From entry level to high end (probably Meridian).  Its all about choice in pricing for HD DVD players now.....a unit for every price level.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Jan 09, 2007 at 09:21 AM
CES 2007: Blu-ray Proponents Predict HD-DVD to Fail

http://gear.ign.com/articles/753/753693p1.html

"According to Understanding & Solutions, the Blu-ray market-share is projected to climb some 79% this year and 84% next year."

"That being noted, according to Amazon.com sales data, HD-DVDs continue to outsell Blu-ray discs on a regular basis, so perhaps the format war wages on after all."




Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 09, 2007 at 09:42 AM
The way I see it with all these CES announcements, its all great for both sides, and it largely depends on what side you're on, and whether to take them as propaganda or truth.  Im partial to HD DVD and not all excited for Blu-ray for the simple fact that with all these BD exclusives, I know they will certainly look good equivalently or even better with HD DVD as well (as shown by neutrals Warner and Paramount's dual format's release).   Its just sad that the main advantage of studio support for Blu-ray have been used  (as what a fellow poster in another forum would say) as a blunt force intrument upon consumers via higher priced players. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 09, 2007 at 11:42 AM
CES 2007: Blu-ray Proponents Predict HD-DVD to Fail

http://gear.ign.com/articles/753/753693p1.html

"According to Understanding & Solutions, the Blu-ray market-share is projected to climb some 79% this year and 84% next year."


Coming from the BD camp, what else do you expect?   I'd drop my jaw if they predcited otherwise. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 09, 2007 at 11:58 AM
Whoa...what a bold prediction..we'll see..only time will tell  ;D

They really have to rethink their marketing strategy instead of making bold figures lang but I do wish all BD fans the best :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: ralfy on Jan 09, 2007 at 12:02 PM
I notice that these predictions don't factor in peak oil, insolvency, etc. For example, two weeks ago, the U.S. government released a report showing that the U.S. is now technically insolvent: its total debt has now risen to around US$50 trillion. A year before, the Dept. of Energy showed that oil has peaked, i.e., production has increased by only 1.7 percent while demand continues to increase by around 15 percent per annum. All these have a strong effect on both manufacturing and sales of electronic goods.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 09, 2007 at 04:56 PM
The way I see it with all these CES announcements, its all great for both sides, and it largely depends on what side you're on, and whether to take them as propaganda or truth.  Im partial to HD DVD and not all excited for Blu-ray for the simple fact that with all these BD exclusives, I know they will certainly look good equivalently or even better with HD DVD as well (as shown by neutrals Warner and Paramount's dual format's release).   Its just sad that the main advantage of studio support for Blu-ray have been used  (as what a fellow poster in another forum would say) as a blunt force intrument upon consumers via higher priced players. 

You still get an excellent upconverting DVD player afterall... ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 09, 2007 at 05:23 PM
Its just sad that the main advantage of studio support for Blu-ray have been used  (as what a fellow poster in another forum would say) as a blunt force intrument upon consumers via higher priced players. 

Yup, but studio support as it now stands is already a non-issue.  It's the number of films that matter, not the number of studios.  OVer at AVS, a count was made to say that BD has 48,000 titles against HD DVD's 40,000 titles.  Not exactly a lopsided ratio, is it. And when one consdiers that becasue of distribtuion deals in other parts of the globe, some BD titles would be released as HD DVD in Europe and Japan, not bad for an UNDERDOG, is it?   There have been wars where the ratio of opposing forces have been more lopsided.  ANd we all know there have been ocaasions when underdogs win.  Even in boxing.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: MAtZTER on Jan 09, 2007 at 05:41 PM
Additional news from CES


China Manufacturer Shinco to release HD DVD


KAH----CHING!

MUSIC to my ears.

It will be a matter of time now before HK will be flooded w/ these.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Jan 09, 2007 at 07:18 PM
as long as i get gladiator, matrix trilogy, LOTR trilogy, harry potter series for hd dvd its all good with me, for the titles not coming to hd dvd but on dvd? at least i have an excellent upconverting dvd player ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 09, 2007 at 07:45 PM
KAH----CHING!

MUSIC to my ears.

It will be a matter of time now before HK will be flooded w/ these.

True, but don't get your hopes too high as they won't be anywhere near $50 DVD players we are used to. ;D  Because they'll be paying licenses to the DVD forum this time, thanks to Toshiba..  We'd be lucky if they get close to Oppo  prices within a year.   But I don't mind eating my words on this.  MS and Broadcom has announced cheaper decoding chipsets for next generation HD DVD players.  So who knows, there might be sub-$150 HD DVD players by Chrstmas 2007.    ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 09, 2007 at 08:00 PM
KAH----CHING!

MUSIC to my ears.

It will be a matter of time now before HK will be flooded w/ these.
Bring them on my friend!!!    ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 09, 2007 at 09:42 PM
Content a non-issue in format war

Argument-parity in number of titles and quick release to consumer market.

CES 2007 future studio releases announced...

Source(Neutral):http://www.highdefdigest.com/

This page lists all available information for new and upcoming releases in the HD DVD format. (01-10-2007)(19 sure listed release, 9 exclusive)

January 16, 2007
 Clerks II (Weinstein)
 Lucky Number Slevin (Weinstein)
 The Mummy Returns (Universal)
 Poseidon (Warner)
 Pulse (Weinstein)
 Scooby-Doo (2002) (Warner)
 The Sting (Universal)
January 23, 2007
 Black Rain (Paramount)
 Brokeback Mountain (Universal)
January 30, 2007
 Beerfest (Warner)
 Half Baked (Universal)
 The Wicker Man (2006) (Warner)
February 06, 2007
 Failure to Launch (Paramount)
 Hollywoodland (Universal)
February 13, 2007
T he Departed (Warner) JUST LISTED!
February 20, 2007
 Babel (Paramount)
February 27, 2007
 Alexander: The Unrated Final Cut (Warner)
 Nine Inch Nails Live: Beside You in Time (Interscope)
April 10, 2007
 Payback: Straight Up - The Director's Cut (Paramount)

This page lists all available information for new and upcoming releases in the Blu-ray format. (01-10-07)(72 sure releases, 58 exclusives)

January 09, 2007
Crank (Lionsgate)
January 16, 2007
Employee of the Month (Lionsgate)
GoodFellas (Warner)
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (Sony)
Scooby-Doo (2002) (Warner)
Winged Migration (Sony)
January 23, 2007
Alien vs. Predator (Fox)
Black Rain (Paramount)
Casanova (Buena Vista)
Chicago (Buena Vista)
Courage Under Fire (Fox)
Gridiron Gang (Sony)
The Guardian (2006) (Buena Vista)
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Buena Vista)
The Manchurian Candidate (2004) (Paramount)
Men of Honor (Fox)
Saw II (Lionsgate)
Saw II (Unrated) (Lionsgate)
Saw III (Lionsgate)
We Were Soldiers (Paramount)
January 30, 2007
Beerfest (Warner)
Flyboys (Fox)
Hart's War (Fox)
Open Season (Sony)
The Wicker Man (2006) (Warner)
February 06, 2007
American Psycho (Lionsgate)
Failure to Launch (Paramount)
First Blood (Lionsgate)
Glory (Sony)
Reservoir Dogs (Lionsgate)
Running With Scissors (Sony)
The Tailor of Panama (Sony)
February 13, 2007
Broken Arrow (Fox)
Chain Reaction (Fox)
The Departed (Warner) JUST LISTED!
Entrapment (Fox)
Ladder 49 (Buena Vista)
Marie Antoinette (Sony)
The Marine (Fox)
Phone Booth (Fox)
Planet of the Apes (Fox)
Reign of Fire (Buena Vista)
The Sentinel (Fox)
The Usual Suspects (Fox)
February 20, 2007
Babel (Paramount)
The Prestige (Buena Vista)
Vertical Limit (Sony)
February 27, 2007
Alexander: The Unrated Final Cut (Warner)
Nine Inch Nails Live: Beside You in Time (Interscope)
Stranger Than Fiction (Sony) JUST LISTED!
March 13, 2007
Casino Royale (Sony) JUST LISTED!
Commando (Fox)
Dances with Wolves (MGM)
Dodgeball (Fox)
Hoosiers (MGM)
Ice Age (Fox)
Layer Cake (Sony)
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Fox)
The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) (MGM)
March 20, 2007
Chicken Little (Buena Vista) JUST LISTED!
Finding Neverland (Buena Vista) JUST LISTED!
April 03, 2007
Dude, Where's My Car? (MGM) JUST LISTED!
The Fly (1986) (Fox) JUST LISTED!
G.I. Jane (Buena Vista) JUST LISTED!
King Arthur Director's Cut (Buena Vista) JUST LISTED!
Me, Myself & Irene (Fox) JUST LISTED!
Tristan & Isolde (Fox) JUST LISTED!
April 10, 2007
Payback: Straight Up - The Director's Cut (Paramount)
April 17, 2007
Turistas (Fox) JUST LISTED!
June 08, 2007
Con Air (Buena Vista) JUST LISTED!
Crimson Tide (Buena Vista) JUST LISTED!
The Rock (Buena Vista) JUST LISTED!

You be the judge on the content issue... ;)


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 09, 2007 at 10:03 PM
So who knows, there might be sub-$150 HD DVD players by Chrstmas 2007.    ;D

Hopefully, BD will follow HD-DVD footstop by lincensing it to the Chinese....then when the time comes & the price is right, then we consumers & HD-DVD owners can afford to buy a BD player as well.  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 09, 2007 at 10:03 PM
You still get an excellent upconverting DVD player afterall... ;D

as long as i get gladiator, matrix trilogy, LOTR trilogy, harry potter series for hd dvd its all good with me, for the titles not coming to hd dvd but on dvd? at least i have an excellent upconverting dvd player ;D
Play BD exclusives on dvd??   ;D ;D  yeah why not.  Its an option im likely to explore coz im a movie lover first and foremost.  Until then, ill be getting my HD fix with HD DVD while waiting for this war to be resolved.

After reading all the posts...IMO, its becoming a chicken and egg situation.  Content for the BD camp and Installed base of players for HD DVD. 

Content for BD coz obviously it has the larger studio support.  They frontloaded the  release of BD exclusive titles to coincide with the release of PS3.  CES announced titles is strong too.

HD DVD meanwhile I believe will have the larger base of installed players.  BD fans may argue that PS3 will overwhelm the market, but there is no way we can put a number on how many of those will be used to play BD movies.  Upfront costs for standalone BD players is still higher.  The HD DVD camp meanwhile has announced another mid priced Tosh player ($600)..and would surely bump down the price of its entry level HD-A2 (now at $400).    Can't forget too the add on player for the xbox 360.  And oh yes, Chinese manufacturers getting licenses to produce HD DVD players....can I say $200 level??

pick your poison....and let the arguments begin... ;D ;D



Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 09, 2007 at 10:07 PM
Hopefully, BD will follow HD-DVD footstop by lincensing it to the Chinese....then when the time comes & the price is right, then we consumers & HD-DVD owners can afford to buy a BD player as well.  :)
sure.  getting a Blu-ray player within my price range is definitely a tempting offer.  format war solved for me then.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 09, 2007 at 10:15 PM
Darth Vader: I find your lack of faith disturbing... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 09, 2007 at 10:23 PM
Darth Vader: I find your lack of faith disturbing... ;D ;D
yeah...switching to the dark side is easy if you could give me a $200 BD player..... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 09, 2007 at 10:28 PM
We aren't switching to the dark side...we are just looking at the bright side  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 09, 2007 at 10:34 PM
Hopefully, BD will follow HD-DVD footstop by lincensing it to the Chinese....then when the time comes & the price is right, then we consumers & HD-DVD owners can afford to buy a BD player as well.  :)

Hopefully those dual format players will  come down is price too.  So that this  silly format war becomes essentially over as consumers can just pick the title they want without worrying about formats.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: voj on Jan 10, 2007 at 08:37 AM
Interesting to read someone made a comparison between the sales ranks of titles realesed in both formats at Amazon as of 1 jan 07.

Superman Returns:
HD-DVD Sales Rank - #1169
Blu-Ray Sales Rank - #8417
 
Mission Impossible 3 (Ultimate Missions Collection):
HD-DVD Sales Rank - #1641
Blu-Ray Sales Rank - #3659
 
The Last Samurai:
HD-DVD Sale Rank - #2729
Blu-Ray Sale Rank - #3816
 
Corpse Bride:
HD-DVD - #2388
Blu-Ray - #5096
 
Sleepy Hollow:
HD-DVD - #3521
Blu-Ray - #6989
 
Four Brothers:
HD-DVD - #12589
Blu-Ray - #32402

Tomb Raider:

HD-DVD - #7574
Blu-Ray - #8266
 
A Christmas Story:
HD-DVD - #2389
Blu-Ray - #11863

http://web.mac.com/lukeamotion/iWeb/LukeAMotion/Blog/B7CFDE87-A05F-4C71-B94E-DA162254DB9E.html

If someone here is resourceful enough to compare the rest of the titles in both formats, that would be informative.

will be interested in these numbers say, 6 months from now, when we can compare changes.  The above numbers doesn't say much considering HDDVD was released ahead of BluRay.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Jan 10, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Warner announces Total HiDef Hybrid disc

(http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/01/superman_thd.jpg)

http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/09/warner-officially-announces-total-hi-def-hybrid-disc/
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: mario128 on Jan 10, 2007 at 12:27 PM
Parang ang panget ng case. ;D
Title: The Betamax vs VHS Format War
Post by: pchin on Jan 10, 2007 at 12:55 PM
A reminder of the previous war....hopefully SONY will not repeat its own history :)

The Betamax vs VHS Format War

Sony's Betamax video standard was introduced in 1975, followed a year later by JVC's VHS. For around a decade the two standards battled for dominance, with VHS eventually emerging as the winner.

The victory was not due to any technical superiority (Betamax is arguably a better format), but to several factors. Exactly how and why VHS won the war has been the subject of intense debate. The commonly-held belief is that the technically superior Betamax was beaten by VHS through slick marketing. In fact the truth is more complex and there were a number of reasons for the outcome.

Sony's founder, Akio Morita, claimed that licensing problems between Sony and other companies slowed the growth of Betamax and allowed VHS to become established. However most commentators have played down this issue and cited other reasons as being more important.

It is certainly true that VHS machines were initially much simpler and cheaper to manufacture, which would obviously be an attraction to companies deciding which standard to back. It has also been reported that Sony inadvertently gave its competitors a helping hand by revealing key aspects of Betamax technology which were then incorporated into VHS.

In any case, manufacturers divided themselves into two camps: On the Betamax side were Sony, Toshiba, Sanyo, NEC, Aiwa, and Pioneer. On the VHS side were JVC, Matsucrapa (Panasonic), Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Sharp, and Akai.

For consumers, the most immediately obvious difference between the two formats was the recording length. Standard Betamax tapes lasted 60 minutes — not long enough to record a movie. Conversely, the 3-hour VHS tapes were perfect for recording television programmes and movies. Sony did adapt and offer various solutions for longer recording, but it was too late. The issue of recording time is often cited as the most defining factor in the war.

At some point and for some reason the choice of rental movies on VHS became better than Betamax. It is arguable how this situation came to be, but once it happened, there was no turning back. Bitter Betamax owners cringed in their ever-decreasing corner of the video store while VHS owners gloated.

The war was over by the late 1980s, although supporters of Betamax have helped keep the format going in a small niche market. Betamax production in America ended in 1993, and the last Betamax machine in the world was produced in Japan in 2002.

Of course, both Betamax and VHS were eventually made obsolete by digital technology.
*****************************************************************************

Wow...I'm wondering if the new format war btw HD-DVD vs BD will take that long before a winner will emerge?  ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 10, 2007 at 01:17 PM
It wasn't really that long.  You can consider the war started in 76 when VHS came out, and ended in 93 in America when the last betamax machine was made.  That's 17 years by my count.  Forget about Japan because betamax was winning there.  This time around, pundits are looking at two scenarios.  (1) the format war could just end up like the SACD DVD-A curving just a nich market of demanding vidophiles for high def; and
(2) it will essentially end once dual format players reach the masses.   And they're looking at a 3-year time frame.  By that time and with dual format players, consumers would just buy the titles they want witout bothering which format they're in. Studios and their support can just remain where they are. 

Either scenario, we're really long at a long time before a single format clearly emerges as the winner. Maybe it won't matter anymore when the next generation video format comes along. 
Title: Re: The Betamax vs VHS Format War
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 10, 2007 at 01:46 PM
A reminder of the previous war....hopefully SONY will not repeat its own history :)

Sony has been repeating its mistakes with proprietary formats for so long,  I don't need to talk about the Atrac, the UMD, the MicroMV, etc.  But this time, Sony made sure it won't repeat its inadequacies with the Betamax.

Quote
Bitter Betamax owners cringed in their ever-decreasing corner of the video store while VHS owners gloated.


This time, their ownership of SOny Pictures will ensure that even if they lose, their format will stay because of the massive titles they own.  Never again will they see video store shelves decreasing in BD inventories. 

Quote
For consumers, the most immediately obvious difference between the two formats was the recording length.


This time they have a BD50 that is more that adequate for practical HT purposes.  But almost all AV forums I've visited are saying that BD50 is only necessary if, as SOny does,  you use the older MPEG2 video codec.  But with AVC or VC1, you don't need all that space.  None of the studios right now are maximizing the available BD50 space. 

But there are emerging similarities:

Quote
The victory was not due to any technical superiority (Betamax is arguably a better format),


The BD is technically superior on paper specs.  No argument there.  It has bigger storage capacity and higher btrate ceilings.  But it's really weird that none of its technical superiorty is showing.  It fails to support DTS-MA, it still does not have BD-J or BD+ and its PQ is inconsistent across many titles because some studios continue to insist on using MEPG2 on BD25.

Quote
Sony's founder, Akio Morita, claimed that licensing problems between Sony and other companies slowed the growth of Betamax and allowed VHS to become established

Sony continues to downplay the importance of the CHinese and have not licensed the technolgy as Toshiba has.  This is understandbly why many CEs joined BD on this note.  They never really liked the Chinese taking most of their profits with the DVD experience.  This is just fine if indeed the Chinese are excluded.  Unfortuantely for them, this won't help. Because there are now Chinese makers releasing HD DVD players to the market this year.  Not only will this be a licensing windfall for Toshiba unopposed, it has the potential of penetrating the masses earlier than BD can with its snooty pricing.

Quote
It is certainly true that VHS machines were initially much simpler and cheaper to manufacture, which would obviously be an attraction to companies deciding which standard to back.


HD DVD is a lot simpler and cheaper to produce than BD.  Current DVD production facilities need only some adjustments for them to produce HD DVD.  OTH, BD requires entirley new production facilities and processess.  This is one reason why the porn industry which produces only small quantities for each catalogue title had to swing to HD DVD due to production cost considerations they failed to notice at the start.


Quote
Of course, both Betamax and VHS were eventually made obsolete by digital technology.

The emergence of holographic video systems might do the same for both formats. ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: MAtZTER on Jan 10, 2007 at 03:54 PM
Hopefully, BD will follow HD-DVD footstop by lincensing it to the Chinese....then when the time comes & the price is right, then we consumers & HD-DVD owners can afford to buy a BD player as well.  :)

From Sony's track record and how they protect & monopolize their technology, I dont think this will happen.

 I read a year ago in the business section of newspapers regarding Sony's reported corporate/financial losses that were due to their hardheadedness adapting to new technologies, specially those w/c involved file sharing tech. To give their technology to China should be unthinkable to the BD camp.

Licensing HDDVD to the Chinese is truly a winning move from Toshiba IMO (power stunt! ;D). I believe they already knew that Sony would never do this.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 10, 2007 at 06:05 PM
LG Hybrid Blu-ray/HD DVD Player Cannot Be Sold As Is

LG may have a difficult time bringing its newly announced BH100 hybrid Blu-ray and HD DVD player to the market, BetaNews has learned, because it will not receive certification from the DVD Forum. Without such certification, LG cannot publicly claim the player supports HD DVD as it is doing now.

The problem stems from the lack of support for HDi, the advanced interactivity technology used by HD DVD. LG has only included support for BD-J, Blu-ray's interactive menu system, in the BH100. Without HDi, only the video content from HD DVD discs will play back; menu systems and other interactive features will simply not be usable.

Kevin Collins, Microsoft's representative for the HD DVD group who sits on all the steering committees, says LG will not be able to sell the product and claim it supports the format if it leaves out HDi. Collins said LG provided no advance notice before announcing the BH100 player at CES, and noted he was surprised by the move.

In fact, Collins explained to BetaNews that the DVD Forum could pursue legal action against LG for claiming the hybrid player supports the HD DVD and using the HD DVD logo, just like it does against pirate hardware manufacturers in Asia that build DVD players without paying licensing fees.

LG plans to begin selling the BH100 in the first quarter of this year for $1,199 USD. But objections from Microsoft's Collins and other companies involved in HD DVD could force LG to make changes, or scrap the player altogether. Collins noted that studios would be "very upset" if consumers could not playback HD DVD movies as they were intended, with interactive menus and special features.

BetaNews was awaiting a response from LG on the matter by press time.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 10, 2007 at 06:07 PM
A little, dirty detail about LG's combo HD DVD/Blu-ray player

(http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/6746/lgbh100al0.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

LGs combo HD DVD/Blu-ray player could very well be the killer blow for HD DVD.  What's that you say? Well, the combo player fully supports Blu-ray's interactivity, BD-J, but the BH100 seems to have forgotten all about HD DVD's interactive features, iHD. That's right, none of it - no PIP, next-gen menus, user bookmarks, HD DVD downloads/updates - nothing that will "WOW" the average Joe. However, when our friend Joe pops in a Blu-ray disc, the menu pops with excitement and is accompanied with, well, PIP, downloads/updates for instance. Why would Joe buy an HD DVD the next time out when the Blu-ray discs offer so much more? (He won't) Is this player the saving grace for both formats, nope, but it may well turn out to be the saving grace for Blu-ray. Plus, with the $1200 MSRP, you could make your own combo player by getting a PS3 ($600) along with a Toshiba HD-A2, ($410 at Amazon) duct taping 'em together. Then you can sit back and enjoy the best of both worlds with enough money left over to buy some titles on both formats. We just hope Warner's Total Hi Def hybrid disc doesn't have any skeletons in the closet.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/01/09/a-little-dirty-detail-about-lgs-combo-hd-dvd-blu-ray-player/
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 10, 2007 at 06:12 PM
LG anyone ;D ;D ;D Shame. shame...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 10, 2007 at 10:02 PM
Certainly not at that price.

This is now the subject of a thread all its own at avforums.com.  I had earlier opined there that if the announcement from LG that it has "limited" HDi features is true, it might not get the proper HDDVD license because accdg to Amir, VP at Microsoft and a poster at AVS, no CE gear can be licensed as HD DVD player  if it does not comform fully to the HD DVD specs, of which full HDi compliance is required.  So there.  I just hope LG can address this deficiency in time for its March commercial release. This will certainly be taken advantage of by other CEs like HItachi, NEC, Pioneer and Samsung who have similar dual format players planned. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 11, 2007 at 07:34 AM
CES: First Look at Warner Total Hi Def Packaging, Plus 'Lord of the Rings' in 2007?

High-Def has not quite yet gone purple: Warner showed off the packaging concept for its Total Hi Def hybrid Blu-ray/HD DVD disc, which looks to be the equivalent of a next-gen 50/50 Bar.

During a press conference held late yesterday, Warner tantalized the CES masses with the first official details of its can't-we-all-just-get-along dual format high-def disc, and demonstrated a working Total Hi Def disc prototype of 'Superman Returns.'

The fine folks over at Engadget HD snapped a picture, as seen here, of disc's preliminary box design, which again appeases both sides with a very rainbow-friendly, dual red/blue box design. Though we're not quite sure about that bland "T HD" logo thing, it's hard to imagine loyalists on either side complaining about the studio's separate-but-equal approach to the packaging.

In addition, we've compiled a few additional nuggets that were revealed at the conference by Warner reps, but not outlined in the studio's concurrent press release:

• The 'Superman Returns' demo played without a hitch on both the Blu-ray and HD DVD sides of the disc
• Manufacturing costs for a Total Hi Def disc will not be "materially more expensive" than standard DVD
• Currently, only Warner and subsidiaries New Line and HBO are onboard  
• Other content providers who support Total Hi Def will not have to pay any additional licensing fees to Warner Home Video
• Warner will move to supporting Total Hi Def discs exclusively by the end of the year
• Finally, the studio reps answered the inevitable "When is 'Lord of the Rings' coming out in high-def?" question with the answer, "They (New Line) are working on it now and are determining a release date." In other words, be patient, hobbits!

Note that all of the above statements were made by Warner execs during the press conference, and have yet to be confirmed in any other manner. We'll certainly be looking forward to seeing how this all plays out as Warner begins releasing its first Total Hi Def discs in the second half of 2007.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: ADM202E on Jan 11, 2007 at 02:55 PM
News from the semicon indutry regarding pushing HD-DVD in to the market:


Monday, January 8, 2007
Microsoft, Broadcom Push HD DVD Silicon
http://www.nwinnovation.com/microsoft,_broadcom_push_hd_dvd_silicon/s-0006963.html

Microsoft and Broadcom are pushing a semiconductor reference design designed around Microsoft's Windows CE and a Broadcom HD DVD playback chipset, saying today that the two are in a joint effort to support a hardware and software reference design aroudn HD-DVD. The design, based on Microsoft's Windows CE 6.0 and Broadcom's BCM7440 system-on-a-chip, is targeted at OEMs looking to design HD DVD players. The two said that several companies, including Lite-On IT Corp. and Zhenjiang Jiangkui Group Co. Ltd, will use the firm's reference design for HD DVD players. An add on to Microsoft's Xbox 360 gaming device is one of the few currently available HD DVD players on the market, which is competing with rival format Blu Ray for position as the next generation high definition DVD format.


ANALOG DEVICES TARGETS HDTV AND PORTABLE HIGH-DEFINITION VIDEO BY EXPANDING INDUSTRY’S BROADEST LINE OF HDMI COMPONENTS
http://www.analog.com/en/press/0,2890,3%255F%255F118994,00.html

Norwood, MA(12/19/2006) - Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI) is continuing to expand its broad line of HDMI™ interface ICs with the availability of HDMI v1.3-compatible multiplexer, receiver and transmitter circuits that are helping the high-definition (HD) video market achieve new levels of picture quality and power efficiency. The industry’s broadest portfolio of HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface™) components now includes devices that address the increasing consumer demand for HD content in multimedia products ranging from 1080p “deep color” HDTVs to low-power portable applications, including digital video & still cameras, portable media players and cell phones. Announced today, the multiplexers, receiver and transmitters support the updated HDMI v1.3 standard, which defines the delivery of uncompressed HD content using a single cable to transmit super-high-quality video and audio. Included in today’s announcement are devices for the industry’s key advanced television and video applications:
Title: LG's Blu-ray/HD DVD Player May Never See the Light of Day
Post by: pchin on Jan 11, 2007 at 04:54 PM
 LG's Blu-ray/HD DVD Player May Never See the Light of Day

LG's hybrid Blu-ray HD DVD will not receive certification without support for iHD


While it's commendable that LG took the time to develop a standalone player that can playback both Blu-ray and HD DVD content, it should be noted that the company will not be able to sell the player to the public in its current form according to BetaNews. LG's BH100 player has no trouble conforming to all of the specifications of the Blu-ray disc standard, but it does not, however, conform to the iHD feature used in HD DVD discs.

iHD or "interactive High Definition" provides interactive features for HD DVDs. In other words, the BH100 will be able to play HD DVD movies just fine, but all interactive menus and special features (PIP, bookmarks, downloads/updates) will be unavailable to the customer.

Because of this omission, the BH100 will not receive certification from the DVD Forum -- and without certification, that means that the player cannot be advertised and sold as an HD DVD player.

Full article: http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=5670
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 11, 2007 at 05:07 PM
Di ko alam na saan ipost ito, definitely something to look forward to in HD dahil ganda ng detail sa sine... :D :D

'Happy Feet' to Dance on Blu-ray, HD DVD This March

(http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2931/original942d9kx2.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

The first major non-scheduled title announcement from CES to get a street date, Warner Home Video will bring those cute dancing penguins of 'Happy Feet' to Blu-ray and HD DVD on March 27.

The $175 million-grossing blockbuster will see identical specs on both formats. Each features a 1080p/VC-1-encoded 2.40:1 widescreen transfer, and in a somewhat unusual configuration for Warner, Dolby Digital Surround EX tracks in English, French and Spanish. (According to the latest specs on the Warner retail/press website, there is no Dolby Digital-Plus nor Dolby TrueHD track on the HD DVD version.)

 Extras have not yet been announced, though current specs from the studio indicate a HD-30 dual-layer and BD-25 single-layer configurations for HD DVD and Blu-ray, respectively, so it's still anyone's guest how feature-packed the releases will be. The HD DVD version will also be a DVD combo disc, featuring a standard-def version of the film on the flipside.

Retail will be $34.95 for the Blu-ray, and $39.95 for the HD DVD/DVD combo.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Jan 11, 2007 at 05:10 PM
i'll be definitely getting this title especially if its in dolby truehd  ;D

edit: i hope they can add dolby truehd....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 11, 2007 at 05:45 PM
'Happy Feet' will certainly look nice in HD! :) But the price at $39.95 for the HD DVD/DVD combo??  >:( I dislike those combo cos it's adding the cost up  :'(

Again no Dolby Digital-Plus nor Dolby TrueHD track on the HD DVD version? Warner Home Video is bias again >:(  :(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 11, 2007 at 06:04 PM
But the price at $39.95 for the HD DVD/DVD combo??  >:( I dislike those combo cos it's adding the cost up  :'(


The DVD version cost $28.98 :o :o

http://pinoydvd.com/board/index.php?topic=61713.new#new
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Phobos on Jan 12, 2007 at 01:57 PM
The porn industry prefers HD-DVD (http://www.tgdaily.com/2007/01/11/ces2007_hddvd_blu_ray/)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 12, 2007 at 04:24 PM
The DVD version cost $28.98 :o :o

Hopefully, Amazon offers good discount.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 13, 2007 at 05:55 PM
Debbie does Blu-ray and HD DVD

(http://www.tvpredictions.com/stefani.jpg)

Vivid Entertainment will release its first adult film on Blu-ray and HD-DVD in late March or early April, TVPredictions.com has learned.

The first release will be Debbie Does Dallas... Again, a remake of the classic Debbie Does Dallas. The film stars Stefani Morgan as Debbie and is directed by Paul Thomas.


OMFG :o :o Is she wearing anything under that!?!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 13, 2007 at 09:36 PM
oh.. :o Now that is certainly a great boost to the HD experience...  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 15, 2007 at 04:33 PM
I wonder how many legit porn DVD titles  members here have compared with their mainstream DVD titles. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Battousai on Jan 15, 2007 at 05:56 PM
Used to have about 10 orig porn DVDs, pero na-request na ng mga clients ko kaya bigay na lang sa kanila. Iniwan ko lang yung favorite kong Barely Legal#1.  ;D

I do hope the porn industry really take advantage of the new format's huge space and make multi-angle (oh you know what they're there for) feautres a standard special feature in every release. Probabley a little expensive to make, but I think Vivid, Hustler and Wicked can make it happen.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 15, 2007 at 07:18 PM
It would also being interesting to have a "making of" porn featurette with more of the same.   ;D  Or a featurette on porn "auditions"   ;D  Though I still have to wonder what lossless 5.1 surround sound will do for the oooohs and aaahhs or whether the subwoofer would have some activity.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 15, 2007 at 09:48 PM
Hehe I can't imagine that & would love to find out...  :P  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 15, 2007 at 10:01 PM
Dont you think guys, the effect of porn in this format war isnt that huge, compared to the beta-vhs days...coz of all the downloadable porn on the net?  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 15, 2007 at 10:25 PM
The porn industry prefers HD-DVD (http://www.tgdaily.com/2007/01/11/ces2007_hddvd_blu_ray/)

The article linked above states:

Quite famously in the war between Betamax and VHS the latter won especially because the adult industry preferred it.

We read about this viewpoint all the time, but I'm hardly convinced.  Yes, VHS won, but it sure would be difficult to prove that it was the porn industry that caused it.  Which came first? Did VHS win because the porn industry preferred it, or did the porn industry prefer VHS because VHS had already won?


=========================================================


In high def video, it seems that the porn industry is siding with HD-DVD not because they prefer it, but because they have no choice.  Tech news reports have it that Sony has recently prohibited licensees from replicating porn on Blu ray equipment, and are threatening license revocation if they fail to comply.


The Inquirer's Charlie Demerjian writes:

Could it get worse? Most companies officially hate porn but love the money it brings in, so they give it tons of support behind the scenes. Not Sony. It is swinging the other way and going after anyone who replicates porn on Blu equipment. If you do, your licence gets pulled, basically putting you out of that business.

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=36942 (http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=36942)


Debbie does Blu-ray and HD DVD ...

... Vivid Entertainment will release its first adult film on Blu-ray and HD-DVD in late March or early April, TVPredictions.com has learned.

The first release will be Debbie Does Dallas... Again, a remake of the classic Debbie Does Dallas. The film stars Stefani Morgan as Debbie and is directed by Paul Thomas.

On Debbie Does Dallas Again, Demerjian states:

This makes me believe that Vivid, the one company that is still promising a Blu-ray title won't get very far with it. It may just not be aware of the wall they are about to hit, or it may have a backdoor. One person in the booth said that it was a done deal and the disks were coming out. There was no spokesperson available for official comments however, but there were banners with the Blu-Ray logo on them in the booth. I guess we will see when Debbie Does Dallas Again comes out.

Demerjian raises a good point here:

One big problem with this is not pornography, but your rights. If Sony says no to content it doesn't like, and ends up winning the market, what if someone has content that Sony finds unsavoury for reasons relating to finance or other things? Got a documentary that is critical of Sony's chairman? It presumably can block it or revoke the keys. This is a hugely dangerous slippery slope we are on.


------------------------------------------------------------------

Related article:

Blu-Ray Says No Way to Porn; HD-DVD Becomes Sloppy Seconds
Written by Kaonashi
Published January 13, 2007


xxx

According to There Joone, Digital Playground's founder, and adult movie director, last year he had an agreement with Sony to start publishing his movies on Blu-Ray. However, the tech giant seemed to have a change of heart. The U.S. Blu-Ray Disc copying facilities refused to work with him. In fact, according to Joone, the companies explained that Sony had threatened to revoke their Blu-Ray licenses should they publish adult content in Blu-Ray format.

xxx   

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/01/13/155907.php
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Jan 16, 2007 at 01:04 PM
Quote
In high def video, it seems that the porn industry is siding with HD-DVD not because they prefer it, but because they have no choice.  Tech news reports have it that Sony has recently prohibited licensees from replicating porn on Blu ray equipment, and are threatening license revocation if they fail to comply.

Big boooo!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 16, 2007 at 08:04 PM
Dont you think guys, the effect of porn in this format war isnt that huge, compared to the beta-vhs days...coz of all the downloadable porn on the net?  :)

True, that's why I earlier asked, how many of you guys have legit porn DVD in your mainstream DVD collection?  That should be an indicator of things to come with HD porn. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Battousai on Jan 16, 2007 at 08:57 PM
HD porn sites are, allegedly, the next stage of evolution in online porn. I think it would be a big mistake for Sony not to dip in the moolah which the porn industry makes.

No more "Taboo, the complete series" in one Blu-Ray disc?  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 16, 2007 at 09:24 PM
While I have some doubts on the impact of porn on the outcome of the format war, I must say one really shouldn't dismiss a $30B porn video market worldwide - even bigger than some mainstream film studios.  (OTH, internet porn is only a $2B market worldwide.) Anyone is free to check my figures.  While Sony decision makers might win some points going to heaven in the afterlife, I don't think snobbng porn for their format will win them points in the format war in this life.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Battousai on Jan 16, 2007 at 09:54 PM
It's Sony's loss. Just don't understand why they wont support porn, since Japan's got a nice adult industry market.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 16, 2007 at 10:37 PM
Poor SONY...it's under heat again for refusing the porn industry  :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrid on Jan 17, 2007 at 04:44 AM
Vivid ??? SA PQ pa lang bagsak na sila para sa akin. Gagawin pa nilang HD???  But as far as Jap is concern. Pasado!!!   ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 17, 2007 at 07:33 AM
Blu-ray Refutes Claims of Porn Ban; Vivid Plans First High-Def Release


The Blu-ray Disc Association is speaking out against charges that the org is shunning adult video distributors from releasing content on Blu-ray.

As we reported last week, the co-founder of porn distributor Digital Playground says that his company was forced to change HD allegiances after "all Blu-ray Disc copying facilities in the United States had refused to cooperate." He went on to allege that primary Blu-ray backer Sony "wants me to publish my films on HD DVD."

Without responding directly to Digital Playground's claims, Marty Gordon, vicechair of the Blu-ray Disc Association US Promotions Committee emphasized in a statement to Ars Technica that the Sony-backed organization is committed to working with "all" content providers.

"The BDA welcomes the participation of all companies interested in using and supporting the format, particularly those from the content industry," said the BDA's Gordon. "We look forward to working with any content providers interested in providing their audience with [the] best possible high definition home entertainment experience."

And indeed, as recently as last Friday, plans appeared to still be on the table for a Blu-ray (and HD DVD) release of 'Debbie Does Dallas... Again,' the first film from industry giant Vivid Entertainment to be released on high-def. (We first reported on Vivid's plans to support both high-def formats last October.)

Analysts say that the pornography industry, which generates an estimated $57 billion in annual revenue worldwide, could play an influential role in increasing high-def adaption rates and -- especially if forced to choose sides -- could help determine an ultimate victor in the high-def format wars.


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 17, 2007 at 07:36 AM
Debbie Does Blu-ray & HD-DVD

Washington, D.C. (January 12, 2007) -- Vivid Entertainment will release its first adult film on Blu-ray and HD-DVD in late March or early April, TVPredictions.com has learned.

The first release will be Debbie Does Dallas... Again, a remake of the classic Debbie Does Dallas. The film stars Stefani Morgan as Debbie and is directed by Paul Thomas.

Vivid, which generates $100 million in sales annually, told TVPredictions.com last November that it would release its debut HDTV DVD on Blu-ray first and HD-DVD later.

"As of now, it (the first release) will just be Blu-ray," said Vivid CEO Steve Hirsch. "But that's not to say we won't release it in HD-DVD later. Blu-ray seems to have the momentum. But we're not in the business of picking winners. We will produce content for all formats."

But a Vivid spokeswoman today said Debbie Does Dallas...Again will be released in both formats on the same day.

Asked if that reflected a change in position, the spokeswoman said: "I don't know about that. We've been talking only about releasing in both formats starting with Debbie."

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Battousai on Jan 17, 2007 at 09:27 AM
Sony must'v shat on their pants when a lot of negative reactions from the public to their alleged ban of porn via Blu-Ray. If they are allowing porn on BD, then that's welcome news for porn fans.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dobler on Jan 17, 2007 at 09:44 PM
Yet another take on the adult entertainment industry's influence:

CES 2007: HD DVD versus Blu-ray - The porn industry says HD DVD
By Aaron McKenna
Published Thursday 11th January 2007 12:39 GMT
http://www.tgdaily.com/2007/01/11/ces2007_hddvd_blu_ray/

Las Vegas (NV) - Knowing their audience quite well, the adult entertainment industry holds their annual get together in Las Vegas to coincide with the CES. There is also a very pertinent crossover between the adult and tech industries - porn has a tendency to drive, and be driven, by technology. Which means HD DVD when it comes to high-def.

Quite famously in the war between Betamax and VHS the latter won especially because the adult industry preferred it. If you've been around long enough, you probably remember that the very early home video rental stores were primarily responsible for driving Betamax out of the market. And those stores carried almost exclusively pornographic content.


Although the market environments from then do not really compare to today's home video market, parallels are drawn between the Betamax-VHS battle to the ongoing and escalating fight between Blu-ray and HD DVD. One of the key questions at this year's CES actually is "Which high-def format will win the current format war - Blu-ray or HD DVD?" Surprisingly, it seems that there is no such question in the minds of the adult industry luminaries.

Putting myself through the arduous trek through the floor of the adult expo I did a quick straw poll on, the virtues of HD DVD versus Blu-ray, and the answer from a dozen companies, big and small, including Pink Visual and Bangbros editor-in-chief, is going into a single direction: HD DVD is the preferred format. Period.

One of the big problems they have with Blu-ray is its expense, followed by its market share. "Blu-ray has superior quality, yes," said a spokesperson for porn studio Bangbros, "but HD DVD is easier to produce, cheaper to produce and there are more HD DVD players in homes than there are Blu-ray players, for example in the Xbox 360."

Pink Visual heavily complained about the fact that Blu-ray discs cannot be replicated and a range of other studios, who did not want to be mentioned by name indicated that the cost of going with Blu-ray cancels the technology as a possible HD solution for this industry. "Only bigger studios can afford Blu-ray, and even then it's not economical," we were told.

It would seem that either Blu-ray has to do some catching up very quickly. But we got the strange feeling that HD DVD has won the format war already, at least in the porn industry.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 17, 2007 at 11:28 PM
Statistic released from DVD Empire on the HD WAR

Percentage of total Hi-Def sales:

HD-DVD:
Week:42.30%
Month:43.57%
Year: 59.16%

Titles:190
Studios: 16


Blu-ray:
Week:57.70%
Month: 56.43%
Year: 40.84%

Titles:203
Studios:15
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Battousai on Jan 17, 2007 at 11:51 PM
Yeah, I better ask one of my clients attending the Vegas adult wbmaster chuva if he has anything new on porn's format of choice.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: iampoch on Jan 19, 2007 at 01:22 PM
Misconception:

Sony aren't against the porn industry per se (or at least not alone), BDA are. Sony alone cannot dictate the direction of BluRay, the Board of Directors of BDA does that. The most vocal antagonist of the pron industry is Walt Disney, which is quite understandable. Disney and Sony are part of the Board of Directors, btw.

Second, the porn industry has never been a make or break of a format war as far as I know. Beta did not succumb to VHS because of the proliferation of porn. It's because of 1) JVC's more open standard vs Sony's closed one and 2) the fact that VHS can encode 3 hours of quality content vs Betamax's 1 hour.  Betamax's higher quality had been adopted by media-based businesses like the news industry, etc. while the VHS standard was almost exclusively for consumer use.

Case in point: not everyone watches porn and except in R@ygold episodes, I've never seen or known families bond together watching porn  ;D So while sales of porn may be staggering, that industry is not mainstream and hence do NOT play a determining factor in any format war. I mean if I were a dad, I won't say "hey, HD DVD has porn! my kids will love this! I'm buying this over BluRay!"

BTW, may nagkwento lang sa akin about the R@ygold flicks  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Jan 19, 2007 at 02:02 PM
sony while a big proponent of blu ray will not be the only one to suffer if blu ray fails, its the whole blu ray group
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 19, 2007 at 04:01 PM
sony while a big proponent of blu ray will not be the only one to suffer if blu ray fails, its the whole blu ray group

I would think that if there's anyone BDA member who stands to gain or lose the most from this format war, it would be SONY.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dobler on Jan 19, 2007 at 10:58 PM
I would think that if there's anyone BDA member who stands to gain or lose the most from this format war, it would be SONY.   ;D

Sony has a lot riding on Blu Ray and the PS3. The company's consumer electronic division has only been profitable once in the last five years. We just have to wait and see what eventually happens...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 20, 2007 at 07:53 PM
Blu ray: Porn or no porn?

Conflicting reports have caused confusion.  To put things in their proper perspective, here's a brief rundown of the press reports to date:

1)  Joone (Digital Playground founder and adult movie director) said last year that he had an agreement with Sony for publication of movies on Blu-Ray.  Later, U.S. Blu-Ray Disc copying facilities refused to work with him. Joone now says that according to those companies, Sony threatened to revoke their Blu-Ray licenses should they publish adult content in Blu-Ray format.  http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/01/13/155907.php (http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/01/13/155907.php)

Note that the news report was based on an interview with Joone, so it was nothing more than hearsay.  Nevertheless, his statement made the rounds in tech circles, coupled with predictions of Blu ray's early demise.

2)  Presumably rattled by all the gossip, the Blu ray Disc Association (BDA) shifted into damage control mode and issued the following statement:

"The BDA welcomes the participation of all companies interested in using and supporting the format, particularly those from the content industry," said the BDA's Gordon. "We look forward to working with any content providers interested in providing their audience with [the] best possible high definition home entertainment experience." http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Blu-ray_Refutes_Claims_of_Porn_Ban_Vivid_Plans_First_High-Def_Release/437 (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Blu-ray_Refutes_Claims_of_Porn_Ban_Vivid_Plans_First_High-Def_Release/437)

It's an official official press release this time, but note that this official statement came from BDA, not Sony itself.

Just when you thought that the issue has been satisfactorily clarified, here comes the latest tech news:

3) Sony announced that it won't allow its subsidiary, Sony DADC Global, from producing any adult film titles.  http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/bluray-porn-update-not-getting-it-on-230134.php (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/bluray-porn-update-not-getting-it-on-230134.php)
http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/8763/52/ (http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/8763/52/)


======================================================================


Misconception:

Sony aren't against the porn industry per se (or at least not alone), BDA are.


Hindi ba baliktad?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: iampoch on Jan 22, 2007 at 08:02 AM
@ barrister:

Sony is part of the BDA Board of Directors :) what I meant to say is that it's not only Sony who's against it because if ever a decision like that reigns true, it will be because the BDA Board of Director unanimously approved it. Sony alone can't dictate the format's direction. So, if Sony says no to this, but the BDA approves, BDA wins. Apparently, however, it seems the BDA is split on this topic and can't come to terms on how to go about this. Apart from Sony, the other board member who's adamant in pushing for this "No to Porn" concept is Walt Disney. Conversely, the rest of the BDA seems to not approve of this, but most likely not because the others love porn (as a corporate entity, they don't approve of porn as well, trust me. Neither does Toshiba), but because this move by Sony on a specific industry is met with negative press. Most people did not see the banning of porn, but the seeming power of the BDA to ban any content they don't approve of. In other words, they're able to nullify freedom of expression in their format. This is further componded by the fact that in some countries (mostly European and in a limited sense, in Japan), porn is a legitimate industry. Word gets around that if they'll be successful in stopping one industry, what will stop them from censoring other sensitive topics?

At least some of the BDA Board of Directors know that controlling content will not win them anything. Thus, the aforementiond press release. While BluRay will not deny porn its technology, it won't stop Sony from enforcing it to its own product line. Sony isn't the only one producing the discs and the writers (though they are the most well-known of the Board of Directors), and most importantly, they are not the sole developer of the format, nor the only one who has the capacity and capability to produce the format:

Its board of directors consists of:

1.   Apple Inc.
2.   Dell
3.   Hewlett Packard
4.   Hitachi
5.   LG Electronics
6.   Mitsubishi Electric
7.   Panasonic (Matsus**ta Electric)
8.   Pioneer Corporation
9.   Royal Philips Electronics
10. Samsung Electronics
11. Sharp Corporation
12. Sony Corporation
13. TDK Corporation
14. Thomson
15. Twentieth Century Fox
16. Walt Disney Pictures
17. Warner Home Video Inc.

So, when it comes to Sony's word vs the official BDA statement, the BDA statement is pretty much the law when it comes to BluRay. But that doesn't mean that BDA has control over the individual companies' corporate policy. so we won't be seeing That's So Raven in Dallas, or Party Night Out with Hillary Duff (d**n  >:( ), and Sony is still allowed to police content in THEIR own products. If Sony revokes lecenses in their machines, most likely Samsung or Phillips would be more accommodating (that is unless the BDA themselves give the final word on banning porn althogether, which i think will not happen given the reason above)
Title: In Raw World of Sex Movies, High Definition Could Be a View Too Real
Post by: pchin on Jan 22, 2007 at 11:00 AM
In Raw World of Sex Movies, High Definition Could Be a View Too Real

"They have discovered that the technology is sometimes not so sexy. The high-definition format is accentuating imperfections in the actors — from a little extra cellulite on a leg to wrinkles around the eyes."

Exactly as mentioned by av_phile1   ;D

Full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/22/business/media/22porn.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1169434947-f/mtHjOYi8CX8Rt7WMpc1A&oref=slogin

Title: Re: In Raw World of Sex Movies, High Definition Could Be a View Too Real
Post by: iampoch on Jan 22, 2007 at 11:24 AM
In Raw World of Sex Movies, High Definition Could Be a View Too Real

"They have discovered that the technology is sometimes not so sexy. The high-definition format is accentuating imperfections in the actors — from a little extra cellulite on a leg to wrinkles around the eyes."

Exactly as mentioned by av_phile1   ;D

Full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/22/business/media/22porn.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1169434947-f/mtHjOYi8CX8Rt7WMpc1A&oref=slogin



HAHA  :D wll that's HD  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrid on Jan 22, 2007 at 11:32 AM
That's why I'm inclined to get PS3 eh. kasi pang wholesome lang ako. NOT!!!  ;D

Seriously, when these HD players get cheaper. I'm pretty sure, many will get both format.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Battousai on Jan 22, 2007 at 10:28 PM
I just love how porn has really "turned on" our members' discussion. LOL
Title: Re: In Raw World of Sex Movies, High Definition Could Be a View Too Real
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 23, 2007 at 07:03 AM
In Raw World of Sex Movies, High Definition Could Be a View Too Real

"They have discovered that the technology is sometimes not so sexy. The high-definition format is accentuating imperfections in the actors — from a little extra cellulite on a leg to wrinkles around the eyes."

Exactly as mentioned by av_phile1   ;D

Full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/22/business/media/22porn.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1169434947-f/mtHjOYi8CX8Rt7WMpc1A&oref=slogin



I only hope porn producers start looking and employing really young models with really flawless skin.  They can use different lighting and angle shots but High Definition allows for finer scrutiny and reveals everything. I mean everything.  ;D  In a way, HD will create this demand for better looking porn stars and is good for their industry. And they'll start doing screen tests on HD.  It would be interesting to have these auditions in the extras feature.  ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 23, 2007 at 08:21 AM

Blu-ray "PornGate" Ends with the Return of 'Debbie Does Dallas'

(http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3703/original372f421bc.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Despite reports of a covert operation by Blu-ray backers to banish porn from the format, it seems a '70s adult superheroine has come to the rescue, with the official announcement of Vivid Entertainment's 'Debbie Does Dallas...Again' on Blu-ray.

In a story only missing an informant named Deep Throat (sorry, we couldn't resist), the news first erupted out of CES two weeks ago. Adult legend Joone, co-founder of porn distributor Digital Playground, said that his company was forced to change HD allegiances for the company's planned first high-def titles after "all Blu-ray Disc copying facilities in the United States had refused to cooperate." He went on to allege that primary Blu-ray backer Sony "wants me to publish my films on HD DVD."
 
Though the official Blu-ray Group never officially responded to Joone's accusations, the company did hurry out a follow-up statement last week claiming that the Sony-backed organization is committed to working with "all" content providers.

"The BDA welcomes the participation of all companies interested in using and supporting the format, particularly those from the content industry," said Marty Gordon, vicechair of the Blu-ray Disc Association US Promotions Committee.

Now, the question of "Will they or won't they?" for Blu-ray and porn seems to have been finally answered, with adult heavy Vivid Entertainment officially making good on earlier plans to release the first next-gen porn title to Blu-ray, 'Debbie Does Dallas...Again' for release on March 28.

"We have had many challenges, but have secured both authoring and replication for Blu-ray," co-chairman of Vivid Entertainment Steven Hirsch told Video Business.

Though full specs for 'Debbie Does Dallas...Again' have not yet been released, the title is set to include a full 1080p transfer, plus a feature that so far even mainstream studio releases haven't yet dared try -- multiple angles during select scenes. Ahem.

The title will also debut simultaneously on HD DVD, and list price for either version is $39.95.

Wherever one may stand on the moral line regarding adult content, we can only think this is good news for both Blu-ray and HD DVD. More content, regardless of genre, brings more eyeballs to high-def, and with porn a billions-a-year business, it's a market neither format can afford to exclude.

And in what we see as a nice little bit of postmodern irony, how fitting that the first Blu-ray adult title is also a sequel to the original 'Debbie Does Dallas,' which was not only one of porn's biggest hits in the '70s but responsible for helping to ensure the success of VHS over its rival -- the Sony Betamax.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 23, 2007 at 09:35 AM
Good. Now's let's wait & see..the truth will come out soon. Wow..this HD porn format issue causes quite a stir in the HD industry  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Battousai on Jan 23, 2007 at 11:14 AM
Good. Now's let's wait & see..the truth will come out soon. Wow..this HD porn format issue causes quite a stir in the HD industry  ;D

Porn always causes a stir inside my pants.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: iampoch on Jan 23, 2007 at 02:21 PM
hehe but for the price of an HD movie, I'm still dependent on our suki Dibidi when it comes to porn  ;D pinapabili lang sa akin mga yun, di talaga sa akin  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 23, 2007 at 04:36 PM
Whether porn is in HD-DVD or BD, with the retail price of about $50, many will shy away..it's simply too expensive to enjoy  :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: iampoch on Jan 24, 2007 at 08:01 AM
Whether porn is in HD-DVD or BD, with the retail price of about $50, many will shy away..it's simply too expensive to enjoy  :P

True, for that price, I'd rather get the mainstream movies :) I'm waiting for a BR version of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and the Star Wars Hexology :) But for Dollie Does Dallas? I'd go to the Dibidies (or my friends will pala)  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Miguel^ on Jan 24, 2007 at 08:50 AM
Debbie is not alone.

(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e262/musicmanbc/dvd_60090D1.jpg)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 24, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Eh..seriously, how many of you here will really buy porn when it's out in HD??  ::)

Somehow porn is an interesting subject but rarely given the attention when the real HD thing comes out?  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrid on Jan 24, 2007 at 10:13 AM
Don't count me in! I'm not gonna shell out more than $30 on any HD disc.  ;)
Title: Universal announces first new HD DVD titles in 2007
Post by: pchin on Jan 24, 2007 at 10:53 AM
Universal announces first new HD DVD titles in 2007

Universal City (CA) - Universal Studios has announced its first couple of new HD DVD titles since we saw what it had to show off for the format at CES. The Game and The Jerk will mark their HD releases on April 17.

1970s comedy flick The Jerk will be one of the new releases, available as a double-sided combo format disc, which allows users have both an HD DVD disc and a regular DVD. The HD side will support 1080p and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 audio output. Special features include production notes, a theatrical trailer, and two featurettes, none of which is available in HD.

The Game, a psychological thriller from 1997, will also have 1080p quality, and will have a 2.35:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 output capabilities. Universal has not announced special features. The regular DVD release of the film had virtually no bonus content, though a special edition laserdisc included a bunch of supplemental material that may make an appearance on the HD DVD release.

These are the first new HD DVD titles to be announced from Universal since CES, where it showed off a couple next-generation features the format could offer, like the ability to mark and send clips to other HD DVD owners through an ethernet connection. Universal has not said if these features will be enabled on the new titles.

The Game will retail for about $30, while The Jerk will be $35 because of the added cost of the combo format.

Previously announced HD DVD titles from Universal slated for release this year are Beerfest and The Wicker Man on January 30, and Hollywoodland on February 6. Also, Universal's Brokeback Mountain made its HD DVD appearance today.

Source: tgdaily
Title: Experts predict 'speedy end' to high-def DVD war
Post by: pchin on Jan 24, 2007 at 11:12 AM
Experts predict 'speedy end' to high-def DVD war
Robert Jaques, vnunet.com 23 Jan 2007

Consumers can look forward to a "speedy end" to the war between rival next-gen high-definition DVD formats, market watchers have predicted. LG Electronics' Super Multi Blue Player that can accommodate HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs may have created a precedent that the rest of the industry will have to follow, according to ABI Research.

The analyst firm forecasts that such universal players will become the norm, not the exception, benefiting confused consumers unwilling to commit to one DVD camp or the other.

"We believe that universal players will come to dominate the high-definition DVD player market," said Steve Wilson, principal analyst for consumer electronics at ABI Research.

He added that Samsung is expected soon to release its own universal player, and that others, including large consumer electronics vendors, may follow suit before long. ABI Research forecasts sales of 2.4 million players in 2007, rising to 55 million in 2011.

Many observers had expected that the demands of supporting both formats would significantly increase the price of universal players. However, while there is some additional cost in the optical pickup, and the LG player's initial price is quite steep at $1,200, Wilson expects these prices to drop "dramatically" as new manufacturers come to market with universal players.

"That $1,200 price would seem to be more about matching Blu-ray prices than about reflecting the cost of universal player," he said. "There is no reason why universal players should cost significantly more than HD-DVD or Blu-ray players. "

However, Wilson added that market growth will remain slow until prices fall. "The universal player market is still in its nascent stages, and developers are trying to maximise their revenues," he said.

"There will be downward pressure on prices for players of all types. ABI Research believes that prices will have to drop below $200 before true mass adoption takes off. That should happen by 2009."

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 24, 2007 at 04:19 PM
3 years pa. We still have the whole of 2007.  ;D   

Did the LG dual format player get the HD DVD certification? Last I read, the DVD constortium won't issue licence becasue the player doesn't have HDi which is mandatory in the HD DVD specs.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 24, 2007 at 04:32 PM
That's right, currently LG dual format player hasn't got the green light from HD-DVD constortium due to the HDi issue but I'm surprised the model has already set a release date around February 4th? Maybe it will push back the launch date until the issue is resolved...  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 25, 2007 at 07:39 AM
Disney Sets 'Pirates,' 'Cars' Blu-ray Dates ;D

(http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9738/original1ng.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

In what are sure to be three of the biggest-selling next-gen titles yet, Disney has set Spring street dates for the Blu-ray releases of the blockbuster 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films, and Pixar's first high-def title, 'Cars.'

Just in time for the theatrical release of the third 'Pirates' epic, Disney has set a May 22  voyage for 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.' These guaranteed huge sellers will be followed on June 5 by 'Cars,' the Pixar hit and current favorite for this year's Best Animated Film Oscar.
 
The dates recently began filtering to online retailer outlets earlier this week, and Disney has trumpeted the news in a full-page ad in the print version of this week's Video Business, the industry trade paper.

Though no official press release has been issued as of yet, word to High-Def Digest from the studio is that full details are on the way soon. So we'll certainly keep you posted on tech specs, bonus features and box art as soon as word arrives on these highly-anticipated releases
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 25, 2007 at 08:19 AM
This Disney talaga, initially they pledge to support both HD-DVD & BD...and now it seems they only focus in releasing their movies in BD format....  :-\

How sad & kawawa for us HD-DVD supporters  :'(

Sino dito Blu-ray supporter din other than Mouldingo, NeilNo & aldrinpsx ha??  >:(  Lucky dudes  ;D I guess it's time we have to write in a petition to Disney noh? hehe :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 25, 2007 at 08:35 AM
May trending na ata lumalabas sa HD wars. Away nanaman yun mga ibang forums. Basta may manood na bago every week masaya na ako... :P

Updated numbers at DVD Empire:

Jan 17, 2007

          HD-DVD:       Blu-ray
Week: 42.30%        57.70%
Month: 43.57%       56.43%
Year:   59.16%        40.84%

Jan 25, 2007

          HD DVD      Blu-Ray
Week: 36.35%      63.65%   
Month: 42.36%      57.64%   
Year:   57.12%      42.88% 

Salesrank of top 10 products

(http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/713/salesrank11recent305wj.jpg) (http://img256.imageshack.us/my.php?image=salesrank11recent305wj.jpg)

Number in the top 1000
(http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/713/salesrank11recent305wj.jpg) (http://img256.imageshack.us/my.php?image=salesrank11recent305wj.jpg)

Number in the top 10000
(http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/9153/top1000011recent308lb.jpg) (http://img119.imageshack.us/my.php?image=top1000011recent308lb.jpg)

Number of titles available to order
(http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/2981/count11recent302oa.jpg) (http://img256.imageshack.us/my.php?image=count11recent302oa.jpg)

This is from a site that is notoriously biased in favor of HD-DVD.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: iampoch on Jan 25, 2007 at 08:47 AM
This Disney talaga, initially they pledge to support both HD-DVD & BD...and now it seems they only focus in releasing their movies in BD format....  :-\

How sad & kawawa for us HD-DVD supporters  :'(

Sino dito Blu-ray supporter din other than Mouldingo, NeilNo & aldrinpsx ha??  >:(  Lucky dudes  ;D I guess it's time we have to write in a petition to Disney noh? hehe :P

Disney are part of the BDA Board of Directory, so it's highly unlikely that they will support HD DVD. Then again, Dell introduced HD DVD drives to some of their PCs, and they're also among the BoD :) This format war is the most confusing one so far.

@Mouldingo:

I don't care about those, when will they make Lizzie McGuire hits Dallas??  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 25, 2007 at 08:55 AM
hehe I'd rather DL torrent files. Problema ngayon anong gagawin ko sa Cars at Pirates na DVD.  :'( :'( Ayaw ko na bumili tuloy ng DVD.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 25, 2007 at 10:40 AM
This Disney talaga, initially they pledge to support both HD-DVD & BD...and now it seems they only focus in releasing their movies in BD format....  :-\

How sad & kawawa for us HD-DVD supporters  :'(


If they get released by Studio Canal or Pathe in Europe, they'll be in HD DVD, like some titles already are.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Battousai on Jan 25, 2007 at 01:54 PM
I'd buy porn in BD or HD or whatever acronym they may be, so long as I've got the hardware to play them on....and the spare cash. Hehehe.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Jan 25, 2007 at 05:53 PM
Disney are part of the BDA Board of Directory, so it's highly unlikely that they will support HD DVD. Then again, Dell introduced HD DVD drives to some of their PCs, and they're also among the BoD :) This format war is the most confusing one so far.

@Mouldingo:

I don't care about those, when will they make Lizzie McGuire hits Dallas??  ;D ;D ;D

Disney is also a BD supporter because of BD's (supposedly) "more secure" copy protection in the form of BD+ which is even more restrictive than the AACS used by HD DVD.  This is also why Fox is BD exclusive as the DVD Forum wouldn't accomodate (or give in to, depending on who you ask) Fox's request/demand for stronger copy protection.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 25, 2007 at 06:08 PM
If they get released by Studio Canal or Pathe in Europe, they'll be in HD DVD, like some titles already are.

Yep, my fingers crossed! It's very frustrating esp to see some of our favourite movies are being released in the opposite format.  :-[ Hmm...unless the PS3 price will drop to an incredible low level, then I might consider getting one...by then whichever format wins, I've no worry noh??  :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: et414 on Jan 25, 2007 at 06:14 PM
sa hongkong 34-35k lang ang 60gig version ng ps3 may kasama ng 3 games and 2 controllers. not bad na rin given it's capablities para ka lang bumili ng htpc(w/c it sort of is). blueray pa :) risk lang nga dun pag nagkaproblema sony philippines can't help you :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 25, 2007 at 06:34 PM
Nice...35k in Hong Kong is considered reasonable (and very cheap if compared to our local stores) ::)

Not bad with the free 3 games. Very tempting  ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: et414 on Jan 25, 2007 at 06:46 PM
Yup tyempo tyempo lang nga baka out of stock sila. for 35k pwede ka ng pumunta dun just to buy one instead of getting  it locally(50-60k) :D may ps3 ka na nakapasyal ka pa :D hehe
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 25, 2007 at 07:29 PM
Wow...this is the first BD animation na nakakuha perfect five star na video sa highdefdigest.com, can't wait for it to be released ;D

"'Open Season' is a bright, pleasant-looking movie that has obviously been engineered to delight the eyeballs of all those under the age of seven years old. And for whatever reason, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has chosen this title as their first on Blu-ray to feature a AVC MPEG-4-encoded 1080p transfer. The results appear to support the decision, with a wonderful presentation that is just about flawless, so much so that I can't help but give it a rare five-star video rating.

A direct-to-digital conversion, the image looks perfect. Unlike many recent all-CGI animated films, which often employ digital tweaks to look more "film-like" (fake grain, blurred out backgrounds, etc.), 'Open Season' doesn't bother with any false appearances. It's super-sharp, with most wide shots completely in focus, which lends it a real crayon-and-construction paper look. Many close-ups of animal fur and skins are breathtaking, and I could count the individual strands on the backside of Boog. Colors are very bright, if intentionally lacking the fine gradations of, say, a Pixar effort. Yet even with such huge, smooth areas of solid color, I don't think I've yet seen an animated feature on either Blu-ray or HD DVD that looks so consistently smooth and free of noise. Even some very dark nighttime scenes, which are flush with deep blues, hold up well in the shadows, with depth and detail remaining impressive. I can't say that 'Open Season' is a masterpiece of animation style, but in sheer technical terms, this transfer is without fault."

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 25, 2007 at 09:47 PM
sa hongkong 34-35k lang ang 60gig version ng ps3 may kasama ng 3 games and 2 controllers. not bad na rin given it's capablities para ka lang bumili ng htpc(w/c it sort of is). blueray pa :) risk lang nga dun pag nagkaproblema sony philippines can't help you :P

Just saw a PS3 at SM appliance Sucat.  Tag price: 75T.  :o  Also with free 3 games.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 25, 2007 at 09:48 PM
Disney is also a BD supporter because of BD's (supposedly) "more secure" copy protection in the form of BD+ which is even more restrictive than the AACS used by HD DVD.  This is also why Fox is BD exclusive as the DVD Forum wouldn't accomodate (or give in to, depending on who you ask) Fox's request/demand for stronger copy protection.

Based on what I've read so far, not a single BR disc has BD+ as it has never been implemented, nor its specs even finalized.  Too bad, with BD also hacked, this is the time to prove their BD+ is working.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: et414 on Jan 25, 2007 at 10:10 PM
holy cow that's just crazy! over 100% markup! hiway robbery!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 25, 2007 at 10:16 PM
Yep, my fingers crossed! It's very frustrating esp to see some of our favourite movies are being released in the opposite format.  :-[ Hmm...unless the PS3 price will drop to an incredible low level, then I might consider getting one...by then whichever format wins, I've no worry noh??  :P

PS3 prices in Japan are being slashed because of non-moving inventories.

PS3 sales in Japan haven't cooled off, they've frozen. Consoles sit on shelves as gamers wait it out: Waiting for actual games to appear or prices to drop. Retailers, on the other hand, are an impatient lot. Retailers are also buying "used" PS3s at much lower prices than previously, paying well under the original sticker price. Just look at how the Don Quijote in Akihabara is slicing 20 percent off the 20GB PLAYSTATION 3. Nice 20-20 irony. The 20GB version originally books at 49,980 yen (US $412), but is being offered for 39,980 yen ($329) in a sale ending February. The shop is knocking a flat 10,000 yen ($82) right now. Japanese bulletin board 2chan reports that this at other Don Quijotes as well. It's interesting to check out the PS3 vibe at 2chan; Reasons for not buying go from "there are no games I want" to "video stores don't rent Blu-ray movies." Well, not yet that is. Brian Ashcraft

http://kotaku.com/gaming/top/japanese-stores-slashing-20gb-prices-230297.php

If not mistaken, Japan, US and Southeast Asia belong in the same Region 1 for blu ray, so you may want to consider getting a 20Gb ps3 in Japan for a measly $329 (about P16,000).  Just hand carry it and give something to customs when you get back.  ;D  You have until end of Feb to visit the land of the rising sun and falling ps3 prices.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: iampoch on Jan 26, 2007 at 07:36 AM
PS3 prices in Japan are being slashed because of non-moving inventories.

PS3 sales in Japan haven't cooled off, they've frozen. Consoles sit on shelves as gamers wait it out: Waiting for actual games to appear or prices to drop. Retailers, on the other hand, are an impatient lot. Retailers are also buying "used" PS3s at much lower prices than previously, paying well under the original sticker price. Just look at how the Don Quijote in Akihabara is slicing 20 percent off the 20GB PLAYSTATION 3. Nice 20-20 irony. The 20GB version originally books at 49,980 yen (US $412), but is being offered for 39,980 yen ($329) in a sale ending February. The shop is knocking a flat 10,000 yen ($82) right now. Japanese bulletin board 2chan reports that this at other Don Quijotes as well. It's interesting to check out the PS3 vibe at 2chan; Reasons for not buying go from "there are no games I want" to "video stores don't rent Blu-ray movies." Well, not yet that is. Brian Ashcraft

http://kotaku.com/gaming/top/japanese-stores-slashing-20gb-prices-230297.php

If not mistaken, Japan, US and Southeast Asia belong in the same Region 1 for blu ray, so you may want to consider getting a 20Gb ps3 in Japan for a measly $329 (about P16,000).  Just hand carry it and give something to customs when you get back.  ;D  You have until end of Feb to visit the land of the rising sun and falling ps3 prices.  ;D

I've heard of this, and it's already been marked as inaccurate. The actual story is that only Japan's equivalent of a Wal-Mart had such a sale. The store's name is Don Quixote. The store's been known to do those kinds of sales to a lot of items. Unfortunately, they only do this for a limited stock and as of last week, they're ran out of the promotional stock. So, no hope of us ever getting to buy it at that price anymore, unless we wait a year from now. No other retail stores put the PS3 up for sale, and as opposed to those being circulated, PS3 sales are actually quite healthy in Japan. It's being sold at a steady and healthy pace, but not at a rate initially expected. Kotaku's been known to be biased, and the fact that they've left out many of these details left a bitter taste in a lot of the readers.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 26, 2007 at 08:42 AM
I don't know about Kotaku's bias, but they did say Don Quijote at Akibahara and other branches are doing the price slashing.  Good news for those who want to get their hands on the PS3. Don Quijote is one major retailer with more than 100 outlets all over Japan said to carry the discounts as well.   And if the sale goes until end of Feb, there must be stocks in their inventory.  But if they're gone by now, too bad for those wanting bargains on this.  So Pchin,   sorry if there are no more stocks.   ;D

Obviously retailers are free to set their prices and do whatever discounting they want.  And I couldn't care less why.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 26, 2007 at 09:01 AM
No worry, there's no rush naman  ::) to get a PS3. Guess I'll have to sit tight & wait patiently to see what will happen next.

Meanwhile, I'll enjoy my HD-DVD while it lasts...  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: iampoch on Jan 26, 2007 at 09:24 AM
No worry, there's no rush naman  ::) to get a PS3. Guess I'll have to sit tight & wait patiently to see what will happen next.

Meanwhile, I'll enjoy my HD-DVD while it lasts...  ;D

Yup, the earliest that you'd want a PS3 is by March or April, as better games other than Resistance will be coming out by then. April would be a much better idea however. By then, some retailers would've come to their senses (hear that, Toy Kingdom??) and start selling the units at much reasonable prices. Then again, you'd find reasonable prices for the PS3 right now if you know where to look. Even then, it's admittedly a pricey hardware. You can go for the much cheaper 20GB version. Hard drives are user-upgradable anyway and if you don't care much about WiFi the more sensible the 20GB version will be.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 26, 2007 at 09:42 AM
Yes agree :) Hopefully by then, our local shops will carrying "modified" PS3 to accept "cheaper" games. The current game price is also way too high around $55 :o

So far, is there any major glitches or concerns reported for the PS3 as a HD player?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Jan 26, 2007 at 10:17 AM
Ma-bisita nga Don Kamote this weekend. ;D 

It's not at all surprising if Don Kamote (as my wife calls that store) offers the PS3 for 39K.  They are one of the biggest "super discount" stores in Japan of almost anything you can think of under the sun.  However in my observation, the most interesting section in Don Quixote Akihabara, especially for first time visitors in Tokyo is the "adult" section.   ;D.   So don't miss it.   Dati nasa tabi lang ng games and toys section yon until the store management probably noticed that children and minors tend to drift to the "off-limits" section, instead of spending quality time at the toy section.   ;D

One thing for sure, it is now very easy to acquire a PS3 in most of the major electronic stores at the suggested retail price, but it is still easier to get an Xbox360 in Japan  ;D  Wii-chan is the real winner so far.

Yeah, problems of PS3 are lack of new game titles and BD movies for rent/sale.  That will be rectified eventually.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 26, 2007 at 10:20 AM
No worry, there's no rush naman  ::) to get a PS3. Guess I'll have to sit tight & wait patiently to see what will happen next.

Meanwhile, I'll enjoy my HD-DVD while it lasts...  ;D

Sure thing.  Just thought the information I got from other forums was worth sharing here for those who want to enjoy both formats today.  That sale thing from Don Quijote in Japan was a real value.  Imagine a PS3 at the price of a PS2 last year!!  And a high def player besides.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Jan 26, 2007 at 10:31 AM
If there were like at least 500 "worth collecting" BD titles now and new movies in BD were getting released "regularly" instead of catalogue titles, I would have run to Akihabara right this very moment.  In the meantime, hintay-hintay muna and hintay-hintay rin (impatiently) for more HD DVD releases.  :(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 26, 2007 at 11:10 AM
Yes agree :) Hopefully by then, our local shops will carrying "modified" PS3 to accept "cheaper" games. The current game price is also way too high around $55 :o


Unlike PS2 games which can be "pirated"  I'm afraid there'd be no such thing with the PS3 as the games are encoded in Blu ray which is as yet "non-piratable"   I doubt if there'd be pirated PS3 games soon.  I don't know if games also use AACS or BD+ or ROM Mark, but even so, blank BDs are still too expensive for pirates to bother making.  And I am not sure if PS3 can be modified to accept pirated PS2 games. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 26, 2007 at 11:12 AM
So far, is there any major glitches or concerns reported for the PS3 as a HD player?

Based on what I've read in other AV forums, the PS3 is the best BD player out there in terms of features, like true BD-Java. 

And the cheapest.   Thus, it offers the best price performance value as a BD player. 

Surprising for me, as I never had any confidence on game consoles as a music or video-only playback device.  THe PS3 is apparently an exception.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 26, 2007 at 11:14 AM
AH..here's some good news for HD-DVD supporters  :D

Universal Studios Home Entertainment Fuels HD DVD Momentum with More Than 100 HD DVD Offerings Planned for Release in 2007. Thursday January 25, 9:14 pm ET  

Dynamic Line-Up Includes New and Classic Film and Television Favorites Such As Scarface, 40-Year-Old Virgin, Brokeback Mountain and Battlestar Galactica S1

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bringing further heat to the burgeoning HD DVD format, Universal Studios Home Entertainment (USHE) will release more than 100 new film and television titles in 2007. Perennial favorites such as Scarface and instant classics like 40-Year-Old Virgin, Battlestar Galactica S1 and Oscar®-winning Brokeback Mountain will be joined by dozens of new titles released day and date with the DVD.

Since the format's inception in April 2006, USHE has released 60 titles on HD DVD, and currently boasts four of the top 10 best-selling HD DVDs year-to-date, including Casino, Serenity, Fearless and Miami Vice.

Tapping into the studio's vast library, the 2007 slate kicked off on January 18th with the release of The Mummy Returns, followed by Brokeback Mountain, starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal on January 23, 2007. Following shortly thereafter will be such day-and-date new releases as Golden Globe®-nominee Hollywoodland on February 6. More than 90% of the planned 2007 Universal titles will be released as combo discs - which feature an HD DVD version and a standard DVD version of the movie on the same disc.

Full article: http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070125/20070125006192.html?.v=1  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: DVD_Freak on Jan 26, 2007 at 11:18 AM
Yes agree :) Hopefully by then, our local shops will carrying "modified" PS3 to accept "cheaper" games. The current game price is also way too high around $55 :o

That is inevitable.  Though don't expect it in the next couple of years.  But eventually, it will happen.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: iampoch on Jan 26, 2007 at 11:26 AM
Based on what I've read in other AV forums, the PS3 is the best BD player out there in terms of features, like true BD-Java. 

And the cheapest.   Thus, it offers the best price performance value as a BD player. 

Surprising for me, as I never had any confidence on game consoles as a music or video-only playback device.  THe PS3 is apparently an exception.

True. i never used my PS2 or even my XBOX as a DVD player and this is the first time im seriously considering using one as a media player. Don't have a BR Disc, though and I want an HD TV to fully appreciate it  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 26, 2007 at 12:22 PM
AH..here's some good news for HD-DVD supporters  :D

Universal Studios Home Entertainment Fuels HD DVD Momentum with More Than 100 HD DVD Offerings Planned for Release in 2007. Thursday January 25, 9:14 pm ET 

Dynamic Line-Up Includes New and Classic Film and Television Favorites Such As Scarface, 40-Year-Old Virgin, Brokeback Mountain and Battlestar Galactica S1

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bringing further heat to the burgeoning HD DVD format, Universal Studios Home Entertainment (USHE) will release more than 100 new film and television titles in 2007. Perennial favorites such as Scarface and instant classics like 40-Year-Old Virgin, Battlestar Galactica S1 and Oscar®-winning Brokeback Mountain will be joined by dozens of new titles released day and date with the DVD.

Since the format's inception in April 2006, USHE has released 60 titles on HD DVD, and currently boasts four of the top 10 best-selling HD DVDs year-to-date, including Casino, Serenity, Fearless and Miami Vice.

Tapping into the studio's vast library, the 2007 slate kicked off on January 18th with the release of The Mummy Returns, followed by Brokeback Mountain, starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal on January 23, 2007. Following shortly thereafter will be such day-and-date new releases as Golden Globe®-nominee Hollywoodland on February 6. More than 90% of the planned 2007 Universal titles will be released as combo discs - which feature an HD DVD version and a standard DVD version of the movie on the same disc.

Full article: http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070125/20070125006192.html?.v=1  :)

they should release fast and soon.......until i see actual release dates there, I wont start dancing.  Until then, ill be waiting for my wife's gift......oh september pa pala... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 26, 2007 at 04:06 PM
Until then, ill be waiting for my wife's gift......oh september pa pala... ;D ;D

Before there's a fire, there must be some smoke first right? Lately, we have been hearing so many "BOLD" stories from the BD camp on its release so it's refreshing for a change that we, HD-DVD supporters deserve some good news hehe ;D

Oh..a new gift is coming in September? Pls Anakin..I beg you not to jump/turn to the Dark Force...  :P ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 26, 2007 at 04:16 PM

Oh..a new gift is coming in September? Pls Anakin..I beg you not to jump/turn to the Dark Force...  :P ;D
Its a gift...how can I resist?  I m just human.....not a Jedi....hahahaha  ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 26, 2007 at 05:03 PM
Anakin is a jedi...he's a human too  :P

You lucky lucky dude...very lucky indeed for having such an understanding wifey!  ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 26, 2007 at 06:22 PM
Here's the partial list of Universal HD-DVD releases for 2007 (90% of which are combos). No Spielberg movies in the near-future, but that's hardly a shock or unexpected! More than 100 titles are promised by year's end and these are apparently earmarked for the first half of '07 (plus day-and-date of whatever new release Universal has for theatricals released this year):

Brokeback Mountain
Hollywoodland
Children of Men
The Good Shepherd
Smokin' Aces
Scarface
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Bruce Almighty
The Bourne Identity
Meet the Fockers
American Pie
Inside Man
Pride & Prejudice
The Big Lebowski
Liar Liar
Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels
Brazil
Erin Brockovich
Shaun of the Dead
Dawn of the Dead
Slap Shot
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Battlestar Galactica (Season 1).
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Jan 26, 2007 at 06:34 PM
just got a ps3 for blu ray, a 60gb at that. got kingdom of heaven and black hawk down ;D I still have more hd dvd titles though.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 26, 2007 at 07:07 PM
Congrats, you're now a fully bonafide high definition early adopter of both formats.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 26, 2007 at 07:13 PM
No Spielberg movies in the near-future, but that's hardly a shock or unexpected! More than 100 titles are promised by year's end...

Hmm...I'm not so excited with the current list. Hopefully more attractive tittles will appear soon.  :-\

Congrat john5479, another winner of the HD war & truly an early adopter.  :D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Jan 26, 2007 at 07:19 PM
i would definitely get scarface and the inside man great films worth owning in hd 8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Jan 26, 2007 at 11:14 PM
john5479,

where and how much?
How long is the warranty?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Jan 27, 2007 at 03:44 PM
great news from universal for hddvd, my prob is they say more than 90 percent will be combos. I dont like combos, its added cost pa, I dont really get the combos strategy unless they are newly released movies and still not yet on SD, Il understand, but for example Scarface, they already have SD for this, Platinum edition (I think) too. So why the combo I dont really get universal. This strategy of theirs might backfire, IMO.  20 up to 25 dollars, I may pay, but above 25 bucks man thats a lot of money.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 27, 2007 at 10:49 PM
Very few recent movies released lately by Universal did great at the Box Office.  :( :( Kaya di very enthusiatic yung reception sa mga latest titles sa list...Maganda pa yung mga oldies ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 27, 2007 at 11:19 PM
OMG more than 90 percent will be combos!  :-[ It seems they are forcing it down our throat so they can make more $. Killing 2 birds with 1 stone. Me too like others want the HD not combos...the high cost will make many to be hesitant in buying those tittles or simply more cautious & picky  >:(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Jan 28, 2007 at 06:25 AM
they should sell it at a lower price if what they plan is to eventually replace all their SD releases with combos.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 28, 2007 at 08:41 AM
I agree with Moks007. I don't mind getting newly released movies in combo and still not yet on SD but still very picky due to its price. It's baloney for those movies that already released previously in SD DVD & yet still come out in HD-DVD. If the concerned movie are popular, then most or majority people would have got the SD DVD anyway... so there's no reason for the studios to force the combo issue dba >:(
Title: I4U Words of Wisdom: Blu-ray Versus HD DVD
Post by: pchin on Jan 28, 2007 at 12:18 PM
Words of Wisdom: Blu-ray Versus HD DVD. Source I4U

Should I buy a Blu-ray or HD DVD player? Running a Technology News Site, I get this question all the time. In an attempt to give a short and compact answer to this monumental question here are the I4U Words of Wisdom to help you make your decision:

1. If you want/have a Sony PS3 you get/got Blu-ray.

2. If you have an Xbox 360, get the Xbox 360 HD DVD player.

3. If you do not want to decide for either one get the LG BH100.

4. It is cheaper to buy a Blu-ray player ($599.99) and a HD DVD player ($379.88) than to buy the LG BH100 ($1,199.99).

5. Yes, you have a problem. Most HD movies are only available in either one of the two rivaling formats.

6. The list of HD DVD Movies is on this site.

7. The list of Blu-ray Movies is on this site.

8. Yes, the experience to watch a high definition movie is dramatically better than a standard DVD movie.

9. If you do not have a HDTV or HD-ready projector you do not need either one of them.

10. If you can wait to enjoy high definition movies at home, wait for cheaper and better players and go to the cinema, they need your support.

Full article & links: http://www.i4u.com/article7753.html
Title: Blu-Ray Likes Porn After All
Post by: pchin on Jan 28, 2007 at 12:24 PM
Blu-Ray Likes Porn After All

Written by Kaonashi
Published January 27, 2007

"Sony seemed doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past, for it has been argued that one of the deciding factors between the Betamax vs. VHS format war was when the adult movie industry put their support behind VHS.

Well, it looks like Sony woke up and smelled the coffee."

Full article: http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/01/27/133536.php

Here we go again... :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 28, 2007 at 01:57 PM
The article is not accurate.  It seems to treat Sony and the BDA as one and the same entity.

Marty Gordon is Vice Chair of BDA US Promotions Committee, and is therefore speaking on behalf of the BDA, not Sony itself:

"The BDA welcomes the participation of all companies interested in using and supporting the format, particularly those from the content industry," said the BDA's Gordon. "We look forward to working with any content providers interested in providing their audience with [the] best possible high definition home entertainment experience." http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Blu-ray_Refutes_Claims_of_Porn_Ban_Vivid_Plans_First_High-Def_Release/437 (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Blu-ray_Refutes_Claims_of_Porn_Ban_Vivid_Plans_First_High-Def_Release/437)

That's BDA's official stand as a collective body, presumably by majority vote of all board members.



However, Sony itself, as an entity separate and distrinct from BDA, has a different official policy:

Sony announced that it won't allow its subsidiary, Sony DADC Global, from producing any adult film titles.  http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/bluray-porn-update-not-getting-it-on-230134.php (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/bluray-porn-update-not-getting-it-on-230134.php)
http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/8763/52/ (http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/8763/52/)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 28, 2007 at 04:08 PM
In the link I provided earier, it also states exactly what you had put down regarding Marty Gordon's statement on BDA's committment.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 29, 2007 at 01:31 AM
That's correct.  Your Jan. 28, 2007 post is actually the third post that mentions the Marty Gordon quote.  I posted the articles one after the other for emphasis - to present a sharp comparison between BDA's position and Sony's position.

The truth of the matter is that my Jan. 28, 2007 comment, which includes the Marty Gordon quote, was merely copied and pasted from my earlier post on Jan. 20, 2007:

Blu ray: Porn or no porn?

Conflicting reports have caused confusion.  To put things in their proper perspective, here's a brief rundown of the press reports to date:

1)  Joone (Digital Playground founder and adult movie director) said last year that he had an agreement with Sony for publication of movies on Blu-Ray.  Later, U.S. Blu-Ray Disc copying facilities refused to work with him. Joone now says that according to those companies, Sony threatened to revoke their Blu-Ray licenses should they publish adult content in Blu-Ray format.  http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/01/13/155907.php (http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/01/13/155907.php)

Note that the news report was based on an interview with Joone, so it was nothing more than hearsay.  Nevertheless, his statement made the rounds in tech circles, coupled with predictions of Blu ray's early demise.

2)  Presumably rattled by all the gossip, the Blu ray Disc Association (BDA) shifted into damage control mode and issued the following statement:

"The BDA welcomes the participation of all companies interested in using and supporting the format, particularly those from the content industry," said the BDA's Gordon. "We look forward to working with any content providers interested in providing their audience with [the] best possible high definition home entertainment experience." http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Blu-ray_Refutes_Claims_of_Porn_Ban_Vivid_Plans_First_High-Def_Release/437 (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Blu-ray_Refutes_Claims_of_Porn_Ban_Vivid_Plans_First_High-Def_Release/437)

It's an official official press release this time, but note that this official statement came from BDA, not Sony itself.

Just when you thought that the issue has been satisfactorily clarified, here comes the latest tech news:

3) Sony announced that it won't allow its subsidiary, Sony DADC Global, from producing any adult film titles.  http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/bluray-porn-update-not-getting-it-on-230134.php (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/bluray-porn-update-not-getting-it-on-230134.php)
http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/8763/52/ (http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/8763/52/)

Read your link again: http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/01/27/133536.php (http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/01/27/133536.php).  Note that the blogcritics article discussed #1 and #2 (Joone's statement and Gordon's statement), but it did not get to #3 (Sony DADC Global).  Surprisingly, the blogcritics article was more recent [Jan. 27, 2007], yet it contained older news.




But the credit goes to sir Mouldingo for being the very first to cite the Marty Gordon quote in his Jan. 17, 2007 post: 

Blu-ray Refutes Claims of Porn Ban; Vivid Plans First High-Def Release

xxx

Without responding directly to Digital Playground's claims, Marty Gordon, vicechair of the Blu-ray Disc Association US Promotions Committee emphasized in a statement to Ars Technica that the Sony-backed organization is committed to working with "all" content providers.

"The BDA welcomes the participation of all companies interested in using and supporting the format, particularly those from the content industry," said the BDA's Gordon. "We look forward to working with any content providers interested in providing their audience with [the] best possible high definition home entertainment experience."

xx
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: iampoch on Jan 29, 2007 at 07:29 AM
Yup, like i said earlier, when it comes to the BluRay's direction as a format, it's the BDA that call the shots, not individual companies like Sony. No individual company owns BluRay. It's a misconception that most people have. Sony can banter all they want but the one that we'll really take as word of law with regard to the format is BDA's.

But we have to take note that BDA's concern is only the format's direction exclusively. Individual companies are still free to decide what is beneficial for their company. Dell is a member of the Board of Directors, yet they bundled some of their units with an HD DVD drive. BDA opens their format to whatever industry that wants to use it, but they can't force their individual members to do the same. Sony can enforce their own restrictions in licensing and distribution and Disney and the porn industry won't ever be bed partners.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 29, 2007 at 10:43 AM
That's right.

Blu ray disc manufacturer Sony DADC Global will not produce BD with porn content, because Sony DADC Global is a Sony subsidiary. 

However, a porn producer can still get his content on Blu ray.  Since the BDA does not prohibit porn, other manufacturers that are not Sony subsidiaries will be willing to manufacture the discs. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 29, 2007 at 11:31 AM
Blu ray disc manufacturer Sony DADC Global will not produce BD with porn content, because Sony DADC Global is a Sony subsidiary. 

Yup, I think that has been confirmed by no less than Sony.   
 
Quote
However, a porn producer can still get his content on Blu ray.  Since the BDA does not prohibit porn, other manufacturers that are not Sony subsidiaries will be willing to manufacture the discs. 

Sony warns that any BD replicator who produces porn titles will have its license revoked.  Is that limited only to Sony DADC?   It sounds like the threat applies to ALL replicators currently holding BD licenses.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 29, 2007 at 12:09 PM
Sony warns that any BD replicator who produces porn titles will have its license revoked.  Is that limited only to Sony DADC?   It sounds like the threat applies to ALL replicators currently holding BD licenses.

The source of the alleged Sony warning is Joone, an adult movie director and founder of Digital Playground.  Considering that to date, no confirmation from a more reliable source has surfaced, Joone's statement is nothing more than hearsay and therefore has limited value. 

BDA has indirectly denied it.  On the other hand, Sony stated that it will not produce porn on Sony DADC Global, but it has not officially commented on the allegation that it has threatened to revoke BD licenses.     
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 29, 2007 at 12:34 PM
I just donwloaded the BDA charter from here:

http://www.blu-raydisc.com/assets/downloadablefile/BDA_Charter(version1.0)-13035.pdf

There's a clause there that says BDA members will agree to grant "irrevocable" rights to any entity the BDA authorizes to issue license for the use of BD.  So it seems to me that the Sony threat is all bluster and can't revoke licenses unilaterally.  Did I interpret that right? 


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: iampoch on Jan 29, 2007 at 12:44 PM
Yup. At most what Sony can do is to revoke licenses to Sony-produced replicating machines. If the pron industry uses Samsung or Phillips ones, then all Sony can do is suck their thumbs and cry.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 29, 2007 at 03:31 PM
I just donwloaded the BDA charter from here:

http://www.blu-raydisc.com/assets/downloadablefile/BDA_Charter(version1.0)-13035.pdf

There's a clause there that says BDA members will agree to grant "irrevocable" rights to any entity the BDA authorizes to issue license for the use of BD.  So it seems to me that the Sony threat is all bluster and can't revoke licenses unilaterally.  Did I interpret that right? 

Ang tindi mo naman, bosing -- nakita mo pa yung Charter nila!

I didn't read the whole thing; I just browsed it.  Chap. IV, Clause 13, Par. 3 states:

"All FC Members hereby grant an irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive and royalty-free right to an entity appointed by the BOD to grant licenses under FC Members’ copyrights on any Blu-ray Disc Format pursuant to the terms and conditions determined by the BOD on a reasonable and non-discriminatory basis to all interested parties to (i) develop and promote any such Blu-ray Disc Format, (ii) internally evaluate any Blu-ray Format to explore the feasibility of future development and/manufacture of products in compliance with the Blu-ray Disc Format or any other commercial activity that would benefit from the utilization of the Blu-ray Disc Format and/or (iii) use, develop, manufacture, have manufactured, sell, offer for sale, export, import or otherwise dispose of products that are in full compliance with any Blu-ray Disc Format."


As I understand it, what is "irrevocable" is not the license itself, but the BOD's (Board of Directors?) appointment of an entity that will grant those licenses.

Thus, it appears from the quoted paragraph that:  (a) The BOD appoints an entity; (b) The appointed entity gets a right to grant licenses "to all interested parties"; and (c) The appointed entity's right to grant licenses includes the right to license the "manufacture ... of products that are in full compliance with any Blu-ray Disc Format".

Let's apply the provision to the following situation:

The BOD appoints Sony as a licensor.  The appointment is irrevocable.  Sony issues a license to Company X to master, author and replicate discs with a "no-porn" stipulation in the license contract.  May Sony revoke the license for violation of the license contract? --- Yes.

Is the license of Company X irrevocable?  --- As a general rule, no. But that depends on the agreement between Sony and Company X.   Chap. IV, Clause 13, Par. 3 of the BDA Charter cannot be properly invoked to support the theory that the license of Company X is "irrevocable" because under the cited provision, what is irrevocable is the appointment of Sony as a licensor, but the said provision is silent as to whether the license granted by Sony to Company X is revocable or not.

Now, let's go to the situation contemplated by sir iampoch:

The BOD appoints Samsung as a licensor.  Samsung issues a license to Company Y to master, author and replicate discs.  May Sony revoke Company Y's license on the ground that Sony's licenses contain a prohibition against porn? --- Of course not.  There is no privity of contract between Sony and Company Y.  In other words, the agreement was between Samsung and Company Y, and Sony has no part in it.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 30, 2007 at 09:14 AM
from avsforum:

Warner has released its HD DVD and Blu-ray slate for France.

Here's the titles from that list that haven't been announced or released in North America yet.

Note that some titles are released by Warner in Europe whereas they are distributed by other studio in America (such as The Island or The Prestige).

April 25
The Island

May
Flags of Our Fathers

June
The Prestige
Natural Born Killers
Matrix (In-Movie-Experience) (HD DVD only)

July
Mad Max 2
Matrix Reloaded (IME) (HD DVD only)

August
The Goonies
Matrix Revolutions (IME) (HD DVD only)

Letters from Iwo Jima

September
L.A. Confidential
Blade Runner
Poltergeist

300 (IME) (HD DVD only)
Blood Diamond (HD DVD only)
Zodiac

October
Dirty Harry
The Enforcer
Sudden Impact
Magnum force
The Dead Pool

Music and Lyrics
The Reaping

November
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (IME) (HD DVD only)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire(IME) (HD DVD only)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (IME) (HD DVD only)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (IME) (HD DVD only)

December
2001 A Space Odyssey
A Clockwork Orange
Eyes Wide Shut
Ocean's eleven (1960)
Ocean's eleven (2001)
Ocean's twelve
The Shining
The Wizard of Oz

Source: dvdrama (http://www.dvdrama.com/news.php?18624)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 30, 2007 at 11:09 AM
Ang tindi mo naman, bosing -- nakita mo pa yung Charter nila!


He he, just curious.  ;D  I am just not sure if the license to replicate BDs falls uncer clause 13, 14 or 15.  On second thought, it might fall under "Patent IPRs" of clause 15 where there's no reference to "irrevocable." 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Jan 30, 2007 at 01:06 PM
Yup, I think that has been confirmed by no less than Sony.   
 
Sony warns that any BD replicator who produces porn titles will have its license revoked.  Is that limited only to Sony DADC?   It sounds like the threat applies to ALL replicators currently holding BD licenses.

From what it looks like, it would seem that the no-porn restriction would only apply to Sony DADC.  While Sony DADC isn't the only BD replicator (as Panasonic also has replication factories), the problem is that Sony DADC is by far the biggest BD replicator and without them adult studios would have a hard time getting BD titles out in large enough quantities.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 30, 2007 at 10:00 PM
Malaki na pala yung bagsak ng presyo ng PS3 60 GB sa Mega Mall. Depende na daw kung ano yung freebies na kasama. Lowest and available in stock sa DataBlitz for 37,900 PhP cash basis, with one free game and one controller. Noong December lang it was going at 54K. ::) ::)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Jan 30, 2007 at 10:08 PM
they have to bring the price down, with a few games available its hard for people to cough up the dough, that is if they plan to just use the ps3 for gaming. 8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: iampoch on Jan 31, 2007 at 07:39 AM
Yup, sobra ginahaman kasi nila e :) Like TK binebenta ng 60k, pero USD600 was less than 30k at that time. may idiot nga dati sa bidshot na nagbenta ng PS3 ng 100k e, tapos 130k pa yung buy now price nya  :D tinira nga sya ng tinira dun sa posts e  ;D ;D ;D BTW, more great games coming this March  ;D

Well, ako wala pa nabibili na BluRay, medyo mahal pa e. Meron nagbebenta sa Megamall prices range from 1.6-2.5k depende sa title. Not much title to warrant that purchase, yung pinaka-ok na title for BluRay dun is X-Men 3. I didn't jump for joy sa Superman Returns, kinda sucked IMO. Tapos yung excellent na Batman Begins is exclusively HD DVD pa :(

I'm waiting for either a Lord of the Rings Collection or Star Wars Collection. Yung Star Wars ilalabas daw sa 30th Anniv pa ng franchise, and that's in 2009 pa if i recall correctly. Sana by that time bumaba na price ng next-gen format (if a standard hasn't emerged already by that time, that is). Lord of the Rings would most likely be coming out in both formats since it's by New Line Cinema, which is a subsidiary of Warner Bros. But I think we'll be seeing an HD DVD version of it first, though.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 31, 2007 at 07:42 AM
someone selling 60gb at 35k sa pinoypsx........
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: iampoch on Jan 31, 2007 at 07:43 AM
someone selling 60gb at 35k sa pinoypsx........

actually 33.5k na lang  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Jan 31, 2007 at 02:23 PM
33k na lang daw hehe ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Jan 31, 2007 at 02:30 PM
33k na lang daw hehe ;D

Kakagatin ko na sana kaso di US Version.
Asian version eh.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Jan 31, 2007 at 02:37 PM
oo nga, lalo na if you plan to play US PS2 games. Pero if you just plan to play PS3 games it doesnt matter. Pero movie wise ok na ung asian
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Jan 31, 2007 at 04:00 PM
Kaso the PS3 Servers are not yet unified eh.
If you plan to play online using an Asian PS3, you will be connected to an asian server.
Same applies to the PS Store.

You will be connected to a Regional PS Store depending on your unit.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Jan 31, 2007 at 04:49 PM
Kaso the PS3 Servers are not yet unified eh.
If you plan to play online using an Asian PS3, you will be connected to an asian server.
Same applies to the PS Store.

You will be connected to a Regional PS Store depending on your unit.


Really?  Ganun pa ba ka-crude ang infrastructure ng Sony online gaming?  d**n, milya milya pa pala ang hahabulin ng Sony to reach the level of Xbox Live.

What if I have a Japanese unit, I won't even be able to play with Asians? Well I suppose the user base in Japan is bigger than Asia at the moment.  60GB version can be had for the equivalent of about 24K pesos nowadays in Tokyo, and ang dali na talagang bumili kahit saan.  Wii is really it in Japan!!!  and Nintendo DS of course!  Those Nintendo designers are real gaming geniuses.


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Jan 31, 2007 at 05:35 PM
Sony really needs to catch up in the online gaming department. 24k for a 60gb ps3 sounds good.
This is a different war though but i admit that i like the wii gameplay wise 8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Jan 31, 2007 at 05:35 PM
This servers will be unified come March when PS3 is launched in PAL Regions.
That is what I read from IGN.

About the PS Store, I am not 100 percent sure that this is the setup.
But this is what I have read and I have yet to come accross some users who refute this.

They are really playing catch-up pa but they are quite fast to resolve them.
Like the PS2 Graphical Glitch and the 720p issue.
The Glitch has been resolved with a firmware upgrade.
The 720p is (resolved?) with a new SDK. (Eto nabasa ko though I couldn't understand the context).

Can anybody refute my understanding on the PS3 Server and Store setup?
Calling iampoch...



Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 31, 2007 at 06:20 PM
Meron din na mention sa PinoyPSX na 24k na lang yung PS3 20GB Jap version sa G'Hills... :o :o
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jan 31, 2007 at 06:27 PM
Sony really needs to catch up in the online gaming department. 24k for a 60gb ps3 sounds good.
This is a different war though but i admit that i like the wii gameplay wise 8)

How much more costly is the 60gb PS3 over the lower version?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Jan 31, 2007 at 06:36 PM
On PS3 Server access and PS Store:

According to a member at pinoypsx, Server connection is really dependent on
the unit. So, if you have a Jap PS3, you will be connected to a Jap Server, so on and so forth.

But, this is en exception to the game Resistance wherein all of online gamers are connected to
the US Server.

And Indeed, a unified server is to be launched in March 2007.

On the PS Store naman, you can access ung ibang Store regardless of what unit you have.
You just have to create an account for a correspondidng PS Store.

Cheers.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 31, 2007 at 11:52 PM
HD-DVD Contents List updated Jan 29

http://www.hddvdprg.com/eng/list/list.pdf
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: iampoch on Feb 01, 2007 at 07:46 AM
On PS3 Server access and PS Store:

According to a member at pinoypsx, Server connection is really dependent on
the unit. So, if you have a Jap PS3, you will be connected to a Jap Server, so on and so forth.

But, this is en exception to the game Resistance wherein all of online gamers are connected to
the US Server.

And Indeed, a unified server is to be launched in March 2007.

On the PS Store naman, you can access ung ibang Store regardless of what unit you have.
You just have to create an account for a correspondidng PS Store.

Cheers.


Hehe yups everything above checks out  ;D di ako makapost kahapon after office e  ;D Sorry  ;D For now, there isn't an existing Asian Server as far as I know. From what's been said, Sony's contemplating on where the server should reside, Korea and Taiwan are the most likely candidates. It'll be finalized by March coinciding with PS3's European Launch, if it hasn't been finalized already, that is. I wasn't able to keep up recently so my knowledge may already be outdated.

Game publishers are also given free reign when it comes to the online component of their games. Yup, Sony's got a lot of catching up to do when it comes to refining the online experience, but we have to remember online gaming comes free  ;D so i can live with that  :D

@ av_phile:

Mga 10k ang difference between the 20gb and the 60gb version. If you're only after gaming and occassional movies, go for the 20GB version. The HDD is user-swappable anyway because it uses standard 2.5" SATA. Sony even encourages it by including instruction on how to DIY the HDD swap in the user's manual and is really quite easy. The only relevant bells and whistles you'll lose anyway are the WiFi connection and the card reader, which to some gamers are a big SO WHAT? Unfortunately, WiFi's a big issue for me, since my lifetime project is a Smart Home (WiFi is one part of that project) and I'd rather have the WiFi built-in instead of buying an optional adaptor which is still non-existent. No one has ever experimented on using the WiFi adaptors for the PC. Theoretically they should work.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Feb 01, 2007 at 09:49 AM
@ av_phile:

Mga 10k ang difference between the 20gb and the 60gb version. If you're only after gaming and occassional movies, go for the 20GB version. The HDD is user-swappable anyway because it uses standard 2.5" SATA. Sony even encourages it by including instruction on how to DIY the HDD swap in the user's manual and is really quite easy. The only relevant bells and whistles you'll lose anyway are the WiFi connection and the card reader, which to some gamers are a big SO WHAT? Unfortunately, WiFi's a big issue for me, since my lifetime project is a Smart Home (WiFi is one part of that project) and I'd rather have the WiFi built-in instead of buying an optional adaptor which is still non-existent. No one has ever experimented on using the WiFi adaptors for the PC. Theoretically they should work.

Thanks for the info.  Can't you use an external HDD with it via USB?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Feb 01, 2007 at 10:09 AM
How much more costly is the 60gb PS3 over the lower version?
.

In Japan, approximately 4K pesos more based on current exchange rates.   20K pesos for a blu-ray player/HD game console.  Not bad ne.  If only there were tons of good next gen games and bd movies already available.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Feb 01, 2007 at 10:13 AM
Would prefer the 60gb too...WIFI is important to me..... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Feb 01, 2007 at 10:13 AM

Game publishers are also given free reign when it comes to the online component of their games. Yup, Sony's got a lot of catching up to do when it comes to refining the online experience, but we have to remember online gaming comes free  ;D so i can live with that  :D

.

I paid 4700 yen (approx. $40) for a 13-month (12+1) subscription to Xbox Live.   $3 per month for awesome online gaming experience.  10 cents a day.  Is that so much to pay for the experience Now?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Feb 01, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Would prefer the 60gb too...WIFI is important to me..... :)
.

WiFi and card reader are not at all relevant to me at the moment, but 4K difference does not feel to be that much either.  There's just no compelling reason yet, for me to get a PS3 at this time. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Feb 01, 2007 at 10:43 AM
.

I paid 4700 yen (approx. $40) for a 13-month (12+1) subscription to Xbox Live.   $3 per month for awesome online gaming experience.  10 cents a day.  Is that so much to pay for the experience Now?


Wow, ganun lang pala ka-cheap ang online gaming ng xbox. P5 a day.  Not bad, if it gives you all the gaming thrills TODAY.  Sulit na sulit if you play games online for 3 hours a day.  I am sure gamers spend more time than that.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: iampoch on Feb 01, 2007 at 10:45 AM
@ av_phile:

Yes you can, though external HDDs are mainly used for backing up, not for future main functionalities. Then again, firmware updates can solve that if sony sees the need (using externall HDDs for backups were fixed in version 1.3.1 of the firmware)

@ Clondalkin:

Well, yes it's an issue for me considering that I pay for other bills like broadband internet access, etc. Whatever's given for free I'll joyfully accept :) This is also the reason why Guild Wars is the only MMO I ever bothered to try playing nothing beats free online gaming :) Besides, Resistance is a blast in online :) 40-player lag-free fragging :) And the semi-online Tekken Tag 5: Dark Resurrection is great as well. More games are on the way, with MotorStorm and VF5 so, the wait's not that long

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Feb 01, 2007 at 06:03 PM
Finally: VideoScan Releases High-Def Disc Sales Numbers



After over six months of head-to-head combat, we finally have an all-inclusive independent yardstick against which to compare Blu-ray and HD DVD disc sales, thanks to the first public release of sales numbers from Neilsen VideoScan.

Nielsen VideoScan is home entertainment industry's leading source for competitive sales info, tracking point-of-sale data from all channels of video distribution including mass merchants, audio/video retailers, electronics outlets, grocery stores, drug stores, and internet sites.

And while the numbers are still not quite as crispy as we'd like (you won't find any hard sales figures here -- only an index of how each format is faring against the other), they do suggest some trending that's likely to be music to the ears of Blu-ray supporters.

According to VideoScan, during the first two weeks of January, Blu-ray discs outsold HD DVD by more than a 2:1 margin. It should be noted that the two weeks in question saw only two new high-def disc releases -- both from Blu-ray ('The Covenant' on Jan 2, and 'Crank' on Jan 9).

More interestingly, VideoScan's numbers indicate that during the seven days between Jan 7 and Jan 14, Blu-ray managed to close the gap of total discs sold since inception with HD DVD by over seven percentage points, suggesting that if the current trend continues, the two formats could be at disc sales parity within weeks.

The release of this VideoScan data follows months of speculation and conjecture on both sides of the fence. While format boosters have released sales figures for hardware, the studios have held high-def disc sales numbers close to their vests, leaving fans to parse Amazon sales charts and analyst reports in search of some sense of who's "winning" the format war.

With the anticipated continued weekly release of these numbers, supporters of both formats should have a somewhat more definitive yardstick against which to measure their format's disc sales prowess. As always, stay tuned...

More information:

From an interview with Jim Bottoms, co-founder of research firm Understanding & Solutions:

* More than 70% of people buying a PS3 have a strong interest in acquiring movies for it.

* Until the PS3 was launched, software sales were probably three to one in HD DVD's favor.

* Once the PS3 came out, BD volume per title grew something like 700%.



http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Industry_Trends/Disc_Sales/Finally:_VideoScan_Releases_High-Def_Disc_Sales_Numbers_/456


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Feb 04, 2007 at 09:56 PM
Porn maker won't reveal Blu-ray Disc partner
Friday 02 Feb 2007 - 09:50

Vivid Entertainment Group will become the first adult-film maker to put out a movie in Blu-ray Disc when it releases "Debbie Does Dallas...Again" in late March, but it's not saying who is helping it make copies of the discs. ...


http://www.digitmag.co.uk/news/index.cfm?NewsID=7115 (http://www.digitmag.co.uk/news/index.cfm?NewsID=7115)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Feb 05, 2007 at 08:37 AM
From thedigitalbits

We've also finally heard back from Warner per our high-def inquiry from early last week. We've spoken today with Warner Home Video's VP of HD Media Development, Dan Silverberg, about the studio's support of both the HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc formats moving forward. Here's what he had to say:

"WHV's objective is to have triple day and date releases for all new theatrical titles on DVD, HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc. We began this with The Lake House and more recently Superman Returns and Ant Bully. As for our catalog titles, we would like to have simultaneous HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc releases. Again, this is something we have done recently with National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story, and will be doing with Scooby-Doo and Alexander: The Director's Cut, as well as recent DVD releases coming soon to high def like Wickerman and Beerfest, both being the unrated versions.

We also plan to make every effort to "catch-up" the 2006 titles currently only out on HD DVD with the Blu-ray versions in 2007. There are two reasons that the discrepancy exists. One has to do with the interactivity layer for BD with respect to picture-in-picture functionality. Some of our titles like Batman Begins and V for Vendetta have extensive interactive experiences and we don't want the Blu-ray consumer to have a "lesser" experience. We expect that this enhanced interactivity will be ready on the Blu-ray side soon. The other reason had to do with length of movies and the availability of 50 GB discs. That situation has already improved, as the releases of Unforgiven, Last Samurai and Goodfellas (1/16) show. We are also working on Enter the Dragon and a few others for early 2007 Blu-ray release as part of that "catching up" plan."
 ;D ;D


www.dvdempire.com   (02/05/07)

Format:      Blu-Ray    HD-DVD

Week:        66.67%    33.33%
Month:       69.93%    30.07%
Year:         57.79%    42.21%


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: AlvinladeN on Feb 05, 2007 at 09:48 PM
go Blu-Ray!

I hope blu-ray will become the standard media for games, music and movies just like what happened to DVD. If that happened, we can have a blu-ray writer and backup our 100gb data's on a cheap single disc. And if we can backup a 100gb of data on a single disc, that means hardisk manufacturer for our PC's, Ipods, and any gadgets using hardisk will lower their price. A 100gb hardrive will become obsolete so PC users will enjoy lots of terrabytes of storage! We can now forget the .mp3 file format and enjoy uncompressed audio! Imagine that  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Feb 05, 2007 at 11:02 PM
HD DVD Deception... >:( >:(


Apology for our Contents List

http://www.hddvdprg.com/eng/list.html

The inclusion in the January 29 update of our "Coming Soon List" of three Steven Spielberg classics was an error on our part. The HD DVD Promotion Group expresses sincere apologies to Steven Spielberg, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and HD DVD fans for this mistake. We will endeavor to prevent any similar mistake and to provide accurate information.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Feb 06, 2007 at 02:43 AM
This will take a while, competition is always good to keep things honest.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Feb 06, 2007 at 03:35 AM
Yeah, that's why i just sit back and relax, then grab some popcorns (while watching my DVDs) heheheh.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Feb 06, 2007 at 10:40 AM
Yeah, that's why i just sit back and relax, then grab some popcorns (while watching my DVDs) heheheh.
.

I am having a hard time sitting back and waiting for new HD DVD titles because I already have an HD DVD player.  If it's any consolation, The Departed in HD is just a week away from release.

I am having a hard time sitting back and waiting for new BD titles because PS3 is "reasonably cheap" in Tokyo already.

Alvin, there are BD recorders in the market but the cheapest one right now is as "cheap" as a 32 inch Bravia...he he he


Title: First Use: LG's Dual HDTV DVD Player
Post by: pchin on Feb 06, 2007 at 11:02 AM
First Use: LG's Dual HDTV DVD Player

By Jim Mahon
HD Observer

Editor's Note: LG has just introduced a new DVD player that will play both Blu-ray and HD-DVD high-def DVDs. The player is priced at $1199. HD Observer Jim Mahon recounts his experience when the dual-format player arrived at his home.

Washington, D.C. (February 5, 2007) -- I ordered the LG BH100 Dual HDTV DVD Player from the Circuit City website on January 23 and took delivery January 27. It comes in a nice blue box that advertises 1080p in very large print.

I hooked it up via a HDMI cable to a full HD 1080p television, the Panasonic TH-65PX600U; loaded a full  HD 1080p Blu-ray DVD, and the DVD player would not output full HD 1080p. The best it would do is 1080i.

The menu would not let me select 1080p output. The 1080p selection was "grayed" out. I called both LG and Panasonic technical support. After much tweaking with LG tech support, LG told me to send the unit back to them. My unit was picked up today by DHL, and I hope to get it back next week.

************************************

What a start for LG's dual format player...initial review has failed na   ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Feb 06, 2007 at 05:42 PM
HD DVD Promotions Group to Spielberg Fans: Whoops!



Before enticing HD DVD fans with the promise of titles by Hollywood's biggest director, perhaps someone at the HD DVD Promotions Group should have given Steven Spielberg a call first?

The possibility of some of Spielberg's biggest hits coming to HD DVD first lit up the web following a January 29 update of the HD DVD Promotions Group official "Coming Soon" HD DVD release list. The web site added three of the director's biggest Universal blockbusters ('Jaws,' 'Jurassic Park' and 'E.T.') to its release schedule, causing a fast and widespread wave of excitement among early adopters. Fans not only continue to highly anticipate the first Spielberg blockbusters in high-def, but consider the combo of the director's top titles and Universal's HD DVD-exclusive support to be one of the format's biggest weapons against rival Blu-ray.

The Promotions Group, which is the official umbrella PR organization for the HD DVD Forum (which includes primary format backers Universal and Toshiba), updates its schedule routinely, and its "Coming Soon" list is considered one of the key indicators of new titles expected on the format.

Unfortunately, it seems the Spielberg trio was a bit premature. Today, the HD DVD Promotional Group has removed the offending titles from its list, and issued a full apology via its website:

The inclusion in the January 29 update of our 'Coming Soon List' of three Steven Spielberg classics was an error on our part. The HD DVD Promotion Group expresses sincere apologies to Steven Spielberg, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and HD DVD fans for this mistake. We will endeavor to prevent any similar mistake and to provide accurate information.

As for Universal's response to the news, they continue to express the same sentiments as always regarding any big A-list titles from top directors. A request for comment from the studio brought this now-canned response, first made by Ken Graffeo, EVP of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, regarding the studio's 2007 HD DVD plans:

Universal feels the key to getting a great HD DVD disc is filmmaker participation. They have been educating filmmakers about the possibilities for interactivity, picture and sound available with HD DVD. There are other challenges like scheduling that come into play when working on DVD/HD DVD releases with filmmakers. Universal is committed to working with filmmakers whenever possible to put out the best quality presentation they can.

At the risk of sounding cynical, we can't say we're particularly surprised by this news. As battle-scarred survivors of the early DVD days -- when Spielberg notoriously held off the release of any of his major titles from the format for years -- this is par for the course. Spielberg and fellow behemoth George Lucas have never been known to quickly embrace new home video formats, and we expect that won't change anytime soon -- especially with a next-gen battle raging, and no clear winner yet in sight.

Of course, we all want the biggest and the best movies on high-def as soon as possible, including those by Spielberg. So as we all continue to dream of next-gen dinosaurs and man-eating sharks, watch this space and we'll keep you posted on any further developments.


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Feb 11, 2007 at 03:29 PM
Sony's New Blu-ray Marketing Theme: Format War is Over

(http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/3176/original1fb918wx2.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Seizing on widely reported January sales numbers from Neilsen VideoScan, a Sony executive said Friday that the studio plans to begin marketing Blu-ray as the winner of the high-def format war.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment worldwide president David Bishop made the comments to trade newspaper Video Business in reaction to widely reported Neilsen/VideoScan sales figures indicating that Blu-ray discs outsold HD DVD in January by a ratio of 2:1.
 
 "The message that we’re going to put out to the consumer now is, now it is safe to make a choice," explained Bishop. "No more fence-sitting is needed... We have a critical mass of content, we have the biggest mass of consumer electronics companies in the world supporting this format. That has moved Blu-ray into the forefront."

Adding further credence to the previously-released VideoScan numbers, studio sources told Video Business that for the first three weeks of January, the top selling Blu-ray title ('Crank') sold 7,500 units, while the top selling HD DVD title ('Batman Begins') sold 4,100 units. In a business traditionally dominated by new release disc sales, 'Batman Begins' on HD DVD is something of an anomaly, as it was released back in November.

And yet while all agree that it was a strong month for Blu-ray, opinion is split on whether the surge in sales is an indicator of stronger user adaption of Blu-ray compared to HD DVD, or simply a reflection of the larger number of new Blu-ray titles that hit the market over the month -- 25 new Blu-ray titles were released in January, compared to just 11 titles on HD DVD for the same period.

One thing is for sure -- after months of playing the underdog to HD DVD, Blu-ray is now the format to beat. And with many more announced titles for Blu-ray in the coming months than there are announced titles for HD DVD, it doesn't look like this overall trend will reverse itself any time soon.

Expect the next round of mainstream punditry to come later this month with the release of the per-format sales figures for two of February's most eagerly anticipated dual format titles, 'Babel' and 'The Departed.' An apples-to-apples comparison of disc sales of the same title on both formats is expected to serve as a leading indicator of consumer acceptance for both HD DVD and Blu-ray.

As always, stay tuned...

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrid on Feb 12, 2007 at 05:20 AM
Still sitting on the fence here. I'm inclined to get PS3 but when I learned that it cannot play upconvert.I declined. No big deal! But now that I learned that ,it cannot play movies on 720p. I have to wait again.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Feb 12, 2007 at 07:30 AM
Still sitting on the fence here. I'm inclined to get PS3 but when I learned that it cannot play upconvert.I declined. No big deal! But now that I learned that ,it cannot play movies on 720p. I have to wait again.
PS3 cant play BD movies at 720p?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Feb 12, 2007 at 08:32 AM
You can output PS3 at the highest resolution 1080p & let your HD display scale it to its native resolution 720p :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Feb 12, 2007 at 08:49 AM
ok.....thanks a lot paul.... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: et414 on Feb 12, 2007 at 09:21 AM
the ps3 can also output 1080i for displays that don't support 1080p
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Feb 12, 2007 at 09:42 AM
Possible hd dvd warner releases for april:

4/03 - A Scanner Darkly
4/03 - Dog Day Afternoon
4/10 - The Matrix
4/10 - The Matrix Reloaded
4/10 - Matrix Revolutions

crossing my fingers ::)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Feb 12, 2007 at 02:39 PM
Possible hd dvd warner releases for april:

4/10 - The Matrix
4/10 - The Matrix Reloaded
4/10 - Matrix Revolutions

Nice...very nice...definitely looking forward to the above. I hope the release schedule is true pa...no more delay pls... :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Feb 12, 2007 at 02:51 PM
yes, i hope so too, the matrix in HD 8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Feb 12, 2007 at 03:06 PM
sa warner france ito....apparently, according to forums ive seen...warner officials there are not as accomodating compared to warner officials in US......its only still in HD DVD apparently coz the BD-J isnt fully functional yet for warner's IME.  Warner US wants same release dates for hd dvd and bd versions..... :-[
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Feb 13, 2007 at 07:55 AM
You gotta love these BD releases... ;D

Fox Conjures Up 'Eragon' on Blu-ray This March; 'Night as the Museum' Circling April

In a late-breaking announcement, Fox Home Entertainment will bring the family fantasy 'Eragon' to Blu-ray in a speedy late March release, with the blockbuster 'Night at the Museum' targeted for early April.

In what Video Business is reporting was apparently a surprise to retailers, Fox has offered little lead time in announcing the hit 'Eragon' for a March 20 debut on Blu-ray, simultaneous with the standard-def DVD version.

No specs yet, though with a two-disc standard-def DVD edition being offered, the Blu-ray version should contain at least some extras.

Retail for 'Eragon' has been set at $39.95.

And though it has not yet received an official release date, Video Business is also reporting that the huge $225 million-grossing 'Night at the Museum' is currently on track for early April from Fox, both on Blu-ray and standard-def DVD. The title was originally expected to take 'Eragon's March 20th slot. We'll certainly keep you posted when the title is officially announced.





Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Feb 13, 2007 at 05:12 PM

Old but still funny... ;D ;D ;D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuAHcGVr8qI
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: mclee on Feb 19, 2007 at 03:41 PM
First of all, I have to say Im neither pro bd or pro hddvd. I was at informax parksquare and they were playing "I think" blue ray Behind enemy lines on a PS3 on a pioneer plasma. I was checking it out and it looks pretty grainy... Is this just the movie, the transfer or the pioneer plasma?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Feb 19, 2007 at 05:01 PM
First of all, I have to say Im neither pro bd or pro hddvd. I was at informax parksquare and they were playing "I think" blue ray Behind enemy lines on a PS3 on a pioneer plasma. I was checking it out and it looks pretty grainy... Is this just the movie, the transfer or the pioneer plasma?
.

I suspect it's the transfer because I recently watched Stealth in BD on a 46 inch Bravia LCD (not mine..he he he)..very grainy too.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Feb 19, 2007 at 05:05 PM
I have behind enemy lines on blu ray and i didnt find it grainy, might be display dependent too aside from the transfer
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Feb 20, 2007 at 02:45 PM
I've always suspected that HD is possible with the existing DVD disc, and that the manufacturers insisted on entirely new formats only to justify a new round of high prices.

It looks like HD on a red-laser DVD is finally here:

Is "3X DVD" HD DVD's secret weapon against Blu-ray?
http://sony.engadgethd.com/2007/02/19/is-3x-dvd-hd-dvds-secret-weapon-against-blu-ray/ (http://sony.engadgethd.com/2007/02/19/is-3x-dvd-hd-dvds-secret-weapon-against-blu-ray/)

Notes: 1. Will not play on existing DVD players; 2. Early reports have it that resolution is only 720p.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Feb 20, 2007 at 04:13 PM
720p is 3x the resolution of ordinary DVD. Maybe that's why it's called 3X DVD.  Still way better than DVD and most plasmas and LCDs bought 3-4 years back may just have 720 or less native resolution.  Could be an interim solution while waiting for 1080p LCDs to come down in price. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Feb 20, 2007 at 05:19 PM
If this format actually pushes through, they've got to make sure that the price of each recorded disk is substantially cheaper than an HD DVD.   I personally would not mind spending an extra $5 or $10 to get the full 1080p version of a movie.  In any case, I imagine 720p should be better than good enough.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: akyatbundok on Feb 20, 2007 at 06:39 PM
I've always suspected that HD is possible with the existing DVD disc, and that the manufacturers insisted on entirely new formats only to justify a new round of high prices.

Same here, i think this is all marketing hype from both sides (which does not necessarily mean it is wrong).  There is no lack of available formats to distribute HD movies.  They can easily fit 720p movies on 1 or 2 sides of a DVD disk using any available high-compression codec.

Files saved into a disk is all it is.  Mix & match a video codec, copy protection scheme & storage media -- then call it some catchy name.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Feb 21, 2007 at 07:38 AM
Disney's 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Booty to Include Two Discs, BD-Java Features

In a pair of Blu-ray firsts for Disney, the studio will unleash their premiere two-disc and BD-Java-enhanced titles when it brings the blockbuster 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films to the format this spring.

As first announced late last month, the studio is set to debut 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' on Blu-ray on May 22, just in time for the theatrical premiere of the third film in the series, 'At World's End.'

With expectations high for both releases to be a "trojan horse" for Blu-ray -- meaning the kind of huge A-list titles that will entice new consumers to finally dive into the format -- Disney appears to be pulling out all the stops to ensure that fans will not be disappointed.

Each title will be a "75GB" release, aka a BD-50 dual-layer disc for the movie, and an extra BD-25 single-layer disc with additional extras.

Tech specs include the usual 1080p video transfers and uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround tracks. Extras will replicate the existing, feature-packed standard-def DVD versions.

And exclusive to the Blu-ray releases will be two BD-Java bonuses. 'The Curse of the Black Pearl' will include "Scoundrels of the Sea," an interactive in-movie feature that presents facts on-screen about the legends and lore of pirates. 'Dead Man's Chest' will include an "exciting" new Java feature called "Liar's Dice," a single-player game shot in live-action HD video.

Disney has set a $34.95 suggested list price for each of the 'Pirates' flicks.

Full specs for both titles have now been added to our Blu-ray Release Schedule under May 22.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: MAtZTER on Feb 21, 2007 at 02:12 PM
First of all, I have to say Im neither pro bd or pro hddvd. I was at informax parksquare and they were playing "I think" blue ray Behind enemy lines on a PS3 on a pioneer plasma. I was checking it out and it looks pretty grainy... Is this just the movie, the transfer or the pioneer plasma?

I suspect it's the transfer because I recently watched Stealth in BD on a 46 inch Bravia LCD (not mine..he he he)..very grainy too.

I have behind enemy lines on blu ray and i didnt find it grainy, might be display dependent too aside from the transfer

I believe almost any display can be grainy...if you watch too close. When you go to video stores & nitpick a display from 1-2m away is unrealistic IMO. Specially if you actually watch from 3-4m away at home, where you wont be seeing the grains anyway.

Mr. Rivo always consulted me via cell when he was shopping for an LCD TV. My first question to him was always: "How far away will you be watching?" :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Feb 21, 2007 at 07:56 PM
Could be an interim solution while waiting for 1080p LCDs to come down in price. 

Yep, how true! I'm satisfy with my existing 720p & will wait till those ridiculous high price of 1080p to come down...really down  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Feb 21, 2007 at 09:23 PM
I believe almost any display can be grainy...if you watch too close. When you go to video stores & nitpick a display from 1-2m away is unrealistic IMO. Specially if you actually watch from 3-4m away at home, where you wont be seeing the grains anyway.

Mr. Rivo always consulted me via cell when he was shopping for an LCD TV. My first question to him was always: "How far away will you be watching?" :)

Yeah coz most of the movies still use 35mm film hence the grain is still visible.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Feb 22, 2007 at 09:59 AM
Yep, how true! I'm satisfy with my existing 720p & will wait till those ridiculous high price of 1080p to come down...really down  ;D

720p is HD already.  Note the downloadable HD files that are 720p.  Also, if people are already awed by the DVD's 480i res upscaled on 720p or 1080p displays,  what more a 720p source.  1080p or 1080i is really overkill for most home HD viewing.  At a distance of 8ft or more, most pundits on the net agree you'd be quite strained to distinquish between a 720 and 1080 on a 42" 1080 plasma or LCD display.  IF a 720p material can be squeezed on a DVD9 and priced close to standard DVD, it might have a better chance penetrating the market faster.  But it will have to play on standard DVD players using red lasers to take off.  One of the disincentives going HD is having to spend on new players and appropriate displays.   At least with 720p, people might be able to see some picture quality jump on their existing 32"-34" regular TVs.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Feb 22, 2007 at 10:48 PM
But it will have to play on standard DVD players using red lasers to take off.  One of the disincentives going HD is having to spend on new players and appropriate displays.   At least with 720p, people might be able to see some picture quality jump on their existing 32"-34" regular TVs.

Which makes the proposed "HD DVD9" (as i call it) format almost pointless since it won't play on existing players anyway.  If you're going to need to buy new players to play those discs, you might as well go and buy a new HD DVD or BD player. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Feb 23, 2007 at 09:03 PM
http://blog.wired.com/wiredphotos45/2007/02/match_game_300.html

"Snyder scanned frames from Miller's graphic novel, using them to help him design not only individual shots, as when King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) shoves a Persian messenger into a bottomless well, but the entire set.

When the Blu-ray version of 300 is eventually released, you'll be able to watch the frames of the book pop up, and see how they correspond to the final scenes of the film"



Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Feb 24, 2007 at 12:09 AM
If HD-DVD doesn't release 300 (assuming it's a very good movie) that's it! I'll jump to BD!  :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Feb 24, 2007 at 01:55 AM
No need to jump ship.  You can have both.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Feb 24, 2007 at 07:45 AM
If HD-DVD doesn't release 300 (assuming it's a very good movie) that's it! I'll jump to BD!  :P
its distributed by Warner...so no need to worry.......and Im hoping it will have In-Movie-Experience feature.....oh btw, PS3 31k na lang.........still holding.......but I know ill go format neutral....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Feb 24, 2007 at 08:59 AM
Ah distributed by WB pala...that's a relief  :) True hoping it has IME feature. Speaking of IME, I'm disappointed Superman Returns which is a combo disc (more $) but without IME... >:(

Glad to know PS3 price is falling....more pls!  :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Feb 24, 2007 at 09:02 AM
As for Superman Returns....Ill bet there will be a loaded uncut extended version that will be released.......its all about milking us enthusiasts.... :-\
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Feb 24, 2007 at 09:14 AM
O nga ya....those marketing people are really good in doing such stuff...I'm implementing "1-disc only" policy which mean no double-dip regardless its newer version release in the future.  :-[
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Feb 24, 2007 at 09:17 AM
300 would be a cinch to do with hd dvd for the interactive feature mentioned..plus its distributed by WB 8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: mario128 on Feb 24, 2007 at 01:54 PM
Nasa 21k na lang ang 20GB PS3. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Feb 24, 2007 at 05:17 PM
21k for a 20gb ps3?  8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Feb 24, 2007 at 08:09 PM
Blu-ray friendly studios join forces to promote Blu-ray in the UK

A number of home entertainment studios have joined forces to jointly promote the Blu-ray high definition disc format in the UK.

Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Lions Gate Home Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, and Warner Brothers Home Entertainment, have pledged to work together in recognition that by uniting, they have a better chance of getting the message across that Blu-ray should be the HD disc format of choice.

http://www.hdtvuk.tv/2007/02/bluray_friendly.html

A spokesperson from each company represented gave their views on the new initiaitve at a London press conference this week.

Anthony Peet, Managing Director, Buena Vista Home Entertainment said that the company was excited to be joining with other distributors, and that Blu-ray offered enormous potential for home entertainment.

Zygi Kamasa, CEO, Lions Gate UK, gave the statistic that over 170 companies are now supporting Blu-ray, and there's a great commitment to delivering a wide variety of content on the new format.

Charlie McAuley, Managing Director, Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment, said that 2007 would see a lot of strong releases on the Blu-ray format. "The additional functionality, sound and
picture quality really provides us with the best possible way to showcase our product."

Andy Armstrong, Managing Director, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, unsurprisingly pushed the PS3 as a major factor in handing Blu-ray success. "The UK market is poised for huge growth," he added.

Steven Leighton, Managing Director - UK, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, said that the success of Blu-ray in the US would give the UK market significant opportunity for growth, as the number of Blu-ray players on the market increases.

John Stanley, Managing Director, Warner Home Video, said, "The early signs of interest consumers are showing towards the High Definition revolution are incredibly exciting for us all in the Home Entertainment market, and by working together in this way we can guarantee our consumers are receiving a clearer message to help them understand just how good it really is."





Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: mario128 on Feb 24, 2007 at 08:14 PM
21k for a 20gb ps3?  8)

Yup! Jap 20GB PS3. I think it's ok if you're just gonna use it for Bluray movies. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Feb 25, 2007 at 09:09 AM
Last I check few weeks ago its 27 thou for the 20 gig in virramall. Sir mario where did you see the 21 thou.
Also sir Munskie is the 31 thou you saw 60 gig? Others are selling I think 38 thou, while toy kingdom is ridiculously priced at 60 thou I think.

Thanks
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Feb 25, 2007 at 11:21 AM
Yup! Jap 20GB PS3. I think it's ok if you're just gonna use it for Bluray movies. ;D
yup mario..where did you see the 21k 20gb?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Feb 25, 2007 at 11:40 AM
celtex i believe
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Feb 26, 2007 at 02:44 PM
celtex i believe
ah ok.  wheres this sir?  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: jojitv on Feb 27, 2007 at 03:39 AM
Nasa 21k na lang ang 20GB PS3. ;D

21K? A few more...  then I'm going HD! ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Feb 27, 2007 at 04:52 AM
celtex can be found in the theater mall near infomax
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: juneaki on Feb 27, 2007 at 07:19 AM
Sir mouldingo,

Magkano po sa inyo ang Bluray disc at ano anong titles na ang meron kayo? I'm planning to buy a ps3 kasi but i want to know kung saan meron mga bluray discs. ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: jojitv on Feb 27, 2007 at 07:28 AM
celtex can be found in the theater mall near infomax

Sir, would you know if they accept credit card purchases?  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Feb 27, 2007 at 07:53 AM
Sir mouldingo,

Magkano po sa inyo ang Bluray disc at ano anong titles na ang meron kayo? I'm planning to buy a ps3 kasi but i want to know kung saan meron mga bluray discs. ;)

Infomax sa MegaMall...depende sa title ang halaga...1600PhP at 2000PhP :) Best pa rin sa Amazon.com .
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Feb 27, 2007 at 09:19 AM
much cheaper through amazon whether hd dvd or blu ray
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Feb 27, 2007 at 05:46 PM
'Night at the Museum' Comes to Life on Blu-ray This April

After hovering over the Blu-ray release schedule for weeks, Fox Home Entertainment's has officially slotted an April 24 arrival for the Ben Stiller blockbuster 'Night at the Museum.'

An effects-laden family-friendly adventure, 'Museum' scored over $200 million at the domestic box office alone, making it one of 2006's biggest hits. It has also been one of the most eagerly-anticipated Blu-ray releases of the season, as it is sure to be one of the format's biggest-ever sellers.
 
Fox, however, is planning a somewhat restrained Blu-ray version of the film -- at least compared to its standard-def DVD counterpart (which is also hitting stores on the same day).

Presented on a BD-25 single-layer disc, tech specs include a 1080p transfer and English DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1 surround track (plus optional Dolby 5.1 dubs in French and Spanish).

Extras include two audio commentaries, the first with director Shawn Levy and the second with co-screenwriters Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon, a Blu-ray-exclusive trivia track, and theatrical trailers.

Retail will list for $39.95.

We've added complete specs for 'Night at the Museum,' including box art, to our Blu-ray Release Schedule under April 24.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Feb 27, 2007 at 06:36 PM
Sony announces cheaper Blu-ray player

By PETER SVENSSON, AP Technology Writer
Mon Feb 26, 12:37 PM ET
 


NEW YORK - Sony Corp (NYSE:SNE - news). said Monday it is bringing out a cheaper player for Blu-ray discs early this summer, a crucial step in its battle to make the high-definition format the replacement for DVDs.

The BDP-S300 will cost $599, yet will have the same capabilities as the $999 BDP-S1 Sony is currently selling, said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of the home products division of Sony Electronics.

Sony and Samsung Corp., which also makes a Blu-ray player, have been undersold by Toshiba Corp.'s players for the rival HD DVD format. Toshiba has a model on the market for $499.

However, sales of players for either format have been tepid, as consumers have stood back, waiting for the market to settle on one of the discs.

Most people buying high-definition discs are apparently doing so to play them on PlayStation 3 game consoles. There are two versions of the console, for $499 and $599, and Sony sold 1.8 million units last year.

"Eighty percent of people who buy a PS3 also buy Blu-ray movies to go with it," Waynick told reporters at a meeting here.

"The consumers have determined that that's the format they're choosing to go with," he said, citing retail data from Nielsen VideoScan that showed Blu-ray discs outselling HD DVDs by three to one this year.

The BDP-S300 is a smaller unit than the BDP-S1, and is about the same size as a DVD player. Like the current model, it will be able to output a signal in the highest high-definition format, known as 1080p. It will also be able to play CDs, which the BDP-S1 does not.

Stan Glasgow, president of Sony Electronics, told reporters at a meeting here that by Christmas, prices for Blu-ray players should be down below $500.

Sony has previously complained that DVD players became a commodity product too soon, and that it was hard to make a profit in a market dominated by $50 units. Glasgow predicted that Blu-ray players would take the same route.

"Over time, I think it will be just like DVD," he said.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Feb 28, 2007 at 08:33 AM
Universal HD DVD in May - Wave 1   :P

Universal Studios Home Video have announced their first wave of US HD DVD catalogue titles for May. Arriving on the 22nd priced at $29.98 SRP each are: The Hurricane, The Skeleton Key and Smokey and the Bandit. All feature 1080P Widescreen transfers, English Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 Surround audio and optional English SDH and French subtitles. French audio options are also present on The Hurricane and The Skeleton Key (2.0 and 5.1 respectively).

All extras from the standard definition editions are expected to be ported over.
(http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/5884/thehurricaneushddvdaj7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
(http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/4752/theskeletonkeyushddvdww8.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
(http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/9619/smokeyandthebanditushddwy7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)


Quote
Another few mediocre titles....come on Universal

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Feb 28, 2007 at 08:44 AM
Universal is starting to warm up.........its great coz it will justify me going "violet".  8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Feb 28, 2007 at 04:42 PM
this is going to be fun, i'll hold my purchases for now so i can choose wisely hehe 8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Feb 28, 2007 at 05:14 PM
I want Matrix Trilogy, Lord of the Ring Trilogy, Starwars Sixlogy....then I wil be very very happy!  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Feb 28, 2007 at 06:47 PM
I want Matrix Trilogy, Lord of the Ring Trilogy, Starwars Sixlogy....then I wil be very very happy!  ;D

But the Star Wars sixlogy will be in BD only as Fox is a BD-exclusive studio
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Feb 28, 2007 at 08:04 PM
I want Matrix Trilogy, Lord of the Ring Trilogy, Starwars Sixlogy....then I wil be very very happy!  ;D

At the rate things are going a lot of Hd-dvd peeps will soon be going format neutral...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Feb 28, 2007 at 11:43 PM
The DARK force is getting stronger...yeah once PS3 is right I will join the "Neutral" fence  ::)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Mar 01, 2007 at 01:38 AM
Quick question: What made Universal decide to be HD DVD exclusive?  Was it the lower cost of HD DVD mastering/replication or did they have some deal with Toshiba to be HD DVD exclusive?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 01, 2007 at 01:28 PM
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2006/apr06/04-24HDDVDPR.mspx

Also, I think MS has some controlling shares in either NBC Universal or Vivendi Universal, not so sure though. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 01, 2007 at 04:35 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong.  I think there are more than 15,000 DVD titles available and not even 500 titles for HD DVD and Blu Ray combined (including promises).  Still a long long way to go.  zzzzz zzzzzz  zzzzzzz.   That's not my snore, I was suddenly reminded of my test scores in EE during college..my professor preferred writing Z instead of 0 for zero ;D.

Just wondering, what are the chances of the 10M Xbox360 user-base buying the HD DVD add on drive if MS/Toshiba sells that add-on at cost (probably $100).  Afterall, MS is already making money out of the console itself, unlike my dear Sony.

Toshiba's 51GB HD DVD disc.  To promote the storage media or to increase capacity for HD films and features?  WTF,  I love those multi-disc super special extended platinum director's unrated anniversary packages.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 01, 2007 at 05:04 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong.  I think there are more than 15,000 DVD titles available and not even 500 titles for HD DVD and Blu Ray combined (including promises).  Still a long long way to go.  zzzzz zzzzzz  zzzzzzz.   That's not my snore, I was suddenly reminded of my test scores in EE during college..my professor preferred writing Z instead of 0 for zero ;D.


Yup, still quite small, estmates are that HD today is is less than 1% of the total HT market worldwide. 

Quote
Just wondering, what are the chances of the 10M Xbox360 user-base buying the HD DVD add on drive if MS/Toshiba sells that add-on at cost (probably $100).  Afterall, MS is already making money out of the console itself, unlike my dear Sony.

Quite sizeable,  they estimate a third of 360 users are getting the HD-DVD add-on.

Quote
Toshiba's 51GB HD DVD disc.  To promote the storage media or to increase capacity for HD films and features?  WTF,  I love those multi-disc super special extended platinum director's unrated anniversary packages.  ;D

Part of the appeal of HD DVD and Blu Ray is their interactive abilities using iHD for HD DVD and BD-J for Blu ray.  You can call any documentary or special feature or commentary at any time while watching the film and will pop-up picture-in-picture style on your widescreen - something you can never do with regular DVDs.  These p-i-p video streams are essentially multiplexed with the main feature video streams in real time.  But you can't very well do that if these special features are in another disc.  So the aim really is to have all the goodies with the film in one disc. 

But that won't prevent studios from issuing mulitple HD disc releases.  They just won't benefit form the interactive facility of HD players. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Mar 01, 2007 at 07:14 PM
I just have a question. BD is saying their superiority is in the 50 gig disc. May I ask for those 50 gig disc that are already released, what are their advantages so far?
1. are there more special features?
2. I keep hearing about this lossless audio, sorry im new in this market but kinda know what it is. Is this where the advantage is versus the 30 gig hddvds
3. More storage space for what?
Thanks
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 01, 2007 at 07:16 PM
Toshiba HD DVD Firmware Upgrade V1.3 Now Available

Toshiba has released a new firmware upgrade for its second-generation HD DVD disc players, including fixes for HDMI-to-DVI connection and disc playback glitches.

Dubbed Version 1.3, a download for the upgrade first appeared earlier this week on Toshiba's official support site. According to the documentation from Toshiba, though Version 1.3 does not offer any new features or enhancements, it does solve a number of "disc playback issues" that have plagued the second-gen units since they first hit the market late last year.
 
Unfortunately, exactly which "issues" are addressed by the upgrade are not specified. However, according to recent online user reports and emails we've received, Version 1.3 does appear to offer the following improvements:

• Colorspace issues via HDMI-to-DVI connections corrected
• Video/audio sync playback and disc "stutter" improved
• Low audio volume/garbled center channel audio through HDMI fixed
• Sporadic "audio screeching" during playback of Dolby TrueHD soundtracks fixed
• Reading of audio CDs also improved, with less dropouts and "disc skips"
• Disc tray opening and closing speed times now faster

But perhaps the most welcome correction is a compatibility fix on select HD DVD titles, including Universal's recent release of 'Hollywoodland,' which many HD-A2 and HD-XA2 owners had been reporting was unplayable in their decks. According to reports, the disc now boots up without error after Version 1.3 has been installed.

We'll certainly keep you posted as any news on additional improvements and fixes come in.

Note that if you cannot download the upgrade and burn it onto your own CD, it is also available by direct download via your player's Ethernet port (refer to your deck's manual for instructions). Or contact Toshiba directly for a firmware CD, which the company will ship to all registered HD-A2 and HD-XA2 owners free of charge.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 01, 2007 at 07:19 PM
An update to the PS3™ system software was released on February 28, 2007. If you update your PS3™ system, the system software will be version 1.54.

.New for 1.54: [Screen Mode] has been added as an option in the options menu for video chat. The image of the person you are chatting with during video chat can now be changed to match the screen size.

.New for 1.54: You can now use a compatible USB camera compliant with USB video class (UVC) for video chat.

 You can update your system software by any of the following methods:

System Update »
Update using the PS3™ system's System Update feature.

Update using a PC »
Download update data using a PC and save on storage media* or a USB Mass Storage device. Copy the update data to the PS3™ system's hard disk and perform the update.
*An appropriate USB adaptor (not included) is required to use storage media with some models.

Update using disc media »
Update using update data that is included on a game disc.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 01, 2007 at 09:28 PM
I just have a question. BD is saying their superiority is in the 50 gig disc. May I ask for those 50 gig disc that are already released, what are their advantages so far?
1. are there more special features?
2. I keep hearing about this lossless audio, sorry im new in this market but kinda know what it is. Is this where the advantage is versus the 30 gig hddvds
3. More storage space for what?
Thanks

BD50 was really meant to accomodate the mpeg2 codec that Sony still insists on using for its BD releases for the transfer to really look exquisite.  Otherwise, if they use the more space efficient VC-1 or AVC, the release can fit in their BD25 and still look gorgeous, complete wth special features.  Just like with HD DVD.

BD50 also would be able to accommodate space eating uncompressed 5.1 LPCM audio codecs (essentially redbook CD but 6 channels instead of 2) which are mandatory BD specs for the primary audiotracks including DD and DTS for BD players.  The newer more space efficient Dolby Plus, DolbyTrueHD and DTS-HD are optional for secondary audiotracks.  Unlike HD DVD which I think has the newer lossless audio codecs as mandatory part of their HD DVD specs.

A higher storoage capacity is always more advantageous as you can put in more special features in it.  But for practical HD application in HT, it is plain that 25Gb in  single layer BD or 30GB in a dual layer HD DVD are just fine for nearly all movie titles.  9 hours of HD video can be accommodated in a dual-layer 50Gb disc.  So for most intents and purposes, a BD25 can accomodate those epic 3.5hr films like Ben Hur, Gone With The Wind and King Kong.  With enough space for extras. But only if you use VC1 or AVC.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 02, 2007 at 07:40 AM
Universal 2007 HD DVD Release Schedule Leaked?

In a posting today on The Digital Bits web site, editor Bill Hunt has published an extensive list of what would appear to be Universal's almost entire HD DVD release schedule for 2007.

Though most of these titles fall under the rumor mill category for now, most of the April and May releases have already been confirmed by the studio. It also appears to be a mix of new, old and catalog gems, one quite consistent with Universal's past HD DVD release strategy.

No actual street dates were provided, but among the highlights are:

April - The Good Shepherd, Smokin' Aces, The Game, The Jerk, The Hitcher, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Nutty Professor

May - Alpha Dog, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Smokey and the Bandit, The Hurricane, Skeleton Key, The River, Midnight Run, The Frighteners, The Big Lebowski, Dragonheart, Lost in Translation

June - Breach, Bruce Almighty, Liar Liar, Sneakers, Born on the 4th of July, Scent of a Women, Daylight, Monty Python's The Meaning of Life, Meet Joe Black, Mallrats, Being John Malkovich, Mystery Men, American Me, The Watcher, Bulletproof

July - Billy Madison, The War, The Wedding Date, Dante's Peak, Cat in the Hat, Dead Silence, The Bourne Identity, The Nutty Professor 2, In Good Company, Streets of Fire, Hot Fuzz, Sea of Love, Darkman, Shaun of the Dead, Deliver Us from Eva

August - Heroes: Season One

September - The Last Starfighter, Legend, Battlestar Galactica: Season One, For the Love of the Game, Knocked Up, Evening, The Getaway, Patch Adams, Cat People

Should the above turn out to be Universal's authentic plans for 2007, it will also certainly help make a serious dent in their earlier, post-CES pledge to release at least 100 new titles in the calendar year. Though the above, roughly sixty-odd titles are still a bit short of that total, it is a vast improvement over the studio's HD DVD output so far this year, which has been meager, to put it kindly.


There's only one title that did excite me with this rumored list..........HEROES......yeah baby bring it on HD!!!!  ;D ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 02, 2007 at 09:56 AM
Nice...at last there's some good news for us HD-DVD supporters...something to look forward :)

More tittles pls!!  :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Mar 02, 2007 at 01:37 PM
wow heroes... ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 05, 2007 at 08:31 AM
HD DVD's Second Generation: Toshiba HD-XA2 Review

Reviewed by Joshua Zyber
Sunday, March 4, 2007 at 1:18 PM ET


http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/hreview_hdxa2030207.html


The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

The second generation of HD DVD hardware is here, offering some notable improvements in features and reliability over earlier players. The HD-XA2's much reduced glitchiness in HD DVD playback is a hugely welcome relief. Its upconversion of Standard-Def DVD content matches that of dedicated DVD players priced much higher, which in and of itself should be appealing to many consumers. General HD DVD picture quality is of course stellar, and many users will find its 1080p output option useful.

Unfortunately, I'm disappointed to report that Toshiba still hasn't quite worked out all the kinks in even their top-end model. I remain hopeful that the company can fix the HD-XA2's video stutter, low LFE, and audio sync issues in future firmware updates, but I doubt many potential buyers will be pleased to spend $999 and still experience problems that should have been resolved in quality testing before the product came to market. As such, I think the best course of action is to wait for the promised firmware upgrades before making a purchase decision. Assuming they rectify these lingering concerns, the HD-XA2 has the potential to be a tremendous piece of equipment.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Mar 05, 2007 at 12:29 PM
I read from some gaming forums that the FW 1.51 of the PS3 intermittenly freezes Blu Ray Playback.
The solution is that you disable the Internet Connection before playback begins.

This was not the case in earlier FW.
Hope they release a firmware for this.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 06, 2007 at 11:03 PM
Save 50% on Blu-ray DVDs

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=xs_gb_email_BestDeals_8033?ie=UTF8&docId=1000062781

This is the sale you've been waiting for to build your new Blu-ray DVD collection. Dozens of titles, all Blu-ray, are 50% off, so stock up now and save.

50 First Dates
A Knight's Tale
Alien vs. Predator
Behind Enemy Lines
Black Hawk Down
Broken Arrow
Bubble
Chain Reaction
Courage under Fire
District B13
Enron - The Smartest Guys in the Room
Entrapment
Fantastic Four
Flight of the Phoenix
HDNet World Report - Shuttle Discovery's Historic Mission
Hitch
House of Flying Daggers
Ice Age: The Meltdown
Into the Blue
Kingdom of Heaven
Kiss of the Dragon
Kung Fu Hustle
Little Man
Memento
Men of Honor
One Last Thing...
Phone Booth
Planet of the Apes
Resident Evil Apocalypse
Rising Sun
S.W.A.T.
Speed
Stealth
Tears of the Sun
The Architect
The Big Hit
The Fifth Element
The Marine
The Omen
The Sentinel
The War Within
The World's Fastest Indian
Transporter
Transporter 2
X-Men 3: The Last Stand
XXX
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: mario128 on Mar 06, 2007 at 11:13 PM
Sayang wala ako CC. :( Pwede ba sa Amazon yung BDO International ATM? Kasi sa Play-Asia pwede yun eh. :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 06, 2007 at 11:15 PM
Ngek! Why only BD 50% off??  >:(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Mar 07, 2007 at 03:56 AM
why only now >:(....select titles lang pala
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 07, 2007 at 07:33 AM
Universal Unleashes Memorial Day HD DVD Release Blitz


Announcing their second wave of May HD DVD releases, Universal Studios Home Entertainment says they will release six more catalog releases on May 29.

Due in stores will be a diverse assortment of hits and cult favorites, including 'The Big Lebowski,' 'Dragonheart,' 'Midnight Run,' 'The River,' the director's cut edition of Peter Jackson's 'The Frighteners,' and Sofia Coppola's Oscar-winning 'Lost in Translation.'

Full specs include Dolby Digital 1080p/VC-1 transfers, Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround tracks (at 1.5mbps) and all of the same extras as their standard DVD counterparts.

Note that although Universal previously pledged that an estimated 90 percent of it its 2007 HD DVD releases would be combo discs, all six of these titles are straight-up HD-30 dual-layer, HD DVD-only platters.

Universal has set a suggested $28.95 list price for each title.

After quite a release drought in early 2007, Universal seems to at last be kicking their support into high gear for the summer. This large wave of titles also hits stores only one week after another HD DVD trio of Universal catalog hits is due in stores on May 22, including 'Smokey and the Bandit,' 'The Hurricane' and 'Skeleton Key.'



Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 07, 2007 at 08:00 AM
Tho its certainly good news to know more HD-DVDs tittles are coming our way but those announced tittles are insufficient to excite me like a happy bee. Unlike BD tittles which are really tempting.... :-[

Common studios...I know you can do much better than this  :-\
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 07, 2007 at 08:05 AM
Tho its certainly good news to know more HD-DVDs tittles are coming our way but those announced tittles are insufficient to excite me like a happy bee. Unlike BD tittles which are really tempting.... :-[

Common studios...I know you can do much better than this  :-\
go neutral paul...  ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 07, 2007 at 08:10 AM
Yes yes I will go neutral once I get my hand on a PS3...learning from you guys...I'm still trying to hint to my wifey to get me a PS3 as a gift but so far still no reaction  :-[

Unlike some of you lucky dudes who got your PS3 from the wifey!  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Mar 07, 2007 at 08:55 AM
Im good for the following titles, Midnight run, Dragonheart, lost in translation and Smokey and the Bandit. The sad part is I just recently purchased Smokey and the Bandit SE dvd. Actually havent watched it either. This is whats frustrating me with Universal. They have to announce their so called 100 titles early so people will not double dip. For example, they will come out with Fletch jane doe edition in May. I really like this movie and thinking of getting this. But next thing you know they will announce this in HD in for example December...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 07, 2007 at 10:27 PM
go neutral paul...  ;D ;D

Take advantage of the Amazon treat... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 07, 2007 at 10:32 PM
Whoa too much DARK FORCES around here...I got to be careful or else will get suck in as well hehe.. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: ricky on Mar 08, 2007 at 12:02 AM
Yes yes I will go neutral once I get my hand on a PS3...learning from you guys...I'm still trying to hint to my wifey to get me a PS3 as a gift but so far still no reaction  :-[

Unlike some of you lucky dudes who got your PS3 from the wifey!  ;D

Sony will come out with a $599 blu-ray player soon ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 08, 2007 at 07:37 AM
Whoa too much DARK FORCES around here...I got to be careful or else will get suck in as well hehe.. ;D


give in...give in to the dark side... :D :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: ev on Mar 08, 2007 at 08:13 AM
hmmm...$28.95

With that price, I'll used up my cash to hoard up some criterion dvds :)

Just my opinion :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 08, 2007 at 08:58 AM
give in...give in to the dark side... :D :D

That means HD DVD talaga ang bida, mala Fernando Poe movie??? 
I don't know but red and violet appears darker to me than blue, although the PS3 sure looks quite dark compared to the Xbox360.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Mar 08, 2007 at 11:47 AM
Titles Ive been waiting for are starting to come out in hddvd, also on blueray. Paramount is releasing Trading Places and Coming to America this June. Finally!!! I want the Indiana Jones series and Beverly Hills cop
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 08, 2007 at 04:41 PM
Initially I was a BD advocater due to its technical superiority but now a HD-DVD supporter. The thing that got me into HD-DVD instead was due to the cheaper HD player price (the main factor in my case).

But seeing the current thread (BD outselling HD-DVD with a margin 2 to 1)....I'm tempted to change site as BD offers much better tittles (at least to my taste ;D ), some new movies, e.g. Departed & Happy feet are cheaper than HD-DVD. Also HD-DVD releases some old movies in Combo format (ridiculous), thus price is higher. :(

Once the BD player price has dropped to a level comparable to the Tosh entry level...the boat will over-turn...I will jump ship immediately! (oops..I meant to be NEUTRAL lang)  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Mar 08, 2007 at 05:32 PM
I also chose hddvd  because of lower price. This is probably what il be doing: I will just wait until hddvd is totally dead , or when blue ray players hit around 250 dollars or when Star Wars series comes out (this is the only major thing that I will go neutral. Fanatic of star wars hehe) I will continue enjoying hddvd and since viva is coming out with 299 fox and disney titles, I will just enjoy these standard dvds at the moment, and also other blue ray exclusives on standard dvds. If I go blue ray now the cost will be too much for me with all the titles I want. I will always be a jedi and not turn to the dark side, unless its an inevitable win by blue ray hehe..No offense taken for those who have blueray. I have nothing against it
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 08, 2007 at 08:43 PM
hmmm...$28.95

With that price, I'll used up my cash to hoard up some criterion dvds :)

Just my opinion :)

Once you've watched HD, you'll never want to go back to DVD. Mukha ng out of focus yung DVD compared to HD. Even yung mga upscaled machines can't match the PQ ng HD.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 08, 2007 at 08:55 PM
Blu-ray all the way ako dito. Tinignan ko yung odds against HD-DVD from the start. All boils down to one thing, it's content...content...content! But yung good thing that came out from HD-DVD is that it hastened development of HD than it would with only blu-ray around ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 08, 2007 at 09:02 PM
Once you've watched HD, you'll never want to go back to DVD. Even yung mga upscaled machines can't match the PQ ng HD.

O nga ya...after seeing HD movies, it's hard na to get back to regular DVD...ngek!  :o
However, due to limited available tittles & high cost, I'm afraid many will still stuck with their SD-DVD as constant companions  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 08, 2007 at 09:14 PM
Once you've watched HD, you'll never want to go back to DVD. Mukha ng out of focus yung DVD compared to HD. Even yung mga upscaled machines can't match the PQ ng HD.
uy we agree on this one sir.....hehehehe.   Even the worst looking HD titles are still better than their SD counterpart.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 09, 2007 at 07:57 AM
Terminator 2 (French edition) HD-DVD
http://www.resetmag.com/HTML/fiche.asp?FicheID=2267

Wow...I notice the language section states English DTS HD Master Audio 5.1. Is this the first DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 release in HD-DVD as I haven't seen this before & none of my existing HD-DVDs has it? CooL!!  8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 09, 2007 at 08:42 AM
However, due to limited available tittles & high cost, I'm afraid many will still stuck with their SD-DVD as constant companions  ;D

For me, it's a lot harder to wait for hi-def content that is really worth purchasing than going back to SD DVD.    Available hi-def titles are mostly films I didn't bother to watch more than once.  In fact, I rented them all as opposed to buying the DVD, so there is not that much motivation to collect their hi-def version now.   However, I am hoping that release of very new titles would become more regular soon.  Since it costs about $18 to watch a movie here in Tokyo and we are 3 in the family, then it would be more economical to just purchase the HD DVD or BD disc, assuming my family is very much interested to watch that movie in the first place.  Otherwise, just wait for the rental version kahit na SD DVD lang.  Selective buying all the way.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 09, 2007 at 04:12 PM
Has HD-DVD won?  Definitely not, based on recent sales figures for HD discs.

Has Blu ray won?  ----- High Def Digest doesn't think so:



Blu-ray, HD DVD Hardware Sales Continue to Rise, But No Winner Likely in 2007?
Fri Mar 09, 2007 at 01:48 AM ET


http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/DisplaySearch_Expo/Hardware/Industry_Forecasts/DisplaySearch_Expo:_Blu-ray,_HD_DVD_Hardware_Sales_Continue_to_Rise,_But_No_Winner_Likely_in_2007/512 (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/DisplaySearch_Expo/Hardware/Industry_Forecasts/DisplaySearch_Expo:_Blu-ray,_HD_DVD_Hardware_Sales_Continue_to_Rise,_But_No_Winner_Likely_in_2007/512)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 09, 2007 at 04:33 PM
BD sales is doing very well in the US while in UK over 80% sales are from HD-DVD.

So the format war is certainly far from over..it wil rage on but hopefully not as long as the classic Betamax vs VHS case.  :)

Inititially I supported BD but later ended up with HD-DVD.... :-\ I just hope I place the right bet   ::)

Well, that's the risk & thrill for being early adopters  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 09, 2007 at 05:56 PM
Ganda ng Sony S300!


(http://www.cnet.co.uk/i/c/blg/cat/dvdplayers/sony_bdp-s300.jpg)


Sony BDP-S300: Blu-ray's been to Weight Watchers
Thursday 8 March 2007

xxx

It's a step up from the enormous BDP-S1 -- it's cheaper, smaller and amazingly will now play audio CDs (an amazing technological leap forward). ...

xxx

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/dvdpvr/0,39030701,49288318,00.htm (http://crave.cnet.co.uk/dvdpvr/0,39030701,49288318,00.htm)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 09, 2007 at 06:07 PM
Nice!..wow SONY's 2nd gen BD player :)

Hopefully by the time they release 3rd gen player, it will be much cheaper and in the $400 range :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 09, 2007 at 08:07 PM
BD sales is doing very well in the US while in UK over 80% sales are from HD-DVD.

So the format war is certainly far from over..it wil rage on but hopefully not as long as the classic Betamax vs VHS case.  :)

Inititially I supported BD but later ended up with HD-DVD.... :-\ I just hope I place the right bet   ::)

Well, that's the risk & thrill for being early adopters  ;D

No winner in 2007

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6422896.html

(Vito Mandato, executive consultant to Paramount Home Entertainment) predicts the number of hardware units in homes by the end of 2007 will be at 1.7 million for each format. On the HD DVD side, that includes 1.2 million stand-alone players and 500,000 Xbox 360 add-on drives. For BD, Mandato is counting only 22%, or 1.2 million, of the 5.5 million PS3 units projected to be sold during the year, plus 500,000 stand-alone players, because his analysis suggests that just 22% of PS3 households purchase movies regularly.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: NeilNo on Mar 09, 2007 at 11:27 PM
BD sales is doing very well in the US while in UK over 80% sales are from HD-DVD.

So the format war is certainly far from over..it wil rage on but hopefully not as long as the classic Betamax vs VHS case.  :)

Inititially I supported BD but later ended up with HD-DVD.... :-\ I just hope I place the right bet   ::)

Well, that's the risk & thrill for being early adopters  ;D

Simple reason HD DVD is doing well in UK...

PS3 is not yet release in UK.. Sa March 23 pa. I'm sure BD sales will pick up..  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 10, 2007 at 12:13 AM
Simple reason HD DVD is doing well in UK...

PS3 is not yet release in UK.. Sa March 23 pa. I'm sure BD sales will pick up..  ;D

It will be interesting to see the market reaction after the release of PS3 in UK

No doubt BD sales figure will soar but will the positive response reflect its US counterpart? :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 10, 2007 at 11:08 AM
Initially I was a BD advocater due to its technical superiority but now a HD-DVD supporter. The thing that got me into HD-DVD instead was due to the cheaper HD player price (the main factor in my case).

But seeing the current thread (BD outselling HD-DVD with a margin 2 to 1)....I'm tempted to change site as BD offers much better tittles (at least to my taste ;D ), some new movies, e.g. Departed & Happy feet are cheaper than HD-DVD. Also HD-DVD releases some old movies in Combo format (ridiculous), thus price is higher. :(

Once the BD player price has dropped to a level comparable to the Tosh entry level...the boat will over-turn...I will jump ship immediately! (oops..I meant to be NEUTRAL lang)  ;D

Ang problema, baka pag bumalik ka sa BD, baka makabawi na naman ang HD-DVD.  Paano yun, balik na naman sa HD-DVD?

Just curious: di ba for your purposes, mas bagay ang LG universal player?  Of course, the disadvantage is incomplete HD-DVD features, but doesn't the ability to play both formats outweigh the slight disadvantage? 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 10, 2007 at 11:13 AM
Just curious: di ba for your purposes, mas bagay ang LG universal player?  Of course, the disadvantage is incomplete HD-DVD features, but doesn't the ability to play both formats outweigh the slight disadvantage? 
for the price of the LG combo player which is $1200...you can get a stand alone HD DVD player from Tosh $499  and a $599 PS3...me sukli pa.....

Ang problema, baka pag bumalik ka sa BD, baka makabawi na naman ang HD-DVD.  Paano yun, balik na naman sa HD-DVD?

still possible...as Universal has warmed up with its recent releases.  and low cost players will come into mix too.   But BD group still has advantage in content...thats why I dropped my stance na....and going neutral....very soon.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 10, 2007 at 11:17 AM
 :D  Oo nga, ano. 

You guys have too much spare cash to play with.   ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 10, 2007 at 11:21 AM
:D  Oo nga, ano. 

You guys have too much spare cash to play with.   ;D ;D ;D
no spare cash...thats why im selling my SD DVDs...... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 10, 2007 at 11:25 AM
Ang problema, baka pag bumalik ka sa BD, baka makabawi na naman ang HD-DVD.  Paano yun, balik na naman sa HD-DVD?

Just curious: di ba for your purposes, mas bagay ang LG universal player?  Of course, the disadvantage is incomplete HD-DVD features, but doesn't the ability to play both formats outweigh the slight disadvantage? 

Sorry bro, problema ko is I can't understand Tagalog eh  :-[  I can guess you're asking why don't I buy a universal player so that I can enjoy both HD formats? :)

for the price of the LG combo player which is $1200...you can get a stand alone HD DVD player from Tosh $499  and a $599 PS3...me sukli pa.....

Ah...Munskie has mentioned what I wanted to say na :)  Actually, I got my Tosh HD-A2 at $400 including shipping but I believe now it's around $380. I'm considering & may decide on PS3 if the price will go down a bit more....

no spare cash...thats why im selling my SD DVDs...... ;D ;D

Yeah, same here  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 10, 2007 at 11:42 AM
Sorry bro, problema ko is I can't understand Tagalog eh  :-[  

So sorry, sir pchin.  I'll keep that in mind.

I can guess you're asking why don't I buy a universal player so that I can enjoy both HD formats? :)

Yes, that's right.  I was also asking that if you go back to BD and HD-DVD suddenly picks up again, would you again go back to HD-DVD?



=======================================================


Thanks for the quick replies, sirs pchin and Munskie.  It's the first time I realized that the LG is not a viable option at this time due to the price difference.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 10, 2007 at 11:58 AM
So sorry, sir pchin.  I'll keep that in mind. Yes, that's right.  I was also asking that if you go back to BD and HD-DVD suddenly picks up again, would you again go back to HD-DVD?

No worry barrister.  ;) Ah now I know your question.

Assuming if I decide to pick up BD in the future (PS3 is a possibility), then I would become NEUTRAL (i.e. I don't take site on either format) as oppose to joining the DARK force (to be blunt, it means jump ship or switch camp).  :P

Since I own both BD & HD-DVD players, I simply enjoy the best movies available that both sides can offer. Should either one wins the format war, I will buy the prevailing format & keep the rest in my HD library (which I still can enjoy watching). There's no need to double dip.  :)

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 10, 2007 at 12:22 PM
That's good to hear.

I'm one of the many admirers of Pchin's Comfort Zone and those stunning screen shots, and from what I see, your TV really does need high def sources because I'm guessing that standard DVD will look awful on it.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 10, 2007 at 05:38 PM
February Disc Sales: Blu-ray Continues to Outsell HD DVD; 'Departed' Offers Head-to-Head Sales Comparison


February again saw Blu-ray disc sales outnumber HD DVD by a wide margin, but a performance comparison of the month's top-selling disc may be the bigger story.

For the second month in a row, Blu-ray disc sales exceeded those of HD DVD by 2:1, with trade magazine Video Business today citing industry sources as saying a total of 250,000 Blu-ray movies were sold in February, versus an estimated 125,000 HD DVD movies in the same timeframe.
 
Perhaps more interesting, though, are the per-format sales for the month's top selling disc on both formats, Warner's 'The Departed.' Again according to numbers published by Video Business, in its first week of release, 'The Departed' sold 20,000 units on Blu-ray versus 13,000 on HD DVD.

These numbers would appear to contradict the widely-floated theory that Blu-ray's sales ascension is a direct result of the larger number of Blu-ray discs released since the first of the year (by our count, there were 55 Blu-ray releases in first eight weeks of the year, compared to 23 HD DVD releases in the same period).

While 20,000 vs 13,000 isn't a 2:1 margin, it does seem to suggest that Blu-ray's lead can be attributed to more than just that format's fatter release slate.

To be fair, 'The Departed' isn't the perfect apples-to-apples case study, as the HD DVD edition of the disc is an HD DVD/Standrd-Def DVD combo, making it five dollars more expensive than its Blu-ray counterpart.

Sony VP Rich Marty told Video Business that he expected the gap between Blu-ray and HD DVD to further widen in March, helped by next week's release of the highly anticipated 'Casino Royale,' which (like all Sony titles) will be released on Blu-ray only.

Universal VP Ken Graffeo cautioned against drawing long-term conclusions based on recent sales data, saying "You can’t look at the last two months as a trend or as what the consumer wants to do in this format... It’s really an artificial, short time period."

Graffeo went on to suggest that Blu-ray numbers are getting a boost from two-for-one specials offered by some retailers, pointing out Amazon's Blu-ray sale, offering 50% off select Blu-ray discs.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 10, 2007 at 10:40 PM
I'm one of the many admirers of Pchin's Comfort Zone and those stunning screen shots, and from what I see, your TV really does need high def sources because I'm guessing that standard DVD will look awful on it.

Tnx barrister  :) Using an upscale DVD player to match my HD display at 720p resolution, I'd say regular DVDs perform quite well tho we certainly can't compare to PQ of HD movies. However, the problem arise when we get accustomed to watching HD quality, hence looking at regular DVDs... the tendency for our eyes to seach for imperfection is unavoidable, thus spoiling the watching experience at times. :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 11, 2007 at 09:51 AM
No worry barrister.  ;) Ah now I know your question.

Assuming if I decide to pick up BD in the future (PS3 is a possibility), then I would become NEUTRAL (i.e. I don't take site on either format) as oppose to joining the DARK force (to be blunt, it means jump ship or switch camp).  :P

Since I own both BD & HD-DVD players, I simply enjoy the best movies available that both sides can offer. Should either one wins the format war, I will buy the prevailing format & keep the rest in my HD library (which I still can enjoy watching). There's no need to double dip.  :)




(http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/4949/salesrank10011recent799hg1.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Amazon's HD sales eversince the 50% discount started. Mmmm...very tempting indeed.  ;D ;D And there seems to be more neutral HD-DVD owners (buying BD after buying HD DVD), than BD owners jumping ship.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 11, 2007 at 09:59 AM
for the price of the LG combo player which is $1200...you can get a stand alone HD DVD player from Tosh $499  and a $599 PS3...me sukli pa.....

still possible...as Universal has warmed up with its recent releases.  and low cost players will come into mix too.   But BD group still has advantage in content...thats why I dropped my stance na....and going neutral....very soon.

The LG does not fully support HD DVD features also. Unless they did so after threatened by the DVD group. People are still complaining that Universal is not releasing the big gun titles.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 11, 2007 at 10:12 AM
Amazon's HD sales eversince the 50% discount started. Mmmm...very tempting indeed.  ;D ;D And there seems to be more neutral HD-DVD owners (buying BD after buying HD DVD), than BD owners jumping ship.
Whoa very impressive sales figure! :o No doubt after the release of PS3 in all the Euro countries (imagine so many of them) on March 23...BD sales will shoot up like sky rocket!!  :o After that what will happen to us HD-DVD suporter? :-[

People are still complaining that Universal is not releasing the big gun titles.
Probably by then only Universal will release all its BIG gun tittles to turn the table around but hopefully it's not too late...  ;D
 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Mar 11, 2007 at 02:57 PM
Whoa very impressive sales figure! :o No doubt after the release of PS3 in all the Euro countries (imagine so many of them) on March 23...BD sales will shoot up like sky rocket!!  :o After that what will happen to us HD-DVD suporter? :-[
Probably by then only Universal will release all its BIG gun tittles to turn the table around but hopefully it's not too late...  ;D

By then the BD studios would be bringing out the big gun titles like the Star Wars series (which I always say will be one of the, if not THE title that will make people switch/go format neutral ;) ) and i'm sure Fox has something up thier sleeve as 2007 is the 30th anniversary of the release of Episode 4 ;D Seeing how BD has more studio support, it would be hard for Universal to turn things around all by themselves
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 11, 2007 at 03:48 PM
Yeah right...BD has BIGGER guns!  :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Mar 12, 2007 at 12:14 AM
Hmmm, with PS3's release in Europe and here in Middle East next week and BD sales continue to outnumber HD DVD, i reckon the war will be over soon. I didnt imagine that my jump to HD could be sooner than i thought.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: juneaki on Mar 12, 2007 at 07:38 AM
February Disc Sales: Blu-ray Continues to Outsell HD DVD; 'Departed' Offers Head-to-Head Sales Comparison


February again saw Blu-ray disc sales outnumber HD DVD by a wide margin, but a performance comparison of the month's top-selling disc may be the bigger story.

For the second month in a row, Blu-ray disc sales exceeded those of HD DVD by 2:1, with trade magazine Video Business today citing industry sources as saying a total of 250,000 Blu-ray movies were sold in February, versus an estimated 125,000 HD DVD movies in the same timeframe.
 
Perhaps more interesting, though, are the per-format sales for the month's top selling disc on both formats, Warner's 'The Departed.' Again according to numbers published by Video Business, in its first week of release, 'The Departed' sold 20,000 units on Blu-ray versus 13,000 on HD DVD.

These numbers would appear to contradict the widely-floated theory that Blu-ray's sales ascension is a direct result of the larger number of Blu-ray discs released since the first of the year (by our count, there were 55 Blu-ray releases in first eight weeks of the year, compared to 23 HD DVD releases in the same period).

While 20,000 vs 13,000 isn't a 2:1 margin, it does seem to suggest that Blu-ray's lead can be attributed to more than just that format's fatter release slate.

To be fair, 'The Departed' isn't the perfect apples-to-apples case study, as the HD DVD edition of the disc is an HD DVD/Standrd-Def DVD combo, making it five dollars more expensive than its Blu-ray counterpart.

Sony VP Rich Marty told Video Business that he expected the gap between Blu-ray and HD DVD to further widen in March, helped by next week's release of the highly anticipated 'Casino Royale,' which (like all Sony titles) will be released on Blu-ray only.

Universal VP Ken Graffeo cautioned against drawing long-term conclusions based on recent sales data, saying "You can’t look at the last two months as a trend or as what the consumer wants to do in this format... It’s really an artificial, short time period."

Graffeo went on to suggest that Blu-ray numbers are getting a boost from two-for-one specials offered by some retailers, pointing out Amazon's Blu-ray sale, offering 50% off select Blu-ray discs.



It is so maybe because there are a lot of titles for sale in BD format than HD format. But i think the true measure can be had if there is a comparison on a by title basis. For example, if BD format outsells HD format for a specific movie such as say " The Fugitive".
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: juneaki on Mar 12, 2007 at 07:45 AM
Whoa very impressive sales figure! :o No doubt after the release of PS3 in all the Euro countries (imagine so many of them) on March 23...BD sales will shoot up like sky rocket!!  :o After that what will happen to us HD-DVD suporter? 

I hope China produce more HD-DVD players so that it can flood RP with Xenon HD-DVD, Orange HD-DVD, Rhong-xin HD-DVD, etc. etc.  ;D  ;D Then HD-DVD disc will be sold at a discount, if these happens, HD will win not only in RP but also in Asia.  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 12, 2007 at 07:56 AM
Despite the numerous releases of sales figures...its still early and too small of  a market to make such an end of war prediction.....maybe trendings...but we all know....it shifts..... ;D  just my dos centimos...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Compaq on Mar 12, 2007 at 07:59 AM
I hope China produce more HD-DVD players so that it can flood RP with Xenon HD-DVD, Orange HD-DVD, Rhong-xin HD-DVD, etc. etc.  ;D  ;D Then HD-DVD disc will be sold at a discount, if these happens, HD will win not only in RP but also in Asia.  ;D  ;D

You forgot to include studios in your equation :) Is it possible that the majority of the studios will change their minds and support both formats? Or maybe, in the future, someone will be able to hack BD and convert it to HD-DVD  ::)

My thoughts, trend will be - go neutral. Masakit lang sa bulsa, at least for now.

Cheers!!!
Compaq
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: turismo1997 on Mar 12, 2007 at 12:23 PM
Does anyone know if the xbox 360's hddvd player upscales ordinary dvd titles?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Mar 12, 2007 at 01:35 PM
the xbox360 add-on upscales dvd through vga. it upscales backup dvds through component
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 12, 2007 at 04:44 PM
Does anyone know if the xbox 360's hddvd player upscales ordinary dvd titles?

It actually does a great job upscaling dvds as far as I can discern.   I am using the D-terminal and component and haven't tested VGA connection yet.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 12, 2007 at 04:46 PM
By then the BD studios would be bringing out the big gun titles like the Star Wars series (
.

Lucas would not even blink an eye unless he sees a user base of at least 10M.  Still quite a wait for us Star Wars fans.


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 12, 2007 at 05:01 PM
But i think the true measure can be had if there is a comparison on a by title basis. 

A more meaningful measure could be had if there were like 5000 titles available. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Mar 13, 2007 at 10:12 AM
may mga Blu Ray and HD DVD titles sa Infomaxx sa Park Square 1.

Price from 1700 to 2200.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 13, 2007 at 10:21 AM
Yep, other than Infomaxx in Park Square 1, Spectra also selling HD movies but mostly by order basis.

Listening in Style in Edsa Shangrila Mall also selling around that price range
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: edboy7 on Mar 13, 2007 at 09:20 PM
SOME BLURAY REVIEWS (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/reviews.html)
hello Hd guys, any player that can do hd signal thru component outs?  or dvi to component adapter is  best way? TIA :)  labo no hehehehehe
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: et414 on Mar 13, 2007 at 09:32 PM
afaik most players can do 720p/1080i through component. 1080p lang ata restricted to an hdcp compliant monitor
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: edboy7 on Mar 13, 2007 at 09:35 PM
afaik most players can do 720p/1080i through component. 1080p lang ata restricted to an hdcp compliant monitor
thnx ET414 720p/1080p will be fine for me How bout ps3 and Xbox hddvd? thru component pwede din ba? thanks
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: et414 on Mar 13, 2007 at 10:08 PM
yes 720p/1080i only through component
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: edboy7 on Mar 13, 2007 at 10:17 PM
yes 720p/1080i only through component
alright thanks again :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: juneaki on Mar 14, 2007 at 08:06 AM
yes 720p/1080i only through component

What? PS3 or X-box 360 can output HD signals 720p/1080i thru component out? Meron bang component output ang mga game/players na ito? Pwede ko bang gamitin sa HD ready na TV/PJ na may component input?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aeris30 on Mar 14, 2007 at 08:16 AM
I have both consoles & they can output 1080p, 1080i, 720p thru component input .
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: juneaki on Mar 14, 2007 at 09:59 AM
I have both consoles & they can output 1080p, 1080i, 720p thru component input .

So, both have component output jack which i can use to connect to my InFocus X1 using component to vga cable? Meaning i can enjoy HD-DVD or Bluray movies using PS3 or Xbox 360 w/ HD player using InFocus X1 as display?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 14, 2007 at 10:40 AM
So, both have component output jack which i can use to connect to my InFocus X1 using component to vga cable? Meaning i can enjoy HD-DVD or Bluray movies using PS3 or Xbox 360 w/ HD player using InFocus X1 as display?

You need MS proprietary HD cable (with component video or D-terminal, or VGA on one end - your choice) for the X360 to watch HD.  The component video or D cable (if Japanese unit) is bundled with the so called premium X360 pack.   I think there is also a Monster cable available. For PS3, please check carefully regarding HD compatibility issues when connecting through component video instead of HDMI.  AFAIK, the PS3 package includes a composite AV cable only, but the component video/d cable is available as an option for about $30.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: juneaki on Mar 14, 2007 at 01:54 PM
You need MS proprietary HD cable (with component video or D-terminal, or VGA on one end - your choice) for the X360 to watch HD.  The component video or D cable (if Japanese unit) is bundled with the so called premium X360 pack.   I think there is also a Monster cable available. For PS3, please check carefully regarding HD compatibility issues when connecting through component video instead of HDMI.  AFAIK, the PS3 package includes a composite AV cable only, but the component video/d cable is available as an option for about $30.


Ahh ok. I think i prefer Xbox 360 w/ hd player than PS3.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Mar 14, 2007 at 03:06 PM
if you choose the xbox360 just update it to the latest firmware to enjoy upscaling through component...if you play backup dvd discs ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aeris30 on Mar 14, 2007 at 03:26 PM
Upscaling in the Xbox 360 is possible only thru vga output up to 1080p.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Mar 14, 2007 at 04:39 PM
its possible with dvds with no copy protection, aka backups. same scenario with the hda1 i had :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 14, 2007 at 04:40 PM
Upscaling in the Xbox 360 is possible only thru vga output up to 1080p.

What exactly does upscaling mean anyway?  

When I play DVD through the add-on drive (connected through D teminal to a 37V Aquos), it is quite apparent to my eyes the relatively smoothness of the image.  Although the Xbox360 is set to D4, I don't think its real D3 or D4 because it certainly is not as hi-def as an HD DVD film, but it sure looks finer than playing the movie on my stand alone JVC DVD player which outputs D2.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 14, 2007 at 04:59 PM
'Casino Royale' Blu-ray Cracks Amazon Top Ten


In another high-def first, the Blu-ray edition of 'Casino Royale' cracked the top ten on Amazon's DVD top sellers list upon its release Tuesday, peaking late in the evening at #8.

Updated hourly, the Amazon list tracks all video disc sales at Amazon, including standard-def DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD. And while the top of the list is usually dominated by standard-def DVD releases, some early adopters have made sport out of tracking how next-gen releases on both formats stack up in Amazon's overall rankings, spawning at least two frequently updated head-to-head charts (at HdGameDb and eProductWars ), and countless posts on our own Smackdown Forum.

The strong performance for 'Casino Royale' at Amazon would seem to back up predictions that the latest Bond flick would score record-breaking overall first-week sales for a next-gen disc. The current record holder is the Blu-ray edition of 'The Departed,' which as we reported last week is said to have sold a total of 20,000 units in its first week out last month.

Lest anyone misunderstand this news and start sounding the death knell for standard-def DVD, it should be noted that two other editions of 'Casino Royale' (both standard-def DVD) also cracked the top ten yesterday -- the wide screen two-disc version (at #1) and the full screen two-disc version (at #10).

Still, it is a milestone, and the forums are already abuzz with predictions of which next-gen title might be next to meet or beat 'Royale' on the Amazon chart.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 14, 2007 at 05:23 PM
'Casino Royale' Blu-ray Cracks Amazon Top Ten

Certainly good news for BD but hopefully, this would wake up the HD DVD camp to start giving us titles we'd really love to purchase without even thinking.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Mar 14, 2007 at 06:54 PM
too bad mr. and mrs. smith got pushed back
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 14, 2007 at 07:04 PM
Ahh ok. I think i prefer Xbox 360 w/ hd player than PS3.

I always admire the 360 addon player with it PQ, size, buget & a great device esp for those who had purchased the Xbox 360 earlier & decided to transit into the HD world. Perfect solution! 

Unfortunately TrueHD is not supported as there are no analog outputs or HDMI but Microsoft does list TrueHD in their specs. It will downconvert both DD+ & THD to only 640 kbps DD 5.1 over toshlink optical output.

Good news: it seems Microsoft has the support in the works to release a HDMI version addon. Is this already been released in the market? Is there any new info/specs for this new gen addon?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: edboy7 on Mar 14, 2007 at 11:03 PM
I have both consoles & they can output 1080p, 1080i, 720p thru component input .
wow....games galore ka dyan  yan ha! :) im leaning towards ps3 coz of BD, does it upconvert to 720p/1080i when playing sddvds thru compnent? i have several sacd titles din thanks kulit no hehehehehe :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Mar 14, 2007 at 11:19 PM
I have both consoles & they can output 1080p, 1080i, 720p thru component input .

Confused lang ako dito.
Kasi walang HDTV that accepts 1080p through Component.

Even Blu Ray movies only output 1080p through HDMI.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: et414 on Mar 14, 2007 at 11:25 PM
yun din ang alam ko. 1080p is protected by ICT(image constraint token) that can only be received by an hdcp compliant connection
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aeris30 on Mar 15, 2007 at 08:08 AM
Confused lang ako dito.
Kasi walang HDTV that accepts 1080p through Component.

Even Blu Ray movies only output 1080p through HDMI.
Have not tried it yet coz I don't have a 1080p display but both consoles' manuals state they do.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 15, 2007 at 08:17 AM
Confused lang ako dito.
Kasi walang HDTV that accepts 1080p through Component.

Even Blu Ray movies only output 1080p through HDMI.

The latest R series Aquos have multiple D5 input terminals..Sharp 46/52/57/65 RX1W, but it is difficult to expect Sharp to sell their hi-end models in the Philippines.  They seem to be offering only their entry model A series and B series LCDs out there.   Not even D, E or G series.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aeris30 on Mar 15, 2007 at 08:25 AM
wow....games galore ka dyan  yan ha! :) im leaning towards ps3 coz of BD, does it upconvert to 720p/1080i when playing sddvds thru compnent? i have several sacd titles din thanks kulit no hehehehehe :)
as of now the PS3 has no upscaling capabilities for sd dvds & it's sd dvd playback is just like any ordinary dvd player. You need a receiver with HDMI input for SACD audio.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Mar 15, 2007 at 02:49 PM
the PS3 will upscale DVDs in their upcoming firmwares, sabi ni tito Phil  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 15, 2007 at 04:39 PM
Your HDTV should be able to upscale to its native resolution via component or HDMI.  No need for an upscaling player really. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 17, 2007 at 07:15 AM
Universal Announces Mega-Wave of HD DVD Catalog for June

Universal Studios Home Entertainment will bring more than a dozen new catalog titles to HD DVD this June, top-lined by the hits 'Bruce Almighty,' 'Daylight' and 'Liar, Liar.'

In the studio's biggest one-day announcement ever for HD DVD, they have unveiled a two-tier June attack comprised of a lucky thirteen new catalog faves. Among the two waves of titles are:

June 12: 'Born on the Fourth of July,' 'Bruce Almighty,' 'Daylight,' 'Liar, Liar,' 'Monty Python's The Meaning of Life' and 'Sneakers.'

June 26: 'American Me,' 'Being John Malkovich,' 'Bulletproof,' 'Mallrats,' 'Meet Joe Black,' Mystery Men' and 'The Watcher.'

No specs have yet been issued for the titles, but there is no reason to think all won't include Universal's now-standard 1080p/VC-1 transfers and Dolby Digital-Plus sound configurations. The extras should also align with what is offered on their standard-def DVD counterparts.

Surprisingly, given Universal's prior pledge to release the majority of its 2007 next-gen titles as HD DVD/DVD combo discs, its entire June catalog wave are currently pegged as HD DVD only.

All have a suggested list price of $29.98.

We'll be adding all thirteen of Universal's new announcements to our database over the rest of the day, so watch our HD DVD Release Schedule to see those June slots fill up real fast. Stay tuned for full specs to be unveiled in the days ahead.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.




Great... Universal flexes its muscles this time......and its good that all are currently pegged as HD DVD only.....so no to costlier combos.... ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 17, 2007 at 07:41 AM
Universal Studios still focusing on releasing HD DVD Catalog? At least bring out some big gun titles no? When are they releasing more newer tittles?  :P

Well, glad they have come to their senses to cut off the Combo format for catalog movies. Let's hope they keep it that way. ::)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 17, 2007 at 07:58 AM
Yes paul, its also unfortunate that Universal is devoid of blockbuster hits lately....only 1 cracking the top ten the last two years....

2005
Rank    Title    Studio    Box Office Gross
Total Int.l    U.S./Canada    U. K.    Australia

1.    Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire    Warner Bros.
   
2.    Star Wars Episode III:Revenge of the Sith    20th Century Fox    
3.    The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe    Walt Disney Pictures    

4.    War of the Worlds    Paramount Pictures    
5.    King Kong    Universal Pictures    
6.    Madagascar    DreamWorks    
7.    Mr. & Mrs. Smith    20th Century Fox    
8.    Charlie and the Chocolate Factory    Warner Bros.    
9.    Batman Begins    Warner Bros.    

10.    Hitch    Columbia Pictures    

2006
Rank    Title    Studio    Box Office Gross
Total Int.l    U.S./Canada    U. K.    Australia

1.    Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest    Walt Disney Pictures    
2.    The Da Vinci Code    Columbia Pictures    
3.    Ice Age: The Meltdown    20th Century Fox    
4.    Casino Royale    MGM / Columbia    
5.    Night at the Museum    20th Century Fox    
6.    Cars    Walt Disney Pictures / Pixar    
7.    X-Men: The Last Stand    20th Century Fox
   
8.    Mission: Impossible III    Paramount Pictures    
9.    Superman Returns    Warner Bros.    
10.    Happy Feet    Warner Bros.    


Red=HD DVD Exclusive
Blue=Blu-ray Exclusive
Green=Neutral


From the list earlier, Bruce Almighty, Sneakers and Meet Joe Black will be considered by me.....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 17, 2007 at 08:15 AM
Very unfortunate indeed...kawawa pala si Universal ;D

For HD-DVD, Warner Bros is doing a great job in releasing all its tittles based on your "Rank Title Studio Box Office Gross" list 2005-2006:

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire   
Batman Begins 
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory   
Superman Returns   
Happy Feet   :)   



Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Mar 17, 2007 at 08:15 AM
all right great no combos. Im want to get also bruce almighty and sneakers
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 17, 2007 at 11:56 AM
"The HD DVD promotional group, in a separate presentation, said consumers should not only focus on the big blockbuster titles from Hollywood, but also those from regional film houses in Europe and Asia which would bring many titles to HD DVD because it was cheaper and simpler"   ;D



Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 17, 2007 at 05:22 PM
"The HD DVD promotional group, in a separate presentation, said consumers should not only focus on the big blockbuster titles from Hollywood, but also those from regional film houses in Europe and Asia which would bring many titles to HD DVD because it was cheaper and simpler"   ;D

Now they are telling consumers what to buy so that HD-DVD will survive... I don't think J8P will want to watch French movies in his spare time.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 17, 2007 at 06:24 PM
Blu-ray looks to replace DVDs within three years
Friday, March 16, 2007
By AppleInsider Staff


The Blu-ray disc association said Thursday that it's aiming to replace the traditional DVD storage format within the next three years.

 "Within three years it will just be Blu-ray," said Frank Simonis, the Blu-ray Disc Association's European chairman, speaking at the CeBIT technology trade show.

http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=2574 (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=2574)



Hindi lang daw HD-DVD ang talo niya, pati daw Standard DVD, talo daw niya in 3 years...  yabang talaga ng Blu ray, o.     :o ;D :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 17, 2007 at 06:26 PM
Whoa..Blu-ray's nose is too high, only time can tell  :-X
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 18, 2007 at 12:13 AM



Hindi lang daw HD-DVD ang talo niya, pati daw Standard DVD, talo daw niya in 3 years...  yabang talaga ng Blu ray, o.     :o ;D :D
yeah... I agree.  Too much baloney I think....three years?  DVD is the most successful video format ever......replacing it wont come in three years...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 18, 2007 at 07:25 AM
What's the matter with Blu-ray always making "baloney" (I like this word  ;D )claims? First they have beaten HD-DVD & declare BD as winner. Now they're making this claim to replace DVD in 3 years.

I wonder what's next? Why don't they try something like: Cheaper BD movies in 6 months? Cheaper BD player at $200 entry level in a year? Instead of those boasful claims...(not that I'm against SONY)  ::)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 18, 2007 at 08:13 AM
As far as i can recall, BD has always declared its avowed intentions of replacing the DVD as the next de facto video standard for HT since the start.  3 years might actually be possible if the ff conditions appear:

(1)  Cheap HDTV from china at par with ordinary TVs.
(2)  Cheap BD standalone players, (from china but BD has repeatedly refused to deal with them, unlike HDDVD).
(3)  Cheap titles (already available)
(4)  More titles (possible within 2 years to match DVD titles)
(4)  Announcement from the studios that they are gradually phasing out SD DVD titles.(forced or planned attrition)

IMO, all the above conditions must be present to supplant DVD as the standard HT video format within a short time.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Mar 18, 2007 at 08:21 AM
Dont you guys know Blue ray have their own little fantasy world. Im sorry but they are really so arrogant. They think they are the king of the world or something..Man I have to start selling all my dvds, players, and all my hddvds..Also better tell Denon, Onkyo, Marantz, and others to stop making hi end dvds.. :o
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Mar 18, 2007 at 08:37 AM
As far as i can recall, BD has always declared its avowed intentions of replacing the DVD as the next de facto video standard for HT since the start.  3 years might actually be possible if the ff conditions appear:

(1)  Cheap HDTV from china at par with ordinary TVs.
(2)  Cheap BD standalone players, (from china but BD has repeatedly refused to deal with them, unlike HDDVD).
(3)  Cheap titles (already available)
(4)  More titles (possible within 2 years to match DVD titles)
(4)  Announcement from the studios that they are gradually phasing out SD DVD titles.(forced or planned attrition)

IMO, all the above conditions must be present to supplant DVD as the standard HT video format within a short time.
I dont know about that, Not all BD/HDDVD have all those perfect transfers. Some upscaled dvds are just as good as those poor transfers. I dont think everybody will replace all their collection just like that even if prices come down to very low levels. At the moment BD also dont have much special features. IMO dvd market is too huge to be gone in 3 years, transition will take some time.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Mar 18, 2007 at 03:46 PM
As far as i can recall, BD has always declared its avowed intentions of replacing the DVD as the next de facto video standard for HT since the start.  3 years might actually be possible if the ff conditions appear:

(1)  Cheap HDTV from china at par with ordinary TVs.
(2)  Cheap BD standalone players, (from china but BD has repeatedly refused to deal with them, unlike HDDVD).
(3)  Cheap titles (already available)
(4)  More titles (possible within 2 years to match DVD titles)
(4)  Announcement from the studios that they are gradually phasing out SD DVD titles.(forced or planned attrition)

IMO, all the above conditions must be present to supplant DVD as the standard HT video format within a short time.

If this thing happens, ill still keep my DVD's and my players since i can still watch burned TV series on it. I want my kids to inherit all my collection when they grew up.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 18, 2007 at 10:07 PM
Toshiba HD-EP10: Cheapest 1080p high-definition player yet
Friday 16 March 2007

(http://www.cnet.co.uk/i/c/blg/cat/dvdplayers/toshep10.jpg)

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/dvdpvr/0,39030701,49288559,00.htm (http://crave.cnet.co.uk/dvdpvr/0,39030701,49288559,00.htm)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: tediber on Mar 18, 2007 at 10:36 PM
ang mananalo kung sino una magkaka pirated version hehehehhe
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: MAtZTER on Mar 19, 2007 at 02:22 PM
HDMI motherboards are coming... The winner of the war will be... INTEL

w/ MEDIA CENTERS that can accommodate both a Bluray and a HDDVD drive... :D

makes sense di ba?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aligonzales on Mar 19, 2007 at 02:56 PM
Blu-ray looks to replace DVDs within three years
Friday, March 16, 2007
By AppleInsider Staff


The Blu-ray disc association said Thursday that it's aiming to replace the traditional DVD storage format within the next three years.

 "Within three years it will just be Blu-ray," said Frank Simonis, the Blu-ray Disc Association's European chairman, speaking at the CeBIT technology trade show.

http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=2574 (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=2574)



Hindi lang daw HD-DVD ang talo niya, pati daw Standard DVD, talo daw niya in 3 years...  yabang talaga ng Blu ray, o.     :o ;D :D

Same "baloney" as their announcement of the "mini-disc" and "sacd" replacing inferior audio storage formats....  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dB10 on Mar 19, 2007 at 07:38 PM
IMHO the tech that will bring out the cheapest player wins, i dont remember dvds being that common before those china made players appeared. i dont know if the pq difference between the two formats are  that great to be chosen over a format that is complimented by a cheaper player.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 19, 2007 at 08:26 PM
Same "baloney" as their announcement of the "mini-disc" and "sacd" replacing inferior audio storage formats....  ;D

Bull's eye!!  :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 19, 2007 at 10:11 PM
IMHO the tech that will bring out the cheapest player wins, i dont remember dvds being that common before those china made players appeared. i dont know if the pq difference between the two formats are  that great to be chosen over a format that is complimented by a cheaper player.

IMHO, the greatest problem is that the difference becomes pretty obvious only with HDTV displays.   Not on your regular TVs, no matter if 32" large. Ofcourse you can see cleaner edges and sharper images on ordinary TVs. But I don't think that's enough to convince anyone to shift to HD.  The difference becomes quite obvious starting at 42" and above. Because starting at that size, the inadequacies of 480i DVDs, even if upscaled properly, starts to become obvious and easily dramatize the advantage of HD which is 6 times the resolution of DVDs. IOW, you won't benefit from HD if you do not have the right display, namely an HDTV, preferrably at least 42"  720p or 1980i native. (And needless to say, your viewing distance must be at most 1.5m-2m away, as you won't get the HD benefit if seated farther down.)   So not only must standalone HD player prices reach mass affordability, but HDTVs too.   ;D  The two must go together. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aHobbit on Mar 20, 2007 at 01:06 PM
Same "baloney" as their announcement of the "mini-disc" and "sacd" replacing inferior audio storage formats....  ;D

It seems to me that what they have is a different dictionary ...

"replacing" means "dying over"  ;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 20, 2007 at 01:45 PM
HD DVD camp finally attacks Blu-ray over propaganda war        
By Adam Turner     
Tuesday, 20 March 2007 


... It seems Blu-ray's constant trash talking of HD DVD has finally hit a nerve. ...


http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/10594/1085/ (http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/10594/1085/)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 20, 2007 at 02:22 PM
Good! It's about time HD-DVD hits back at SONY's complete arrogance & foolish trash talk!  >:(

1 point for HD-DVD. ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Mar 20, 2007 at 05:51 PM
Good! It's about time HD-DVD hits back at SONY's complete arrogance & foolish trash talk!  >:(

1 point for HD-DVD. ;)

Why Sony?

It was the BD Association and not Sony ONLY.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 20, 2007 at 06:08 PM
Why Sony? It was the BD Association and not Sony ONLY.

Yeah to both BD Association esp SONY, being the main culprit that does all the bad mouthing to a ridiculous level.  ;D

"It's about time Toshiba and HD DVD took on Sony's propaganda machine at its own game. Sony has the arrogance to continually declare the format war is over before it even started..."

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Mar 20, 2007 at 07:21 PM
funny how the HD-DVD camp counters propaganda with thier own propaganda by replacing the word "standalone" with "true":
"Wynendaele insists Toshiba had sold 200,000 HD DVD players in the US, compared to just 30,000 true Blu-ray players. The two million PS3 sales should not be counted because there was no guarantee people were using them as Blu-ray players"

Nice try, but those 2 million PS3's are "true" players and it's no secret that it outperforms the "true" Blu-Ray players costing more.  If you don't count the PS3 as a "true" player, then you shouldn't count all those XBOX360 HD DVD add-on drives as well.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 20, 2007 at 07:44 PM

Nice try, but those 2 million PS3's are "true" players and it's no secret that it outperforms the "true" Blu-Ray players costing more.  If you don't count the PS3 as a "true" player, then you shouldn't count all those XBOX360 HD DVD add-on drives as well.


Which their stats don't seem to include. There's nothing in the claimed 200,000 HD DVD players that Toshiba has sold in the US included the xbox add-on, which is sold by MS not Toshiba.   This figures jibe with the figures I see in other sites/forums. And they are talking only of standalone players.

And while the PS3 is in fact the best BD player out there todate, the important thing is the attach rate or the rate at which the acquisition of the player translates into HD title sales.  There are just no stats on this for the PS3 or how many PS3 users are buying BD titles and what percentage is using it purely as a BD player.   In contrast with the Xbox360 HD DVD add-on,  anyone who buys one is sure to use it as an HD player.  Else, why buy the add-on?

On the side, the volumes we are talking on both sides together is not even a drop in the HT bucket when you consider there are more than 120 million DVD players installed in homes worldwide.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 20, 2007 at 10:31 PM
Every BD adopter here in PinoyDVD uses the PS3 for BD. But what is Toshiba to do with a forecast like this at the end of the article. Even the writer couldn't give a concrete answer. Resistance is Futile :P :P

"We're only days away from the PlayStation 3's release in Europe, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. If HD DVD doesn't start a little trash talking of its own, the Blu-ray-enabled PS3 could be the knock out punch in this format war."

Trash talk doesn't win format wars, numbers do.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 20, 2007 at 10:52 PM
Every BD adopter here in PinoyDVD uses the PS3 for BD. But what is Toshiba to do with a forecast like this at the end of the article. Even the writer couldn't give a concrete answer. Resistance is Futile :P :P

av_phile1 has answered it well. Allow me to quote:  :)

"There are just no stats on this for the PS3 or how many PS3 users are buying BD titles and what percentage is using it purely as a BD player.   In contrast with the Xbox360 HD DVD add-on,  anyone who buys one is sure to use it as an HD player.  Else, why buy the add-on?"

It's just happen that those that use PS3 as their HD player post it here but in actual figure there could be many times more PS3 owners..it's just that not everyone uses it to watch HD movies for whatever reason they may have ...  :P

On the other hand those who purchased Xbox 360 add-on will definitely use it to watch HD-DVD movies. ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 20, 2007 at 11:11 PM
But you must admit even a small percentage of 2 million PS3 players would still outnumber 200,000 HD DVD players.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 20, 2007 at 11:55 PM
Has anyone got the statistic for Xbox 360 add-on units sold? ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 21, 2007 at 06:08 AM
I am one of those PS3 owners whose attach rate for Blu-ray movies is zero....nada.







Kasi wala pa yung shipment ko!!!   Bwiset!!  >:(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: juneaki on Mar 21, 2007 at 07:23 AM
Black Xbox 360 elite is coming with 120 gb hdisc and HDMI output!
http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/10636/1092/
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 21, 2007 at 07:52 AM
Paramount Annouces Four New Blu-ray And HD DVD Catalog Titles


Paramount Home Entertainment has announced four catalog titles that will be released simultaneously on Blu-ray and HD DVD this summer.

'Freedom Writers' starring Scott Glenn and Hilary Swank will be available May 22, 'Hustle & Flow' on June 26, and 'The Untouchables (Special Collector's Edition)' and 'The Warriors (Ultimate Director's Cut)' on July 3. Specifics for each release are not yet available though you can safely assume extras found on the standard DVDs will all be ported over.


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 21, 2007 at 08:03 AM
But you must admit even a small percentage of 2 million PS3 players would still outnumber 200,000 HD DVD players.

And you have to admit that even a small percentage of 7 million xbox360 users who had bought the HD DVD add-on ....... 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 21, 2007 at 08:05 AM
Paramount Annouces Four New Blu-ray And HD DVD Catalog Titles


Paramount Home Entertainment has announced four catalog titles that will be released simultaneously on Blu-ray and HD DVD this summer.

'Freedom Writers' starring Scott Glenn and Hilary Swank will be available May 22, 'Hustle & Flow' on June 26, and 'The Untouchables (Special Collector's Edition)' and 'The Warriors (Ultimate Director's Cut)' on July 3. Specifics for each release are not yet available though you can safely assume extras found on the standard DVDs will all be ported over.

great...the Untouchables is a must buy for me........will definitely buy it in HD DVD.... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 21, 2007 at 08:52 AM
And you have to admit that even a small percentage of 7 million xbox360 users who had bought the HD DVD add-on ....... 

So let's go back to the sales figures again...


DVDempire (3/21/2007)
Percentage of total
Hi-Def sales:

Format:  Blu-Ray     HDDVD
Week:    71.23%     28.77%
Month:    67.75%    32.25%
Year:      61.13%    38.87%
 
Wow...a small percentage of xbox360-Hd DVD must be really small :P :P And to think they lorded the sales figures last year...

Salesrank of top 100 products (Amazon.com 3/21/2007):

(http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/3622/salesrank10011recent30ean7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Mmmm...same here too. :P :P


What do HD DVD owners have to look forward to in March? Happy Feet and Children Of Men. Those aren't just a couple of big releases...they're the only big releases for HD DVD, aside from a few smaller titles from the likes of small studios Ryko Distribution and DVD International.

Meanwhile, Blu-ray owners will not only be treated to the "day and date" titles listed above in March, but hot catalog titles such as Big Fish, Chicken Little, Finding Neverland and March Of The Penguins.

If HD DVD does indeed lose this format war, they will have no one to blame but themselves. Since before Christmas, they have offered next to nothing for their adopters to get excited about.  





Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 21, 2007 at 09:22 AM
Let's see this next three months how those numbers would stack up again.  It is true that Blu-ray has indeed walloped HD DVD the past 3 months or so, but I believe mainly on lack of content for the HD DVD side.  Since January up to March 20...Blu-ray has released 65 titles compared to 23 for HD DVD, including a 1 month spell of no release for HD DVD side (Feb 27 to Mar 27).

But this coming weeks starting March 27, there would be at least a level playing field in terms of quantity of content....with HD DVD releasing 56 titles compared to 50 for Blu-ray.  HD DVD side though is a month ahead of announced releases..with July 03 being the farthest compared to june 03 for Blu-ray.

Again, I still believe this boxing match is far from over .....so lets consider this coming three to four months as another boxing round.   HD DVD won the Intro battle, with Blu-ray coming back during the holidays, and walloping HD DVD during the first quarter of the year.   Let us watch the next quarter..... I'm glad I'll be watching on a neutral corner!!!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: striderhiryu1 on Mar 21, 2007 at 12:25 PM
So far I have 9 HD-DVDs and 9 Blu-Ray titles. However, I am awaiting 10+ more Blu-Ray discs from Amazon (thanks to the 50% off sale)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Mar 21, 2007 at 01:28 PM
a bit OT. 

Devil May Cry 4 goes multiplatform

The former PlayStation 3 exclusive will now also be appearing on the Xbox 360 and PC.

http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/devilmaycry4/news.html?sid=6167678&om_act=convert&om_clk=newlyadded&tag=newlyadded;title;1

No more game exclusivity for PS3, it seems they are losing 3rd party developers at a fast rate.
Very Untimely news, 2 days to go before a European PS3 launch.
MGS4 and FFXIII are the only reasons for a Xbox360 owner to buy a PS3.
I could  say Sony bungled big time.


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 21, 2007 at 01:44 PM
... It is true that Blu-ray has indeed walloped HD DVD the past 3 months or so, but I believe mainly on lack of content for the HD DVD side. ...

But this coming weeks starting March 27, there would be at least a level playing field in terms of quantity of content....with HD DVD releasing 56 titles compared to 50 for Blu-ray. 


Just wait for the upcoming HD-DVD releases.  This time, HD-DVD's strategy will focus on HDi, with Universal set to test the waters:


Online Interactivity to Spearhead Universal's 2007 HD DVD Assault
Mon Mar 19, 2007 at 02:50 AM ET

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Microsoft/Universal/HDi/Exclusive_HD_Content/Online_Interactivity_to_Spearhead_Universals_2007_HD_DVD_Assault/523 (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Microsoft/Universal/HDi/Exclusive_HD_Content/Online_Interactivity_to_Spearhead_Universals_2007_HD_DVD_Assault/523)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 21, 2007 at 01:54 PM

No more game exclusivity for PS3, it seems they are losing 3rd party developers at a fast rate.

I could  say Sony bungled big time.


I read somewhere that SONY did not enter into any exclusivity contract with game developers with the PS3.  Unlike with the PS2.  I think this gives more economic advantage to game developers to have their content available to all game platforms.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 21, 2007 at 02:10 PM
So let's go back to the sales figures again...


DVDempire (3/21/2007)
Percentage of total
Hi-Def sales:

Format:  Blu-Ray     HDDVD
Week:    71.23%     28.77%
Month:    67.75%    32.25%
Year:      61.13%    38.87%
 
Wow...a small percentage of xbox360-Hd DVD must be really small :P :P And to think they lorded the sales figures last year...


OFcourse, what can you expect?  IF there are no good HD DVD titles around, what sales figures are their users going to generate?   
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 21, 2007 at 03:30 PM

And while the PS3 is in fact the best BD player out there todate, the important thing is the attach rate or the rate at which the acquisition of the player translates into HD title sales.  There are just no stats on this for the PS3 or how many PS3 users are buying BD titles and what percentage is using it purely as a BD player.   In contrast with the Xbox360 HD DVD add-on,  anyone who buys one is sure to use it as an HD player.  Else, why buy the add-on?


Just wanna tell you what happened when I got my PSP updated in a Game shop in Nepo Mall here in Angeles City.  The game shop is selling a brand new PS3 for 28k...the owner offerd it to me and told the him that I already got one....and would use it priimarily for blu-ray movies......then  a twenty something guy who browses thru some PS2 games and is apparently saving up to get a PS3 heard what I said and proceeded to ask me..... "ah meron pala blu-ray movies?...akala ko pang games lang yung blu-ray...."


Point is.........there are PS3 owners there who primarily bought it for gaming only....or for gaming and occasional BD movie watching....and in our community here, more of BD movie watching than gaming.  So there is just no sure way to know the attach rate of  PS3 for BD movies........unlike the x-box 360's add-on..... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Mar 21, 2007 at 03:45 PM
I read somewhere that SONY did not enter into any exclusivity contract with game developers with the PS3.  Unlike with the PS2.  I think this gives more economic advantage to game developers to have their content available to all game platforms.

    Im not sure about this. Those games listed on the link were supposed to be PS3 exclusive. But after the bungled launch, those developers suddenly started to jump ship.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 21, 2007 at 04:43 PM
So there is just no sure way to know the attach rate of  PS3 for BD movies........unlike the x-box 360's add-on..... :)

Exactly.  Which was what I said in that post.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 21, 2007 at 04:49 PM
    Im not sure about this. Those games listed on the link were supposed to be PS3 exclusive. But after the bungled launch, those developers suddenly started to jump ship.


If there was some exclusivity contract, those developers jumping ship would be exposing themselves to ligitation by Sony.  And Sony has been know to drive entrepreneurs out of business when they want to. (forgot the name of the hongkong distributor brought to court by Sony and is now out of business.)  So i think there's none. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Mar 21, 2007 at 05:10 PM
If there was some exclusivity contract, those developers jumping ship would be exposing themselves to ligitation by Sony.  And Sony has been know to drive entrepreneurs out of business when they want to. (forgot the name of the hongkong distributor brought to court by Sony and is now out of business.)  So i think there's none. 

ok, so maybe its the developers own initiative thinking that PS3 will sell well early, but didnt.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 21, 2007 at 05:14 PM
OFcourse, what can you expect?  IF there are no good HD DVD titles around, what sales figures are their users going to generate?   

That's point number 1:  Fewer Titles.

Blu ray's higher sales figures for January and February 2007 are inaccurate indicators of market preference simply because there were more Blu ray releases during that period.  

A more accurate indicator would arise if we can compare sales figures for a single title that was released on both formats.  On this score, Blu ray still sold more discs.  In February 2007, The Departed sold about 20,000 units for Blu ray and about 13,000 units for HD-DVD.  http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/514 (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/514)

Does this mean that Blu ray already won?  Of course not.  We have to go to point number 2: Free Vouchers.

At a Blu ray press conference at the CeBIT trade show, BDA chairman Frank Simonis said, "Within three years it will just be Blu-ray," since Blu-ray discs were out-selling HD DVDs by 3:1 in the US.

Olivier Van Wynendaele, Deputy General manager of HD DVD at Toshiba Ltd said the claims were "propaganda" and then proceeded to dispute them point by point in a call to tech.co.uk.

Van Wynendaele argues that the reason for the disparity is that new owners of PlayStation 3 games console are simply redeeming free Blu-ray movie vouchers given to them by Sony that they have to exchange at retail stores, thus distorting genuine sales figures.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/multimedia/display/20070202090024.html (http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/multimedia/display/20070202090024.html)

http://www.tech.co.uk/home-entertainment/high-definition/news/toshiba-rejects-blu-ray-victory-claim?articleid=943604279 (http://www.tech.co.uk/home-entertainment/high-definition/news/toshiba-rejects-blu-ray-victory-claim?articleid=943604279)

And that's the hot issue these days in the BD vs. HD-DVD war.  

Let the BDA and Sony answer.  Is it true that free BD vouchers are bundled with PS3 purchases?  Were the Blu ray discs that were purchased via free vouchers included in Blu ray sales figures?  

Most importantly, why not just give away the discs for free as HD-DVD did.  Why does it have to be a free BD movie voucher redeemable at retail stores? 


===========================================================


Here's another way to interpret sales figures:

http://www.betanews.com/article/Bluray_Disc_Sales_Surpass_HD_DVD/1172267610 (http://www.betanews.com/article/Bluray_Disc_Sales_Surpass_HD_DVD/1172267610)

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 21, 2007 at 05:31 PM
So it's still content that will make or break either format after all...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 21, 2007 at 05:40 PM
The simple truth is that it's just too early to tell at this point.  And you can bet that even if the BDA has already proclaimed victory, both Sony and the BDA are well aware that it's still too early to tell.

The only problem is that the BDA's proclamation of victory, although they know it to be untrue, might actually become a self-fulfilling prohecy if believed by the consumer.  And that could be the BDA's objective all along.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 21, 2007 at 08:55 PM
The simple truth is that it's just too early to tell at this point.  And you can bet that even if the BDA has already proclaimed victory, both Sony and the BDA are well aware that it's still too early to tell.

Indeed.  2006 saw the release of about 12,500 DVD titles worldwide.  And both HD DVD and Blu Ray can manage only 200+ titles.  And we're not even talking about the DVD titles released  since 1997. 2005 saw the release of a record 13,600 DVDs for the year. That's a total of 26,100 since 2005 only.    Not only are the HD formats still a super long way to go in the war, they are essentially unheard off by the masses.  The best estimates put the two formats as penetrating only less than 1% of the home theater market - mostly niche - the moneyed HT afficionados and device geeks who are impatient early adopters.  Moreover, there are now around 122 Million DVD players in homes worldwide.  I think both formats would have to see at least a quarter of that to really get some direction on which format is winning, if at all.  Even assuming wrongly that all the 2million PS3s shipped (not sold, mind you, as there are still plenty in shops across America and Japan) are used for HD playback, that's still nothing compared to the 122M installed DVDs that BD aims to replace.  And it is not as if that number is standing still. DVD players are still being bought unabated everywhere.  So are DVDs.

At their rate, HD DVD and BD would be lucky to reach the current maket penetration levels of DVD-A and SACD in 3 years time.  Which, in the context of a similarly overwhelming CD titles.  is also next to nothing.  With a mere 1,000+ HD titles promised for 2007, 6 years might be more apt if they doubled the titles released every year hereafter.  ;D 

The only time either of these formats can take off is when LCD and Plasma HDTVs start to be within reach of the masses.  The moneyed HT afficionadoes who have them won't determine the winning format.  The two formats will just end up like DVD-A/SACD if it was limited to the moneyed videophiles.  Selling the players cheap won't because the masses won't see any dramatic advantage on their regular 21" TVs the way DVD had over VHS.  HD won't mean a thing to them as its advantage is evident only at 42" HDTV screens and above.  The two must go together in becoming affordable for HD to penetrate mass HT the way DVD has.

Quote
The only problem is that the BDA's proclamation of victory, although they know it to be untrue, might actually become a self-fulfilling prohecy if believed by the consumer.  And that could be the BDA's objective all along.

Hmmm... Reminds of the Marcoses.  Remain steadfast to your lies up to the end.  And the public will believe they're true.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 21, 2007 at 09:30 PM
Yes agree! Good points guys. It's far far from over  :D

The only problem is that the BDA's proclamation of victory, although they know it to be untrue, might actually become a self-fulfilling prohecy if believed by the consumer.  And that could be the BDA's objective all along.

Hmm...yeah I know what you meant  :-[
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 21, 2007 at 10:14 PM
Toshiba chops $100 off HD DVD player

(http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/3492/92734561024ts1174337448qd6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)


Today, AOL's Engadget reported that according to some alleged retail insiders who frequent the AVS Forum message boards, the much-rumored price drop on HD DVD players is about to become a reality. According to said blogger, on April 1 the HD-A2 will be repriced at $399 MSRP (down from $499) and the $799 HD-XA2 will also shed $100. That all may be true, but the fact is a quick check over at Amazon would reveal that the price cuts are already in effect. The HD-A2 is $356.99 and the HD-XA2 is sitting at a cool $599.99.

Lazy reporting aside (we are all guilty of it at one time or another), the big question is whether the price cuts will actually make a serious difference. At this point, the majority of sales of next-gen DVD players appear tied to the game consoles (the PS3 has a built-in Blu-ray, and the XBox 360 has an add-on HD DVD player for $200), and neither format stands to make big gains in the standalone market until the players get down below $250--and maybe even less.

I don't want to call Toshiba desperate, but when it's offering five free HD DVD movies with the purchase of a player, that sounds like the company is having trouble enticing folks to buy in. (If my memory serves, in the early days of DVD, some companies were offering three free DVDs, but not as many as five.) It also doesn't help when the New York Post is writing articles that quote analysts saying retailers will be pulling the plug on HD DVD in 2008. True, it's the Post. But people make a bad habit of believing what they read.


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 21, 2007 at 10:20 PM
Just got a BD copy of Underworld Evolution (just enough to derail my frustration over my delayed amazon orders) and invited two of my friends over....first impressions?  A friend commented "Blu-ray na ba yan??.....parang mas maganda ang HD ah..... "  While I myself did find the PQ to be just ok...my two friends said otherwise.  Audio quality is quite good either with Dolby Digital or PCM 5.1 passing thru optical.  The latter isnt bad at all, even if downstreamed....maybe my thoughts would differ if I had a hdmi equipped AVR....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 21, 2007 at 10:25 PM
The latter isnt bad at all, even if downstreamed....maybe my thoughts would differ if I had a hdmi equipped AVR....

You're most welcome to run a trial at my HT using the Yammy HDMI  ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 21, 2007 at 10:28 PM
Audio quality is quite good either with Dolby Digital or PCM 5.1 passing thru optical.  The latter isnt bad at all, even if downstreamed....maybe my thoughts would differ if I had a hdmi equipped AVR....

If I recall right, uncompressed PCM 5.1 can't pass thru optical or toslink. Bandwidth is too high.  Has to be HDMI 1.3 at least.  The downstream part is correct.  The player downsamples the audio track to DD or DTS to pass thru toslink. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 21, 2007 at 10:34 PM
According to said blogger, on April 1 the HD-A2 will be repriced at $399 MSRP (down from $499)[/i]

In reality, it could be even cheaper than $399. I bought my unit in 30 Dec 2006. At that time the HD-A2 was already selling at $380 without shipping. And recently prior to the price-cut announcement, some shops already selling at $380 with FREE shipping (in US only). :)

 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 21, 2007 at 10:35 PM
PCM 5.1 can't pass thru optical or toslink.  Has to be HDMI 1.3 at least.  The downstream part is correct.  The player downsamples the audio track to DD or DTS to pass thru toslink. 
....its downstreaming to my AVR as Dolby Pro-Logic IIx....not bad...not bad at all..... :)  of course given my equipment limitations, if I have a choice in a title with a BD or HD DVD version, I would choose the latter, especially if it has Dolby TrueHD.......the PS3 doesnt have analog 5.1.....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 21, 2007 at 10:36 PM
In reality, it could be even cheaper than $399. I bought my unit in 30 Dec 2006. At that time the HD-A2 was already selling at $380 without shipping. And recently prior to the price-cut announcement, some shops already selling at $380 with FREE shipping (in US only). :)

 
selling yata in amazon now in the $350 range.....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 21, 2007 at 10:39 PM
In reality, it could be even cheaper than $399. I bought my unit in 30 Dec 2006. At that time the HD-A2 was already selling at $380 without shipping. And recently prior to the price-cut announcement, some shops already selling at $380 with FREE shipping (in US only). :)

 

On line retailing is, more often than not, cheaper than brick n mortar retailing.  On line sales do away with middlemen distributors.  So it is no wonder that your Tosh bought online  is cheaper than the same model being sold in regular stores. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 21, 2007 at 10:44 PM
Yep, buying online is much cheaper! Amazon is selling HD-A2 at $357 with FREE shipping!  ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 21, 2007 at 10:52 PM
....its downstreaming to my AVR as Dolby Pro-Logic IIx....not bad...not bad at all..... :)  of course given my equipment limitations, if I have a choice in a title with a BD or HD DVD version, I would choose the latter, especially if it has Dolby TrueHD.......the PS3 doesnt have analog 5.1.....

That's the feeling of most early adopters with players for both formats.  HD DVD already has iHD (or HDi) for cool interactive features whereas BD-J isn't yet available in BD titles.  DolbyTrueHD is mandatory in HD DVD but optional in BD which has PCM 5.1 instead (eats up more storage space for the same quality).  Only the PS3 has DolbyTrueHD processing among BD players at the moment and has dual video streaming to support BD-J.   So given a title released in both formats, most if not all early neutral HD adopters would get the HD DVD version.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 21, 2007 at 11:00 PM
That's the feeling of most early adopters with players for both formats.  HD DVD already has iHD (or HDi) for cool interactive features whereas BD-J isn't yet available in BD titles.
tumpak sir AV!!  in BD, when I go to the menu, its still DVD style wherein the movie stops (though it resumes when you go back) and goes to the menu....not in HD DVD, the movie never stops when you access the menu, the settings etc....you never have to leave the movie.   One point for HD DVD here........
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Mar 22, 2007 at 07:26 AM
Toshiba chops $100 off HD DVD player

(http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/3492/92734561024ts1174337448qd6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)


Today, AOL's Engadget reported that according to some alleged retail insiders who frequent the AVS Forum message boards, the much-rumored price drop on HD DVD players is about to become a reality. According to said blogger, on April 1 the HD-A2 will be repriced at $399 MSRP (down from $499) and the $799 HD-XA2 will also shed $100. That all may be true, but the fact is a quick check over at Amazon would reveal that the price cuts are already in effect. The HD-A2 is $356.99 and the HD-XA2 is sitting at a cool $599.99.

Lazy reporting aside (we are all guilty of it at one time or another), the big question is whether the price cuts will actually make a serious difference. At this point, the majority of sales of next-gen DVD players appear tied to the game consoles (the PS3 has a built-in Blu-ray, and the XBox 360 has an add-on HD DVD player for $200), and neither format stands to make big gains in the standalone market until the players get down below $250--and maybe even less.

I don't want to call Toshiba desperate, but when it's offering five free HD DVD movies with the purchase of a player, that sounds like the company is having trouble enticing folks to buy in. (If my memory serves, in the early days of DVD, some companies were offering three free DVDs, but not as many as five.) It also doesn't help when the New York Post is writing articles that quote analysts saying retailers will be pulling the plug on HD DVD in 2008. True, it's the Post. But people make a bad habit of believing what they read.



Anybody can be entitled to their opinion. Whats a shame is some of these press, editorials, BD promotional group put out garbage that the war is over, war will be over by next year, etc. etc. If they are saying toshiba is desperate bec of the free movies, etc. etc., then I can also say Sony is desperate by  saying they will be having a BD player (bd-300 I think) in the 300 dollar range by the end of the year, or something. To each his own marketing, strategy or whatever. As of now nobody knows what will happen. For all these people predicting or forecasting that hddvd will die by this year or next year, Please, please give me a forecast or prediction of what stocks will make money by next year or what are the lotto numbers for August. If I win the lotto I will give them a fair share of my winnings.

 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 22, 2007 at 07:45 AM
DolbyTrueHD is mandatory in HD DVD but optional in BD which has PCM 5.1 instead (eats up more storage space for the same quality).

Not quite. It seems at the moment only Warner Bros releases their HD-DVD tittles in THD (but not all) while others only in D+. Hopefully, we will see more studios to implement THD in future. THD is indeed sounds better than D+. :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 22, 2007 at 07:55 AM
Wow Happy Feet a must have in HD.....both format a perfect 5 stars in PQ rating...Warner is really doing good in its HD releases....

(http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/images/post/1/1799/original.pjpeg)
Happy Feet HD DVD review (http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/happyfeet.html)

(http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/images/post/1/1800/original.pjpeg)
Happy Feet Blu-ray review (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/happyfeet.html)

Warner though sells Blu-ray short for this release as it has no uncompressed PCM 5.1 on this release (only DD-EX) compared to HD DVD's Dolby TrueHD soundtrack.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 22, 2007 at 07:58 AM
Wow Happy Feet a must have in HD.....both format a perfect 5 stars in PQ rating...Warner is really doing good in its HD releases....

Warner though sells Blu-ray short for this release as it has no uncompressed PCM 5.1 on this release (only DD-EX) compared to HD DVD's Dolby TrueHD soundtrack.

Good to hear that! I'm ordering mine soon. For those of you who are NEUTRAL, I guess the choice is obvious of which format to buy. Dolby TrueHD rocks!  ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 22, 2007 at 08:01 AM
Good to hear that! I'm ordering mine soon. For those of you who are NEUTRAL, I guess the choice is obvious of which format to buy. Dolby TrueHD rocks!  ;)
yuppers...thanks to analog 5.1  ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 22, 2007 at 09:55 AM
...The moneyed HT afficionadoes who have them won't determine the winning format.  The two formats will just end up like DVD-A/SACD if it was limited to the moneyed videophiles.  Selling the players cheap won't because the masses won't see any dramatic advantage on their regular 21" TVs the way DVD had over VHS.  HD won't mean a thing to them as its advantage is evident only at 42" HDTV screens and above.  The two must go together in becoming affordable for HD to penetrate mass HT the way DVD has.

Hmmm... Reminds of the Marcoses.  Remain steadfast to your lies up to the end.  And the public will believe they're true.   ;D

Agree with most of your opinion except as regards the minimum size of HDTV.  At least for my eyes, a very good 26V HDTV (I am not referring to PC monitor class LCD which are mostly made of inferior panel (TN) technology) is more than capable of displaying the full advantages of hi-def.  You just have to watch close enough.  Even some of those surplus 32 inch HD CRTs in Pier should be more than sufficient for hi-def viewing, if you get the right model and you're lucky enough to find one in proper working condition.  I've also tested the HD DVD on a locally purchased Sony 29DBM60 and the PQ was quite fine, albeit again, since a 29 inch CRT would be reduced to something like 22 or 24 incher in widescreen, you should watch closer to appreciate the improvements.

OT.  I was in grade school during the Martial Law years.  I remember our Social Studies teacher telling us that the Philippines would become another Vietnam if Marcos were not there...and if Marcos died, there was nobody else capable enough to lead the country...I was scared of that thought like most of my classmates.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 22, 2007 at 10:10 AM
Can somebody enlighten us all with regard to the actual process of manufacturing a hi-def movie on disk, BD or HD whatever.  I understand that there are certain minimum periods after theater release before new movies are allowed to be sold in discs, but what about catalogue titles?  Is it just a matter of pressing a blu or violet ray disc or the transfer itself is a long and tedious process?   Or is it all bureaucracy or some kind of wait and see marketing game at the moment?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 22, 2007 at 11:03 AM
Agree with most of your opinion except as regards the minimum size of HDTV.  At least for my eyes, a very good 26V HDTV (I am not referring to PC monitor class LCD which are mostly made of inferior panel (TN) technology) is more than capable of displaying the full advantages of hi-def.  You just have to watch close enough.  Even some of those surplus 32 inch HD CRTs in Pier should be more than sufficient for hi-def viewing, if you get the right model and you're lucky enough to find one in proper working condition.  I've also tested the HD DVD on a locally purchased Sony 29DBM60 and the PQ was quite fine, albeit again, since a 29 inch CRT would be reduced to something like 22 or 24 incher in widescreen, you should watch closer to appreciate the improvements.


Yes, forgot to mention about viewing distance.  On a 42" HDTV, the advantage of HD is obvious at a distance below 1.5 meters, 2 m max maybe.   At 4 m you can't distinguish between 720p and 1080p.  And at 6m, you hardly can distinguish between properly upscaled 480i and true 1080p.  So I would think using 32" TVs, provided they have a native resolution of at least 720p, the advantage of HD becomes obvious when you're 2-3ft away max.  And if you are using HTPC with a 20" LCD HDTV widescreen, you get the HD advantage at the usual distance of 1-2ft away from the screen when working on a PC. 

But again the problem is, the masses are so used to having viewing distance from their 21" or 29" TVs of at least 3-4 meters either in the sala or bedroom. They defintely won't see the advantage of HD when whey change their generic DVD players to an HD player.  At those viewing distance, at least a 60" 1080p HDTV will make the HD advantage quite obvious to be worth the expense.   ;D

Since we're on the topic of viewing distance vs screen size vs resolution, here's a nice handy table on the subject:

(http://www.carltonbale.com/wp-content/uploads/resolution_chart.png)

A larger size here:
http://www.carltonbale.com/wp-content/uploads/resolution_chart.png

It should be plain from that chart that the advantage of HD gets more evident the closer you are to the screen.  The higher the resolution, the closer you have to be to the screen to see the advantage.  And that is why large flat panel HDTVs are so popular in Japan where typical city rooms are small, usually just around 9 sqm with a viewing distance of roughly just around 2 meters from where you are seated.
Title: MATRIX COMING TO HD DVD
Post by: Munskie on Mar 22, 2007 at 11:12 AM
HOLD YOUR BREATH HD FANS!!!!!

MAY 22 IS THE DAY!!

MATRIX TRILOGY IS COMING TO HD DVD!!!

(http://www.homemediaretailing.com/cmt_images/10426_news_image.jpg)

In one of the biggest catalog announcements yet for HD DVD, Warner Home Video has set a May 22 arrival for two extensive box set collections of the blockbuster 'Matrix' series.

The revolutionary sci-fi trilogy, which grossed over $600 million in the U.S. alone, has long been rumored to be in the planning stages for next-gen release. Thought to be a "killer app" -- the kind of trojan horse title that would entice non-early adopters into the high-def fold -- Warner is already gearing up for one of its biggest-ever HD DVD releases.

The studio will unleash two different configurations, both streeting simultaneously on May 22.

'The Complete Matrix Trilogy' will span three discs and include each film in the trilogy -- 'The Matrix,' 'The Matrix Reloaded' and 'The Matrix Revolutions' -- plus a four bonus disc with extras, 'The Matrix: Revisited.' Each film will also include an Interactive Movie Experience (IME) feature exclusive to the HD DVD, which will deliver an video commentary featuring interviews with the cast and filmmakers, behind-the-scenes footage and more.

'The Ultimate Matrix Collection' will replicate the extensive standard-def box set of the same name which debuted two years ago. In addition to the three IME-enhanced 'Matrix' titles and 'The Matrix Revisited,' an additional 35 hours of bonus materials will be included.

Warner has not yet issued full specs for either box set, including whether what, if any, supplemental features will be presented in 1080p. But we'll certainly keep you posted.

Suggested list price will be $99.99 for 'The Complete Matrix Trilogy' and, for only $20 more, you can grab 'The Ultimate Matrix Collection' for $119.99.

No Blu-ray version of either 'Matrix' set has been announced. However, Warner says it plans to release a comparable version later this year, once Blu-ray's much-touted BD-Java environment is finally ready for prime time.




TAKE THE  THE RED DISC?  OR THE BLUE DISC?  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 22, 2007 at 11:33 AM
Yup, the Matrix set on HDDVD is also the current flavour of the month for some forums out there.  Highly anticipated.  Here's something to whet your appetite guys:

http://pinoydvd.com/board/index.php?topic=64356.0

Title: MATRIX COMING TO HD DVD
Post by: Munskie on Mar 22, 2007 at 11:40 AM
I believe this has the potential of going number 1 in Amazon top seller's list!  After all BD's Casino Royale had already cracked the top 10......

I bet Warner will release this with Dolby TrueHD............those who are sitting on the fence of going HD....now its a great time to do it folks..... ;D ;D

Title: MATRIX COMING TO HD DVD
Post by: Munskie on Mar 22, 2007 at 11:56 AM
(http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/187/matrix43ni0.jpg)


"This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blu pill - the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill - you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes. "
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Mar 22, 2007 at 12:34 PM
Munskie

When are going to my place? Watch Casino Royale last night with uncompressed 5.1 pcm and the sound is teriffic to say the least. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Mar 22, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Yes, forgot to mention about viewing distance.  On a 42" HDTV, the advantage of HD is obvious at a distance below 1.5 meters, 2 m max maybe.   At 4 m you can't distinguish between 720p and 1080p.  And at 6m, you hardly can distinguish between properly upscaled 480i and true 1080p.  So I would think using 32" TVs, provided they have a native resolution of at least 720p, the advantage of HD becomes obvious when you're 2-3ft away max.  And if you are using HTPC with a 20" LCD HDTV widescreen, you get the HD advantage at the usual distance of 1-2ft away from the screen when working on a PC. 

But again the problem is, the masses are so used to having viewing distance from their 21" or 29" TVs of at least 3-4 meters either in the sala or bedroom. They defintely won't see the advantage of HD when whey change their generic DVD players to an HD player.  At those viewing distance, at least a 60" 1080p HDTV will make the HD advantage quite obvious to be worth the expense.   ;D

Since we're on the topic of viewing distance vs screen size vs resolution, here's a nice handy table on the subject:

(http://www.carltonbale.com/wp-content/uploads/resolution_chart.png)

A larger size here:
http://www.carltonbale.com/wp-content/uploads/resolution_chart.png

It should be plain from that chart that the advantage of HD gets more evident the closer you are to the screen.  The higher the resolution, the closer you have to be to the screen to see the advantage.  And that is why large flat panel HDTVs are so popular in Japan where typical city rooms are small, usually just around 9 sqm with a viewing distance of roughly just around 2 meters from where you are seated.

I am sitting at 12.5 ft from a 106 inch screen with a 1080p PJ. The chart explains why 1080p is much better than 720p provided you have 1080i/p as your source. On second though, even Standard definition DVD's look great :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 22, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Munskie

When are going to my place? Watch Casino Royale last night with uncompressed 5.1 pcm and the sound is teriffic to say the least. ;D
just quite busy kong alvin......ill make a sched next week......the sad part for me though is....baka masanay ako sa 1080p PJ mo at hdmi connected audio.......
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Mar 22, 2007 at 12:52 PM
I was so impressed with the sound that words cannot descibe what I heard. This is the reason I want to show it to you. Just call ahead and bring some software that you are familiar with so that we can compare notes. :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 22, 2007 at 12:56 PM
I am sitting at 12.5 ft from a 106 inch screen with a 1080p PJ. The chart explains why 1080p is much better than 720p provided you have 1080i/p as your source. On second though, even Standard definition DVD's look great :D

I sit at a distance of approx 1.8m (5.9 ft) from a 37V Sharp Aquos and the PQ is definitely awesome.  If it were full HD panel, I could sit as close as 1.4m and I imagine the immersion factor would even be greater (as well as eye fatigue and headache).  If I move back towards the dining area (he he he), then the "hi-def/3d factor" diminishes until I reach a far enough distance where I could hardly distinguish between hi-def and DVD clarity, except perhaps the hi-def version appears to have a wider shot, and the colors are very vibrant.
Title: Re: MATRIX COMING TO HD DVD
Post by: barrister on Mar 22, 2007 at 01:22 PM
HOLD YOUR BREATH HD FANS!!!!!

MAY 22 IS THE DAY!!

MATRIX TRILOGY IS COMING TO HD DVD!!!

(http://www.homemediaretailing.com/cmt_images/10426_news_image.jpg)



I hear that this news was leaked to web forums before Warner Home Video could announce its official press release.  Somebody was overly anxious to respond to Blu ray fanboy taunts.   :D 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 22, 2007 at 01:27 PM
it will come in Blu-ray naman........Warner is just waiting to for them to fix their BD-Java....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 22, 2007 at 01:30 PM
Then why didn't Warner wait for BD's Java and then release the title simultaneously in both formats?

Warner probably got sick and tired of waiting for Blu ray.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 22, 2007 at 01:32 PM
Then why didn't Warner wait for BD's Java and then release the title simultaneously in both formats?

Warner probably got sick and tired of waiting for Blu ray.
thats my guess too......
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 22, 2007 at 02:27 PM
Then why didn't Warner wait for BD's Java and then release the title simultaneously in both formats?

Warner probably got sick and tired of waiting for Blu ray.

Yup, they're waiting for BD-J to be implemented.

Actually if you asked some people, they'll tell you the release of Blu ray is half-baked and premature.  (I don't need to go back in time to recall that it's first releases in mpeg2 codec on BD25 was pathetic.)  BD at this time is really not as mature as or at par with HD DVD in many areas: (1) PiP interactivity (2)  Audio tracks  (3) old mpeg2 video codec.  Ofcourse (3) has raised a lot of debates in the first months of BD release and everything is settled now with most studios using VC1 and AVC/mpeg4. (Though Sony still insists on using mpeg2).  Except for BD-J, the disparities between the two are really more a result of the implemetatiion choices made by Sony/BDA rather than a technical limitation, as both formats are excellent in their specsheets.

In the area of audio tracks, DolbyTrueHD is not mandatory on BD, but optional.  For a supposedly NEXT GEN video format BD prefers not to use NEXT GEN audio codecs and prefers old PCM format.  (Understandly coz that's a SONY/Philips licensed product, same with mpeg2 for which it has many patents.)  Not that PCM is inferior or anything.  In fact, DolbyTrueHD and DTS-HD are actually decoded into PCM in the player, so you can have them streaming via HDMI 1.3.    The issue is more on storage efficiency than anything.  And so you can understand why BD50 is necessary. For most films and practical HT use, storage is not a problem with HD DVD with VC1 and DTH. But it becomes a limiting problem when you start to use mpeg2 and PCM5.1, together or singly.  Ofcourse studios are starting to release BD with the more advanced video and audio codecs.  But it somehow leaves a bad taste in the mouth that had it not been for HD DVD's stunning performance on VC1 and DTH, BD would probably be feeding its markets with mpeg2 and stickng to PCM for a much longer time.   

The final revelation is the BD-J interactivity facility that up to now is non-existent in BD discs.  Not only that, because interactivity is also a hardware concern requiring dual video streaming (main feature film and the supplementary features) at the same time, the hardware player must have some dual video processing chips to support this.  And sadly, only the PS3 supports this, no current standalone BD player can do interactive stuff even if the disc had BD-J.  HD DVD players have this feature, both hardware and software, from day one. 

The implication here is quite clear.  Once BD-J is implemented (rumored to be within this year), BD users can expect to double dip on new releases with this facility if they want it.  More importantly, for non-PS3 users, they would have to upgrade their BD players with new BD players that have the right hardware support for Picture-In-Picture interactivity.  This is not just a firmware upgrade issue.  This is a hardware issue, unfortunately.  If the player only has a single video processing chip, there is no way a firmware upgrade can make it interactive with PiP.  (You can make the analogy with some TV sets with PiP features. These TV sets have DUAL TV tuners.  You cannot have PiP with only one tuner.) 

Warner is perhaps right to wait rather than come out with a simultaneous release and disappoint BD customers - the same way that their MI3 release on BD was a poor copy of their HD DVD release in terms of interactivity.  I suppose all their BD releases are.  Judging from the contents on the Matrix HD DVD release, it's way too rich not to employ interactivity - the one very distingushing feature of HD over SD DVD, apart from PQ and SQ.  But Warner might just disasppoint their BD customers still since, even if their discs have BD-J, current standalone players don't, except for PS3. 

(There's actually one more spec missing in BD at this time.  Much has been said about their BD+ security on top of the AACS.  This is baiscally what enticed Fox and Disney to join BD exclusively.  But now not a single Blu Ray disc has BD+ because the specs have not been finalized yet.  Fox and Disney apparently are left holding an empty bag, as it were.  Ofcourse, BD+ will be implemented sooner or later.  Just like BD-J.  But such product lapses in the promises you see with the BD specs before it was released to me indicates the level of condescension SONY et al has for its customers. Compare that with HD DVD that has all the promised features from day one.)

Pardon the excess.  Just my thoughts.  ;D
Title: Re: MATRIX COMING TO HD DVD
Post by: DVD_Freak on Mar 22, 2007 at 02:33 PM
(http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/187/matrix43ni0.jpg)


"This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blu pill - the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill - you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes. "

Hanep!  You can actually see Lawrence Fishburne's "crater" complexion.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 22, 2007 at 03:02 PM
a very costly May 22 for HD fans especially for neutrals...

HD DVD
May 22, 2007

    * The 40-Year-Old Virgin (Universal)
    * The Complete Matrix Trilogy (Warner) JUST LISTED!
    * Flags of Our Fathers (DreamWorks)
    * Freedom Writers (Paramount)
    * The Hurricane (2000) (Universal)
    * M:I-2 (Paramount)
    * Mission: Impossible (Paramount)
    * The Skeleton Key (Universal)
    * Smokey and the Bandit (Universal)

Blu-ray
May 22, 2007

    * Closer (Sony)
    * Flags of Our Fathers (DreamWorks)
    * Freedom Writers (Paramount)
    * M:I-2 (Paramount)
    * Mission: Impossible (Paramount)
    * Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (Buena Vista)
    * Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (Buena Vista)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 22, 2007 at 03:15 PM
Can somebody enlighten us all with regard to the actual process of manufacturing a hi-def movie on disk, BD or HD whatever.  I understand that there are certain minimum periods after theater release before new movies are allowed to be sold in discs, but what about catalogue titles?  Is it just a matter of pressing a blu or violet ray disc or the transfer itself is a long and tedious process?   Or is it all bureaucracy or some kind of wait and see marketing game at the moment?

I think the process of actual production and replication of either format isn't that long. It's the mastering that can take weeks or months, especially if the studio had little time to plan for this while shooting on the film.  (I heard it's a lot easier stomping HD DVDs than BRs also.)  Some directors also take their sweet time releasing home versions of their work.  Like what happened with Star Wars as George Lucas mulled his options on what goes into the DVDs.  Same with Peter Jackson, though I heard the LOTR and Kingkong DVD features had been well planned so that the filming process was itself filmed in anticipation of these DVD features.  And we should also take note that studios would not release a home version if the theatrical run hasn't ended.  So 2-3 months after the moviehouse showing  is perhaps the earliest a DVD can be released.  And it might even be just bare-bone to begin with.  With the LE and SE editions coming out a year after.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Mar 22, 2007 at 03:17 PM
at laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasssssssssstttttttttt, matrix trilogy in hd ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 22, 2007 at 03:25 PM
at laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasssssssssstttttttttt, matrix trilogy in hd ;D
Trinity in those hot tight black leather suits........HOT!!!          Morpheus and his moon cratered face.......NOT!!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Mar 22, 2007 at 03:29 PM
cant wait to see the interactive features, hopefully a revamp :) hope its in truehd 8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 22, 2007 at 03:38 PM
cant wait to see the interactive features, hopefully a revamp :) hope its in truehd 8)
I think it would be.....maganda naman track record ng Warner in releasing movies with Dolby TrueHD.......it would be grave insult kung wala...... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 22, 2007 at 05:47 PM
Trinity in those hot tight black leather suits........HOT!!!          Morpheus and his moon cratered face.......NOT!!  ;D ;D ;D

What about Monica Belluci's ample bosom?  I have had enough of Fishburne's craters in MI3. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Mar 22, 2007 at 05:51 PM
ah yes, monica belucci in HD 8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 22, 2007 at 05:59 PM
ah yes, monica belucci in HD 8)

What about the Oracle's freckles?

Dang, I thought Warner is gonna wait forever for BD-J that I re-watched the entire series just a week ago.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 22, 2007 at 09:38 PM
ah yes, monica belucci in HD 8)
a winner...sana Malena in HD!!! hehehe
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 22, 2007 at 10:59 PM
Xbox Live accounts 'not hacked'

Microsoft has denied reports that users of its Xbox Live online gaming service have had their accounts hacked.
It follows a number of complaints from gamers that their IDs, or gamer tags, have been taken over while playing.

The problems came to light after security researcher Kevin Finisterre reported his experience of a problem first-hand on his website.

In a statement Microsoft said it had found no evidence of any compromise of the security of Xbox Live.

Support run-around

As well as at least 50 other people complaining on the official Xbox forum about having their gamer tags stolen, Mr Finisterre also found clans (gaming groups) openly boasting about stealing accounts.

Some claimed the information was being extracted from people working for the Xbox Live support service

"One of the first posts said they were not stealing the account details but being given them by Xbox Live support," Mr Finisterre told the BBC News website.

A Microsoft spokesman told the BBC News website that "rumours about accounts being hijacked are false".

In a statement the firm said: "There have been a few isolated incidents where malicious users have been attempting to draw personal information from unsuspecting users and use it to gain access to their Live account.

"We think this is a good time to remind our members that they should never give out any of their personal information."

Mr Finisterre, who started a website in January revealing a different bug in Apple systems each day of the month, said he had believed his account had been affected.

"On Thursday last week I was playing Halo and a gentleman said he was going to steal my account," he told the BBC News website.

The next day he found he had been locked out of his account, with the explanation that someone else was using his gamer tag.

"I phoned Xbox Live support but was given the run-around," he said.

Begging for help

Eventually a conversation with a support agent, which he has recorded and put on his website, revealed that several other Xbox users had called with the same problems.

"They said there was nothing they could do and accused Bungie of being responsible," he said.

Bungie Studios is the Microsoft-owned developer of Halo and Halo 2. Microsoft also denies that the company had been hacked.

Mr Finisterre said he was unimpressed with the way Microsoft's support service had dealt with the problem.

"There are people out there begging for help and they clearly aren't getting it," he said.




Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: edboy7 on Mar 23, 2007 at 12:15 AM
.
Quote
DolbyTrueHD is mandatory in HD DVD but optional in BD which has PCM 5.1 instead (eats up more storage space for the same quality).

Sir av_phile1 conlusion na ba to? Have you experienced both? ::)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Mar 23, 2007 at 12:57 AM
dolby truehd is optional for blu ray, which is sad since the ps3 can decode dolby truehd, for example happy feet has truehd for hd dvd while its just dolby digital ex for blu ray
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 23, 2007 at 02:59 AM
I have been waiting for the ONE for ages & finally it will be here soon. I've looked high & low....very soon my seach for the ONE will be over! I'm so happy that I can cry ... (http://www.theimportforums.com/images/smiles/crying.gif)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 23, 2007 at 08:34 AM
.
Sir av_phile1 conlusion na ba to? Have you experienced both? ::)

Three things: (1) I am a member of another AV forum and have been discussing this for about a year already with early adopters who have both formats, (2) you can read on the net about the specs and see for yourself what are the mandatory and optional audio codecs for either formats, and (3) you can check out the title reviews available on both formats online and see what their audio tracks contain.  I suggest you compare Warner releases of both.  Training day, their first Warner release on both formats has DTH on HD DVD but not on the BD.  Happy Feet, one of their latest, also. Ofcourse, since DTH is optional on the secondary audio tracks for BD, I am sure some newer BD releases might already contain them due to competitive pressure from the other side. 

For audio, BD-ROM players are required to support Dolby Digital AC-3, DTS, and linear PCM (up to 7.1 channels). Dolby Digital Plus, and lossless formats Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD are player optional. BD-ROM titles must use one of mandatory schemes for the primary soundtrack (linear PCM 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS 5.1.). A secondary audiotrack, if present, may use any of the mandatory or optional codecs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu-ray_Disc
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 23, 2007 at 08:53 AM
Wow Happy Feet a must have in HD.....both format a perfect 5 stars in PQ rating...Warner is really doing good in its HD releases....

Warner though sells Blu-ray short for this release as it has no uncompressed PCM 5.1 on this release (only DD-EX) compared to HD DVD's Dolby TrueHD soundtrack.

For those NEUTRALs, looks like the audio advantage in HD-DVD will be the deciding factor in Happy Feet. :)

Excerpts:

"It's been a sorry trend, with the studio failing to offer Dolby TrueHD tracks and/or comparable DTS-HD or uncompressed PCM mixes on their A-list Blu-ray titles, while their HD DVD counterparts boast high-resolution audio."

"...the Blu-ray of 'Happy Feet' gets is a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround EX track in English, French and Spanish. Unfortunately for audiophiles, this just can't compare to the full-blown Dolby TrueHD mix on the HD DVD."
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 23, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Yup, at the moment, early adopters who have players in both formats enjoy getting all the HD titles they want that are exclusive to either formats.  But when faced with titles released in both formats, they readily go HD DVD most of the time.  ;D 

Just some thoughts on this.  It's just sad that BD users at this time don't enjoy as much from the interactivity and lossless audio tracks enjoyed by HD DVD users all the time.  BD fanboys cheer that BD has released more and better quality titles than HD DVD.  True.  But they are being shortchanged with the absence of interactive PiP features and DTH common  in HD DVD systems.  Ofcourse some have PCM5.1 which is just as good.  And interactivity may not matter to them at all. Still, they are being shortchanged by the absence of features that should be there in the first place.  And the sadder part is,  when the BD-J is finally implemented, those interested in this feature will be enticed to double dip in new releases of titles that have them.  And ofcourse they have to upgrade their players as well to benefit from interactivity,  unless they are already PS3s.   
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Mar 23, 2007 at 11:07 AM
PS3 finally hits UK shelves
[/size]
Sony sweetens the official launch event by dishing out HDTVs to everybody who queued up for the new console at midnight.

Just minutes before the tills were due to start ringing, a Sony representative made the shock announcement that everybody registered in the queue would receive a free Bravia 46" plasma HDTV, something which took some time to sink in with the gobsmacked crowd.

 :o :o :o

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6167940.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;2


 Any lucky bastard here in pdvd from the UK?  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 23, 2007 at 11:21 AM
WOW!!! IS that an act of marketing genius? 

No matter,  If that happens here, I might just be a turncoat and become a BD fanboy!!!  And a Sony fanboy!!!

Only for a couple of days lang.   Then proceed to buy a Tosh XA2.  ;D

I have to admit SONY just did what no other CE could do.  They made a freebie out of an item that was nearly 10 times more expensive than the PS3.  The 46" Bravia given free was said to be in the W series - their TOP series - worth 2000 brit pounds).   One poster in the other AV forum opined, if this had been annnounced, he would have camped out at the store even a week prior.  Good thing this wasn't announced, or you could expect a real mass riot to get to the store.   ;D

And if it was announced, I wouldn't be surprised if some people here reserved economy class to London to be in the queue and just camped outside the store.   ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 23, 2007 at 01:06 PM
WOW!!! IS that an act of marketing genius? 

I say it truly is a stroke of genius!   

It might sound like it's too much to give away, but if you think about how much publicity this stunt can generate, Sony's freebee expense might be even cheaper than traditional advertising expenses.  Spending a couple of hundred thousand worth of freebees in Oxford street could be worth millions in worldwide Bravia and PS3 publicity.   
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Mar 23, 2007 at 01:10 PM
For those NEUTRALs, looks like the audio advantage in HD-DVD will be the deciding factor in Happy Feet. :)

Excerpts:

"It's been a sorry trend, with the studio failing to offer Dolby TrueHD tracks and/or comparable DTS-HD or uncompressed PCM mixes on their A-list Blu-ray titles, while their HD DVD counterparts boast high-resolution audio."

"...the Blu-ray of 'Happy Feet' gets is a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround EX track in English, French and Spanish. Unfortunately for audiophiles, this just can't compare to the full-blown Dolby TrueHD mix on the HD DVD."


True, I just cancelled my bluray happy feet title from amazon and replaced it with the hd dvd format even if it is 4 dollars more expensive.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 23, 2007 at 01:22 PM
I say it truly is a stroke of genius!   

It might sound like it's too much to give away, but if you think about how much publicity this stunt can generate, Sony's freebee expense might be even cheaper than traditional advertising expenses.  Spending a couple of hundred thousand worth of freebees in Oxford street could be worth millions in worldwide Bravia and PS3 publicity.   

I am inclined to think so too.  Am not a Sony fan, more of a Sony Hater actually.  But I have to admit, Sony did the unthinkable and has won a lot of pogi points for this.  For a company that is cash starved, you have to hand it to them for not only a surprising promo act but a daring one at that. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 23, 2007 at 02:45 PM
Nice move sony...... ;D ;D now youll see a horde of fans waiting in line everytime PS3 will launch in another country, expecting another free HDTVs.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 23, 2007 at 03:26 PM
LOL! ;D  That could have been one of their objectives.

HD-DVD will find it hard to top that promo.  The Toshiba LCD is not quite as alluring as a Bravia W 46".
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 23, 2007 at 03:36 PM
So when is the official launch of the PS3 in the Philippines?  Any news so I can start gueuing?   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 23, 2007 at 03:52 PM
Baka Bravia X series 46" ang free sa atin  :D

http://blogs.smh.com.au/mashup/archives/troubleshooter/010196.html (http://blogs.smh.com.au/mashup/archives/troubleshooter/010196.html)

(Link originally privided by sir Mouldingo)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Mar 23, 2007 at 03:53 PM
So when is the official launch of the PS3 in the Philippines?  Any news so I can start gueuing?   ;D

I know but I wont tell, to make sure there is less competition.

 ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 23, 2007 at 04:00 PM
Baka Bravia X series 46" ang free sa atin  :D

http://blogs.smh.com.au/mashup/archives/troubleshooter/010196.html (http://blogs.smh.com.au/mashup/archives/troubleshooter/010196.html)

(Link originally privided by sir Mouldingo)

OK na rin yan.  Better than a 32" S series.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 23, 2007 at 04:01 PM
I know but I wont tell, to make sure there is less competition.

 ;D

Huwag kang swapang.  ;D    But just between us,  I can keep a secret.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Mar 23, 2007 at 10:16 PM
For those NEUTRALs, looks like the audio advantage in HD-DVD will be the deciding factor in Happy Feet. :)

Excerpts:

"It's been a sorry trend, with the studio failing to offer Dolby TrueHD tracks and/or comparable DTS-HD or uncompressed PCM mixes on their A-list Blu-ray titles, while their HD DVD counterparts boast high-resolution audio."

"...the Blu-ray of 'Happy Feet' gets is a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround EX track in English, French and Spanish. Unfortunately for audiophiles, this just can't compare to the full-blown Dolby TrueHD mix on the HD DVD."

Only because Warner isn't quite format-neutral and is obviously biased towards HD DVD :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 23, 2007 at 11:10 PM
True, I just cancelled my bluray happy feet title from amazon and replaced it with the hd dvd format even if it is 4 dollars more expensive.

Not bad since this is a new movie & with the extra $4 you will get a SD-DVD too :)

Only because Warner isn't quite format-neutral and is obviously biased towards HD DVD :P

That's certainly music to my ears  8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Mar 24, 2007 at 02:56 PM
XBOX 360 may support Blu Ray

http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/10733/532/
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 24, 2007 at 04:30 PM
Xbox UK head Neil Thompson has stated that if Blu-ray defeats HD-DVD in the high-def format war then Microsoft will add Blu-ray support to the Xbox 360.

I think the operative word there is 'IF" Blu ray wins.

Ofcourse.  If it wins MS would have to be pretty stupid not to support it and insist on a losing format, won't they? 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 24, 2007 at 04:41 PM
Hmm...there's no need for MS to mention that early as the format war has just started a few months back.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 24, 2007 at 09:38 PM
PS3's French Debut- A Total Disaster: 95% of Consoles Left Unsold

(http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/4593/10editeurs2007032301353ot9.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Oh, Sony, Sony where art thou? Europe apparently doesn’t want Sony’s expensive PlayStation 3, with the French organizers describing the Paris launch of the PS3 a “non-event”.

As expected, Sony fans here in Europe turned out to be not so “true-blue” to their favorite brand, some of them starting to bash Sony for its “infatuation” and for the high price established in the PAL areas for the PS3.

Although they are receiving the PlayStation 3 six months later than the Americans or the Japanese, European gamers get a more expensive and less powerful console (with reduced backwards compatibility).

If Americans are (still) able to buy a high-end PS3 for $599 and the Japanese gamers can even acquire it for ¥49,980 (US$412)- the low-end version- Europeans have to pay for it € 599 (US $779) or £425 (US $840) respectively, while Australians and New Zealanders will pay at least A$1,000 (US $785) or NZ $1,200 (US $839) in their respective markets (I have seen a New Zealander who said he paid NZ $1500). By comparison, PlayStation 3 with the 60 GB hard drive costs ¥59,980 (US$494) in Japan…

The cheaper version, which is available in Japan and the U.S. for ¥49,980 (US$412) and US$500, respectively, won’t be offered in PAL countries due to "retailer and customer demand," according to SCEI.

Apparently Sony had everything prepared for a massive and impressive debut of the PS3 on the French market, but company officials’ worst expectations came true: the failure was “sounding”.

Yesterday, in the evening before the launch (March 22) more than 200 journos gathered underneath the Eiffel Tower, but soon realized something was wrong: the streets around the tower were empty, and, as the time passed by, Sony officials began to worry. A little late, I might add…

The only faithful French fans of Sony are truly amazed to find themselves alone (in the dark…). Serge, 31, tries to come up with an explanation: “It’s true that it’s expensive, but with a HD player, it’s worth it”. Frank, 19, who’s been waiting for more than 7 hours, begins to feel the regret: “I’m disappointed, there’s nobody here. I could have waited tomorrow [March 23]. Moreover, they’ve promised us animations and nothing happens”.

Next to the launch site are Kevin, 21, from Montfermeil, with his two friends Céline and Michel. Kev has been a Sony fan for 10 years and is now the happy owner of a PS1 and a PS2, but surprisingly he was pushed back by the security forces when he tried to approach PS3’s “ground zero”. “I come from the suburbs, probably my face is repelling”, he jokes.

About 40 police officers were mobilized for protection, although there was about the same number of persons gathered at the Eiffel Tower to celebrate Sony’s event. “We were told to prepare for at least 3000 persons” said one of the officers, who also declared that they were instructed to permit only those who had a means of payment to pass (cash or credit card).

Sony had previously announced the projection in HD of SCEI’s Casino Royale, the latest installment in the James Bond series, but instead the OSS 117: Le Caire nid d'espions, was projected. OSS 117 is a 2006 French film directed by Michel Hazanavicius, and is a parody of the spy film genre. The film follows the exploits of a French secret agent, OSS 117, in Cairo in 1955. It was sort of a metaphor for an evening literally deserted.

Close to 22hrs the journalists receive an SMS from the French Xbox marketing team: “the Xbox team wishes you a good evening” ("la Xbox team vous souhaite une bonne soirée"). Soon after that a small military boat flanked with “Xbox loves you” messages appears, carrying a group of Microsoft employees who defy “the enemy”. The world around them laughs but not the Sony employees.

All they wait now is probably the end of this nightmare. A FNAC responsible (the co-organizer of the event) enumerates the possible causes for this failure: “Wii’s success, bad weather, badly chosen launch date and finally the price of the console have made this evening a non-event”.

At 23hrs, a FNAC store-boat reaches at last Seine river’s shore, accompanied by a huge inflatable PS3, which is lit by an immense projector situated on the other shore. The giant screen now presents images with PS3 games, but nobody gives a d**n, because of the Arctic cold outside.

Finally, midnight. Without cheers or applauses the first buyers are invited to step on the store-boat, and soon the first happy PS3 owners in France are interviewed by the crowd of journalists, who are more numerous. Only about 50 consoles were sold from the 1,000 available…

Not far away, on Champs Élysées, the FNAC store specially opened for the PS3 launch- just like other 12 stores of the group in the entire France- sees its PlayStation 3 consoles stalling on the shelves. Here, from the 1,000 consoles available, less than 300 found their owners…
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 24, 2007 at 11:05 PM
Nah it's just a day event so far & it's in French. Probably more consumers will buy in other parts of Europe later...after all Europe consists a lot of countries you know. I'll give PS3 the benefit of doubt for the time being. Let's wait & see what's the reaction from other Europe countries...  ::)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 25, 2007 at 01:57 AM
Australia's PS3 launch also got a very poor response  ::)

http://kotaku.com/gaming/ps3-launch/australian-ps3-launch-shindig-246437.php

Here's a summary links to all the PS3 launch on PAL countries  :P

http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/ps3-launch/european--australian-playstation-3-launch-roundup-246511.php

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 25, 2007 at 02:04 AM
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy coming soon to HD-DVD!  :D

(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/81/0c/11bc228348a04bf9b46fe010._AA240_.L.jpg)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 25, 2007 at 02:54 AM
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy coming soon to HD-DVD!  :D

(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/81/0c/11bc228348a04bf9b46fe010._AA240_.L.jpg)
paul......link?   or are these just p'shopped?  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 25, 2007 at 07:08 AM
Marvin, ops forgot to mention. Got the pic from Amazon. No release detail yet. But I do hope the actual set will have a better art work.

Frankly, I'm quite sick seeing the same design (with different color) for so many years na. Hope they can be more creative noh  :-[

Other than the Matrix Trilogy, I guess many HD-DVD fans are also very eager to get this set...pls don't let us wait too long!!!  ;D
Title: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Post by: pchin on Mar 25, 2007 at 07:19 AM
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Got this from an Int Forum dated last year:

When the trilogy will be released in HD, it's not going to be big. It's going to be MASSIVE!   

------------------------------

The news broke on Monday that director Peter Jackson will likely not be returning to the land of Middle-earth to direct the proposed Lord of the Rings prequels as a result of the lawsuit between the helmer and studio New Line. One can't help but wonder then where that leaves the proposed high-definition DVD set of the LOTR trilogy that has been rumored for some time now.

Coincidentally, IGN just interviewed Jackson's DVD producer and documentarian Michael Pellerin last week about the new King Kong extended edition release. Pellerin is Jackson's point man when it comes to DVD, and while he was careful to explain that he doesn't know when or how the high-def LOTR set might come about, he was able to give us a preview of what such a set will likely contain.

"On Lord of the Rings, we have always saved stuff for the inevitable HD box set," says Pellerin. "We've saved some really critical [bonus materials]. A long time ago, we knew that they were eventually going to release this thing as a box set on HD. This is going to happen, so that's that. You know the studio's going to do that anyway, because that's how they make money. So on Lord of the Rings we have this whole treasure chest, war chest, of material. Some of the coolest and funniest stuff we saved for the inevitable box set. Really, Lord of the Rings the final chapter is still waiting to be written."

Chief among those new bonus features will be a documentary directed by Jackson himself.
Title: Lord of the Rings in Dolby TrueHD 7.1!!
Post by: pchin on Mar 25, 2007 at 07:39 AM
Lord of the Rings in Dolby TrueHD 7.1!! Found this news posted on 17 Jan 2007:

"During their TotalHD press conference at CES, Warner announced that New Line was working on the Lord of the Rings trilogy for both HD DVD and Blu-ray. While they did confirm that the titles were in the works, no details were given.

A source close to the matter gave us a few details of the upcoming release, these include:

*Main feature will be a single DL disc on both HD DVD and Blu-ray.   (no word if it will be a TotalHD disc)
*The movies will be the Theatrical Versions of each film. Yes you heard it right.  :'(
*Both discs will be encoded using VC1
*These will be the first titles to use Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Audio  *crosses fingers for 24bit*  :D
*Due to bandwidth constraints, as of now there will be no IME like features.

It's a real bummer that New Line is forcing us once again to double dip by releasing the theatrical versions, not that it was unexpected."  >:(
 
Link: http://hd-insider.com/2007/01/17/lord-of-the-rings-hd-dvdbluray-details-trickling-out.aspx

A reader's reaction:

Lynn wrote:
"Oh, for godssake -- put out the extended editions! Who do you think is going to be buying the HD versions? The diehard fans! And most probably haven't watched the theatrical versions since the extended ones came out.

New Line used to be great when it came to LotR. The put out award winning, standard-setting extended edition box sets three years in a row. Now it seems they have totally lost their minds when it comes to anything to do with LotR."
  :-[

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Mar 25, 2007 at 08:09 AM
i need a date for that release...make sure its for 2007 hehe ;D how about harry potter?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 25, 2007 at 08:58 AM
I wont get any if they wont release them in extended editions......... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 25, 2007 at 09:16 AM
Yeah then we are in the same boat Munskie & may have to wait eternally...at least we are not alone  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 25, 2007 at 09:19 AM
My sentiment is, if Im gonna watch the whole trilogy again......let me watch them in the extended route......
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 25, 2007 at 09:43 AM
For me, the only temptation in LOTR is the first Dolby TrueHD in 7.1 channels!!

I already have a 7.1 system setup & currently there's no HD-DVD that offers the awesome THD 7.1... hmm...temptation indeed. ::) Anyway, it's a long short. Meanwhile, we'll focus on Matrix Trilogy first  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 25, 2007 at 04:15 PM
PS3's French Debut- A Total Disaster: 95% of Consoles Left Unsold

Australia's PS3 launch also got a very poor response  ::)


I don't get it.  I thought that there would always be more people than those who attended who would be willing to line up for prestige items such as the PS3, regardless of price.


=========================================================


At the UK release, ecommercetimes.com reports that outside the Virgin Megastore on London's Oxford Street, Microsoft handed out free beer to journalists.  For gamers standing in the queue prior to midnight, the company handed out folding chairs with this web address printed on them:

http://www.shkyw.org/ (http://www.shkyw.org/)

The site contains nothing but a welcome note to Sony.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 25, 2007 at 04:53 PM
How nice of Microsoft giving a warm hospitality to those who lined up. Hopefully their hearts will be touched & may convert to Xbox 360 in a last minute ditch  ;D

Probably (IMO) the poor PS3 response could be a silent protest due to the "paying more but getting less" scenario where SONY has removed a chip in PS3 that cause a compatibility issue with older PS2 games. Also this BD-J issue that also affect PS3 (the link posted by Krazy). http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6427147.html?nid=2705

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Mar 25, 2007 at 05:23 PM
The removal of the EE+GS chip (which provides PS1/2 compatibility) was planned all along by Sony for all versions of the PS3 since the start.  The only reason why the US and Japanese versions of the PS3 have the EE+GS chip was because the emulation software was not yet ready at the time of the US and Japanese launch of the PS3. The future batches of the Japan and US PS3 will not have the EE+GS  chip as well and will go the emulation route to lower costs.

Edit: even with software emulation on the Euro PS3, it's still much better than the XBOX360 situation where a lot of original XBOX games still can't be played on the 360 :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 25, 2007 at 06:10 PM
Edit: even with software emulation on the Euro PS3, it's still much better than the XBOX360 situation where a lot of original XBOX games still can't be played on the 360 :P

Hey...let's just stick & focus on the PS3 Euro launch & its console issues without comparing to Xbox 360 noh ;D

The future batches of the Japan and US PS3 will not have the EE+GS  chip as well and will go the emulation route to lower costs.

Hmm...it doesn't seem like a good strategy. It can back fire and create more protest. :-\ But in return of such cost cutting measure, consumers will get the BD-J implemented? Any other improvements?

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 25, 2007 at 07:28 PM
The Matrix Trilogy will have Dolby TrueHD...(click) (http://hddvdformat.blogspot.com/).....nice!!!!    And its also up for pre-order in Amazon.... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 25, 2007 at 10:58 PM
Yep that's right. It's been discussed here: http://pinoydvd.com/board/index.php?topic=64356.0

*Wish we had a separate section for HD only to avoid all the chop-suey  :-[
Title: April 15th - Buy HD DVDs from Amazon Day!
Post by: pchin on Mar 25, 2007 at 11:12 PM
From a member named SoulOnice from another forum wrote:

April 15th - Buy HD DVDs from Amazon Day!
Over 200 people have confirmed participating in this event!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The idea is to show support for HD DVD by buying movies on a specific day. There is no better way to show support for HD DVD than by backing it financially. That is the language the movie studios understand best. If there is a strong demand for HD DVD software, then hopefully Blu-ray only studios will at least go neutral.

I would also add that the point is to also have a little fun and to try to see how high we can spike sales for one day.

I have e-mailed Universal and Amazon to see what, if anything, they can do to promote April 15th. I will be e-mailing others as well.

The date has been confirmed as the one year anniversary of the launch of HD DVD in the U.S."

**Hopefully Amazon will give a 50% pric ecut similar to the recent BD sales  :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 26, 2007 at 01:02 AM
Toshiba Sets New Low with $400 HD DVD Player Pricing
Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 04:06 AM ET

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Toshiba/High-Def_Disc_Marketing/Hardware/Toshiba_Sets_New_Low_with_$400_HD_DVD_Player_Pricing/534 (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Toshiba/High-Def_Disc_Marketing/Hardware/Toshiba_Sets_New_Low_with_$400_HD_DVD_Player_Pricing/534)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Mar 26, 2007 at 07:09 AM
Hey...let's just stick & focus on the PS3 Euro launch & its console issues without comparing to Xbox 360 noh ;D

Hmm...it doesn't seem like a good strategy. It can back fire and create more protest. :-\ But in return of such cost cutting measure, consumers will get the BD-J implemented? Any other improvements?

By the time the revised PS3 (without EE+GS) rolls out in the US and Japan, the emulation software would have probably already advanced enough that most people won't notice the difference.

The PS3 is already technically capable of the BD-J features like PiP, IME and BD-Live as it already has the memory requirement (256MB), the powerful Cell processor, and a spacious hard disk to store downloaded content, all it would take is a firmware update which I'm guessing would be in time for the October 2007 deadline of the BDA to make all new (after that date) players BD-J capable

Edit: DVD upscaling on the PS3 is also said to be in the works as well ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 26, 2007 at 07:31 AM
By the time the revised PS3 (without EE+GS) rolls out in the US and Japan, the emulation software would have probably already advanced enough that most people won't notice the difference.

The PS3 is already technically capable of the BD-J features like PiP, IME and BD-Live as it already has the memory requirement (256MB), the powerful Cell processor, and a spacious hard disk to store downloaded content, all it would take is a firmware update which I'm guessing would be in time for the October 2007 deadline of the BDA to make all new (after that date) players BD-J capable

Edit: DVD upscaling on the PS3 is also said to be in the works as well ;)

And hopefully Warner finally gives us BD supporters the Matrix Trilogy :D
Title: Re: April 15th - Buy HD DVDs from Amazon Day!
Post by: Moks007 on Mar 26, 2007 at 07:48 AM
From a member named SoulOnice from another forum wrote:

April 15th - Buy HD DVDs from Amazon Day!
Over 200 people have confirmed participating in this event!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The idea is to show support for HD DVD by buying movies on a specific day. There is no better way to show support for HD DVD than by backing it financially. That is the language the movie studios understand best. If there is a strong demand for HD DVD software, then hopefully Blu-ray only studios will at least go neutral.

I would also add that the point is to also have a little fun and to try to see how high we can spike sales for one day.

I have e-mailed Universal and Amazon to see what, if anything, they can do to promote April 15th. I will be e-mailing others as well.

The date has been confirmed as the one year anniversary of the launch of HD DVD in the U.S."

**Hopefully Amazon will give a 50% pric ecut similar to the recent BD sales  :P
yup gonna order a lot on this day hehe..Go hddvd :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 26, 2007 at 07:51 AM
And hopefully Warner finally gives us BD supporters the Matrix Trilogy :D

Warner is bias against BD & usually will give a better treatment in the HD-DVD audio department... since you're neutral, get HD-DVD na lang :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 26, 2007 at 08:34 AM
Eur599 is simply too bloody expensive for a game console (and that's probably not including the hefty sales taxes in Europe yet).   For that price, I can already buy a 20GB PS3, a WII and a DS Lite in Tokyo, or even 2 sets of 20GB PS3s.  I have to sympathize with the European gamers.  However, perhaps many of them already own a US or Japan version in the first place.

Backward compatibility, in my opinion, is really nothing more than a feel-good and convenient feature.  I think that feature is appreciated better by, and finds good use to very very young gamers instead of the more matured ones. Once you start playing top-tier next gen games, it's no longer that interesting to pop-in old games with clearly inferior graphics no matter how great the gameplay is. 

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 26, 2007 at 08:36 AM
Opss...my mind was playing tricks on me again. Tnx, I've corrected my post  ;D

So even if they already have the DTH files for their HD DVD, why spend more on using DTH on BD with a higher license?  Even if they did, until BD-J is implemented under version BD 1.1, Warner would not be able to release both formats on even keel.

That's the point...not everything is being equal at the moment when Warner releases a movie in both formats. :) Hence, in my previous post (meant for NEUTRALS only) instead of waiting for BD Matrix to be released which can be a long wait, they can buy HD-DVD Matrix as it offers the better THD audio track & nothing to lose (I hope so).  ;D

For example, look at Happy Feet BD vs HD-DVD review:

"Warner continues to give Blu-ray short thrift when it comes to audio. It's been a sorry trend, with the studio failing to offer Dolby TrueHD tracks and/or comparable DTS-HD or uncompressed PCM mixes on their A-list Blu-ray titles, while their HD DVD counterparts boast high-resolution audio.

Unfortunately for audiophiles, this just can't compare to the full-blown Dolby TrueHD mix on the HD DVD."


But then again, not everyone concerns with the audio quality. It's just a matter of preference ;D


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 26, 2007 at 09:22 AM

But then again, not everyone concerns with the audio quality. It's just a matter of preference ;D


and for those who are so concerned about audio quality, it would be quite a significant investment in HT equipment in order to fully appreciate HD sound.  Personally, I couldn't care less (yet) if the audio quality is just old-gen DTS quality, or whatever new acronym the audio engineers invent (it's probably part of aging well...he he he).   Pretty much satisfied with my current HT set-up as it is, which is definitely more than decent enough to double as hi-fi audio system.  The latest HD sound technologies should be better if I purchase the right and new equipment, but what I don't know won't hurt me anyway.

In my opinion, hi-def video coupled with DD/DTS audio is enough for most HT loving families!...if the sound is weaker compared to DVD, then just boost the volume as you please.   Developments in "lossless" technologies are welcome of course, but honestly thinking, did we really care about how "lossy" DD and DTS audio are for the past 9 years?   I don't remember so.  I just re-watched the Eagles (Australia) and Tina Turner's (Amsterdam) concerts in DVD/DTS and I am still blown.
     



Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Mar 26, 2007 at 09:52 AM
anyone preordered at amazon for the matrix?

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 26, 2007 at 09:55 AM
Yes that's very true Clondalkin. The regular DD or the higher bitrate of DTS would satisfy most folks at home. However, for some HT enthusiasts (minority anyway ;D) both PQ & SQ are taken into consideration for an overall HT experience & enjoyment. Imagine this, not only we are seeing high resolution movies but also we can feel as if we are inside or part of the action.  ;)

Boosting the volume on lossy tracks isn't the same. The HD audio is dynamic, crispier, clearer, etc. even at a lower volume and then again you're right: we will need a significant investment in HT equipment :-[ (no wonder our moms always warn us to stay away from the TV!). By getting into HD bandwagon is already expensive: we need HD player + HD movies + HDTV plasma or LCD... :'(

Nevertheless, it's nothing wrong to get our HD movies in TrueHD or uncompressed 5.1 today as to future proof our HD collections as 10 years from now, in case we do upgrade our HT equip (hopefully I'll win the jackpot lotto ;D) when the HD tech matures & HT equip prices become affordable...we can look back & enjoy out our favourite movies once again in HD audio!  :D

**my response is in reference to the earlier post I made on Matrix HD-DVD vs BD. Since you're a HD-DVD supporter the choice is clear hehe :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 26, 2007 at 10:03 AM
anyone preordered at amazon for the matrix?


not yet...the discount cant be applied pa.... ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 26, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Munskie, the discount isn't applicable at pre-order stage or totally not valid for this tittle?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 26, 2007 at 10:15 AM
it will be applied after some time...its just too early..... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 26, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Munskie, the discount isn't applicable at pre-order stage or totally not valid for this tittle?

The discount is applicable even on pre-orders, based on my experience, but I never pre-order too far in advance and I haven't checked The Matrix yet.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Mar 26, 2007 at 11:09 AM
I forgot to add in my previous post the news article about the future US and Japan going emulation as well:
http://www.psu.com/node/8983 (http://www.psu.com/node/8983)

The good news is that the new PS3 revision will now do upscaling of PS1&2 games to 720p/1080i, and hopefully that extends to DVD movies as well ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Mar 26, 2007 at 04:23 PM
Xbox 360 with HDMI confirmed by Microsoft
(http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/01/xbox_zephyr.jpg)

http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/26/xbox-360-with-hdmi-confirmed-by-microsoft-sorta/

Come to think of it, why didnt $ony take this route - blue ray drive just as an add on. It would surely lessen the price and the delay would not had happened.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: MAtZTER on Mar 26, 2007 at 04:47 PM
Yes that's very true Clondalkin. The regular DD or the higher bitrate of DTS would satisfy most folks at home. However, for some HT enthusiasts (minority anyway ;D) both PQ & SQ are taken into consideration for an overall HT experience & enjoyment. Imagine this, not only we are seeing high resolution movies but also we can feel as if we are inside or part of the action.  ;)

Boosting the volume on lossy tracks isn't the same. The HD audio is dynamic, crispier, clearer, etc. even at a lower volume and then again you're right: we will need a significant investment in HT equipment :-[ (no wonder our moms always warn us to stay away from the TV!). By getting into HD bandwagon is already expensive: we need HD player + HD movies + HDTV plasma or LCD... :'(

Correct there on the needing of a significant investment in HT. I may be wrong, but I do not think that you will experience the full potential of HD audio on so-so gear. The better the gear, the more revealing they are.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 27, 2007 at 06:05 PM
Yes that's very true Clondalkin. The regular DD or the higher bitrate of DTS would satisfy most folks at home. However, for some HT enthusiasts (minority anyway ;D) both PQ & SQ are taken into consideration for an overall HT experience & enjoyment. Imagine this, not only we are seeing high resolution movies but also we can feel as if we are inside or part of the action.  ;)

I'd dare say that 99% of HT folks would be satisfied with DD or DTS provided they have a decent set of speakers, a mid-range class AV amp and good acoustics in their HT room.  During all those years of watching DVD in DTS, did you not feel the immersion when surrounds and subwoofer rumble?


Boosting the volume on lossy tracks isn't the same. The HD audio is dynamic, crispier, clearer, etc. even at a lower volume and then again you're right: we will need a significant investment in HT equipment :-[ (no wonder our moms always warn us to stay away from the TV!). By getting into HD bandwagon is already expensive: we need HD player + HD movies + HDTV plasma or LCD... :'(

Yes.  Amplifying a lossy signal would not only amplify the signal but also the noise, that is according to our engineering books.  But even though I knew that DD and DTS are lossy compressions on paper, that thought never actually crosses my mind whenever I use my HT.  I like the sound quality of my system as it is, regardless of knowing that it is not at all pure hi-fi sound.  I guess I'm not a real “audiophile” to be able to detect anomalies in sound reproduction, especially when there is no reference perfect sound, but then again perhaps most of the Jose-isang-tagay are in the same boat.  The only time I ponder about how "lossy" my current sound system is, is when I READ about the lossless technologies.

But I do appreciate advancements in digital sound technology.  Actually, I "expect" Dolby True HD or DTS HD to be another level of audio experience and I think it's going to be beyond words once I actually get the chance to hear a sample.  However at the moment, if I have the extra dough, I would rather invest on better video equipment, as in the biggest and the meanest full HD panel that I can afford and that would fit in my HT room rather than upgrade my sound system.   I think nobody would argue that when switching to hi-def, the video should come first before the audio.


Nevertheless, it's nothing wrong to get our HD movies in TrueHD or uncompressed 5.1 today as to future proof our HD collections as 10 years from now, in case we do upgrade our HT equip (hopefully I'll win the jackpot lotto ;D) when the HD tech matures & HT equip prices become affordable...we can look back & enjoy out our favourite movies once again in HD audio!  :D

I think the word "future-proof" as applied to consumer electronics is, for the most part, like a 3-5 year cycle.   Of course, current hi-def discs should be OK even after 10 years as long as the world does not end or the hardware remains available in the planet earth. On the other hand, 10-years is far too far to look ahead with regard to evolutions in consumer electronics, except perhaps for one feature that my horny Malaysian friend wants.  He hopes that one day, the TVs would be able to simulate the scent/smell and feel of the scene...He was eating durian when he told me that...ha ha ha.

BTW, perhaps somebody who's actually enjoying HD sound can describe the experience?   Thanks


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Mar 27, 2007 at 06:18 PM
I think nobody would argue that when switching to hi-def, the video should come first before the audio.

I strongly agree on this one. That's why i always ask why some people tend to say they have great HD gears when they are only pointing out to the sound system and leaving out the most important part of the HD experience which is the video. For me, its better to have a 1080P display and HT in a box than a midrange 7.1 channel sound system and a CRT TV.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: ricky on Mar 27, 2007 at 07:06 PM
I'd dare say that 99% of HT folks would be satisfied with DD or DTS provided they have a decent set of speakers, a mid-range class AV amp and good acoustics in their HT room.  During all those years of watching DVD in DTS, did you not feel the immersion when surrounds and subwoofer rumble?


Yes.  Amplifying a lossy signal would not only amplify the signal but also the noise, that is according to our engineering books.  But even though I knew that DD and DTS are lossy compressions on paper, that thought never actually crosses my mind whenever I use my HT.  I like the sound quality of my system as it is, regardless of knowing that it is not at all pure hi-fi sound.  I guess I'm not a real “audiophile” to be able to detect anomalies in sound reproduction, especially when there is no reference perfect sound, but then again perhaps most of the Jose-isang-tagay are in the same boat.  The only time I ponder about how "lossy" my current sound system is, is when I READ about the lossless technologies.

But I do appreciate advancements in digital sound technology.  Actually, I "expect" Dolby True HD or DTS HD to be another level of audio experience and I think it's going to be beyond words once I actually get the chance to hear a sample.  However at the moment, if I have the extra dough, I would rather invest on better video equipment, as in the biggest and the meanest full HD panel that I can afford and that would fit in my HT room rather than upgrade my sound system.   I think nobody would argue that when switching to hi-def, the video should come first before the audio.


I think the word "future-proof" as applied to consumer electronics is, for the most part, like a 3-5 year cycle.   Of course, current hi-def discs should be OK even after 10 years as long as the world does not end or the hardware remains available in the planet earth. On the other hand, 10-years is far too far to look ahead with regard to evolutions in consumer electronics, except perhaps for one feature that my horny Malaysian friend wants.  He hopes that one day, the TVs would be able to simulate the scent/smell and feel of the scene...He was eating durian when he told me that...ha ha ha.

BTW, perhaps somebody who's actually enjoying HD sound can describe the experience?   Thanks




Nicely said clondalkin ;) except maybe for the mentioning of your HORNY malaysian friend while quoting pchin ;D :-X 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 27, 2007 at 07:10 PM
BTW, perhaps somebody who's actually enjoying HD sound can describe the experience? Thanks

I am actually speaking from experience & currently enjoying Dolby TrueHD. My room is just a simple one.  ::)
If you do appreciate advancements in digital sound technology then why is that it sounds as if you are discouraging it?

No doubt the first critical HD investment will be the HDTV. Some consumers spent btw 200k-300k for their precious plasma, LCD, projector, etc not to mention other expenses: sound proofing the room, renovation, sofa, etc etc...for a dedicated HD HT. To complete the HD experience, the next logical step for these consumers will upgrade in the "AUDIO" department: it could be a receiver or speakers....one certainly doesn't need to spend over 200k just to experience the new HD audio. For some, only a HDMI receiver that can handle MPCM (which cost around 40k-50k) will do the job as their existing HT gear are already considered "more than sufficient". :)

Yes I agree most folks are satisfied with the current standard DD & DTS and will stick to it until the end of world...but at times goes by & when HT equip price drop, some consumers will indeed upgrade or give it a try. Don't mistaken me trying to convince people to upgrade their HT just to experience TrueHD. I'm not. I'm just informing the beauty of this new HD audio that's all (if given the choice to choose).

I think we are getting out of context here as my response is based on the reviews given to Happy Feet on both HD formats where NEUTRALS have the option to choose either one. Since it's only $4 difference, one may select the one that offer a better audio track. Or as in Matrix case if we can't wait for the BD to be released. At the end, it's still your money, your decision & your preference :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 27, 2007 at 08:27 PM
Yes.  Amplifying a lossy signal would not only amplify the signal but also the noise, that is according to our engineering books.  But even though I knew that DD and DTS are lossy compressions on paper, that thought never actually crosses my mind whenever I use my HT.  I like the sound quality of my system as it is, regardless of knowing that it is not at all pure hi-fi sound.  I guess I'm not a real “audiophile” to be able to detect anomalies in sound reproduction, especially when there is no reference perfect sound, but then again perhaps most of the Jose-isang-tagay are in the same boat.  The only time I ponder about how "lossy" my current sound system is, is when I READ about the lossless technologies.

But I do appreciate advancements in digital sound technology.  Actually, I "expect" Dolby True HD or DTS HD to be another level of audio experience and I think it's going to be beyond words once I actually get the chance to hear a sample.  However at the moment, if I have the extra dough, I would rather invest on better video equipment, as in the biggest and the meanest full HD panel that I can afford and that would fit in my HT room rather than upgrade my sound system.   I think nobody would argue that when switching to hi-def, the video should come first before the audio.
   So true sir, that in jumping to HD, for instant appreciation, video must always come first.  In my end, the transition to HD have not yet maxed out:  on the video side,  I still dont have a 1080p PJ, but wise enough to purchase a 720p one, when  even then (dec 05) I have the option of getting a cheaper 480p PJ (buti na lang, e di laking sisi ko ngayon....) As for the audio side, since I still dont have a hdmi receiver, compromise ako.  I can enjoy lossless sound (Dolby TrueHD) for HD DVD coz the Tosh have analog outs.....but cant on the Blu-ray side...coz the PS3 doesnt have analogs.   But still, the maxed out bitrates i get thru dolby digital or dts arent bad at all.  Thats why till now, I havent taken alvinthx2's invitation to see and hear his maxed out HD system:  1080P video and lossless sound thru hdmi.  If I did...wouldnt it be a pain to know how lossy my system would be?  Thats why the next logical step for me is a hdmi receiver.....even a entry level would do, as long as it has analog outs.  So the transition goes on....

I agree with clondalkin, you can live with some compromise on not getting full HD audio( and avoiding immersing yourself with the real thing momentarily)........but you cant fully appreciate  HD without a HD capable monitor, be it a flat display or front PJ.

IMO, with the right monitor, you can enjoy HD now...just upgrade the audio part later... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 27, 2007 at 10:00 PM
The next step:  Instant HD movie downloads at 160 Gig per second.

It looks like this capability is now much closer to reality.

From http://www.shortnews.com/shownews.cfm?id=61305 (http://www.shortnews.com/shownews.cfm?id=61305):

03/26/2007 09:49 PM
IBM Optical Chipset Allows Download of HD Movie in a Second

IBM researchers have announced today they have developed a new optical chipset that allows you to download an entire high-definition movie in just one second, making it the world's fastest chipset to date.

IBM called the new development "groundbreaking" and said the transceiver could shift data at a whopping 160 Gbps. The chipset could become available on the market as early as 2010.

One analyst said the chip won't work unless the user upgrades their whole system. "Any technology that uses this chipset need to upgrade the other components to take advantage of the high levels of speed."
 


IBM Optical Chipset Allows Instant Downloads
Prototype optical transceiver speeds transmission by using light pulses.
Ben Ames, IDG News Service
Monday, March 26, 2007 07:00 AM GMT-08:00


http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,130120/article.html (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,130120/article.html)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 27, 2007 at 10:01 PM
   I can enjoy lossless sound (Dolby TrueHD) for HD DVD coz the Tosh have analog outs.....but cant on the Blu-ray side...coz the PS3 doesnt have analogs.   But still, the maxed out bitrates i get thru dolby digital or dts arent bad at all.  Thats why till now, I havent taken alvinthx2's invitation to see and hear his maxed out HD system:  1080P video and lossless sound thru hdmi.  If I did...wouldnt it be a pain to know how lossy my system would be?  Thats why the next logical step for me is a hdmi receiver.....even a entry level would do, as long as it has analog outs.  So the transition goes on....


You're no worse for using 5.1 analog outs from your Tosh.  A lot of early adopters at avforums.com actually prefer that route over PCM via HDMI 1.1 which suffers severe jitter issues for audio.  PCM 5.1 are no different from CD data which are more vulnerable to jitter than packetized DD and DTS and the newer lossless audio codecx.  Jitter is said to have been corrected with HDMI 1.3 though.  So unless you're using HDMI 1.3, you just might actually have the sonic quality edge over those using  HDMI 1.1.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 28, 2007 at 12:22 AM
That's why i always ask why some people tend to say they have great HD gears when they are only pointing out to the sound system and leaving out the most important part of the HD experience which is the video. For me, its better to have a 1080P display and HT in a box than a midrange 7.1 channel sound system and a CRT TV.

Ay nako…I think you guys totally misunderstood the intention of my post.

I never disagree HDTV is more important than audio equipment. I never disagree HD video or PQ should come first.
I just merely stated the advantage of the new HD audio.

In fact I never brought out the issue of HDTV at all or video/PQ not important. By saying Neutral  (meaning he is buying both HD-DVD & BD formats) thus, I’m assuming he has already own a HD display be it a LCD, Plasma, projector, projection, etc… otherwise they wouldn't buy any HD movie in the first place, right? So I don’t understand why bring out the “video vs audio” issue?? All I was saying for some HT enthusiasts (of course very small percentage) will also consider both PQ & SQ (in your case, it's PQ only). I also did mention "not everyone concerns with the audio quality".

By using the Happy Feet or Matrix examples, if most things being equal in both formats: PQ, extra, etc.. I suggested perhaps the deciding factor for the NEUTRAL could be the audio track (in this case HD-DVD offers THD over DD+ in BD. In fact, it has been pointed out in the BD review). The other reason is that in case they do upgrade their audio equipment in future then they can still enjoy the same movie in the HD audio & not regretting it.

It’s similar to the classic “Dolby Digital vs DTS” situation in our regular DVD movies where most collectors would rather choose DTS if given the choice. Why? Is it because they have more expensive HT equipments?

This thread talks about the war btw BD vs HD-DVD. About their differences in technology, pro & con, comparison, etc.

Anyway, feel free to open a new thread debating the “HD Video vs HD Audio: Which come first?” or “Why we don’t need HD audio” or "I don't care about HD audio", etc.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 28, 2007 at 07:27 AM

By using the Happy Feet or Matrix examples, if most things being equal in both formats: PQ, extra, etc.. I suggested perhaps the deciding factor for the NEUTRAL could be the audio track (in this case HD-DVD offers THD over DD+ in BD. In fact, it has been pointed out in the BD review). The other reason is that in case they do upgrade their audio equipment in future then they can still enjoy the same movie in the HD audio & not regretting it.

hehehehe......you were taken out of context.....and ur right with these....considering all have HDTVs, and considering NEUTRALS......it is plain logical to choose the format with the best available soundtrack.... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 28, 2007 at 10:33 AM
I am actually speaking from experience & currently enjoying Dolby TrueHD. My room is just a simple one.  ::)
If you do appreciate advancements in digital sound technology then why is that it sounds as if you are discouraging it?

I think we are getting out of context here as my response is based on the reviews given to Happy Feet on both HD formats where NEUTRALS have the option to choose either one. Since it's only $4 difference, one may select the one that offer a better audio track. Or as in Matrix case if we can't wait for the BD to be released. At the end, it's still your money, your decision & your preference :)

Nope Bro.  I am not discouraging anything at all.  My opinion as regards one format having True HD sound and the other without it (but both allegedly having equal image quality), is, it's no big deal yet as most HT systems in actual use right now (regardless of class), are still incapable of true hi-def sound, both ends of the cable connections considered.   

For those who are neutral and have the right equipment, the choice is clear.  But for those who own either one of the format with restricted connectivity on any of the relevant equipment, just be happy that another interesting movie is finally available in all HD formats with excellent PQ to boot.

Double dipping in the future?  C'mon, that's a fair price to pay for having the privilege to be an early high definition adopter.

Personally, I only have the 360 add-on player which, although very much limited in terms of sound capability is quite satifying as transitionary hi-def video machine.  Again, that is just my opinion even though I consider myself nearly cutting edge in terms of appreciation (ON PAPER) of the latest technologies.  That's why I don't think I got you out of context.  Medyo naliwas lang ng konti yung route going to the War or sumobra sa kaka-type ng kung ano-ano because I simply cannot afford to experience hi-def sound yet..he he he.   So you're very lucky indeed that you're experiencing true HD, but OTH I also consider myself lucky that I still love the quality of my lossy mid-range sound system paired with HD DVD and an excellent but fast aging LCD.  Of course I got the HD DVD version of Happy Feet and definitely going to purchase The Matrix.





Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 28, 2007 at 11:36 AM
For those who are neutral and have the right equipment, the choice is clear. 

Of course I got the HD DVD version of Happy Feet and definitely going to purchase The Matrix.

For those who are neutral and don't have the right equipment, which choice would you recommend? Happy Feet BD or Happy Feet HD-DVD? And why?  :)

Funny talaga, both of us are HD-DVD supporters but when I tried to compare Happy Feet BD vs HD-DVD & hi-light the advantage of the HD audio found in HD-DVD, it created a different reaction that jumped into other topics: HDTV must come first, regular DTS is good enough, etc etc which of course again I agree as most folks are more than happy with the current SD audio. hehe  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 28, 2007 at 11:59 AM

Funny talaga, both of us are HD-DVD supporters but when I tried to compare Happy Feet BD vs HD-DVD & hi-light the advantage of the HD audio found in HD-DVD, it created a different reaction that jumped into HDTV must come first, regular DTS is good enough, etc ets which of course again I agree as most folks are more than happy with the current SD audio hehe  ;D

On the bright side, I thought the recent discussions were more interesting reads than say, regularly monitoring the sales figures of HD DVD and BD with less than 500 titles combined?   ;D  I'm actually tempted to reply to your first question but I'm only neutral by heart, so I've got to pass.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 28, 2007 at 01:06 PM
The so-called Neutrals in other forums are often vocal in their choices.  IF there's a title they want released only in BD, they get BD ofcourse.  If there's a title they want released only in HD DVD, they get HD DVD.  But if there's a title they want released in both formats, their choice seems to weigh in favor of HD DVD.  And what's amazing,  some of them who order online sometimes get the Studio Canal HD DVD versions released in Euorpe of some BD exclusives in the US.   ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Mar 28, 2007 at 03:22 PM
to those who have an hd-dvd add on drive for the xbox360 its confirmed that microsoft will come up with an elite version that comes with an hdmi port and 120 gb hard drive.  8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Mar 28, 2007 at 03:31 PM
Ay nako…I think you guys totally misunderstood the intention of my post.

I never disagree HDTV is more important than audio equipment. I never disagree HD video or PQ should come first.
I just merely stated the advantage of the new HD audio.

Sorry Pchin but this is a direct appreciation/respond to Clondalkin's post and i never intended to bash your comments. Cheers!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 28, 2007 at 05:09 PM
No worry bro, no offence taken  ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 28, 2007 at 06:27 PM
Kasama ba yung Animatrix sa Matrix na Hd DVD???
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 28, 2007 at 06:55 PM
Yes the Animatrix is included in the ULTIMATE MATRIX COLLECTION  :D

http://pinoydvd.com/board/index.php?topic=64356.0

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Mar 28, 2007 at 06:57 PM
but the beef is its not in hd, hope im wrong though
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Mar 28, 2007 at 07:23 PM
to those who have an hd-dvd add on drive for the xbox360 its confirmed that microsoft will come up with an elite version that comes with an hdmi port and 120 gb hard drive.  8)

Already confirmed.

- with HDMI Port
- with HDMI Cable and Component Cable
- 120GB Hard Drive
- $479
- Launch Date: April 29
- Still using the Old Chips (not the new 65nm)

http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2007/03/28/xbox-elite.html


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 28, 2007 at 07:38 PM
but the beef is its not in hd, hope im wrong though
yup....heard its just standard resolution.... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 28, 2007 at 07:45 PM
The next step:  Instant HD movie downloads at 160 Gig per second.

It looks like this capability is now much closer to reality.

From http://www.shortnews.com/shownews.cfm?id=61305 (http://www.shortnews.com/shownews.cfm?id=61305):

03/26/2007 09:49 PM
IBM Optical Chipset Allows Download of HD Movie in a Second

IBM researchers have announced today they have developed a new optical chipset that allows you to download an entire high-definition movie in just one second, making it the world's fastest chipset to date.

IBM called the new development "groundbreaking" and said the transceiver could shift data at a whopping 160 Gbps. The chipset could become available on the market as early as 2010.

One analyst said the chip won't work unless the user upgrades their whole system. "Any technology that uses this chipset need to upgrade the other components to take advantage of the high levels of speed."
 


IBM Optical Chipset Allows Instant Downloads
Prototype optical transceiver speeds transmission by using light pulses.
Ben Ames, IDG News Service
Monday, March 26, 2007 07:00 AM GMT-08:00


http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,130120/article.html (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,130120/article.html)

Downloads of 20GB 720p files from torrent sites are said to take 3-4 hours in the UK with DSL throughputs averaging 1.5mbps.   50GB 1080p files would last longer and will require overnight downloads so you can sleep through them.  Definitely 160gbps speeds are a welcome development. But I think the article talks about optical networks to allow this and you have to uprade some devices,  I wonder what these devices are.  I don't know how ISPs like  PLDT DSL and SMART Bro still struggling to get 300kbps thrroughputs will benefit from this. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 28, 2007 at 07:54 PM
Taken from AVSForum (posted by SoulOnice & awmurray) :  :D

April 15th - Buy HD DVDs from Amazon Day!

The idea is to show support for HD DVD by buying movies on a specific day. There is no better way to show support for HD DVD than by backing it financially. That is the language the movie studios understand best. If there is a strong demand for HD DVD software, then hopefully Blu-ray only studios will at least go neutral.

I would also add that the point is to also have a little fun and to try to see how high we can spike sales for one day.

I have e-mailed Universal and Amazon to see what, if anything, they can do to promote April 15th. I will be e-mailing others as well.

The date has been confirmed as the one year anniversary of the launch of HD DVD in the U.S.

***************************************

Since I have a few tittles in mind, guess there's no harm in joining the fun but hopefully there will be nice price cut...  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Mar 28, 2007 at 10:59 PM
I was hoping Final Flight of the Osiris would be in HD but from what I heard the Animatrix is in SD lang ...  :'(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 29, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Downloads of 20GB 720p files from torrent sites are said to take 3-4 hours in the UK with DSL throughputs averaging 1.5mbps.   50GB 1080p files would last longer and will require overnight downloads so you can sleep through them.  Definitely 160gbps speeds are a welcome development. But I think the article talks about optical networks to allow this and you have to uprade some devices,  I wonder what these devices are.  I don't know how ISPs like  PLDT DSL and SMART Bro still struggling to get 300kbps thrroughputs will benefit from this. 



As far I  understood the articles, the IBM optical chipset will operate only on fiber optics; hence, FTTP (Fiber to the Premises) would be a prerequisite to its operation. 

Since even in the U.S., very few homes have fiber optic connections until now, it seems that the technology would not be able to take off at this time or in the near future.  Nevertheless, what is important is that research is heading in the right direction. 

What are the devices that have to be upgraded?  I have no idea. Those upgrading devices probably don't even exist yet. As far as I understood it, the IBM press release was merely intended to generate public awareness.  They came up with the "HD movie download in 1 second" tag line so that the general public can easily comprehend the mind-boggling speed and potential application of this technology.

For the home video enthusiast community, this kind of potential download speed serves as an indication that HD-DVD and Blu ray might well be the last disc-based video formats.  The next generation of higher-than-1080p resolution HD home videos will probably go the way of video-on-demand via lightning-fast downloads on fiber optics. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 29, 2007 at 07:02 PM
I was hoping Final Flight of the Osiris would be in HD but from what I heard the Animatrix is in SD lang ...  :'(

Crap, I already have 2 versions of that. Don't want third >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: NeilNo on Mar 29, 2007 at 08:08 PM
Crap, I already have 2 versions of that. Don't want third >:( >:( >:(

Triple dipping?   ;D ;D ;D

Time to sell or give away the SD versions.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 29, 2007 at 08:29 PM

For the home video enthusiast community, this kind of potential download speed serves as an indication that HD-DVD and Blu ray might well be the last disc-based video formats.  The next generation of higher-than-1080p resolution HD home videos will probably go the way of video-on-demand via lightning-fast downloads on fiber optics. 

Heard the same sentiments in other AV forums.  There's every observation to support that.  Coz as it is, there are already HD downloads being done in the UK and US for 720p video materials.  And at the rate HD DVD and BD are progressing, or not progressing, HD downloads just could stop these HD discs from becoming as mainstream as DVD.  You really just need real broadband throughputs in excess of 1.5mbps.  And that's fairly common for ADSL/DSL home connections in the UK and other industrialized countries.  And I heard the next PS4 and Xbox won't even have disc trays anymore.  Because the games will execute online from a remote ultra-speed server.  ;D

Oh BTW, 160gbps will actually download about 4 HD movies in 1080p.  ;D  The now infamous ripped Serendipity HD DVD movie is just around 40Gb total.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Mar 29, 2007 at 08:58 PM
Oh BTW, 160gbps will actually download about 4 HD movies in 1080p.  ;D  The now infamous ripped Serendipity HD DVD movie is just around 40Gb total.

Amazing!  4 HD movies per second!

For now, the potential customers are the massive corporate users such as google and yahoo.  Malayo pa yan sa home video, pero mabuti na yung alam natin ang pupuntahan ng technology.  Para hindi ko na naririnig yung mga nagsasabing "future proof" na daw yung gear na bibilhin niya  ;D 

Kagaya ng flat panel screens, I thought that 1080 resolutions would be the highest home video res for a very long time, but after reading this article on Sharp's super high res LCD, I'm not so sure anymore: http://crave.cnet.co.uk/televisions/0,39029474,49288581,00.htm (http://crave.cnet.co.uk/televisions/0,39029474,49288581,00.htm)

(http://www.cnet.co.uk/i/c/blg/cat/televisions/sharp_ultra_high_definition_tv.jpg)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 29, 2007 at 09:31 PM
Yup, only to corporations that have rich multimedia traffic.    At home, I really will be quite happy if Smart Bro can just manage 500kbps consistently.  1mbps throughput seems a dream for home internet. I won't even dare imagine 1 gbps.  Even that will be heaven already.  As I can download a 40GB HD movie file in a blazing 40 secs.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 29, 2007 at 10:03 PM
HD DVD Promotions Group Touts 2007 Release Line-Up; Reveals More Upcoming Titles (ZZZZzzzz...)


"With the continued support of five major studios, the HD DVD Promotions Group has issued a new press release touting the format's summer 2007 release schedule, including a peek at more upcoming titles.

Led by HD DVD-exclusive backer Universal Studios Home Entertainment, over 70 HD DVD titles are now due for release throughout the first half of 2007.

The press release, outlines every title officially announced on the format through early summer, including Universal's most extensive batch of recently-unveiled June catalog releases, as well as such major hits as DreamWorks' first foray into next-gen, 'Dreamgirls,' and Warner's just-announced 'Matrix' trilogy box sets.

But most notable is the preview included at the end of the release of Universal's July HD DVD line-up, which the studio has not yet officially announced (though it has been long been rumored on the web). Among the hits due in that wave include 'Shaun of the Dead,' 'Dante's Peak,' 'Streets of Fire,' 'In Good Company' and 'The Bourne Identity.'

Also sprinkled into the schedule are a number of music releases due in June which have also not been given official announcements, including new HD DVD releases from such classic bands as Yes, Deep Purple and Santana."


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Mar 29, 2007 at 11:45 PM

Kagaya ng flat panel screens, I thought that 1080 resolutions would be the highest home video res for a very long time, but after reading this article on Sharp's super high res LCD, I'm not so sure anymore: http://crave.cnet.co.uk/televisions/0,39029474,49288581,00.htm (http://crave.cnet.co.uk/televisions/0,39029474,49288581,00.htm)

(http://www.cnet.co.uk/i/c/blg/cat/televisions/sharp_ultra_high_definition_tv.jpg)

Nice.  It just proves LCD tech is not size limited as before and can match any size Plasma tech can deliver.  Also, with 4000x2000 native resolution, you can expect the next next generation HD DVD and BD players to be upscaling the 1080p discs soon.  This, or the Ultra Definition Sharp wil do the upscaling.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 30, 2007 at 08:15 AM
Kagaya ng flat panel screens, I thought that 1080 resolutions would be the highest home video res for a very long time, but after reading this article on Sharp's super high res LCD, I'm not so sure anymore: http://crave.cnet.co.uk/televisions/0,39029474,49288581,00.htm (http://crave.cnet.co.uk/televisions/0,39029474,49288581,00.htm)


Barrister Bro, not sure if it was you but I recall reading in this forum that somebody is wondering why Sharp is so damn popular in Japan (still nearly 60% share of that market) compared to any other LCD brand especially the renowned Sony Bravia.  This is one of the primary reasons.  Sharp has always been the undisputed leader in LCD R&D since the days of the calculator that the Japanese market soooo closely attaches Sharp to all LCD applications.  They completely stopped producing all other forms of TV and non-selling products to concentrate on the technology they've always known best and it certainly paid off in billions of revenues.  Kaya lang, they are certainly not that Sharp when it comes to marketing outside Japan, in Southeast Asia for instance.  Well, it's quite tough to match the brand recognition of Sony worldwide and the price level of the Koreans and the Chinese.  Na OT na naman yata ako...Peace...but yeah, the competing hi-def disc formats better be future-proof enough to have the upgradability to resolutions much higher than 1080p. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 30, 2007 at 08:26 AM
Yup, only to corporations that have rich multimedia traffic.    At home, I really will be quite happy if Smart Bro can just manage 500kbps consistently.  1mbps throughput seems a dream for home internet. I won't even dare imagine 1 gbps.  Even that will be heaven already.  As I can download a 40GB HD movie file in a blazing 40 secs.   ;D

Just too many bottlenecks and clogged arteries in existing networks really.  Last night, I was downloading some sample hi-def clips and depending on the site, my throughput fluctuated from 350kbps up to 8mbps even though my ISP is 100mbps fiber optic system.   So before I even think about giga-bps, I would be most thrilled if I could actually experience the maximum potential speed of my existing system.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Mar 30, 2007 at 08:47 AM
Wala pa nga ako sa 1080p.....nasa 720p pa lang......enjoy na muna natin current HD format.... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Mar 30, 2007 at 09:09 AM
Wala pa nga ako sa 1080p.....nasa 720p pa lang......enjoy na muna natin current HD format.... ;D ;D

My solution so far is to watch real close on a 37V LCD or 32 inch CRT HDTV, so kahit 720p or 1080i yung content grabe ang visual immersion,   but that is not advisable if you have projection screen. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Mar 30, 2007 at 07:35 PM
'Children of Men' HD DVD Hits Xbox 360 Playback Snag?

"We've received numerous reader reports that Universal's new 'Children of Men' HD DVD is a bit of lemon for some Xbox 360 owners, due to incompatibility problems with the console's HD DVD add-on drive.

'Children of Men' hit stores earlier this week on March 27, as one of the most highly-anticipated HD DVD releases on the format thus far, and as our Kenneth Brown wrote in his recent review of the disc, it apparently boasts stellar video and audio. Unfortunately, more than a few Xbox 360 owners have had issues playing it on the device's popular HD DVD add-on drive, with many of our readers writing in to say that the disc simply won't play, and that even multiple returns of the disc have produced the same issue.

When testing the disc out on our own Xbox 360 add-on HD DVD drive, we had the same results -- the disc spins in the tray, but is seemingly unrecognized by the system. A black screen and a reboot threw us back to the Microsoft Dashboard menu regardless of how many times we continued to try and load the film. We tried this dic on another Xbox 360 and found the same problem. Strangely, that tryout was even more unsuccessful -- we didn't even make it to a black screen, it simply spun the disc longer than usual and remained at the Dashboard menu.

We should note that since word of these issues first emerged, readers have also written in to say that the disc plays back fine on their Xbox 360 devices, while others have reported playback problems with the disc on Toshiba's XA2 player (we had no such issues on our XA2).

We've contacted both Microsoft and Universal, but have not yet received any official word on whether it is a hardware problem, a software problem, or both."


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Mar 31, 2007 at 07:16 AM
yup I read about this, this sucks i wanna get this title but im holding back bec of this
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: MAtZTER on Mar 31, 2007 at 03:29 PM
My solution so far is to watch real close on a 37V LCD or 32 inch CRT HDTV, so kahit 720p or 1080i yung content grabe ang visual immersion,   but that is not advisable if you have projection screen. 

I do this too, even if I have a projection screen. I notice the images on my 32" LCD are so clear and colors are more lush (but maybe not natural, but still I prefer lush). The images on a PJ screen OTH, are big, captures the movie feel, but not as clear & rich as a small screen, though colors are more natural.

So if someone tells me to go HD, I usually joke that all I have to do is to watch on my bedroom LCD. Bec of the small size, it doesnt pale in comparison to the HD demo's I saw in LIS in clarity & saturation, talo lang sa size, LOL.

I even installed an HT for my good friend that I B.I.'ed just this week into the HT hobby. He was using a 27" CRT TV via crappy composite cable & generic DVDp. I couldnt complain of the pic quality at that size. Watched a DVD w/ my friend and didnt feel too much of a lack of impact from a small display. 

ERGO:

Regarding PQ vs SQ mentioned a few posts before. I know its a matter of personal preferences, but for me, as a fan of action movies, I would still prioritize investing in a better sound system rather than a kick@$$ display. For me, better sound makes a movie more immersive than a better display. Its quite obvious in the way I prioritize & spend for my HT.  :D

But thats just me. Kanya kanya naman tayo eh.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: NeilNo on Apr 01, 2007 at 12:55 AM
'Children of Men' HD DVD Hits Xbox 360 Playback Snag?

"We've received numerous reader reports that Universal's new 'Children of Men' HD DVD is a bit of lemon for some Xbox 360 owners, due to incompatibility problems with the console's HD DVD add-on drive.

'Children of Men' hit stores earlier this week on March 27, as one of the most highly-anticipated HD DVD releases on the format thus far, and as our Kenneth Brown wrote in his recent review of the disc, it apparently boasts stellar video and audio. Unfortunately, more than a few Xbox 360 owners have had issues playing it on the device's popular HD DVD add-on drive, with many of our readers writing in to say that the disc simply won't play, and that even multiple returns of the disc have produced the same issue.

When testing the disc out on our own Xbox 360 add-on HD DVD drive, we had the same results -- the disc spins in the tray, but is seemingly unrecognized by the system. A black screen and a reboot threw us back to the Microsoft Dashboard menu regardless of how many times we continued to try and load the film. We tried this dic on another Xbox 360 and found the same problem. Strangely, that tryout was even more unsuccessful -- we didn't even make it to a black screen, it simply spun the disc longer than usual and remained at the Dashboard menu.

We should note that since word of these issues first emerged, readers have also written in to say that the disc plays back fine on their Xbox 360 devices, while others have reported playback problems with the disc on Toshiba's XA2 player (we had no such issues on our XA2).

We've contacted both Microsoft and Universal, but have not yet received any official word on whether it is a hardware problem, a software problem, or both."


Not all.. I have it and I watched COM 3 times already with no problems at all. This ones a good movie for your surrounds lalo na sa "building siege" part - you can hear the bullets whizzing by, the LFE explosions and the gunfire exchange between the rebels and the military.

Cheers!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 01, 2007 at 07:28 AM
Nice NeilNo...already watched 3 times!  :D 

Good to hear your positiv ecomments. Will pick up this tittle very soon.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 01, 2007 at 07:55 AM
Universal Goes Non-Combo with 'Army of Darkness,' ' Unleashed' Reissues
Fri Mar 30, 2007 at 02:55 PM ET

"In the first example of a studio "demoting" a combo release, Universal Studios Home Entertainment will re-issue 'Army of Darkness' and 'Unleashed' as stand-alone HD DVD titles this June.

Universal first released both 'Army of Darkness' and 'Unleashed' last year as HD DVD/DVD combos, at the format's slightly higher $34.95 price tag. The studio is now discontinuing those versions from the market, and re-issuing both as $29.95 HD DVD-only versions on June 26.

Specs and features remain the same -- Universal is simply dropping the standard-def DVD side, with no other changes to the discs' content.

The move comes as a bit of a surprise, since only a couple of months ago, the studio was touting an aggressive release strategy that would see an estimated 90 percent of its entire HD DVD 2007 line-up go combo. However, over the past several weeks, the studio has announced its HD DVD release schedule all the way through July, and not a single catalog title is a combo.

Of Universal's 2007 titles announced thus far, only new release theatrical hits, including the recently-announced 'The Hitcher' and 'Alpha Dog,' are slated to be combos.

No word has come from Universal on just what the strategy is behind their seeming about-face on combos. Perhaps the lower price point on HD DVD-only catalog titles will prove more attractive to consumers, and help further drive sales? Certainly, with the news of Blu-ray's success with titles like 'Casino Royale,' which last week became the first next-gen title to ship over 100,000 copies, the battle for sales bragging rights is certainly more competitive than ever.

We'll keep you posted on any further Universal conversions of combo titles to HD DVD-only releases. We've also added new listings for both 'Army of Darkness' and 'Unleashed' to our HD DVD Release Schedule, under June 26."
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bonjit on Apr 01, 2007 at 05:20 PM
Hi Guys

Just bought a xbox hd dvd player with a free King Kong disc and a remote. I was blown away by the clarity of the picture. It is connected to my panasonic pv500a plasma not 1080p but 1080i. You couldn't see the difference anyway between the two. You can see the detail of these video, if you have seen it  you won't go back to watching standard dvd discs anymore. Got the xbox because it is a cheaper alternative than the PS3, I did not regret it. Only problem is the availability of discs here down under.\

regards,
Bonjit 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 01, 2007 at 05:54 PM
Welcome on board bonjit & glad you've decided to join the HD-DVD camp... ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 01, 2007 at 07:22 PM
National Geographic - Relentless Enemies HD-DVD

Those that are considering the above tittle may have to think twice as there's a compatibility issue reported on HD players inclusive Tosh HD-A2, HD-XA2 and MS Xbox 360 add-on. However, a member reported firmware updates is coming soon in may for the A2 & XA2. Hopefully, it will resolv ethis concern.

Luckily Tosh 1st gen HD-A1 is spared from the same fate. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Apr 01, 2007 at 10:23 PM
The HD DVD add-on drive (Jap version) is down to $135 at Play-Asia. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Dracula on Apr 02, 2007 at 04:48 PM
What's the best way to get an HD DVD player?  Ang mahal kasi ng player being sold in the local stores...

May linaw na ba which format is winning?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Apr 02, 2007 at 05:10 PM
Not in 2007.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Dracula on Apr 02, 2007 at 05:13 PM
I guess I'll just wait.... ;D....and make do with upscaling muna
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 02, 2007 at 05:43 PM
It's a gamble at this point of time to say which format will win. Getting involved now is a risk.  ::)

Yes, waiting is the best solution for the time being. Too bad I lack the patient....  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Lantis on Apr 02, 2007 at 05:46 PM
Yes, waiting is the best solution for the time being. Too bad I lack the patient....  ;D

wala rin akong patience!! kabibili ko lang ng Pioneer 696 but I am left wanting more...  ::)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Apr 02, 2007 at 06:06 PM
watching in HD is definitely a treat 8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Apr 02, 2007 at 06:07 PM
It's a gamble at this point of time to say which format will win. Getting involved now is a risk.  ::)

Yes, waiting is the best solution for the time being. Too bad I lack the patient....  ;D

Pchin, the fact that you can afford a Yamaha receiver with HDMI, you don't have to feel sorry for being impatient.   :)

Last time I checked (and that was last Saturday), the cheapest Yamaha with HDMI in Tokyo is about Yen150,000.   I can buy a PS3, an Xbox360 with add-on, and about 15 HD movies for that money. :) :) :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Dracula on Apr 02, 2007 at 06:51 PM
wala rin akong patience!! kabibili ko lang ng Pioneer 696 but I am left wanting more...  ::)

Wait muna...... ;D...be patient....although if you can afford it...it is quite cool to be an early adopter! ;D......
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 02, 2007 at 10:26 PM
Wait muna...... ;D...be patient....although if you can afford it...it is quite cool to be an early adopter! ;D......
no regrets here...........definitely worth it... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 03, 2007 at 08:22 AM
Xbox 360 Elite HDMI Output Details Revealed  :-[
Anh Huynh (Blog) - April 1, 2007 9:10 PM

The Xbox 360 Elite will not output multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI, as with Core and Premium systems

New details of the recently announced Xbox 360 Elite bundle have unraveled on AVS Forum.  Microsoft previously unveiled the Xbox 360 Elite bundle, equipped with an HDMI video output last week. Amir Majidimehr, corporate vice president, Mobile and Embedded Devices Division, whose group worked on the HD DVD function of the Xbox 360, released details of the upcoming Xbox 360 Elite’s HDMI output capabilities in a forum post.

Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox 360 Elite supports the HDMI 1.2 specification, unlike Sony’s PS3, which is HDMI 1.3 compliant. When connected to an HDTV set with HDMI input, the Xbox 360 will automatically select the appropriate video output resolution up to 1080p. Users cannot manually force resolutions as the Xbox 360 relies on HDMI handshaking to select a suitable resolution.

HDMI audio output remains crippled with the Xbox 360 Elite. The Xbox 360 Elite, even when connected to HDMI will not output uncompressed multi-channel audio. Xbox 360 HD DVD users hoping to enjoy the full glory of lossless HD DVD audio formats via HDMI should look elsewhere.

 “If you are keen on having 5.1 PCM output, I recommend purchasing the Toshiba A2 player which after the price drop, will be much cheaper than Elite,” said Majidimehr. When connected to an HDMI home theater receiver capable of processing audio over HDMI, the Xbox 360 will continue to output Dolby Digital, DTS or WMA-Pro to compatible receivers. Dolby Digital Plus and TrueHD audio tracks will continue to be down mixed and output no different from the Xbox 360 Core or Premium systems.

Nevertheless, the Xbox 360 Elite can output 2-channel PCM audio over HDMI. “Our goal was to provide a digital connection for video which people wanted for some of their TVs. And of course, single cable A/V connection. So if having analog video bothered you before, you can now use digital. If you lacked component/VGA on your TV, you are in business with Xbox 360 Elite.”

Expect a spring HD DVD software update to introduce DTS audio output capabilities to existing Xbox 360 Core and Premium systems. Majidimehr also promises the spring update will address the HD DVD lip-synchronization issues.

(http://images.dailytech.com/nimage/4322_4279_large_xbox-360-elite-final-08.jpg)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 03, 2007 at 10:47 AM
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (UK Import) (HD DVD) review is out

http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/harrypotterandthegobletoffire_uk.html

Munskie, you got this one na right? :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 03, 2007 at 10:56 AM
not yet paul....its $35 eh.......and thats not the landed cost yet...ill wait for the US release....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Apr 03, 2007 at 05:26 PM
Xbox 360 Elite HDMI Output Details Revealed  :-[
Anh Huynh (Blog) - April 1, 2007 9:10 PM

The Xbox 360 Elite will not output multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI, as with Core and Premium systems

(http://images.dailytech.com/nimage/4322_4279_large_xbox-360-elite-final-08.jpg)

No built-in hi-def player and crippled audio output at a similar price as a 20GB PS3.  I hereby rename this machine as Xbox360 Delete.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 03, 2007 at 05:52 PM
No built-in hi-def player and crippled audio output at a similar price as a 20GB PS3.  I hereby rename this machine as Xbox360 Delete.

I'm not even sure what were those top brains in MS thinking...  ???

They even recommend purchasing the Toshiba A2 player due to the price drop, will be much cheaper than Elite..geez...  :-X
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Apr 03, 2007 at 06:15 PM
There is a warner bros sale at warner site that you can get up to 30 percent off. Titles at 14 plus dollars and ultimate matrix I think 69 bucks. But they dont ship outside america. I think there are a few codes you have to input. Im slow in computers I dont know how to do links but I got it from here. Paul can we ship this via JAC, its free above 60 dollars
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=827214
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Apr 03, 2007 at 06:34 PM
Xbox 360 Elite HDMI Output Details Revealed  :-[
Anh Huynh (Blog) - April 1, 2007 9:10 PM

The Xbox 360 Elite will not output multi-channel PCM audio over HDMI, as with Core and Premium systems

Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox 360 Elite supports the HDMI 1.2 specification, unlike Sony’s PS3, which is HDMI 1.3 compliant. When connected to an HDTV set with HDMI input, the Xbox 360 will automatically select the appropriate video output resolution up to 1080p. Users cannot manually force resolutions as the Xbox 360 relies on HDMI handshaking to select a suitable resolution.

HDMI audio output remains crippled with the Xbox 360 Elite. The Xbox 360 Elite, even when connected to HDMI will not output uncompressed multi-channel audio. Xbox 360 HD DVD users hoping to enjoy the full glory of lossless HD DVD audio formats via HDMI should look elsewhere.

 “If you are keen on having 5.1 PCM output, I recommend purchasing the Toshiba A2 player which after the price drop, will be much cheaper than Elite,” said Majidimehr. When connected to an HDMI home theater receiver capable of processing audio over HDMI, the Xbox 360 will continue to output Dolby Digital, DTS or WMA-Pro to compatible receivers. Dolby Digital Plus and TrueHD audio tracks will continue to be down mixed and output no different from the Xbox 360 Core or Premium systems.

Nevertheless, the Xbox 360 Elite can output 2-channel PCM audio over HDMI. “Our goal was to provide a digital connection for video which people wanted for some of their TVs. And of course, single cable A/V connection. So if having analog video bothered you before, you can now use digital. If you lacked component/VGA on your TV, you are in business with Xbox 360 Elite.”

(http://images.dailytech.com/nimage/4322_4279_large_xbox-360-elite-final-08.jpg)

 ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 03, 2007 at 06:47 PM
There is a warner bros sale at warner site that you can get up to 30 percent off.

Yep, the 20% discount plus free shipping on over $60 purchase is still on.

Yes, you can use JAC. Will be beneficial for those who don't have the 10% discount in Amazon. I haven't compare apple to apple the final price on both sites but some members say they'll stick to Amazon :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Apr 03, 2007 at 08:39 PM
isnt this discount bigger than what amazon gives. On my amazon orders this is what im getting 19.95, then I get 10% discount, its coming out to 17.95. When in warner its 19.95, then 20% discount you get 15.96, then you get another ten percent, so your total is 14.36 right? And if I order up above 60 bucks free shipping to JAC. Then I just pay from JAC to here. Can you clarify this pls. I think the warner site is cheaper than amazon. Thanks
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 03, 2007 at 10:38 PM
Here's a real example taken from both sites

From WHV: 
Ant Bully, The (HD/DVD Combo) $23.96
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride $15.96
Training Day $15.96
V for Vendetta $15.96

Product Subtotal:  $71.84 
Tax: $6.02 
Shipping & Handling: FREE
Order Total in WHV: $77.86 

From Amazon:
Ant Bully, The (HD/DVD Combo) $27.95
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride $19.95
Training Day $19.95
V for Vendetta $19.95

Shipping & Handling: FREE
Promo 10% discount: -$8.78
Order Total in Amazon: $79.02

Difference: $1.16
 
In WHV, to qualify for the free shipping, your total purchase must be $60 & above after the 20% discount (not before). This mean you must buy gross value $75 & above before discount. There also sales tax application. At the end the difference is quite minimal, probbaly this is the reason some members stick to Amazon.

WHV is still agreat site esp for those that are not entittled to the Amazon promo. Initially when started the discount was 30% + free shipping which was certainly much better than in Amazon...but sayang we're late na.  :-[
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Apr 04, 2007 at 07:21 AM
ok thanks Paul that clears it up for me. Ya I prefer/just go amazon hehe...Thanks
Title: Official HD-A1/HD-XA1 Firmware 2.1 NOW Available
Post by: pchin on Apr 04, 2007 at 08:24 AM
Posted by Damed:

Official HD-A1/HD-XA1 Firmware 2.1 NOW Available

Firmware Update Version: 2.1

Applicable Models: HD-XA1, HD-A1 and HD-D1.

Overview:
This firmware update adds support for certain anticipated network delivered content in future HD DVD discs, improves certain video and audio processing capabilities, as well as addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by Toshiba.

http://tacp.toshiba.com/tacpassets-images/notices/hddvdfirmware.asp
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Apr 04, 2007 at 08:38 AM
Microsoft Xbox 360 deals blow to Toshiba

"Microsoft has dealt a blow to Toshiba’s HD-DVD standard by announcing a new high-end version of the Xbox 360 games console that fails to include the high-definition drive.

Microsoft has been siding with HD-DVD rather than Sony’s Blu-ray standard in selling a separate external HD-DVD drive to plug into the 360.

But it has decided against including HD-DVD as an integrated drive in its Elite version, which it announced would go on sale in the US and Canada on April 29.

John Rodman, Xbox group product manager, said it would be left to consumers to choose whether they wanted HD-DVD as an extra add-on.

“I think, if nothing else, this is an acknowledgement that Blu-ray is going to win [the standards war],” said Michael Pachter, video games analyst at Wedbush Morgan Securities.

“It would have been a costly mistake to build it into the hardware if HD-DVD loses and I think Microsoft sees this as an unacceptable gamble.”

Sony announced on Tuesday that the Casino Royale movie had become the first high-definition DVD to ship 100,000 units and the Blu-ray title was setting records at retail. Analysts expect Blu-ray titles to have significantly outsold those on HD-DVD in the latest monthly numbers and see Sony increasing its lead when Spiderman 3 is released on Blu-ray later this year.

Mr Pachter said he expected the major movie studios to side with Blu-ray next January after they had seen the results of the holiday season.(Universal?)

Sony is faring less well in its next-generation console battle with Microsoft, whose Elite version is likely to put the PS3 under further pressure.

In contrast to the white 360s with either no hard drive in the basic model or a 20-gigabyte one in the premium version, the Elite will be black and contain a 120Gb hard drive. It will also have upgraded connections, with an HDMI high-definition output and included cable. The console will go on sale at $480 in the US. European and Japanese launches are expected in the summer.

The specification and price comes closer to that of Sony’s PlayStation 3, which has basic and premium versions in black with HDMI connections and 20Gb and 60Gb hard drives, costing $500 and $600.

“This is an acknowledgement that the PS3 was probably priced about right,” said Mr Pachter, referring to criticism that Sony had pitched its price too high, resulting in slow sales."
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Dracula on Apr 04, 2007 at 09:43 AM
Interesting post mouldingo ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Apr 04, 2007 at 11:39 AM
interesting but lets wait and see 8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Dracula on Apr 04, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Yup....it could be a blu-ray marketing ploy ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Apr 04, 2007 at 01:04 PM
XBox 360 never included HD-DVD from the first day of the console's release.  But to the uninitiated, the article makes it sound like this is the first time that XBox 360 excluded an HD-DVD drive.

If a new XBox 360 release included a Blu-ray drive, that would be considered a "blow to Toshiba", as the article's title misleadingly trumpets. 

But if XBox 360 merely continues its policy of consistently excluding any HD drive, whether HD-DVD or Blu-ray, how would that be a "blow to Toshiba"?

This article is not news.  It's Blu-ray hype.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 04, 2007 at 01:15 PM
Toshiba wanted the new Xbox 360 to include the HD-DVD drive & will use this as their strong marketing plot similar to the PS3 console where upon release there was a surge in BD sales.

Toshiba wants to regain some of the HD-DVD market share loss to BD. Now it seems all hopes are down the drain na...

Yes, it's true MS policy on day 1 excluded the HD-DVD drive...so it's not a new news after all  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Apr 04, 2007 at 02:12 PM
At the given price level of the Xbox360 Elite, it's either a built-in hi-def player or a bigger hard drive that can be afforded to make some decent profit out of console machine sales.  Of course MS is fully aware that MAJORITY of Xbox360 owners care only about next-gen gaming.  Moreover, there is an upsurge in downloadable hi-def contents through Xbox Live Marketplace.  Therefore, it is only logical that MS prioritized the bigger hard drive from built-in HD DVD player.  Not only is MS well ahead of PS3 in the current-gen game console war, it may actually be the eventual winner in hi-def content distribution through Xbox Live.  I don't buy Mr. Pachter's analysis that MS move is an acknowledgment that BD is going to win.   That idea is rather forced in my opinion, but it certainly would have been a boost to the HD DVD camp if that drive were built-in into the Elite.  MS may not even care at all which hi-def disc format eventually wins.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Lantis on Apr 04, 2007 at 03:36 PM
If there would be an XBox360 Elite with HDDVD drive, then the sales of Xbox360 Elite will be aimed more on movie enthusiasts.  Hindi naman sila kikita don as they want to sell more of games not movies kasi dun sila bumabawi on their sales.  From what I've known, they sell the console at a loss and get it back from the games  :-[
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Apr 04, 2007 at 04:07 PM
..  From what I've known, they sell the console at a loss and get it back from the games  :-[

That would be the current situation of the PS3.  Sale of Xbox360 consoles is already making some profit, the user-base is very solid, games are well ahead of PS3 and Xbox Live is simply an awesome experience and worth every penny for those who subscribe.  There is no reason for MS to undercut their profitability with the Elite, but I don't know if MS really expects would-be owners of the Xbox360 Elite to match their Black console with the White add-on.  The contrast ratio would be maxed out.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Lantis on Apr 04, 2007 at 04:24 PM
There is no reason for MS to undercut their profitability with the Elite

no reason? just plain GREEDY.. there you go!  ;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Apr 04, 2007 at 04:44 PM
no reason? just plain GREEDY.. there you go!  ;D  ;D  ;D

Prerequisite to becoming the richest man in the world.   A man running what is essentially a 5/6 business in a 3rd world country won the Nobel Peace Prize last year.  He calls his business "micro-lending" and justifies the 25% interest he charges.   

The price of the 120GB replacement hd is quite a rip-off.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on Apr 04, 2007 at 04:52 PM
I'm not even sure what were those top brains in MS thinking...  ???

They even recommend purchasing the Toshiba A2 player due to the price drop, will be much cheaper than Elite..geez...  :-X

IMO they focused more on gaming than a multimedia player. Its an XBOX anyways.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 04, 2007 at 05:46 PM
Yes they are indeed a gaming console but nevertheless many consumers find it to be convenient (just buy the HD add-on) to act as their HD player.

Since the Elite has already upgraded & is capable of output 2-channel PCM audio over HDMI, thus it will be nice to include the processing of uncompressed multi-channel audio feature. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Apr 04, 2007 at 06:17 PM

Since the Elite has already upgraded & is capable of output 2-channel PCM audio over HDMI, thus it will be nice to include the processing of uncompressed multi-channel audio feature. ;D

I wonder if it can be achieved with firmware update or a discrete component/circuit is required?

MS is clearly more focused on gaming and Xbox Live.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Apr 04, 2007 at 06:24 PM
I say it was a mistake for M$ not only to not have a built-in HD DVD drive, but also to leave things out like built-in WiFi and HDMI1.3 so you end up paying more for less vs. a PS3 at roughly the same price :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Apr 04, 2007 at 06:40 PM
now if the ps3 would just have more games please........ ::) the price of the 120gb add on for the xbox is spendy, but shows that M$ would prefer that users download content
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Apr 04, 2007 at 08:50 PM
now if the ps3 would just have more games please........ ::) the price of the 120gb add on for the xbox is spendy, but shows that M$ would prefer that users download content

MGS4 should be a very big seller when it comes out, and a PS3 exclusive as well since it will be the first game to use a BD50 disc, making an XBOX360 port difficult if not impossible
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 04, 2007 at 09:12 PM
Ill update my earlier post.........May 22 could be the biggest day in Highdef Releases:

HD DVD

    * The 40-Year-Old Virgin (Universal)
    * The Complete Matrix Trilogy (Warner)
    * Flags of Our Fathers (DreamWorks)
    * Freedom Writers (Paramount)
    * The Hurricane (2000) (Universal)
    * Letters from Iwo Jima (Warner)
    * M:I-2 (Paramount)
    * Mission: Impossible (Paramount)
    * The Skeleton Key (Universal)
    * Smokey and the Bandit (Universal)
    * The Ultimate Matrix Collection (Warner)

Blu-ray

    * Apocalypto  (Buena Vista)
    * Closer (Sony)
    * Flags of Our Fathers (DreamWorks)
    * Freedom Writers (Paramount)
    * Letters from Iwo Jima (Warner)
    * M:I-2 (Paramount)
    * Mission: Impossible (Paramount)
    * Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (Buena Vista)
    * Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (Buena Vista)
    * Primeval (Buena Vista)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 04, 2007 at 09:15 PM
Wow I'm salivating over all the nice tittles....  :-*
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Apr 04, 2007 at 10:38 PM
My wallet will be a lot thinner if i give in to buying those titles  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 04, 2007 at 10:41 PM
time to save up guys...thats still a good month a half away..... ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: alvinthx2 on Apr 05, 2007 at 02:54 PM
Updated Toshiba HD-A1 firmware from 2.0 to 2.1 last night. Don't really know what improved. ???
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: NeilNo on Apr 05, 2007 at 07:48 PM

I already narrowed mine to Flags, Iwo, Apocalypto, Ultimate Matrix and Pirates 1&2.  ;D

Cheers everyone!!!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 05, 2007 at 08:57 PM
I already narrowed mine to Flags, Iwo, Apocalypto, Ultimate Matrix and Pirates 1&2.  ;D

Cheers everyone!!!
will follow your steps sir Neil....minus Flags.....still mighty costly day... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Apr 06, 2007 at 09:09 AM
flags, iwo, matrix trilogy and pirates 1&2 for me
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Apr 06, 2007 at 10:32 AM
Must be signs of aging.
POTC1 daughter rented at least 2x but I never had the interest to watch in full.
POTC2 accompanied wife and daughter to the moviehouse last year but I dozed off.  daughter rented last week but I did some Sudoku while my ladies were watching, though I readily noticed how much richer the colors are in DVD compared to that of theater (well I rarely watch in theater anyways so perhaps di na sanay sa film-look).
I've enjoyed most of Depp's other movies though.

The Ultimate Matrix Collection, yeah that's the one for me but the wife just can't appreciate parts 2 and 3 no matter how much I explain.   Eastwood's war movies, yeah we're interested in them both.   Would have been interested in Apocalypto too if I had the Blu.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Apr 07, 2007 at 05:51 PM
'Children of Men' HD DVD Hits Xbox 360 Playback Snag?

Children of Men plays perfectly on my add-on drive. The only complain I have is the 1.85:1 aspect ratio.  Cinematic feel diminishes with such tighter view but my daugther is quite elated that the whole 16x9 screen is filled out to the edges.

Title: HD DVD takes early lead in European market
Post by: pchin on Apr 10, 2007 at 01:25 PM
HD DVD takes early lead in European market

"Blu-ray may have the upper hand in the North American high-definition market, but HD DVD appears to be the format of choice in Europe. European movie studios are favoring HD DVD over Blu-ray due to the cost savings involved in HD DVD duplication for these independent European studios, according to a report on the Financial Times"

Full article
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070409-hd-dvd-takes-early-lead-in-european-market.html
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 12, 2007 at 08:32 AM
teaser......

(http://www.highdefdigest.com/images/post/2/2281/original.pjpeg)

Spidey in HD??? Wow!!!!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 12, 2007 at 08:37 AM
It seems the Spidey 3 release date is 2 November 2007. Wow, this will be a great HD movie for all Spidey fans. Too bad only in BD  :'(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Apr 12, 2007 at 01:38 PM
Cross your fingers Studio Canal will release it in HD DVD for Europe.  ;D As they do for some Fox, BV, Disney and MGM titles. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 12, 2007 at 03:35 PM
Yes yes all my 10 fingers & toes are all crossed na  ;D

Pls pls...I will pray hard  :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 12, 2007 at 03:48 PM
Toshiba's HD-A20 HD DVD Player Hits Retailers' Shelves

As HD DVD disc sales soar, Toshiba meets growing demand with 1080p player offering an amazing high def experience for ONLY $499.99 (MSRP)

WAYNE, N.J., April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. ("Toshiba") announced today that its newest HD DVD player, the HD-A20, is now shipping to U.S. retailers. Priced at $499.99 (MSRP), the HD-A20 adds to Toshiba's second generation of HD DVD players and makes 1080p resolution available at an attractive price point.

The Player: With 1080p output capability, Toshiba's HD-A20 joins the existing Toshiba HD DVD line-up which includes the entry level HD-A2 and the top of the line, HD-XA2. This expanded line of products offers enhanced functionalities of the HD DVD format and is proof of Toshiba's commitment to the smooth transition to the next stage in high definition entertainment. Through an HDMI(TM) interface, DVD content can be upconverted to near HD picture quality. The HD-A2, HD-A20 and HD-XA2 are all backward compatible, so users can continue to enjoy their libraries of current DVD and CD software.

Interactivity: All of Toshiba's HD DVD players feature interactive capabilities and an Ethernet port to support networking, to provide users with the potential to download great content like streaming audio commentary, new audio languages and new HD trailers when a network-enabled HD DVD disc is played.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Apr 12, 2007 at 10:44 PM
(http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/8263/sm3cover2la9qc6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 12, 2007 at 11:59 PM
The time to become a format neutral is near....  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aeris30 on Apr 13, 2007 at 07:57 AM
(http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/8263/sm3cover2la9qc6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Full HD trailer now available for download on the PS3 from the US Playstation store 8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: aHobbit on Apr 13, 2007 at 01:01 PM
Yes yes all my 10 fingers & toes are all crossed na  ;D

Pls pls...I will pray hard  :P

alien ... alien ...   eeekk!  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 13, 2007 at 01:05 PM
(http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/8263/sm3cover2la9qc6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
bring on the trilogy!!!!  ;D ;D ;D  the DVD of Spidey 1 and 2 already looks great......
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 13, 2007 at 01:29 PM
bring on the trilogy!!!!  ;D ;D ;D  the DVD of Spidey 1 and 2 already looks great......

No need na...one is enough na. We HD-DVD have nothing at all  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 13, 2007 at 03:34 PM
New 'Heroes' HD DVD Details Leaked

Fresh details have surfaced online for the highly-anticipated HD DVD release of 'Heroes: Season One,' with the set now expected to include bonus features exclusive to the next-gen release.

According to this recent post at the 'Heroes' fansite www.herosite.net, the first season of NBC's breakout superhero series is shaping up to be a feature-packed HD DVD box set.

One of the site's readers, Nick Grugin, brought back a report from the recent Wizard World convention held in Los Angeles, which hosted a panel featuring the 'Heroes' creators and key creative personnel.

Among the tidbits revealed is a planned simultaneous DVD and HD DVD release for 'Heroes: Season One,' though no date has yet been set. Extras planned for the HD DVD version include a newly-cleared 72-minute original pilot episode, which first debuted at San Diego's ComiCon early last year. The show's producers also hope to include additional extras exclusive to the next-gen release, disc space permitting.

While a firm release date for 'Heroes: Season One' has not yet been announced by the series' home video distributor, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, a planned August launch is currently expected, following a recent online leak of the studio's entire 2007 HD DVD line-up.

With so few TV on high-def titles currently in the marketplace, the show's fast-growing cult audience coupled with a very HD-ready visual style makes 'Heroes: Season One' easily one of the more anticipated next-gen titles of this year.

We'll certainly keep you posted on further 'Heroes' news as soon as it is officially confirmed. Watch this space!



Paul, are you following Heroes?  this is great news!!   Holy Maccaroons!!!  ;D ;D

(http://www.highdefdigest.com/images/post/2/2289/original.jpeg)
this cheerleader in HD!!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 13, 2007 at 03:57 PM
Hooyah  :o I supposedto get the regular DVD Season One na....but looks like I may change my mind now & wait for the HD release  :D

GREAT GREAT NEWS!!  :-*
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Apr 13, 2007 at 05:18 PM
Samsung says Duo HD BD-UP5000 dual-format Blu-ray/HD-DVD combo player on the way

Samsung's been seriously non-committal about whether or not they were going to come out with a dual-format HD-DVD / Blu-ray combo player for a while now (they first said they working on one back in September of '05, only to retract that a few months later), but no more: it's officially happening. They've just announced the Duo HD BD-UP5000, their first player to support both HD disc formats. LG beat 'em to the punch with the BH100, but Samsung is promising that the Duo HD BD-UP5000 will have full support for HD-DVD (including support for HDi), something LG hasn't been able to offer with its player. We're still waiting to hear details about pricing and all that, but they are promising that the combo player will be out "in time for the holidays."

http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/12/samsung-bd-up5000-dual-format-blu-ray-hd-dvd-combo-player-on-the/
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Apr 15, 2007 at 10:08 AM
"Also this morning, 20th Century Fox has announced a new 4-disc Die Hard: Collection DVD box set for release on 6/19, containing single-disc versions of Die Hard, Die Hard 2: Die Harder and Die Hard with a Vengeance, as well as a new bonus disc with an hour of exclusive content including the Live Free or Die Hard teaser trailer and 2 featurettes (Wrong Guy, Wrong Place, Wrong Time: A Look Back at Die Hard and The Continuing Adventures of John McClane). We suspect Blu-ray Disc versions of these films are in the offing for release later in 2007, coinciding with the eventual release of the forthcoming Live Free or Die Hard (due in theaters on 6/27)." - Bill Hunt
Title: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 15, 2007 at 09:01 PM
Digital Video Essentials - High Definition (HD DVD)

Excerpt:

"So now we're moving into the era of High Definition media, and here comes Digital Video Essentials – High Definition to blaze a trail as the first HD DVD calibration disc. Amid fears that it would be yet another JKP design disaster, lo and behold the new DVE is much improved in organization and layout. The HDi menu interface is divided sensibly into sections for video and audio, and within each the program material is arranged in an intuitive scrolling title system sort of like an iPod playlist. For each title selected, text information appears on the side of the screen explaining what the test pattern is and how to use it.

A complete bevy of video test material is available here: color bars, pluges, needle pulses, gray ramps and color ramps, overscan and SMPTE charts, luma and chroma steps, resolution tests, geometry and convergence patterns, video response sweeps, and zone plates. The disc even includes dedicated patterns for 720p and 1080p resolutions. There's a test to verify proper 1080i deinterlacing to 1080p, though it's a very simple test that doesn't take into consideration complex cadence patterns. There's also a check for audio sync. Some of the tests a user can do on his or her own, while others require specialized equipment (oscilloscopes, color analyzers, waveform monitors, etc.) that you'll have to call in a professional calibrator for. On the audio side of things we have pink noise, test tones, frequency sweeps, subwoofer phase checks, and tests for levels and balance. The majority of these will require a sound level meter."

Final Thoughts:
A good calibration disc is the lynchpin of any home theater installation. Every HD DVD owner should have a copy of Digital Video Essentials. Highly recommended.


Full article: http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=27556
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Apr 16, 2007 at 12:43 PM
BD+ Titles Coming Soon

This should mean a flood of more BD titles once BD+ is implemented:

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6433561.html (http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6433561.html)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Apr 16, 2007 at 01:06 PM
Planet earth hddvd version hit #5 as a topseller in amazon. Awesome feat for hddvd. Im waiting for my copy hurray... 8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 16, 2007 at 02:34 PM
Thats good news.  But probably induced by the April 15 HD DVD purchase day........still a mean feat though, considering that this costs $69.99...so theres no doubt in my mind that the Matrix Trilogy will come up no.1 at the amazon bestseller list.......
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 16, 2007 at 03:09 PM
Interesting day for HD-DVD annivesary yesterday where forum members combined forces to spike & boost HD-DVD sales...It was real fun to see the chart soaring  ;D 

(http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/1323/hddvdvsbdmw2.png)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 16, 2007 at 05:46 PM
Posted from member bbc20000:

European releases

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/9610/underworldevolutionhd60yt7.jpg
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/7281/untitledft8.jpg
http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/3493/elprestigiohd600aow7.jpg

UK releases
The Island 7th May 07
The Prestige 14th May 07

Underworld: Evolution will be released in Spain, but not in the UK. Underworld is a Sony movie but glad it has a European realease on HD-DVD! Let's hope Spiderman will get such treatment! :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Apr 16, 2007 at 08:32 PM
Posted from member bbc20000:

European releases

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/9610/underworldevolutionhd60yt7.jpg
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/7281/untitledft8.jpg
http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/3493/elprestigiohd600aow7.jpg

UK releases
The Island 7th May 07
The Prestige 14th May 07

Underworld: Evolution will be released in Spain, but not in the UK. Underworld is a Sony movie but glad it has a European realease on HD-DVD! Let's hope Spiderman will get such treatment! :D

The Spidey series is very much BD exclusive because it's a 100% Sony production (therefore Sony has complete control over the video release) unlike Underworld which was a 50/50 production with Lakeshore entertainment (which is distributed by Universal in Europe).  Besides, I highly doubt Sony would let such a flagship title appear on a rival format :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 16, 2007 at 09:36 PM
Ah this krazy guy...kill joy talaga noh  :'(

You should give me some benefit of doubt dba... :-\  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: doughn on Apr 16, 2007 at 09:47 PM
im getting a dual format player like LG, to njoy both formats.. hehehe
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: oReOsHaKe on Apr 16, 2007 at 09:58 PM
im getting a dual format player like LG, to njoy both formats.. hehehe

Kailan ba lalabas yang dual format player na yan?   ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Apr 17, 2007 at 12:32 AM
Ah this krazy guy...kill joy talaga noh  :'(

You should give me some benefit of doubt dba... :-\  ;D

Not so much as being a killjoy, but more of stating the facts ;) Just a rule of thumb: if the production of a movie is wholly done by a format exclusive studio, it will very well be exclusive on that respective format (like Spider Man on BD or King Kong on HD DVD).  On the other hand if a movie is made by two (or more) studios, then there's the chance it might be released on different formats for different parts of the world (depending on the distribution arrangements) like Cinderella Man which was made by Universal and Disney/Buena Vista and explains why Cinderella man is on HD DVD in North America (as Universal has video distribution of that movie in the US/Canada) and on BD in other countries like Japan where it's distributed by Disney/Buena Vista
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 17, 2007 at 04:49 AM
im getting a dual format player like LG, to njoy both formats.. hehehe

doughn, you should consider Samsung as "it is promising that the Duo HD BD-UP5000 will have full support for HD-DVD (including support for HDi), something LG hasn't been able to offer with its player."

if the production of a movie is wholly done by a format exclusive studio, it will very well be exclusive on that respective format (like Spider Man on BD or King Kong on HD DVD).....

No worry bro, I was just kidding. Yep I know the real reason. I'm just envy to those movies I can't get lang hehe ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: crey014 on Apr 17, 2007 at 06:55 AM
With my new HDTV, I'm just itching to get myself an HD Player. Any recommendations? Any sites that sell these players that ship internationally? Tried amazon but they only ship in America. I'm thinking of going straight to HD DVD. :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 17, 2007 at 07:16 AM
im getting a dual format player like LG, to njoy both formats.. hehehe
if i were you, ill avoid this one.....with its SRP of $1200, you can get a stand alone HD DVD player (around $350) and a PS3 ($600) and still have change...........and LG isnt even supporting HD DVD's iHD heatures....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 17, 2007 at 07:19 AM
With my new HDTV, I'm just itching to get myself an HD Player. Any recommendations? Any sites that sell these players that ship internationally? Tried amazon but they only ship in America. I'm thinking of going straight to HD DVD. :D

You can refer to "Toshiba HD-DVD player, available na ba locally?" for more info :)
http://pinoydvd.com/board/index.php?topic=56153.0
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: crey014 on Apr 17, 2007 at 09:27 AM
Thanks.

I was thinking I'll just contact a friend in California and get it sent here to New Zealand. :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bonjit on Apr 17, 2007 at 06:11 PM
Hi guys,

I just bought 2 hd dvds Batman Begins and Miami Vice. The King Kong disc that came with the xbox is very clear compared to the two dvds I bought. Siguro hindi maganda iyung pagka transfer. Batman Begins is a little bit better than the standard dvd I have but miami vice is not up to par with the king kong hd disc, ang layo.
Any thoughts on these guys ???

Bonjit
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 17, 2007 at 08:46 PM
Hi guys,

I just bought 2 hd dvds Batman Begins and Miami Vice. The King Kong disc that came with the xbox is very clear compared to the two dvds I bought. Siguro hindi maganda iyung pagka transfer. Batman Begins is a little bit better than the standard dvd I have but miami vice is not up to par with the king kong hd disc, ang layo.
Any thoughts on these guys ???

Bonjit
yup sir, medyo disappointing nga yung Miami Vice PQ-wise.....and to think it was shot in HD cameras.  Lots of video noise.....you can compare it to Superman Returns too.....shot din yun sa HD cameras, parang me artificial grain...which I think is intentional......Batman Begins though isnt that bad in PQ but is top tier in audio quality...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: et414 on Apr 17, 2007 at 08:56 PM
sometimes it's the way movies are supposed to look. what some people call "director's intent". movies like these are intended to look soft(batman) or grainy(miami vice) and doesn't make very good eye candy for your hdtv. stay away from superman returns and sky captain and the world of tomorrow if you don't like this look.

for a comprehensive list of highdef movie rankings based on PQ check out the Tier System at avsforum. they have one for bluray and hddvd
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 17, 2007 at 09:00 PM
yup, tumpak eric...... :) :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Lantis on Apr 18, 2007 at 05:20 PM
Hardware Sales: HD DVD Stand-Alone Players Reach 100,000 Milestone
Wed Apr 18, 2007 at 03:39 AM ET
Tags: Hardware, Industry Trends, Toshiba (all tags)

HD DVD has beaten Blu-ray to a major sales milestone, becoming the first next-gen format to sell-through over 100,000 stand-alone players to consumers.

The figures were announced by the North American HD DVD Promotions Group, the official umbrella PR organization for the HD DVD Forum (which includes the format's primary hardware backer Toshiba).

The 100K total does not include sales of HD DVD PC drives or the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on drive, both of which continue to sell strongly.

The majority of the HD DVD set-top players sold so far in the U.S. have been from Toshiba, which launched the format with two models in April 2006. Earlier this year, LG Electronics released a dual HD DVD/Blu-ray player, and Samsung has also announced plans to release its own dual-format player later this year.

With an entry-level price point of $599 at launch, HD DVD set-top players cost about half of the then-cheapest Blu-ray stand-alone players. Toshiba further reduced its bottom-line HD DVD player to $399 on April 1 to spur more sales.

Though Blu-ray now outpaces its rival in terms of total player penetration largely due to the PlayStation 3, the HD DVD Promotions Group and Toshiba are touting the format's consistently aggressive pricing as the primary reason for the continued strong sales of stand-alone decks.

"Toshiba remains committed to drive sales with strategic pricing and marketing to complement the rapid market adoption of HDTVs," said Jodi Sally, VP of marketing for Toshiba America Consumer Products, in a prepared statement. "Retailers are showing a significant increase in sales volume this month so far. On Amazon.com, our HD DVD players continue to rank among the Top 10 bestsellers of all DVD players, which says a lot about how consumers relate to price."

How long HD DVD can enjoy its lead in stand-alone player sales versus Blu-ray, however, remains to be seen. Aside from the PS3, whose popular 60GB model retails for $599, Sony has announced plans to also debut a $599 stand-alone player this summer, which will help close the gap with HD DVD pricing.

Still, being the first format to reach 100K in stand-alone sales is a notable achievement for the HD DVD format. Thanks to the "PS3 factor," and Blu-ray movie sales enjoying a more than two-to-one sales lead during the first few months of the year, many have already begun to write HD DVD off as a format without a future. But today's announcement certainly suggest it would be unwise to proclaim the format war as over just yet.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Apr 18, 2007 at 05:54 PM
Disc Sales: 'Planet Earth' Breaks New Amazon Record; HD DVD Staging a Comeback?

With a week to go before its dual-format high-def release, pre-orders for 'Planet Earth: The Complete BBC Series' have broken new ground on Amazon's top sellers list. Meanwhile, recent Amazon rankings appear to indicate a turnaround in HD DVD sales.

'Planet Earth' has been Amazon's most ordered high-def release on both formats for a while now, but this past weekend saw it hit new heights on Amazon's overall list of top selling DVDs, with the HD DVD edition topping out at #4, while the Blu-ray edition hit a high of #17 in the same timeframe.
 
The unusually strong Amazon sales for 'Planet Earth' exceed even the famously high levels set by the 'Casino Royale' Blu-ray, which ultimately hit a high of #7 on the Amazon chart shortly after its release last month.

But while it should be emphasized that the Amazon chart represents Amazon sales only and isn't necessarily indicative of the market as a whole, these strong numbers for 'Planet Earth' (and for the HD DVD edition in particular) are noteworthy none the less.

First off, while some pointed to 'Royale' on Blu-ray as an anomaly, arguing that the disc's high sales numbers were more a function of the film's appeal and accessibility to the PlayStation 3 audience, 'Planet Earth's strong sales on both formats would appear to indicate otherwise. Not only isn't the disc a gamer-friendly action spectacular like 'Royale' (although it's sure to boast some stunning visuals), but the multi-disc set carries a relatively steep Amazon price of $69.95, compared to more accessibly-priced single disc Blu-ray edition of 'Royale' at $26.95.

Secondly (and perhaps of most interest to industry-watchers and early adopters alike) the strong sales for 'Planet Earth' on HD DVD coincide with what would appear to be an impressive sales recovery for HD DVD -- at least as measured by Amazon. While the format has taken a drubbing compared to its high-def rival since the start of 2007, its Amazon rankings over the past three weeks seem to suggest a comeback:

Note that while the most recent spike in the chart above (from this past weekend) is likely attributible to a coordinated "buy-a-thon" on the part of some online HD DVD supporters in honor of the format's first anniversary this past Sunday, setting that aside, the format's overall Amazon trending would appear to indicate that its poor performance vs Blu-ray over the first few months of the year may in fact have been (as its backers have long argued) more attributable to a dearth of new releases than anything else.

Of course, without anything backing up this assertion besides Amazon ranks, all of this remains idle speculation.  But after months of bad news, it's speculation that's likely to be music to the ears of HD DVD format backers and their supporters.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Apr 18, 2007 at 06:22 PM
Not only Planet Earth.  Also Happy Feet.  I wonder what the sales ranks are between titles released in both formats. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Apr 18, 2007 at 06:27 PM
Blu-Ray camp organizes HD-DVD retaliation
17/04/2007

http://www.psu.com/node/9816 (http://www.psu.com/node/9816)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 18, 2007 at 06:52 PM
Also Happy Feet.  I wonder what the sales ranks are between titles released in both formats. 

Current Sales Ranking:  :)
Happy Feet (Combo HD DVD) 318
Happy Feet (Blu-ray) 324

Blu-Ray camp organizes HD-DVD retaliation

This will be interesting :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Apr 18, 2007 at 06:56 PM
Blu-Ray camp organizes HD-DVD retaliation
17/04/2007

http://www.psu.com/node/9816 (http://www.psu.com/node/9816)

It seems the format war has spilled into their respective fanbase.  Keep it on.  The studios will be delighted singing all the way to their banks.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bonjit on Apr 18, 2007 at 08:15 PM

sometimes it's the way movies are supposed to look. what some people call "director's intent". movies like these are intended to look soft(batman) or grainy(miami vice) and doesn't make very good eye candy for your hdtv. stay away from superman returns and sky captain and the world of tomorrow if you don't like this look.

for a comprehensive list of highdef movie rankings based on PQ check out the Tier System at avsforum. they have one for bluray and hddvd

salamat munskie and et414 for your comments and suggestions. I'll stay away from the two titles you said.

Bonjit
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: crey014 on Apr 19, 2007 at 02:28 AM
Just signed up for that Blu-Ray-athon. Ha! Should be fun.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Apr 19, 2007 at 08:23 AM
Blu-Ray camp organizes HD-DVD retaliation
17/04/2007

http://www.psu.com/node/9816 (http://www.psu.com/node/9816)
Tsk tsk tsk, No originality..Why follow a losing or dead format right? Hddvd is always first at everything im sorry to say
1. First to come out/released
2. First to reach 100,000 milestone for standalones.
3. First with this anniversary celebration idea
That shows we love our format and this is not just to spike sales. Some people can call it whatever they want but this is a anniversary celebration showing support that we love our format no matter what, and I truly enjoy being part of that day.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Apr 19, 2007 at 08:25 AM
I know I know some may say the first also to die..but that remains to me seen hehehe
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 19, 2007 at 08:33 AM
Wow Ray, you're very vocal this morning....Long Live HD-DVD!!  ;D

Just signed up for that Blu-Ray-athon. Ha! Should be fun.

We had our share of fun...so get ready to go out & have some fun too.  ;)

The Dark Force will strike back!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Apr 19, 2007 at 10:43 AM
hehehe....Paul, This is a symptom of after effects  of April 15th hehehe..Im still too hyper hehe..
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 19, 2007 at 10:09 PM

Warner Brings 'Blood Diamond' to Blu-ray, HD DVD

Warner Home Entertainment is bringing 'Blood Diamond' to Blu-ray and HD DVD this summer, in two separate-but-unequal versions sure to generate controversy amongst early adopters.

Unlike the studio's usual policy of releasing identical Blu-ray and HD DVD releases of a title on the same date, Warner will instead debut 'Blood Diamond' about a month apart, with the Blu-ray hitting stores first on June 5, followed by the HD DVD on July 2.

What's more, though both versions will share identical tech specs, including matching 1080p transfers, supplemental content will be far from identical. The basic suite of extras are the same, including a filmmaker's commentary, four featurettes and a music video; however, the HD DVD will include a raft of exclusive cutting-edge features omitted from the Blu-ray release.

The HD DVD of 'Blood Diamond' will be the first next-gen title to include web-enabled extras, including allowing viewers to use their players to offer opinions in Warner's online polls, as well as view other exciting special features such as maps of conflict pertaining to war-torn areas in Africa.

Furthermore, the HD DVD boasts an In-Movie Experience (IME) video commentary with additional behind-the-scenes and interview footage. And for the first time on 'Blood Diamond,' Warner will include the new Focus Points feature that takes the viewer to exciting in-depth featurettes and production diaries.

Despite the considerable differences between the Blu-ray and HD DVD, Warner has set an identical list price of $28.99 for each.

Certainly, Warner's decision to offer such an impressive suite of extras on the HD DVD of 'Blood Diamond,' yet withhold them from the Blu-ray, makes a significant departure from the studio's previous "format agnostic" approach of issuing identical versions on both formats.

Even more notably, it strikes yet another blow for Blu-ray's much-maligned BD-Java authoring environment, which continues to be held up due to production delays. As such, advanced features such as IME remain unavailable on current Blu-ray releases. In the past, however, with such IME-enhanced titles as 'The Matrix Trilogy' and "Batman Begins,' Warner has chosen to simply withhold their release releasing a Blu-ray version until a future . Their decision to simply downgrade the Blu-ray for 'Blood Diamond,' however, is sure to generate controversy.



Oh..I can wait for the HD DVD version.......same price, but more features.   And to think the hype was that Blu-ray should have more features coz it has more space.......now this.  Another right upper cut by HD DVD to Blu-ray's chin.   
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Apr 19, 2007 at 10:25 PM
With all these Web extras for HD-DVD, I wonder how many actually have their machines connected to a broadband connection. However, Blu-ray will eventually match those features. Its just a matter of time and if anyone would even take notice. So no big deal there... :-\ :-\
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 19, 2007 at 11:02 PM
With all these Web extras for HD-DVD, I wonder how many actually have their machines connected to a broadband connection. However, Blu-ray will eventually match those features. Its just a matter of time and if anyone would even take notice. So no big deal there... :-\ :-\
yup...even mine isnt connected......and I dont care much about polls.  But it has IME and that new Focus Points feature........so based on that, HD DVD is the better version for me.   But theres a wildcard.....the HD DVD version should have Dolby TrueHD......if it doesnt, and Blu-ray has uncompresssed PCM 5.1...ill get the BD version in a heartbeat.  But if Warner goes DD 5.1 only with Blu-ray ala Happy Feet (and Dolby TrueHD for HD DVD).....wouldnt Warner get the ire of many BD fans?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 20, 2007 at 08:24 AM
Wow Blood Diamond will offer new cool features. If WB is releasing the Blu-ray version a month earlier, not only is it going to lack the quality of the HD DVD version but also implies that the Blu-ray group may not see a re-release with enhanced features. Geez...the BD fan boys will surely jumping up & down with rage  ;D

So for format Neutrals, HD-DVD is another winner here...  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 20, 2007 at 08:33 AM
A comment in reference to the Blood Diamond HD release. Posted by BBHTGuy in another forum: 
   
(i am not format bashing in this post. i hope this is not seen as that, i am just frustrated with the way my format of choice has been going of late...)


i feel that blood diamond is "policy making" for WB's HD disc plans in two ways.

one, "blood diamond" is huge concerning WB's extensive support of extras for high profile releases. we all know many A+ titles are not on BD (grr) because BD cannot support those features. nonetheless, WB appears to have moved on, and given up on BD-J. WB seems to be indicating that hi-def exclusives are important, and i hope we can finally count on them, and not be happy to have them.

i for one am glad WB is finally delievering on some of those promises we heard over a year ago, even if they are not being fulfilled on my format of choice (BD).

second, i feel WB is finally tired of waiting on BD's long-touted BD-J interactivity. what this means for BD on a whole, I do not know. it has been no secret who WB was really behind, and i wonder how long WB will release discs for an inferior hardware base? (as much as it pains me to say it, BD is really beginning to look bad for the consumer. BD supporters, like myself, have been forced to look elsewhere for full featured discs and players.)

i do not know what this means for the big picture, but i do know this:

BD fans do not benefit from getting skimpy discs.

(again, the consumer who only supports BD loses out.)

before you flame me, i do support both, but i am just tired of BD's promises that seem to mean nothing.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Apr 20, 2007 at 06:12 PM
Blu-Ray camp organizes HD-DVD retaliation
17/04/2007

http://www.psu.com/node/9816 (http://www.psu.com/node/9816)

Parang di kailangan, yung sales blip is already going the opposite direction. In a month it will be like one shining moment ;D ;D ;D

(http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/3461/salesrank10011recent304lc7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Apr 20, 2007 at 06:16 PM
Wow Blood Diamond will offer new cool features. If WB is releasing the Blu-ray version a month earlier, not only is it going to lack the quality of the HD DVD version but also implies that the Blu-ray group may not see a re-release with enhanced features. Geez...the BD fan boys will surely jumping up & down with rage  ;D

So for format Neutrals, HD-DVD is another winner here...  :)


The title isn't exactly on everyone's list of must have (box offce sales $ 57m)...most probably it will just be rented  or the SD version would suffice.  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 20, 2007 at 08:44 PM
Wow Blood Diamond will offer new cool features. If WB is releasing the Blu-ray version a month earlier, not only is it going to lack the quality of the HD DVD version but also implies that the Blu-ray group may not see a re-release with enhanced features. Geez...the BD fan boys will surely jumping up & down with rage  ;D

So for format Neutrals, HD-DVD is another winner here...  :)

not only for neutrals but for HD DVD supporters like you, paul.   No matter how the "dark force" spins this one out, ......they are missing out on a great product simply because the BD camp couldnt keep a promise regarding the aspect of interactivity.   

found a post from another forum.....from Pecker:

There'll be HD DVD owners who like the extras.

There'll be HD DVD owners who don't like the extras.

There'll be BD owners who like the extras.

There'll be BD owners who don't like the extras.

There'll be dual-format owners who like the extras.

There'll be dual-format owners who don't like the extras.

The only HD DVD people who'll be upset will be those who don't like the short delay (a damn site shorter than the BD delay for some other titles).

But, whether or not any individuals here like the extras, or doesn't, or can't understand why some people do, there will be people who want the extras.

That means there'll be BD-only people angry with not having them, and dual-format owners who'll buy the HD DVD instead of the BD.

Whichever way you look at it, and whatever anyone personally thinks about IME extras, this can only be good for HD DVD.

I'm dual-format, and I generally don't do much with extras (though I do occasionally), and I'd be buying the HD DVD, even if I didn't like the look of the extras, merely because I'd just hate to think I was missing out. Irrational? Possibly. A human reaction? Definitely.



 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Apr 21, 2007 at 03:14 AM
A comment in reference to the Blood Diamond HD release. Posted by BBHTGuy in another forum: 
   
(i am not format bashing in this post. i hope this is not seen as that, i am just frustrated with the way my format of choice has been going of late...)


i feel that blood diamond is "policy making" for WB's HD disc plans in two ways.

one, "blood diamond" is huge concerning WB's extensive support of extras for high profile releases. we all know many A+ titles are not on BD (grr) because BD cannot support those features. nonetheless, WB appears to have moved on, and given up on BD-J. WB seems to be indicating that hi-def exclusives are important, and i hope we can finally count on them, and not be happy to have them.

i for one am glad WB is finally delievering on some of those promises we heard over a year ago, even if they are not being fulfilled on my format of choice (BD).

second, i feel WB is finally tired of waiting on BD's long-touted BD-J interactivity. what this means for BD on a whole, I do not know. it has been no secret who WB was really behind, and i wonder how long WB will release discs for an inferior hardware base? (as much as it pains me to say it, BD is really beginning to look bad for the consumer. BD supporters, like myself, have been forced to look elsewhere for full featured discs and players.)

i do not know what this means for the big picture, but i do know this:

BD fans do not benefit from getting skimpy discs.

(again, the consumer who only supports BD loses out.)

before you flame me, i do support both, but i am just tired of BD's promises that seem to mean nothing.


Good things come to those (on BD) who wait ;)

Edit: Good News! The BD version will in fact have LPCM audio:
http://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php?p=78663&postcount=151 (http://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php?p=78663&postcount=151)
Title: The War is Over...
Post by: dts-HD 3D on Apr 22, 2007 at 12:33 AM
Fuh Yuan Elec. Corp. builds a new factory in China to manufacture 2 million units of HD-DVD players for Walmart.  :o

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=836632&page=1&pp=30 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=836632&page=1&pp=30)


. . . well, maybe. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Apr 22, 2007 at 03:51 PM
This is going to be bad news for the profit margins of the two formats.

By licensing HD-DVD to Chinese manufacturers, Toshiba expects its own format to win the war by flooding the market with cheap HD-DVD players.  According to analysts, DVD became a mass market item in the U.S. when cheap China models were stocked in giant retailers like Wal-Mart.
 
However, Toshiba also knows that such a move will likely undercut its own HD-DVD players in favor of the much cheaper China models.  If that happens, how will Toshiba recover the hundreds of millions already spent on HD-DVD development costs?
 
It is unlikely that Sony and the Blu-ray group will license their technology to China anytime soon.  I'm sure that Blu-ray wouldn't want the low-cost manufacturers to quickly drive down the price of their players before initial investments are recovered and handsome profits are realized. 

At any rate, U.S. and Japanese companies have traditionally been reluctant to license their technologies to China because of the latter's record of ignoring royalty obligations.

Toshiba probably knows what it's getting itself into.  But it seems ready to sacrifice profits just to make sure that Blu ray will never win the war.   
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: crey014 on Apr 23, 2007 at 05:05 AM
How about that for desperate.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 23, 2007 at 07:22 AM
No such thing as desperate...it's all about business strategy.  :)

Posted by FoolintheRain:

Hmmmm,

Matrix Trilogy pseudo HD DVD exclusive
LOTR pseudo HD DVD exclusive
Harry Potter franchise pseudo HD DVD exclusive
Back to the Future HD DVD exclusive

2 MILLION cheap HD DVD players to Walmart

If all of these happen before the end of 2007...

That, ladies and gentlemen WINS the format war!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Apr 23, 2007 at 09:20 AM
From these actions, we know what format is trying to catch up.  ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 23, 2007 at 09:36 AM
BD-J is also trying to catch up noh...  ;D

So there is something HD-DVD & BD have in common after all  :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 23, 2007 at 09:56 AM
Playing catch-up or leading in sales figures means little for now.  Wala pa critical mass volume.  Happened for Blu-ray then, happening to HD DVD now.  Maybe in this quarter (april, may,  june) where releases are almost equal in numbers, if a format is outselling the other by a ratio of 10 to 1, then maybe news like that of cheap chinese-made highdef players, we can call someone getting pretty desperate.  But for now.....as paul would term it....its all business strategy.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Apr 23, 2007 at 10:32 AM
This is going to be bad news for the profit margins of the two formats.

By licensing HD-DVD to Chinese manufacturers, Toshiba expects its own format to win the war by flooding the market with cheap HD-DVD players.  According to analysts, DVD became a mass market item in the U.S. when cheap China models were stocked in giant retailers like Wal-Mart.
 
However, Toshiba also knows that such a move will likely undercut its own HD-DVD players in favor of the much cheaper China models.  If that happens, how will Toshiba recover the hundreds of millions already spent on HD-DVD development costs?
 
It is unlikely that Sony and the Blu-ray group will license their technology to China anytime soon.  I'm sure that Blu-ray wouldn't want the low-cost manufacturers to quickly drive down the price of their players before initial investments are recovered and handsome profits are realized. 

At any rate, U.S. and Japanese companies have traditionally been reluctant to license their technologies to China because of the latter's record of ignoring royalty obligations.

Toshiba probably knows what it's getting itself into.  But it seems ready to sacrifice profits just to make sure that Blu ray will never win the war.   

That is typical Japanese marketing strategy. They did it with automobiles in the 70s and 80s undercutting Detroit car prices and losing money in the short term.  But they won US market shares to the embarassment of Detroit.

I think Toshiba knows fully well the risks involved dealing with the Chinese.  At any rate, regardless of the market prices that could undercut Toshiba's own,  the hardware license fees go to Toshiba.  And license fees for 2 million+ units might be higher than their profits for a few of their own units.  And let's not forget that accdg to Toshiba in one of its press release answering the BD claims of winning the war, they are prepared to undercut BD players at any price every step of the way.  Pricing apparently is the least of their concerns. 

You know what, I think I can understand this.  Toshiba has been developing high definition TV since the late 90s.  They were in fact in the prototype stage at the time when DVD was launched.  HD DVD is just an extension of the DVD technologies.  It is said you only do minor adjustments to produce HD DVD using current DVD mastering and replicating facilities.  So it seems to me Toshiba can afford low prices because for all intents and purposes, the R&D investment costs for HD DVD are sunk cost already recovered from the royalties of DVD.

OTOH, Blu ray is an intirely new technology that was really designed from the ground up.  Oddly enough, it was designed with older MPEG2 and PCM technologies in mind, that's why they needed BD50 storage.  Hence, I am not surprised at the high costs of BD players for Sony et al to recoup their R&D investments.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Apr 23, 2007 at 12:13 PM
Personally, I'm rooting for Toshiba and HD-DVD.  Sony and Blu-ray refused to compromise, insisting on nothing less than worldwide dominance.

Sony and Blu-ray are in for a rude awakening.  Toshiba and HD-DVD are not about to give up so easily.   Once the cheap HD-DVD players flood the market and consumers overwhelmingly go HD-DVD, we'll see how long those studios' support for Blu-ray will last.     

At any rate, chismis pa rin hanggang ngayon ang Fuh Yuan - HD-DVD - Walmart deal.  I'm still waiting for an official press release.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Apr 23, 2007 at 04:33 PM
Blu-ray leads HD DVD in high definition race

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-04/23/content_6016059.htm
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: MAtZTER on Apr 23, 2007 at 05:03 PM
2 MILLION cheap HD DVD players to Walmart[/i]

I can smell my HDDVD player coming.... ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 23, 2007 at 06:01 PM
No worry...No sweat...after the 2 MILLION cheap HD-DVD players flood the market....together with those BIG gun tittles release...HD-DVD will catch up...(I hope so!)  ;D 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Apr 23, 2007 at 06:49 PM
Blu-ray leads HD DVD in high definition race

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-04/23/content_6016059.htm

Indeed very interesting reading...Even with a 2 month head start blu is still ahead.

"And when given a choice, consumers prefer Blu-ray.  Warner Home Video released "The Departed" on Feb.13 in both formats. By March 31, consumers bought 53,640  copies of the film on Blu-ray Disc and 31,590  on HD DVD, according to Home Media's market research, based on studio estimates and Nielsen VideoScan point-of-sale data.

    Research also shows eight of the 10 top-selling high-definition titles in the first quarter were on Blu-ray Disc. At the top of the list was "Casino Royale," which sold through to consumers an estimated 59,680 units in the period. The Blu-ray Disc edition of "Departed" finished second, while the HD DVD version of that Oscar-winning film placed third.

    From Jan. 1 to March 31, consumers purchased almost 1.2 million high-definition discs -- 832,530  Blu-ray units and 359,300  HD DVDs -- according to Home Media Magazine. In March, consumers bought 335,980  Blu-ray Discs and 119,570  HD DVDs.

    Since the high-def format's inception -- HD DVD launched in April 2006, while Blu-ray got rolling two months later -- more than 2.14 million discs have been purchased by consumers: 1.2 million  Blu-ray Discs and about 937,500  HD DVDs.

    Observers aren't surprised by the disparity because Blu-ray Disc enjoys the support of five of the six major studios, while HD DVD is supported by three of them. Three studios -- Sony, Disney and Fox -- are exclusively in the Blu-ray camp, as is mini-major Lionsgate. Paramount and Warner support both formats.

    Universal is the only major studio to release titles only in the HD DVD format, which backers claim is easier and cheaper to produce. "


(http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/3012/cachedimageservice35899ia3.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

going...going...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Apr 23, 2007 at 09:54 PM
If you look at the figure 1.2 million for bluray and 937,500 for hddvd so far, To me its still too close to call considering what sony has been saying that there are about 2 to 3 million ( am I right? im not sure of the figure ) ps3 units out there, lets say plus standalones, the disc sales for bluray should be really blowing away hddvd maybe at rate of 5:1 or more. But we see the famous 2:1 ratio at the moment with not really much releases for hddvd in the first quarter. We also cant compare the title like The departed because hddvd is more expensive by 4 dollars, which I think makes a difference. I myself held back purchasing this title because to me its not worth 27.95. Also if you look at the march figure, if I remember this is when the bluray had their big sale in amazon. If I remember titles like black hawk down and xmen 3 is close to like 15 dollars . Assuming if china players come out and they have this sale for hddvd as well, I think sales will pick up as well. If the samsung dual player comes out, it doesnt really matter who will win. The hddvd or bluray disc that we possess will still play and still in our library unless this next generation high def thing will not take off like they expected..then to me we just replaced our standard dvds for the short term.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Apr 23, 2007 at 11:03 PM
1st Quarter of 2007: Blu-Ray edges out HD-DVD

Quote
Sales of Blu-ray HDTV DVDs again beat rival HD DVD in March giving the Sony-backed format a 69-31 percent sales lead in the first three months of 2007, says Nielsen Video Scan. Blu-ray backers say the widening lead is evidence of the format pulling away from its competition; HD DVD supporters say their format will rebound thanks to lower player prices and new title releases in time for the summer.

http://www.skyreport.com/ (Scroll Down)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Apr 24, 2007 at 12:26 AM
Cheap Chinese players or not, BD player prices have nowhere to go but down, like the Samsung BD-P1000 which is now only $499 on Amazon (half the price from the original $999) and should be even lower by the time the Christmas shopping season comes around, and Sony is also coming out with the $499 BDPS-300 which should also drop in price as well.  Don't forget that the likes of Fox won't be switching to HD DVD or go neutral soon as they've already said they're backing BD because of the stronger BD+ security.  That said, this Christmas season should see a flood of big (and small) BD titles as the BD-J and BD+ that the studios have been waiting for would finally be implemented ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Apr 24, 2007 at 07:55 AM
If you look at the figure 1.2 million for bluray and 937,500 for hddvd so far, To me its still too close to call considering what sony has been saying that there are about 2 to 3 million ( am I right? im not sure of the figure ) ps3 units out there, lets say plus standalones, the disc sales for bluray should be really blowing away hddvd maybe at rate of 5:1 or more. But we see the famous 2:1 ratio at the moment with not really much releases for hddvd in the first quarter. We also cant compare the title like The departed because hddvd is more expensive by 4 dollars, which I think makes a difference. I myself held back purchasing this title because to me its not worth 27.95. Also if you look at the march figure, if I remember this is when the bluray had their big sale in amazon. If I remember titles like black hawk down and xmen 3 is close to like 15 dollars . Assuming if china players come out and they have this sale for hddvd as well, I think sales will pick up as well. If the samsung dual player comes out, it doesnt really matter who will win. The hddvd or bluray disc that we possess will still play and still in our library unless this next generation high def thing will not take off like they expected..then to me we just replaced our standard dvds for the short term.

I agree. For an underdog HD DVD is giving a real challenge to BD which is supposed to blow away the competition in no time.  It has the studio and CE support and dragged the console war into the format war and look, almost a good one year after their launches, one solitary Toshiba is giving BD a lot of hurdles to become the next generaton HT format.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Apr 24, 2007 at 10:38 AM
Does anybody have any data on the quantity of BD standalone players that have been sold? 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Apr 24, 2007 at 02:55 PM
i would like to know as well 8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 24, 2007 at 04:57 PM
Does anybody have any data on the HD-DVD sales from Europes (UK, France, Germany, Spain, etc)?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Apr 24, 2007 at 05:02 PM
i would like to know as well 8)

Let me guess, assuming there are 3M PS3 owners, the total user base of BD is approximately 3,005,000 give or take some thousands.  :)  Still a whole lot more than the 100K standalone HD DVDs combined with perhaps some hundreds of thousands of HD DVD add-on drive owners.  

So the difference in disk sales figures is only "1.2M less 0.937M"?   Interesting.  
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Apr 24, 2007 at 05:27 PM
The "Godfather of DVD" Warren Lieberfarb speaks out:

(From variety.com, 23 Apr. 2007)


Warring disc formats avoidable
As HD DVD & Blu-ray battle, rivals gain foothold
By SCOTT KIRSNER
Don of DVDs, Warren Lieberfarb, advocated for peace, but he went unheeded by warring format clans.
 
Was peace possible in the Blu-ray vs. HD DVD war?

In the world according to Warren Lieberfarb, the schism between the two next-generation disc formats shouldn't have happened.

Before standard-definition discs were introduced a decade ago, Lieberfarb, the former president of Warner Home Video, was instrumental in the negotiation of a truce between two rival groups promoting incompatible formats. This, of course, created billions of dollars in disc-sales revenue for the entertainment business and a healthy stream of royalty revenues for his parent company, Time Warner.

In Lieberfarb's view, the right aggressive moves could've prevented Blu-ray and HD DVD from befuddling consumers when those formats hit store shelves last year with two separate offerings.

Lieberfarb says he first sensed Blu-ray was gaining momentum in January 2002, at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, when tech concerns Matsu$hita and Philips joined forces with Sony.

"It was clear to me that a cartellike consortium was being created for the purpose of forcing a de facto standard on other manufacturers," Lieberfarb says.

Lieberfarb had hoped that all of the parties working on next-generation DVDs would continue collaborating on standards within the DVD Forum, a group that had been created in 1995 to foster discussions among studios and electronics makers.

Lieberfarb was so concerned about the activities of Sony, Matsu$hita and Philips that he asked Time Warner's outside antitrust counsel to explore strategies for getting the U.S. Dept. of Justice to launch an inquiry. But Time Warner had other priorities, and at the end of 2002 Lieberfarb was axed.

For their part, Blu-ray supporters take issue with Lieberfarb's characterizaton. "'Cartel' suggests that there's this combative exclusivity involved," says Andy Parsons, chair of the U.S. promotion committee of the Blu-ray Disc Assn. and an exec at Pioneer.

But Parsons acknowledges that "the three leading companies (Sony, Philips and Matsus**ta) did not have any particular interest in presenting the Blu-ray format through the DVD Forum. They believed they had something very different from the DVD format," with more storage capacity.

Since 2002, Lieberfarb has been a consultant to Microsoft and Toshiba, two members of the HD DVD camp.

He says that if the studios had been less focused on creating bulletproof copy-protection and more fixated on getting the discs into the market more quickly, the work being done on HD DVD within the DVD Forum would've proceeded more quickly.

And with that, HD DVD might have beaten Blu-ray to market by an even wider -- and perhaps definitive -- margin. (As it was, HD DVD rolled out in the spring of last year and Blu-ray during the summer.)

"The studios were in denial or ignorant as to when DVD was going to reach maturity and when the growth rates would significantly slow down," Lieberfarb says.

Though peace talks did take place between the Blu-ray and HD DVD camps, Lieberfarb says that "the negotiations never got beyond the preliminary stage."

Parsons agrees, noting, "The different physical structure of the discs meant someone had to give up everything."

One other reason for the mutual distrust: Given Microsoft's involvement with HD DVD, studios had concerns about the tech company dominating the so-called "digital living room," according to one studio homevid exec

Back in 1994-95, when the Warner/Toshiba-backed Super Density disc was fighting it out with Sony/Philips' Multimedia CD, notes Envisioneering Group senior analyst Richard Doherty, "The media were smart and savvy about goading the players toward an agreement. ... I don't think we've had that with the high-def discs."

Doherty says he tried to bring together HD DVD and Blu-ray supporters for a debate two years ago at the National Assn. of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas. "Neither side seemed to want it," he notes.

Now that Blu-ray equipment is duking it out with HD DVD equipment in the market, Lieberfarb sees only one potential solution to the conflict: aggressive price discounting.

But consumers' confusion could prevent high-def discs from ever gaining the kind of foothold DVD has enjoyed.

"The longer these guys battle now, the more that Bill Gates, networked media, personal video recorders and satellite become the rival format to high-definition DVD," Doherty says. "Hard disc drives and fast network connections win in that scenario, not HD DVD or Blu-ray."



==============================================================



Posted: Mon., Apr. 23, 2007, 2:59pm PT
How DVDs became a success
Vision, compromise leads to prosperity
By SCOTT KIRSNER


http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117963617.html?categoryid=20&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117963617.html?categoryid=20&cs=1)


Posted: Mon., Apr. 23, 2007, 2:30pm PT
DVD timeline
Looking back at the format's history
By DANIEL FRANKEL


http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117963613.html?categoryid=20&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117963613.html?categoryid=20&cs=1)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: crey014 on Apr 24, 2007 at 05:31 PM
I am so tempted to go to HD-DVDs because they have some titles that I WOULD LOVE TO OWN in HD

America: "Lost in Translation", "Eternal Sunshine", "Children of Men", "V for Vendetta", "King Kong"
Germany: "Perfume: Story of a Murderer"
France: "Mulholland Drive" (My heart sank when I saw this in HD-DVD), "Ran", "The Chorus", "Renaissance"

Bring out more quality titles Blu-Ray! Not freaking "Employee of the Month".  >:(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Apr 24, 2007 at 05:38 PM
Let me guess, assuming there are 3M PS3 owners, the total user base of BD is approximately 3,005,000 give or take some thousands.  :)  Still a whole lot more than the 100K standalone HD DVDs combined with perhaps some hundreds of thousands of HD DVD add-on drive owners. 

So the difference in disk sales figures is only "1.2M less 0.937M"?   Interesting. 


true, what i wanted to know is the number of standalone players other than the ps3, then again the ps3 is the best blu ray player so far.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 24, 2007 at 06:05 PM
I am so tempted to go to HD-DVDs because they have some titles that I WOULD LOVE TO OWN in HD

Speaking of tittles, we are only in quarter two.... I can't imagine what other titles will be released in Qtr 3 & 4! More goodies to come...that's for sure  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Apr 24, 2007 at 06:55 PM
Let me guess, assuming there are 3M PS3 owners, the total user base of BD is approximately 3,005,000 give or take some thousands.  :)  Still a whole lot more than the 100K standalone HD DVDs combined with perhaps some hundreds of thousands of HD DVD add-on drive owners. 

So the difference in disk sales figures is only "1.2M less 0.937M"?   Interesting. 


That's because only a fraction of PS3 owners use them as BD players.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Apr 25, 2007 at 07:12 PM
HD DVD camp unable to confirm Wal-Mart HD DVD player

Quote
The biggest news to hit the format war in some time hit last week with word that Wal-Mart and China's Great Wall corporation struck a deal to bring inexpensive HD DVD players to market. While this is would be great news for all HD fans, we were left a bit worrisome by the translation dispute between the two camps. Just to make sure we had our facts straight, we updated the post and contacted HD DVD to get the full story. While the HD DVD camp reminded us that they have inexpensive players from China on the way, they weren't able to confirm any "specific reports relating to Wal-Mart". It seems to us that if this were indeed true, that the HD DVD camp would be the first to trumpet its significance to their success in the format war. As much as we all want inexpensive next generation HD disc players, we will just have to wait for something more official before we hold off on our purchases waiting for Wal-Mart.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/04/24/hd-dvd-camp-unable-to-confirm-wal-mart-hd-dvd-player/
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Apr 26, 2007 at 03:38 PM
akala ko nawala na yung thread...... lol
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Apr 26, 2007 at 04:17 PM
Now HD has its very own section.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Apr 26, 2007 at 05:11 PM
finally ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Apr 26, 2007 at 05:13 PM
yes, its just appropriate timing.  Many guys have been up for adoption lately.   Thanks to the Mods for heeding the call.  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 26, 2007 at 09:17 PM
Great news!  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: juanch on Apr 26, 2007 at 10:43 PM
nice to see this new HD section

but i'm not really sold to this HD and Blu-ray thing yet.
there's just not much difference with picture quality unless you have a
50 inch screen.

the jump in picture quality from DVD to HD or Blu-ray isn't as huge
as compared to VHS to DVD where even on a small screen there was a huge difference.

maybe when star wars comes out :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dts-HD 3D on Apr 26, 2007 at 11:41 PM
the jump in picture quality from DVD to HD or Blu-ray isn't as huge
as compared to VHS to DVD where even on a small screen there was a huge difference.

I agree, most of the movies I watched tho' sharp were grainy but still, there is noticeable improvement on an 80" display. If you are not impressed w/ the PQ there are other reasons to upgrade and go HD like the clearer audio quality and that PIP thing they call 'U-control' where you can access commentaries, bloopers, artworks and other extras on the fly w/o stopping the movie and going to the root or title menu. very convenient.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dts-HD 3D on Apr 26, 2007 at 11:45 PM
. . . and speaking of convenience . . . madali na maghanap ngayon everything about HD. . . o ha. :D Kudos to all the mods! Tenkyu po. . .
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Apr 27, 2007 at 12:13 PM
Kudos to the mods for this new HD section.

Take note, they even got the hyphen right.  No hyphen for "HD DVD"; with hyphen for "Blu-ray".   ;)




================================================================




Fuh Yuan retracts $299 Wal-Mart HD DVD statement
Posted Apr 26th 2007 11:10PM by Darren Murph

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/04/26/fuh-yuan-retracts-299-wal-mart-hd-dvd-statement/ (http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/04/26/fuh-yuan-retracts-299-wal-mart-hd-dvd-statement/)





Wal-Mart Shoots Down Cheap HD DVD Rumor
04.26.07

... A spokesperson for the company said Thursday that reported leak concerning Taiwan-based consumer electronics manufacturer, Fuh Yuan, partnering with TDK in China to manufacture the $250-299 players, had no merit.

xxx

On Thursday, the following statement appeared on Fuh Yuan's site:

"We are sorry to correct the statement that we have two million HD-DVD players order from Wal-Mart and manufactured by China Great Wall Group," Fuh Yuan said. "The actuality is that we had not received yet. We are asked to provide the schedule to Wal-Mart and cost to determine the quantity even more than two million, if the cost is good enough and timing is correct. So the capacity is under consideration. Any qualified manufactured base group will be welcome."

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2122715,00.asp (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2122715,00.asp)


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Apr 28, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Number of discs sold:

If you look at the figure 1.2 million for bluray and 937,500 for hddvd so far, To me its still too close to call...


It's even closer, considering that the latest HD DVD sales figures are now at 998,000. 

What I don't get is why observers are making such a big deal out of 1.2 million discs, when this figure, if placed in a proper perspective, is a dismally insignificant number.

Take UMD, for example.  How many movie discs has this format sold? 

Well, the latest stat I can find on the net was released way back in 2005, claiming a sales figure of 8.2 milion copies of UMD movies.

More than 8.2 million copies later, most people still don't even know what the hell a UMD is.  That's how insignificant 8.2 million discs are.  But for Blu-ray fanboys, a measly 1.2 million copies sold and they think the war is over.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Apr 28, 2007 at 04:03 PM
Take note, they even got the hyphen right.  No hyphen for "HD DVD"; with hyphen for "Blu-ray".   ;)

I always got it wrong...got used to putting the hyphen  :-X
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Lantis on May 02, 2007 at 08:35 AM
Universal Breaks Silence on HD DVD Playback Issues; Announces Disc Replacement Program

After weeks of persistent complaints from early adopters, Universal has issued a statement regarding playback issues with several of their most recent HD DVD releases.

The issues first surfaced in late March when 'Children of Men' was released on HD DVD, and consumers experienced inconsistent playback problems on both the Xbox 360 add-on and other stand-alone HD DVD playback devices. Since then, readers have reported similar playback issues on 'The Good Shepherd' and other more recently released Universal titles.

While the studio had been mum on the topic for over a month, today they issued a statement to High-Def Digest acknowledging the problems, and initiated a disc replacement program for affected consumers. The studio's full statement follows below:

"Universal is currently investigating reports that Children of Men, The Good Shepherd, and select other discs not playing properly in some HD DVD players. While we believe this is limited to a small number of HD DVD discs, Universal is offering a replacement service for any customers who are experiencing this problem. We are still investigating the cause and will provide further updates as we get them. Any customer problems should be directed to [email protected]."

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Technical_Glitches/Universal/Universal_Breaks_Silence_on_HD_DVD_Playback_Issues_Announces_Disc_Replacement_Program/603
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 03, 2007 at 08:32 AM
Tensilica Offers Dolby Digital Plus 7.1-Channel Decoder for HD DVD Players, Blu-ray Disc Players, and Set-Top Boxes

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – May 1, 2007 – Tensilica, Inc. today announced that it will deliver a Dolby Digital Plus 7.1-channel decoder designed for HD DVD players, Blu-ray Disc players, and set-top boxes. Tensilica will also offer a Dolby Digital Plus 5.1-channel decoder/converter to ensure compatibility with most existing home theater systems equipped with coaxial or optical digital audio inputs. These two optimized decoders have been approved by Dolby for use with Tensilica’s popular HiFi 2 Audio Engine for Xtensa processors and the Diamond Standard 330HiFi audio processor core.

Full article:
http://www.tensilica.com/news_events/pr_2007_05_01.htm
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Lantis on May 03, 2007 at 05:48 PM
To those who has "the itch" to jump to HD like me

 10 Reasons Why High Definition DVD Formats Have Already Failed (http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/10-reasons-why-high-definition-dvd-formats-have-already-failed/)

I know the article is almost a year already, but reading it stopped my itching a bit... little bit lang ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on May 03, 2007 at 06:12 PM
Yes the fact that the format wars are already a year old and both are still poised to release major titles just thrashes this article which I've also read last year and was about to rebut it point by point in audioholics but thought better and didn't.  I'd be up against the site "guru" Clint De Boer.   ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 03, 2007 at 09:12 PM
It's an old & obsolete article.

There are many changes & improvements na now so the article should be taken only as a grain of salt. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 03, 2007 at 11:18 PM
Toshiba Ramps Up LCD TV and HD DVD Marketing With Launch of New Brand Campaigns

Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. ("Toshiba") announced today the launch of new marketing initiatives to support the company's rapidly growing HD DVD and REGZA brands. The combination of an HD DVD player and a REGZA 1080p LCD TV results in an incredible high definition home movie experience. Highlighting each product's attributes, technology and style, the two new ad campaigns emphasize the quality and entertainment experience that REGZA and HD DVD provide.

Full article:
http://www.sys-con.com/read/370003.htm
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 08, 2007 at 12:04 PM
US$299 HD DVD players unlikely this year

On the heels of the Fuh Yuan Electronic Development admitting that it has not received orders from Wal-Mart for two million HD DVD players at a target retail price of US$299, industry sources commented that it is unlikely that HD DVD players will fall to such a low price this year.

The sources explained that global supply of HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc (BD) pick-up heads (PUHs) is still tight because yield rates on blue-laser laser diodes are quite low and the world's major suppliers of such PUHs, including Sony and Matsucrapa (Panasonic), have assigned their production capacities for own use first. Since PUHs and chipsets together account for 60-70% of the production costs of HD DVD and BD players, the shortage of PUHs renders it almost impossible to minimize the production costs to below US$299 this year, the sources noted.

Other industry sources summed it up by saying any HD DVD player selling for US$299 this you would be priced below production costs.

Fuh Yuan Electronic Development found itself in a bit of hot water last month when its president, Hung-chi Teng, was cited in a Chinese-language Eastern Multimedia report as saying that the company had received orders from Wal-Mart for two million HD DVD players. In response, Wal-Mart denied the claims and Fuh Yuan had to issue a press release on April 26 saying that Wal-Mart had only inquired about possible schedules and costs of producing such HD DVD players.

http://www.digitimes.com/systems/a20070502PD215.html
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: crey014 on May 08, 2007 at 05:30 PM
Is it true you can use the XBOX 360 HD DVD add on drive on a microsoft computer? If it works, I'm getting one tomorrow. :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on May 08, 2007 at 05:51 PM
Yes it does, you just need to install a driver if you are using XP pag Vista plug and play.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: crey014 on May 08, 2007 at 07:08 PM
A What Now? What driver is it? I'm too excited to think! I'm going to be neurtral sooner than I thought if I can pull this off.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrid on May 09, 2007 at 07:10 AM
I guess Tosh A2 is still a good buy considering theres a mail in rebate of 5 HD DVDs.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on May 09, 2007 at 09:12 AM
A What Now? What driver is it? I'm too excited to think! I'm going to be neurtral sooner than I thought if I can pull this off.

http://uneasysilence.com/archive/2006/11/8303/

I almost forgot, you need the latest version of cyberlink powerdvd to play hd dvd movies from your pc.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on May 10, 2007 at 11:01 AM
Rumour: Largest HD-DVD studio, Universal, going neutral

http://n4g.com/industrynews/News-38720.aspx
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on May 10, 2007 at 11:57 AM
^ just a rumor  8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on May 10, 2007 at 12:58 PM
Rumor denied by Universal head
http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/05/09/universal-responds-to-reports-of-going-neutral/

Let's just see what happens.  Am already sick and tired of this format war.  I hope a winner emerges soon. That's the time I'll plunge into high def.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 10, 2007 at 03:05 PM
Phew...rumor pala...for a moment I though HD DVD is history na...  ::)

Yes, av_phile1 is right...many consumers are sick and tired of this sily uncertain format war  :(

So far I'm putting all my bet on a single format...kind of risky...  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on May 15, 2007 at 08:45 AM
'Planet' HD

(http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/6291/10649newsimagetl7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Beautiful pictures of nature’s awesome beauty won the day amongst high-definition disc buyers for the week ended May 6.

BBC’s Planet Earth: The Complete Series caught the eye of both HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc shoppers, coming in at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, on the combined HD disc top-sellers chart.

Though the Blu-ray format led overall in market share for the week (60% to HD DVD’s 40% of sales), the HD DVD version of Planet Earth took the top title spot, perhaps due to fewer title options for HD DVD buyers.  

The Blu-ray version of Planet Earth wasn’t far behind, selling 95 copies to every 100 of the HD DVD version.

Meanwhile, Blu-ray titles Night of the Museum (Fox), Déjà Vu (BV/Touchstone) and Dreamgirls (Paramount/DreamWorks) took the third, fourth and fifth slots on the combined high-def disc sellers chart.

The HD DVD version of Dreamgirls came in at No. 6, the Blu-ray Casino Royale (Sony) at No. 7 and the HD DVD versions of Alpha Dog (Universal), Smokin’ Aces (Universal) and Digital Video Essentials (Ryko) at Nos. 8, 9 and 10, respectively
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on May 15, 2007 at 09:35 AM
still waiting for my matrix trilogy ::)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on May 16, 2007 at 05:43 PM
UK tech shop staff predict HD DVD will beat Blu-ray
Tuesday, May 15th, 2007 at 9:43 am

A survey of UK consumer electronic store staff reveals that most believe that HD DVD and not Blu-ray will win the next generation disc format war. A survey conducted by technology field marketing agency Gekko of 425 shop staff from Currys.digital, Comet and John Lewis were asked by to name the format they thought would win out.  A massive sixty per cent voted HD-DVD, leaving 38 per cent backing Blu-ray. 2 per cent were undecided. HD-DVD pricing (21 per cent) and availability (16 per cent) were seen as key factofrs for potential buyers.

The news will doubtless come as a surprise to Walt Disney Company president and CEO Bob Iger who recently told US reporters that outside of the US, there isn’t even a HD format war happening. “If you look across the globe, the only place there is really a format war is in the United States,” he proclaimed. “In other markets where next-gen DVD is starting to penetrate, Blu-ray is winning, and substantially - so much so there isn’t even a perceived format war.”

(From avzombie.com, U.K.)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 16, 2007 at 10:48 PM
That's a welcome news for a change...  ;D

Including other European countries, the figures for HD DVD could be much bigger??  ::)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: crey014 on May 18, 2007 at 06:16 AM
From IMDB


Toshiba Slashes Prices of HD-DVD Players -- For a Month


Toshiba intensified its high-definition-disk battle with Sony's Blu-ray players by offering a month-long, instant $100 rebate on its own HD DVD players. The rebate brings down the price of a high-definition player to a record-low $299. In addition, Toshiba is offering to knock $100 off the price of any of its HDTV sets that are purchased with an HD DVD player. The company recently announced that buyers of its HD DVD players would also be able to select five free HDTV movies from a selection of fifteen. The promotion is set to launch on Sunday and continue until June 16.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrid on May 18, 2007 at 06:41 AM
Hu hu hu!!! I just bought mine from Amazon. This offer came too late. :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 18, 2007 at 06:44 AM
This will be a good time for those who are considering to join the HD DVD bandwagon  ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on May 18, 2007 at 09:52 AM
Oh How I wish stores here in Phils. will start lowering their price levels comparable to america. Imagine if Toshiba launch their products here and have Bundle packages like Toshiba 32, 42, 47 L68 (with very good prices) with toshiba hddvd players at 16 to 18 thousand nalang,  ( Peso  already at 46 to 47 level yahay!!)
Oh, oh, oh how I wish...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Lantis on May 18, 2007 at 10:32 AM
so the $299 HD player news before is true... hindi nga lang Walmart, at only available for a month ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 18, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Oh How I wish stores here in Phils. will start lowering their price levels comparable to america....

True true... we couldn't agree more!  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on May 18, 2007 at 04:36 PM
'Planet' HD

(http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/6291/10649newsimagetl7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Beautiful pictures of nature’s awesome beauty won the day amongst high-definition disc buyers for the week ended May 6.

BBC’s Planet Earth: The Complete Series caught the eye of both HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc shoppers, coming in at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, on the combined HD disc top-sellers chart.

Though the Blu-ray format led overall in market share for the week (60% to HD DVD’s 40% of sales), the HD DVD version of Planet Earth took the top title spot, perhaps due to fewer title options for HD DVD buyers.  

The Blu-ray version of Planet Earth wasn’t far behind, selling 95 copies to every 100 of the HD DVD version.

Meanwhile, Blu-ray titles Night of the Museum (Fox), Déjà Vu (BV/Touchstone) and Dreamgirls (Paramount/DreamWorks) took the third, fourth and fifth slots on the combined high-def disc sellers chart.

The HD DVD version of Dreamgirls came in at No. 6, the Blu-ray Casino Royale (Sony) at No. 7 and the HD DVD versions of Alpha Dog (Universal), Smokin’ Aces (Universal) and Digital Video Essentials (Ryko) at Nos. 8, 9 and 10, respectively

Sorry but I dont agree with this. My views are
1. Planet earth for hddvd is still going strong, at this moment its still at No. 5, A lot were saying people will cancel on preorders, but based on its amazon rankings I dont think so. Planet earth for bluray is at #13
2. Fewer titles for hddvd is not an excuse how planet earth is doing so well on hddvd. Ultimate matrix is at #20 and Complete matrix is at #29. both are pretty expensive sets 60 to 70 bucks. Easily price of 3 bluray discs, namingly Pirates 1 and 2( which are at #15, #17) and Apocalypto (#56). I know we cant compare 3 titles to one set but at the moment I think both sides are desperate of ending this war. I think Sony is more desperate. (this is only my opinion) My basis is the article that just came out yesterday on both Philippine star and Inquirer that sony is on the negative side on the gaming sector. I think for each ps3 unit they are taking a loss of around 300 dollars, selling at 600 bucks.
3. Dreamgirls to me is more of an indication, title wise: Amazon: Bluray at #935 and hddvd at #1028, which is a better comparison. However we dont know whats going on in Europe, asia and other regions.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on May 18, 2007 at 05:09 PM
(http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/5248/originale345apq8.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dts-HD 3D on May 19, 2007 at 12:41 PM
. . . I know we cant compare 3 titles to one set but at the moment I think both sides are desperate of ending this war. I think Sony is more desperate. (this is only my opinion) My basis is the article that just came out yesterday on both Philippine star and Inquirer that sony is on the negative side on the gaming sector. I think for each ps3 unit they are taking a loss of around 300 dollars, selling at 600 bucks. . .

That's true, until now PS3 cant keep up w/ X360's gaming power & ability. Taking multi-platform titles such as Splinter Cell, Def Jam Icon, Oblivion, Virtua Tennis 3, Fear, NHL 2K7, etc... all scored lower on the PS3 version reviews.

". . .Graphically, the game looks good, but falls short of the detailed display Sam saw on Xbox 360 last year. Players who ran through the paces in Microsoft-land will notice a slower framerate and the loss of a few small details (things like a smaller quantity of fights during the prison riot, different textures on character close-ups and no goggle-toggle when tossing on Sam's specs)." -IGN.com's Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent Review
". . .And therein lies the rub. As much fun as F.E.A.R. is, it's never going to live up to the expectation cross-platform users have in their heads. Simply put, the PS3 doesn't hold a candle to the visuals found in the Xbox 360 version -- especially considering the handful of bugs that have dead soldiers getting stuck in walls and twitching on the floor. The detailed environments and clear draw distances aren't found on PS3. If you had never seen the other versions of F.E.A.R., you still wouldn't be impressed with the PS3's graphics, but compared to the PC and 360, this version is graphically dead in the water." -IGN.com's F.E.A.R. Review
". . .The first major issue that the PlayStation 3 version has is that it doesn't include any online support. Considering that the Tony Hawk series was the first online game for the PlayStation 2, even before the Network Adapter was ever released, makes this seem curious. And the fact that this is the only major launch title that isn't online but should be is basically inexcusable. Tony Hawk's online play is good fun, and it's really disappointing that Neversoft included it with the Xbox 360 version but not this one. The second problem with the PS3 variant of Project 8 is that it simply doesn't run all that well. The game chops up left and right, sometimes to the point where the controls don't feel responsive. It's bad enough that the camera isn't always perfect, but when it's staring at the bottom of your board and the game is running at 15fps, well, there's a major problem. That's not to say that it always runs poorly, as it can be reasonably quick most of the time, but Project 8 chops up way more often than is normally forgivable." -IGN.com's Tony Hawk's Project 8 Review

But that's just for the gaming side, I believe movies don't require as much power to play seemlessly so Blu-ray vs. HD DVD is another story.

I'm no Xboy . . . just my observations lang po.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on May 19, 2007 at 04:27 PM
That's true, until now PS3 cant keep up w/ X360's gaming power & ability. Taking multi-platform titles such as Splinter Cell, Def Jam Icon, Oblivion, Virtua Tennis 3, Fear, NHL 2K7, etc... all scored lower on the PS3 version reviews.

". . .Graphically, the game looks good, but falls short of the detailed display Sam saw on Xbox 360 last year. Players who ran through the paces in Microsoft-land will notice a slower framerate and the loss of a few small details (things like a smaller quantity of fights during the prison riot, different textures on character close-ups and no goggle-toggle when tossing on Sam's specs)." -IGN.com's Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent Review
". . .And therein lies the rub. As much fun as F.E.A.R. is, it's never going to live up to the expectation cross-platform users have in their heads. Simply put, the PS3 doesn't hold a candle to the visuals found in the Xbox 360 version -- especially considering the handful of bugs that have dead soldiers getting stuck in walls and twitching on the floor. The detailed environments and clear draw distances aren't found on PS3. If you had never seen the other versions of F.E.A.R., you still wouldn't be impressed with the PS3's graphics, but compared to the PC and 360, this version is graphically dead in the water." -IGN.com's F.E.A.R. Review
". . .The first major issue that the PlayStation 3 version has is that it doesn't include any online support. Considering that the Tony Hawk series was the first online game for the PlayStation 2, even before the Network Adapter was ever released, makes this seem curious. And the fact that this is the only major launch title that isn't online but should be is basically inexcusable. Tony Hawk's online play is good fun, and it's really disappointing that Neversoft included it with the Xbox 360 version but not this one. The second problem with the PS3 variant of Project 8 is that it simply doesn't run all that well. The game chops up left and right, sometimes to the point where the controls don't feel responsive. It's bad enough that the camera isn't always perfect, but when it's staring at the bottom of your board and the game is running at 15fps, well, there's a major problem. That's not to say that it always runs poorly, as it can be reasonably quick most of the time, but Project 8 chops up way more often than is normally forgivable." -IGN.com's Tony Hawk's Project 8 Review

But that's just for the gaming side, I believe movies don't require as much power to play seemlessly so Blu-ray vs. HD DVD is another story.

I'm no Xboy . . . just my observations lang po.

I find this odd.  PS3 games are supposed to run on Blu-Ray discs and have 4 times the storage capacity of DVD-9s on which xbox games are written. So theoretically, PS3 games should be more detailed with finer movements and 30fps. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dts-HD 3D on May 19, 2007 at 05:14 PM
I guess it's in the graphics processor. ATI still performs better than Nvidia. . .
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on May 20, 2007 at 07:21 AM
Nope. This is the issue with porting games.

If the base port is XBOX 360, PS3 version will always be lackluster.

This cannot be a basis that PS3 is inferior to 360 - exclusive games do, because they maxiimize the capability of the respective system.

For example, if GTA4 is not an exclusive game (to be released in XBOX 360 and PS3) developers will be limited by the 360's storage
and therefore maps on the game would have been bigger if the game would have been exclusive to PS3 because of larger disc space.
But since, it is to be released to both systems, they should fit all content to DVD 9 only.

It has been always the case that when a game is ported from the 360 to PS3, PS3 is always lackluster primarily because
of the devs comment that PS3 is hard to code for. But this isnt the case in Oblivion though - the PS3 version is much better than the 360's.
Oblivion may have been built from the gound up on the PS3 and not just a ported version from the XBOX 360.

Cheers.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on May 20, 2007 at 09:56 AM
It's Official "The Fifth Element" Is Coming Out 7/17 Remastered

The new release date for the Remastered version is 7/17. Sony has not stated if the new version will contain any new features, most likely it is just a copy of the old disc with new video. Sony is specifically calling the new version "Remastered" though, at least to retailers, it's unclear how they will make the new version look different from the old Blu-Ray version package-wise right now.

All the information below is provided to prove that this information is accurate.

New Catalog Number: 21520
New UPC Code: 043396215207
New Retailer Pre-Order Date: 6/14
New Street Date: 7/17


http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000QTD368/panandscathed-20
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 20, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Sound Advice: HD DVD player beats Blu-ray in quality, price
Saturday, May 19, 2007 By Don Lindich

Q: I have a 46-inch Mitsubishi 1080 HDTV an need a new DVD player. Should I get HD DVD or Blu-ray? If Blu-ray, which one should I get, and why? If HD DVD, the Toshiba HD-A2 or HD-A20 and why?
AL SZCZEPANSKI, Minneapolis

A: You ask about the new, high-definition DVD formats as if they are your only choice. The fact is that the format war between HD DVD and Blu-ray is still far from being decided. It may be in your best interest to sit out this round and wait; perhaps not. I will bring you up to date regarding the two formats and offer my advice, as well as a few recommendations. Then you can decide for yourself.

For those of you new to this subject, HD DVD and Blu-ray are two new disc formats that can play high-definition content. They are battling to become the replacement for DVD.

About a year ago I reported on the rather dismal picture quality of Blu-ray compared with HD DVD's outstanding picture quality. At the time I could not recommend Blu-ray given the expense and poor picture quality, and gave HD DVD a conditional recommendation for serious movie buffs or those with a large budget. Since then Blu-ray has closed the picture quality gap, though HD DVD is still widely considered to produce a superior picture overall. Another recent development is a combo player from LG that can play both HD DVD and Blu-ray discs.

I still can't recommend Blu-ray because of the high cost of the players. Blu-ray players start at around $800. A HD DVD player can be had for $400. Given that the battle is far from being decided, I don't think $800 on a Blu-ray player is a wise investment for most consumers. The LG combo player is marred with functionality issues, so I can't really recommend that one, either.

The much lower price point of high-quality HD DVD players makes them much more viable from my point of view. You can get an excellent HD DVD player for $399, which is only $250 more than my favorite consumer DVD player, the $149 Oppo DV-970HD. An additional $250 to add HD DVD functionality seems like a pretty good deal to me.

This brings us to HD DVD and Toshiba's $399 HD-A2 and $499 HD-A20. The units are pretty much identical except that the HD-A20 outputs at 1080p, the HD-A2, at 1080i. You did not say if your Mitsubishi was 1080i or 1080p, but it would not affect my recommendation that you get the HD-A2 and save $100. With a 46-inch screen I doubt you would see a meaningful difference between the two, if you could see a difference at all. If you are a serious enthusiast, consider the top-of-the line HD-XA2 with its top-shelf video processing. It's a far, far better value than an $800 Blu-ray player. One thing I can assure you of is that with any of these HD DVD players, the picture will look spectacular!

Which brings us back to the Oppo DV-970HD. It is going to produce a spectacular picture on your 46-inch screen as well, though it can play only ordinary DVDs. You may just want to get the Oppo and wait a little longer for the prices to drop and for more movies to be available on both HD DVD or Blu-ray.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07139/787313-28.stm
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on May 20, 2007 at 01:25 PM
Nope. This is the issue with porting games.

If the base port is XBOX 360, PS3 version will always be lackluster.

This cannot be a basis that PS3 is inferior to 360 - exclusive games do, because they maxiimize the capability of the respective system.

For example, if GTA4 is not an exclusive game (to be released in XBOX 360 and PS3) developers will be limited by the 360's storage
and therefore maps on the game would have been bigger if the game would have been exclusive to PS3 because of larger disc space.
But since, it is to be released to both systems, they should fit all content to DVD 9 only.

It has been always the case that when a game is ported from the 360 to PS3, PS3 is always lackluster primarily because
of the devs comment that PS3 is hard to code for. But this isnt the case in Oblivion though - the PS3 version is much better than the 360's.
Oblivion may have been built from the gound up on the PS3 and not just a ported version from the XBOX 360.

Cheers.

Been a PS owner for god knows how long but now im very happy with my X360. Never experience gaming fun since i played Gears of War on XBL. XBL is one of the factor that's deciding the console wars and X360 does the job very well. Another thing is the memory architecture of X360 which makes the games graphically better and run most games in 60fps and last, the PS3's Cell which although theoretically more powerful than X360's powerPC processor, are a pain in the ass to develop and program a game.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on May 20, 2007 at 05:18 PM
PS2 was also hard to code for but it won the last generation of console battle by a wide margin.  :)

I am also looking forward to owning the XBXO 360 but this 3RL keeps from getting one.
Ok lang sana kung nasa US ka when your 360  conks out because of hassle free customer service.

Pero since I am here in the philippines, pahirapan ang waranty claim when your unit got hit by the 3RL.

The Eliter version still doesn't addess the 3RL problem so wait and see mode muna ko. :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on May 20, 2007 at 05:34 PM
Ps3 not the most comprehensive bluray player
http://www.dvdtown.com/news/playstation-3---not-the-most-comprehensive-blu-ray-disc-player/4451
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on May 20, 2007 at 06:26 PM
PS2 was also hard to code for but it won the last generation of console battle by a wide margin.  :)

I am also looking forward to owning the XBXO 360 but this 3RL keeps from getting one.
Ok lang sana kung nasa US ka when your 360  conks out because of hassle free customer service.

Pero since I am here in the philippines, pahirapan ang waranty claim when your unit got hit by the 3RL.

The Eliter version still doesn't addess the 3RL problem so wait and see mode muna ko. :)

That is before there are lots of PS2 exclusives compared to xbox but right now, the tables has turned. X360 has more exclusive titles and most games are now multiplatform, not to mention that it came out earlier than the PS3.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on May 22, 2007 at 03:08 PM
Nope. This is the issue with porting games.

If the base port is XBOX 360, PS3 version will always be lackluster.

This cannot be a basis that PS3 is inferior to 360 - exclusive games do, because they maxiimize the capability of the respective system.

For example, if GTA4 is not an exclusive game (to be released in XBOX 360 and PS3) developers will be limited by the 360's storage
and therefore maps on the game would have been bigger if the game would have been exclusive to PS3 because of larger disc space.
But since, it is to be released to both systems, they should fit all content to DVD 9 only.

It has been always the case that when a game is ported from the 360 to PS3, PS3 is always lackluster primarily because
of the devs comment that PS3 is hard to code for. But this isnt the case in Oblivion though - the PS3 version is much better than the 360's.
Oblivion may have been built from the gound up on the PS3 and not just a ported version from the XBOX 360.

Cheers.

I completely agree with that, games for any system will only look best if optimized for the particular system.  If it's just ported over, you end up making compromises (especially with the storage space between a DVD9 and BD25/50)  That said, I'm looking forward to Metal Gear Solid 4 which will be the first BD50 game and therefore a PS3 exclusive ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on May 22, 2007 at 07:51 PM
IMO, the olny game that will justify my purchase of PS3 in the near future is FFXIII, but im still thinking if its worth the dinero. ???
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Lantis on May 23, 2007 at 08:35 AM
IMO, the olny game that will justify my purchase of PS3 in the near future is FFXIII, but im still thinking if its worth the dinero. ???

how about GOW3 Kratos :P
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on May 23, 2007 at 09:24 AM
IMO, the only compelling reason to buy a PS3 soon is to watch BD.  In terms of games, PS3 will always play catch-up with 360 during its entire lifespan.  But that's not so bad as long as a considerable user-base is eventually established.  Utter domination similar to that achieved by PS2 cannot be expected this time around.

The 360 seized the "initial awe of next-gen HD gaming -  the oomph factor" by releasing a full year in advance of PS3 and that I think is very significant, not to mention Xbox live which is generations ahead of any online gaming network.  No matter what reviewers say, nothing that PS3 released thus far can amaze me more than any prime 360 game.  There may be some differences in graphics quality of particular titles, or additional 10 hours in a 100-hour game, or some features missing, but you'd have to be real certified a*s to claim with conviction that such distinctions are meaningful at all.

By the time PS3's exclusives are released, 360 owners would have finished playing Halo3 at least 2 times offline and probably gazillion times online, while developers would be creating their next killer titles.  I think the only way for PS3 to win this round of console gaming war is for Microsoft to cease to exist now.

In any case, Yes, the hardware issues of the 360 s**ks and must be addressed by MS in earnest.

If Sony or Microsoft can pull a Nintendo act, that is, develop a game or an add-on feature that is not only a chick magnet but also a tatay/nanay/lolo/lola lure, that would be more exciting.  I'm truly amazed seeing chic Japanese ladies completely engrossed with their DS while in the train, although that still cannot beat my fascination of watching them do their make-up in mass public transport :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on May 23, 2007 at 12:06 PM
Funai to produce inexpensive Blu-ray players.

http://www.w.engadgethd.com/2007/05/22/funai-to-produce-inexpensive-blu-ray-players/
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on May 23, 2007 at 12:08 PM
I'm truly amazed seeing chic Japanese ladies completely engrossed with their DS while in the train, although that still cannot beat my fascination of watching them do their make-up in mass public transport :)


Playing DS without noticing that "oooops" kita na ung ano... he he he.
Jap school girls wearing mini skirts.  ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on May 23, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Funai to produce inexpensive Blu-ray players.

http://www.w.engadgethd.com/2007/05/22/funai-to-produce-inexpensive-blu-ray-players/

enough about plans, just produce and sell one already hehe ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on May 23, 2007 at 01:13 PM
IMO, the only compelling reason to buy a PS3 soon is to watch BD.  In terms of games, PS3 will always play catch-up with 360 during its entire lifespan.  But that's not so bad as long as a considerable user-base is eventually established.  Utter domination similar to that achieved by PS2 cannot be expected this time around.

The 360 seized the "initial awe of next-gen HD gaming -  the oomph factor" by releasing a full year in advance of PS3 and that I think is very significant, not to mention Xbox live which is generations ahead of any online gaming network.  No matter what reviewers say, nothing that PS3 released thus far can amaze me more than any prime 360 game.  There may be some differences in graphics quality of particular titles, or additional 10 hours in a 100-hour game, or some features missing, but you'd have to be real certified a*s to claim with conviction that such distinctions are meaningful at all.

Online gaming experience beats the single player euphoria that i have in gaming. I spend more time playing online multiplayer than finishing up a campaign in what im playing in 360 right now. Kaya ambaba ng achievement points ko e. :( Met a lot of friends and we are not only players but a community of gamers having fun and sharing so many things that you wont be able to do in single player games. Gaming never felt this good since i played online on a console.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on May 23, 2007 at 02:55 PM
enough about plans, just produce and sell one already hehe ;D

It has been years since I last saw a Funai brand electronic device that I thought the company folded already or has been taken over (just like Aiwa).  It was a cheap VHS player I believe.   Well if Funai can make bd players, then it's got to be cheap.   :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on May 23, 2007 at 11:02 PM
It has been years since I last saw a Funai brand electronic device that I thought the company folded already or has been taken over (just like Aiwa).  It was a cheap VHS player I believe.   Well if Funai can make bd players, then it's got to be cheap.   :)

Funai's always been around, they're just "hidden" as an OEM supplier for other brands
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on May 24, 2007 at 02:25 PM
repost ko lang.

PS3 Firmware 1.80 announced: Upscaling and Remote Play

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced today availability of the latest version of the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) firmware. Version 1.80 features upscaling of PlayStation® and PlayStation 2 games, and DVD movies up to full 1080p HD resolution when viewed on a compatible HD TV set.

http://www.gameswank.com/content/view/100/1/


good news from sony. can any ps3 owners here give a review?

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on May 25, 2007 at 08:34 AM
repost ko lang.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced today availability of the latest version of the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) firmware. Version 1.80 features upscaling of PlayStation® and PlayStation 2 games, and DVD movies up to full 1080p HD resolution when viewed on a compatible HD TV set.


Patanong nga because I never really know.  Are the PS1 and PS2 games 480p native, or 480i lang lahat?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on May 25, 2007 at 10:21 AM
Upscaling game or DVD output
(http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/9258/dvdenec1b5wu6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
-You can now upscale the video content of PlayStation® format software, PlayStation®2 format software, and DVDs to HD resolution.


PS/PS2 Upscaler
You can adjust settings to upscale video output from PlayStation®2 and PlayStation® format software.
(http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/2856/gameeniw4.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Off              -Disable upscaled output. 
Normal        -Upscale and display at a size that matches the screen size. 
Full Screen   -Upscale and display at full screen by changing proportions and stretching the image. 

Note
If image quality is reduced or the image does not look right when upscaled, set this option to [Off].
PS/PS2 Smoothing
You can adjust settings to reduce the roughness of video from PlayStation®2 and PlayStation® format software.


Off    - Disable smoothing.
On     - Use smoothing to reduce the roughness of the displayed image.

Notes
The [PS/PS2 Smoothing] setting can be used even when [PS/PS2 Upscaler] is set to [Off].
With some software, the smoothing effect may not be noticeable or image quality may be reduced if this option is set to [On]. In that case, set to [Off].

Upscaling DVD output
[DVD Upscaler] has been added as an option in  (BD/DVD Settings) under  (Settings). You can adjust settings for upscaled output of DVDs.
(http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/6682/dvden1a2e26tp7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Off                   -Disable upscaled output.
Double Scale*    -Upscale and display with double horizontal and vertical dimensions without changing the proportions.
Normal             -Upscale and display at a size that matches the screen size.
Full Screen        -Upscale and display at full screen by changing proportions and stretching the image. 

* This option can be used only when the PS3™ system is set to output video at 1080p or 1080i via an HDMI or component AV cable.

Notes
When playing copyright-protected DVD content such as the content on commercially available DVD-Video, an HDMI cable is required to upscale the video content.
If image quality is reduced or the image does not look right when upscaled, set this option to [Off].

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: crey014 on May 27, 2007 at 03:07 PM
Upscaling. What a big joke that is. Our last attempt to make our DVDs "un-useless".  :D

Anyway, what's this I hear about Blu-Ray - HD DVD discs in one from Warner? Warner has already been making crap discs and adding more useless material will just make it even more annoying.  >:(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on May 27, 2007 at 05:11 PM
^ its called totalhd, however Warner hasnt released any title in this format. At least most of the hd dvd titles released by warner cannot be considered crap 8)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 27, 2007 at 05:24 PM
crey014, I'm not sure which crap discs are you referring to but WB had released some of the Tier 0 or 5-Star rating films such as Corpse Bride, Happy Feet & Ant Bully.

What is "useless materials"?  ;D 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: crey014 on May 28, 2007 at 05:26 AM
Well, most of the movies I like under warner were just not upto par. Leaving me feeling a bit pissed off.  >:(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dB10 on May 28, 2007 at 07:28 AM
Well, most of the movies I like under warner were just not upto par. Leaving me feeling a bit pissed off.  >:(

are you referring to its pq output/encoding?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: crey014 on May 28, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Generally, the PQ, to be honest. Hopefully they won't stuff up on "300".
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on May 28, 2007 at 01:04 PM
IMO warners have one of the better transfers, great PQ to me
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Kratos on May 28, 2007 at 01:43 PM
Generally, the PQ, to be honest. Hopefully they won't stuff up on "300".

I dont think you'll see sharp and crisp PQ on 300 since the whole movie is grainy in the first place.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 28, 2007 at 10:35 PM
Toshiba Car HD DVD Player

It is a natural development to bring HD into cars. Do we need it?  ;D

http://www.i4u.com/article9168.html
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on May 28, 2007 at 10:44 PM
IMO warners have one of the better transfers, great PQ to me
I agree.  There's Batman Begins.....Corpse Bride......then theres the Matrix Trilogy..........
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on May 28, 2007 at 10:45 PM
Toshiba Car HD DVD Player

It is a natural development to bring HD into cars. Do we need it?  ;D

http://www.i4u.com/article9168.html
In my end, I dont think I need it.  I dont even have a monitor in my ride.   
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on May 28, 2007 at 10:59 PM
I agree.  There's Batman Begins.....Corpse Bride......then theres the Matrix Trilogy..........

Yeah...that reminds me my Matrix HD DVD order should be arriving any time this week!  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: vtec3 on Jun 05, 2007 at 02:27 PM
If Sony or Microsoft can pull a Nintendo act, that is, develop a game or an add-on feature that is not only a chick magnet but also a tatay/nanay/lolo/lola lure, that would be more exciting.  I'm truly amazed seeing chic Japanese ladies completely engrossed with their DS while in the train, although that still cannot beat my fascination of watching them do their make-up in mass public transport :)


I am also amazed why the DS is doing so well  ??? In all of the store in the US na nabisita ko in the past few days, mas madami naghahanap ng DS. Kahit sa airport yung mga kids puro DS yung nilalaro. Even my kids mas excited dun sa uwi kong DS as compared to new PSP Games  ???
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Jun 12, 2007 at 08:29 AM
Planet earth on hddvd just hit No. 3 on amazon. To me truly amazing..I dont think any hd disc whether hddvd or blu-ray has hit No. 3 yet.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jun 12, 2007 at 01:11 PM
Toshiba Car HD DVD Player

It is a natural development to bring HD into cars. Do we need it?  ;D

http://www.i4u.com/article9168.html

Maybe not, but there's also HD development on the way for Cellphones.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jun 19, 2007 at 10:51 AM

Blockbuster Bets on Blu-Ray
Evelyn M. Rusli, 06.18.07, 1:30 PM ET

A year ago, HD DVD players were touted as the next big thing in home entertainment. Now, industry watchdogs wonder if Toshiba's pet project will become obsolete.

http://www.forbes.com/markets/2007/06/18/bluray-blockbuster-update-markets-equity-cx_er_0618markets31.html (http://www.forbes.com/markets/2007/06/18/bluray-blockbuster-update-markets-equity-cx_er_0618markets31.html)

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Jun 20, 2007 at 05:51 AM
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Disc_Announcements/Starz/Starz_Home_Entertainment_Announces_Blu-ray_Support_with_Masters_of_Horror/709

Starz Home Entertainment Announces Blu-ray Support with 'Masters of Horror'
Tue Jun 19, 2007 at 03:32 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements (all tags)

Blu-ray has an unexpected new backer in the high-def format war, with Starz Home Entertainment announcing exclusive support of the format with its first release 'Masters of Horror.'

Among the classics in the Anchor Bay library include 'Halloween,' 'The Evil Dead,' 'Re-Animator and the original 'Night of the Living Dead.' Should 'Masters of Horror' on Blu-ray score with consumers, it seems likely that at least some of these genre staples would follow.

Clark went on to say that the company has no current plans to release on rival next-gen format HD DVD.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Jun 20, 2007 at 05:56 AM
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Disc_Announcements/MGM/Sergio_Leone_Anthology_Leads_Fourth_Quarter_MGM_Blu-ray_Revival/710

Sergio Leone Anthology' Leads Fourth Quarter MGM Blu-ray Revival

After an absence of several months from the next-gen scene, MGM Home Entertainment is renewing its Blu-ray commitment with a wave of nearly a dozen new titles set for release in the fourth quarter.

Though an early proponent of Blu-ray (along with parent distributor Fox Home Entertainment), MGM has not released a title on the format since 'Hoosiers' in early March. The studio has now finally broken their silence with a pledge of at least ten to twelve new Blu-ray releases by the end of 2007.

Only one specific title was revealed -- a 'Sergio Leone Anthology' box set, featuring four of the director's classic titles, including 'A Fistful of Dollars,' 'For a Few Dollars More,' 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly' and 'Duck, You Sucker.'
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Jun 20, 2007 at 02:03 PM
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Disc_Announcements/MGM/Sergio_Leone_Anthology_Leads_Fourth_Quarter_MGM_Blu-ray_Revival/710

Sergio Leone Anthology' Leads Fourth Quarter MGM Blu-ray Revival

After an absence of several months from the next-gen scene, MGM Home Entertainment is renewing its Blu-ray commitment with a wave of nearly a dozen new titles set for release in the fourth quarter.

Though an early proponent of Blu-ray (along with parent distributor Fox Home Entertainment), MGM has not released a title on the format since 'Hoosiers' in early March. The studio has now finally broken their silence with a pledge of at least ten to twelve new Blu-ray releases by the end of 2007.

Only one specific title was revealed -- a 'Sergio Leone Anthology' box set, featuring four of the director's classic titles, including 'A Fistful of Dollars,' 'For a Few Dollars More,' 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly' and 'Duck, You Sucker.'
Its denied by MGM
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/MGM/Disc_Announcements/UPDATE:_MGM_Denies_Reports_of_Fourth_Quarter_Blu-ray_Revival/710
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Jun 21, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Secaucus, N.J. — Joseph Taylor, executive VP/COO of Panasonic Corporation of North America, said Blu-ray has won the HD disc format battle and indicated while the company is still solidly behind plasma, LCD may get more attention. Concerning Blu-ray and HD DVD, Taylor commented, "I'm giving a very politically incorrect answer. I think the battle is over. I think Blu-ray has won."

He said there are two "determining factor(s) ... Who did the content providers select? At the moment, overwhelmingly, the content providers have selected Blu-ray. What are consumers buying? Since the beginning of the year content (sales have been) almost two to one for Blu-ray." 


http://www.twice.com/index.asp?layout=articlePrint&articleID=CA6453379


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Jun 22, 2007 at 03:31 PM
http://gear.ign.com/articles/798/798463p1.html

Blu-ray Holds 5 to 1 Hardware Lead Over HD-DVD
PlayStation 3 comprises bulk of install base.


June 21, 2007 - As reported by Video Business, research firm Digital Entertainment Group has compiled what would appear to be a solid breakdown of the numbers of next-generation DVD players sold in the United States. The research firm concludes that Blu-ray presently holds a 5 to 1 advantage over HD-DVD in installed hardware, primarily on the strength of the PlayStation 3.

According to DEG, 1.5-million Blu-ray players reside in American homes, broken down between 100,000 dedicated players and 1.4-million PlayStation 3s. The HD-DVD install base stands at 300,000 units, apparently evenly split between dedicated players and the HD-DVD add-on drives for the Xbox 360. Such figures are roughly in line with the HD-DVD camp's now slightly dated claim of selling 60% of all dedicated next-gen players. DEG also reported that $55-million has been spent on high-definition movies to date, the majority ($35-million) devoted to Blu-ray.

The figures reveal a not unexpected yet telling picture of the next-gen DVD business. The fact that, roughly a year after each format's launch, neither has sold an impressive number of dedicated hardware units exposes the extremely significant role videogamers are playing in the development of the technologies. PlayStation 3 owners are undoubtedly driving Blu-ray movie sales, and by dint, the entire next-gen DVD industry. What impact this will have on the health of high-definition movies sales remains to be seen, but the situation is undoubtedly unique in that fans of one media (videogames) are defining the future of another (HD-movies).
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dts-HD 3D on Jun 22, 2007 at 07:52 PM
http://gear.ign.com/articles/798/798463p1.html

Blu-ray Holds 5 to 1 Hardware Lead Over HD-DVD
PlayStation 3 comprises bulk of install base.


June 21, 2007 - As reported by Video Business, research firm Digital Entertainment Group has compiled what would appear to be a solid breakdown of the numbers of next-generation DVD players sold in the United States. The research firm concludes that Blu-ray presently holds a 5 to 1 advantage over HD-DVD in installed hardware, primarily on the strength of the PlayStation 3.

According to DEG, 1.5-million Blu-ray players reside in American homes, broken down between 100,000 dedicated players and 1.4-million PlayStation 3s. The HD-DVD install base stands at 300,000 units, apparently evenly split between dedicated players and the HD-DVD add-on drives for the Xbox 360. Such figures are roughly in line with the HD-DVD camp's now slightly dated claim of selling 60% of all dedicated next-gen players. DEG also reported that $55-million has been spent on high-definition movies to date, the majority ($35-million) devoted to Blu-ray.

The figures reveal a not unexpected yet telling picture of the next-gen DVD business. The fact that, roughly a year after each format's launch, neither has sold an impressive number of dedicated hardware units exposes the extremely significant role videogamers are playing in the development of the technologies. PlayStation 3 owners are undoubtedly driving Blu-ray movie sales, and by dint, the entire next-gen DVD industry. What impact this will have on the health of high-definition movies sales remains to be seen, but the situation is undoubtedly unique in that fans of one media (videogames) are defining the future of another (HD-movies).

That proves Microsoft made a mistake making the HD DVD an add on drive only. With an 8.76M X360 units sold so far(vs. 1.67M PS3s) that's 5X more than the PS3, it would definitely help boost sales of HD DVD movies . . .tsk tsk :D

Recap:
Dedicated HD DVD players - - - - - 150,000 units sold
Dedicated Blu-ray players - - - - - 100,000 units sold

XBOX360  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8.76M units sold
HD DVD add on drive - - - - - - - - 150,000 units sold/HD DVD movies supporters

PS3  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1.67M units sold/ ? Blu-ray movies supporters
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Jun 22, 2007 at 08:34 PM
http://gear.ign.com/articles/798/798463p1.html

Blu-ray Holds 5 to 1 Hardware Lead Over HD-DVD
PlayStation 3 comprises bulk of install base.


June 21, 2007 - As reported by Video Business, research firm Digital Entertainment Group has compiled what would appear to be a solid breakdown of the numbers of next-generation DVD players sold in the United States. The research firm concludes that Blu-ray presently holds a 5 to 1 advantage over HD-DVD in installed hardware, primarily on the strength of the PlayStation 3.

According to DEG, 1.5-million Blu-ray players reside in American homes, broken down between 100,000 dedicated players and 1.4-million PlayStation 3s. The HD-DVD install base stands at 300,000 units, apparently evenly split between dedicated players and the HD-DVD add-on drives for the Xbox 360. Such figures are roughly in line with the HD-DVD camp's now slightly dated claim of selling 60% of all dedicated next-gen players. DEG also reported that $55-million has been spent on high-definition movies to date, the majority ($35-million) devoted to Blu-ray.

The figures reveal a not unexpected yet telling picture of the next-gen DVD business. The fact that, roughly a year after each format's launch, neither has sold an impressive number of dedicated hardware units exposes the extremely significant role videogamers are playing in the development of the technologies. PlayStation 3 owners are undoubtedly driving Blu-ray movie sales, and by dint, the entire next-gen DVD industry. What impact this will have on the health of high-definition movies sales remains to be seen, but the situation is undoubtedly unique in that fans of one media (videogames) are defining the future of another (HD-movies).
Ah finally figures that just proves blu-ray or both formats are not selling well, especially blu-ray. If the blu-ray hardware lead is 5 to 1. It doesnt show in the disc sales. Blu-ray disc sales is not whipping hddvd by a 5 to 1 margin. I may be wrong but im quite sure its not 5 to 1. If its just 2 to 1, it sure is a pity for blu-ray. The problem is all ps3 is always counted as a blu-ray player. Just my observation..
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: av_phile1 on Jun 22, 2007 at 09:30 PM
The article nowhere indicates how much % of PS3 owners are blu-ray users.  And yes the installed base doesn't square with the number of BD sold against HD DVDs.  It should also be 5:1. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jun 22, 2007 at 11:29 PM
Try to check the Ps3 owners thread in pinoypsx.com......they also listed owned blu-ray movies and their games.....only a handful have multiple blu-ray movies in their possession......
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: et414 on Jun 23, 2007 at 12:02 AM
onga no :D mga gamers kasi e. paisaisa lang bd's nila , puros casino royal
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dts-HD 3D on Jun 23, 2007 at 01:53 AM
. . . and that includes my cousin and a friend who never even bought a single BD movie up to now, same as others who's not impressed w/ the PQ on a 32" LCD.

And to MS, 'bring on the 65nm revision w/ built-in HD DVD drive!!!' :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Jun 23, 2007 at 08:15 AM
Here are some more calculations. Pls correct me if im wrong on my formula or whatever.

Avg. spent on hddvd/blu-ray per household

hddvd - $20,000,000 spent on hddvd divided by 300,000 units = $66.67 spent on hddvd per household

blu-ray - $35,000,000 spent on blu-ray divided by 1,500,000 units = $23.33 spent on blu-ray per household

Now for attach rates, Im using avg. prices of amazon on eproductwars.com.
hddvd - $41.40
bluray - $27.60
Disc units sold will be based on amount spent divided by avg. prices (for I dont have units sold )
hddvd - $20,000,000 divided by $41.40 = 483,092 units
bluray - $35,000,000 divided by $27.60 = 1,268,116 units

Attach rates.
hddvd - 483,092 units divided by 300,000 players = 1.61 attach rate
bluray - 1,268,116 units divided by 1,500,000 players = 0.85 attach rate

If we use for example same avg price, lets say 25 dollars
hddvd - 800,000 divided by 300,000 = 2.67 attach rate
bluray - 1,400,000 divided by 1,500,000 = 0.93 attach rate

My calculations may be wrong, Pls just correct me nalang if im wrong. Im not taking this war seriously, (but I think war is good for consumers in a way para standalone prices will drop faster) but what I dont agree is these articles, researchers or whatever coming out with this kind of publicity for blu-ray. Of course 5 to 1 figures will give the regular joes the image that bluray is beating the living crap out of hddvd. But when one analyze it, its not 5 to 1.  Like I stated previously, Bd  is only outselling hddvd disc by a 2 to 1 margin that I know of.

Also remember when I think (sony) announced that they sold 100,000 casino royale and this issue went back and forth how they sold that many? When the actual figures came out they said its about 60 thou to 80 thou (I think). Then some start saying the 100 thou  is the figure sony sold to the retailers which is good as sold. This is the kind of publicity im against.

Toshiba is also saying how much they sold when their promo came out..With this much standalones sold, if the disc sales of hddvd dont pick up, my conclusion is that the buyers of these standalones may be the ones that already have a hddvd player or the ones with bluray players which they only buy (maybe) selected universal titles that dont come out on bluray.

This is just my analysis and observation.



                                     
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jun 23, 2007 at 08:22 AM
Good analysis and observation Ray!  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Jun 23, 2007 at 08:39 AM
Well one thing for sure is that neither is selling that well, given the release of big catalog titles last month.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: manilabynight on Jun 25, 2007 at 01:31 PM
Personally for me, I'll just wait this out until the BluRay vs. HD-DVD war is over and the prices really drop. So far, I see very few users among BD and HD-DVD in the Philippine market. Moreso HD titles are still a bit scarce and hard to find in stores and really super expensive.

So far I am happy with my Oppo DV-981HD upconverting player. At least I am still able to make use of my old DVD collecton and the player has given new life to them. Great picture quality and sound performance. No jaggies with my Sharp LCD panel. Well, of course the only drawback is it doesn't do component but what the heck - neither does BluRay or HD-DVD players! Performs to par with the more expensive players such as Denon.

Just my personal opinion.....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Jun 28, 2007 at 03:52 AM
Five Free Blu-ray Movies with Purchase of Player

Blu-ray Disc The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) has revealed an exciting offer for those of you who are still looking to pick up a Blu-ray player. If you purchase a Blu-ray player (including the PS3) between July 1st and September 30th, you will automatically qualify to receive 5 Blu-ray movies absolutely free. Combine this with existing offers (like the 5 free Blu-ray movies with purchase of a Panasonic DMP-BD10A), and you could receive up to 10 free Blu-ray movies with the purchase of a player.

But wait, there's more! If you decide you would like to purchase a PS3, Sony is offering a special deal through their retail Sony Style stores. Purchase a PS3, two games, and an extra controller from now until July 8th, and you will receive a $50 gift card.

Rebate information can be found at the following site:

www.bluraysavings.com

The site isn't up yet, but expect it to go live when the deal starts this weekend.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: edboy7 on Jun 30, 2007 at 11:34 AM
war is over says spidey!
(http://www.alapage.com/resize.php?&ref=948378&type=41&r=0&s=0&m=r)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: crey014 on Jun 30, 2007 at 07:49 PM
^OMG where did u find that?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Jun 30, 2007 at 08:13 PM
nice dvd collector set, will it be released in bluray? ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jun 30, 2007 at 08:39 PM
Becoming a Neutral is no longer a question...it's imminent....  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dts-HD 3D on Jul 01, 2007 at 01:14 AM
war is over says spidey!
(http://www.alapage.com/resize.php?&ref=948378&type=41&r=0&s=0&m=r)



Huwaw . . . a superhero dictating the outcome of the war . . . talo na talaga HD :D :D

Seriously, ganda nung box & spidey model sir.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: skylynx888 on Jul 01, 2007 at 10:26 AM
heres the link:  ;D ;D

http://www.alapage.com/-/Fiche/DVD/948378/spider-man-3-coffret-ultimate-avec-le-double-dvd-collector-figurine-exclusive-numerotee-aventure-inedite-de-spider-man-en-comics-double-bluray-de-spider-man-3-sam-raimi.htm?fulltext=spider-man%203&id=77981177249207&donnee_appel=ALAPAGE
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jul 01, 2007 at 11:06 AM
Phew...nice limited edition set.  ;) The problems are:

1. It costs around P6,200.  :-[

2. Eh...the foreign site has no English so ordering could be a problem...  ;D 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nukee on Jul 02, 2007 at 01:55 PM
Where is transformers the movie coming out bluray or hd dvd? That should be a very good sound demo disc imho.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: kings5504 on Jul 02, 2007 at 02:28 PM
The Transformers movie is a Paramount release, if I'm not mistaken...  which means it would most probably be out in both HD DVD and Blu Ray versions.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jul 02, 2007 at 09:54 PM
Looking forward to the Transformer HD DVD!  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: krazy on Jul 03, 2007 at 02:01 AM
Spider Man Trilogy BD box set set for release in France on November 1, 2007 :o :
http://www.alapage.com/-/Fiche/DVDVideo/948382/spider-man-la-trilogie-coffret-de-3-bluray-sam-raimi.htm?id=205151173036096&donnee_appel=GL034 (http://www.alapage.com/-/Fiche/DVDVideo/948382/spider-man-la-trilogie-coffret-de-3-bluray-sam-raimi.htm?id=205151173036096&donnee_appel=GL034)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jul 06, 2007 at 10:32 PM
From ectronista.com:


Samsung gives hybrid Blu-Ray/HD DVD launch details
July 4, 2007

Samsung today provided extra details about its upcoming Blu-Ray and HD DVD combo player at an event in advance of Berlin's IFA media expo. The BDP-UP5000 will support all the features of either movie format, including Internet extras through an Ethernet connection that both formats will recognize. It should also eliminate the stilted motion effects caused by pulldown conversion and can output movies at either a film-native 24 frames per second or as quickly as 60 frames per second for faster videos. No trouble is expected with playing movies at a full 1080p, Samsung says.

While the final cost of the player hasn't been finalized, the device should be ready by October or November and will sell at a roughly 400-Euro ($544) premium compared to a single-format Blu-Ray movie reader by the time it reaches stores. More details should be revealed when the IFA show begins on August 31st.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Jul 07, 2007 at 07:05 AM
From ectronista.com:


Samsung gives hybrid Blu-Ray/HD DVD launch details
July 4, 2007

Samsung today provided extra details about its upcoming Blu-Ray and HD DVD combo player at an event in advance of Berlin's IFA media expo. The BDP-UP5000 will support all the features of either movie format, including Internet extras through an Ethernet connection that both formats will recognize. It should also eliminate the stilted motion effects caused by pulldown conversion and can output movies at either a film-native 24 frames per second or as quickly as 60 frames per second for faster videos. No trouble is expected with playing movies at a full 1080p, Samsung says.

While the final cost of the player hasn't been finalized, the device should be ready by October or November and will sell at a roughly 400-Euro ($544) premium compared to a single-format Blu-Ray movie reader by the time it reaches stores. More details should be revealed when the IFA show begins on August 31st.
Yes cant wait for this..Player worth buying imo..When this comes out it doesnt matter now who wins. Even if the neutral studios end up choosing all blu-ray and Universal stick with hd dvd or every studio support blu ray, it will not matter anymore. The main question is will hidef take over the dvd market? With the guy from BDA stating (I think somewhere in Europe) that dvd will be gone in 3 years, I think we know what the studios that support BDA's intentions are, thats why they all support Blu-ray..I think they want to corner this market and if the studios decided to no longer produce dvds and all in hidef format, consumers will have no choice but to buy into this market. Imagine no 300 on dvd or no transformers on dvd (im just giving a sample). However nobody knows what they are up to and what is positive for us here, imagine we still have vcds so dvds might not die out in our asia region..
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: kings5504 on Jul 07, 2007 at 08:00 AM
While the final cost of the player hasn't been finalized, the device should be ready by October or November and will sell at a roughly 400-Euro ($544) premium compared to a single-format Blu-Ray movie reader by the time it reaches stores.

The price still seems a bit high though. Note that the press release mentioned a 400-Euro premium compared to a single format Blu-ray movie reader. So, with the cheapest Blu-Ray player right now -- the Sony BDP-1200 -- at $500 + the approx. $500 premium, we are still talking about a $1k player. It's still cheaper to get two standalones as of this moment. (The HD-A2 is going for $300 + The Sony Player or the PS3 (next week) for $500 is still less than the multi-format player.)

However, I do like the fact that these players are coming out, and I hear that Samsung will be doing a better job with this compared with the LG multi-format player, as the Sammy player will be able to support BD-J and HDi, unlike the LG player which didn't support HDi.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Aug 13, 2007 at 09:34 PM
'300' Blu-ray Outsells HD DVD by 2 to 1
Thu Aug 09, 2007 at 01:36 PM ET

http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/Industry_Trends/Disc_Sales/300_Blu-ray_Outsells_HD_DVD_by_2_to_1/848 (http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/Industry_Trends/Disc_Sales/300_Blu-ray_Outsells_HD_DVD_by_2_to_1/848)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Sep 04, 2007 at 12:06 PM
Why Blu-Ray Should Never Have Existed: Technology Lesson Learned
Posted by Rob Enderle on September 3, 2007 at 11:01 am
http://www.itbusinessedge.com/blogs/rob/?p=145&page=1 (http://www.itbusinessedge.com/blogs/rob/?p=145&page=1)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Sep 11, 2007 at 11:27 PM
HD DVD News:


After Paramount and Dreamworks, Warner next?

Report: Toshiba Courting Warner to Go HD DVD-Only
Stephen Silver
September 11, 2007
http://www.dealerscope.com/story/story.bsp?sid=74796&var=story&publication=Dealerscope&publicationDate=9/11/07&slug=DSEnews4_091107_warnerHDDVD&category=None&section=Unknown (http://www.dealerscope.com/story/story.bsp?sid=74796&var=story&publication=Dealerscope&publicationDate=9/11/07&slug=DSEnews4_091107_warnerHDDVD&category=None&section=Unknown)




CH-DVD (China High Definition DVD) --- blue laser, HD-DVD based, with DVD Forum approval:   

New Chinese Involvement Could Trigger HD DVD Price Plunge
By Scott M. Fulton, III, BetaNews
September 7, 2007, 4:14 PM
http://www.betanews.com/article/New_Chinese_Involvement_Could_Trigger_HD_DVD_Price_Plunge/1189196071 (http://www.betanews.com/article/New_Chinese_Involvement_Could_Trigger_HD_DVD_Price_Plunge/1189196071)




51 GB HD-DVD:

DVD Forum Approves Triple-Layer HD DVD Media – Research Firm.
Toshiba’s 51GB HD DVDs Approved by DVD Forum
by Anton Shilov
[ 09/09/2007 | 11:45 PM ]
http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/storage/display/20070909234615.html



Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mo®pHeOu$ on Sep 12, 2007 at 10:49 AM
with all these news coming out, baka matalo na ang BLu-ray ah.  hmmmm.....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Akong_man on Sep 15, 2007 at 09:16 PM
Tsong! im new here! i'm planning to buy! lcd tv! 32 inch! lang! what! brand is the best! and what! player? can you guys! help me? tnx!

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Sep 15, 2007 at 10:08 PM
Tol!  you! are in the wrong!  thread!  You!  don't have to tell us!  that you're!  new here!  ?  we can!  figure that out! for ourselves! ?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Sep 16, 2007 at 12:05 AM
Good one barrister  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: frootloops on Sep 16, 2007 at 01:32 AM
I rarely peek at this this thread......and now Iam laughing for 2 straight minutes now  :D  :D  :D

That was a nice ice breaker.  ;D 

Ok..continue the war. c",)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pekspert on Sep 16, 2007 at 08:52 AM
Tol!  you! are in the wrong!  thread!  You!  don't have to tell us!  that you're!  new here!  ?  we can!  figure that out! for ourselves! ?


LOL! what! a reception you! gave! the newbie!!


...para hindi OT, theres a new technology brewing which is about 50x better than hdtv and the bluray/hdtv palyers might soon be obsolete.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Sep 16, 2007 at 09:34 AM
theres a new technology brewing which is about 50x better than hdtv and the bluray/hdtv palyers might soon be obsolete.

Source pls :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pekspert on Sep 16, 2007 at 09:59 AM
i was reading news somewhere (i cant remember the site since i came across it at random) that theres a japanese researcher that made a technology for tv about 20x (ok ok so the 50x was grossly exaggerated) better than hdtv. Now IMO, with that kind of technology, the current br/hdtv players would be insuffiecient to store data for playing at that rate. Some company would start producing/marketing the new players that will tramp the current ones. But this is still far-off, somewhere around 4yrs from now. Id like to think of the bluray/hdtv format as similar to laserdisc. Hence im staying away except for the PS3. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Sep 16, 2007 at 10:13 AM
i was reading news somewhere (i cant remember the site since i came across it at random) that theres a japanese researcher that made a technology for tv about 20x (ok ok so the 50x was grossly exaggerated) better than hdtv. Now IMO, with that kind of technology, the current br/hdtv players would be insuffiecient to store data for playing at that rate. Some company would start producing/marketing the new players that will tramp the current ones. But this is still far-off, somewhere around 4yrs from now. Id like to think of the bluray/hdtv format as similar to laserdisc. Hence im staying away except for the PS3. ;D
even if it is 20x better than Blu-ray or HD DVD.......Hollywood studios and big time electronics giants like Sony and Toshiba have already invested a lot into this two formats, and will unlikely withdraw support in favor of new technology.   No support from Hollywood and CE companies, no go for that technology.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pekspert on Sep 16, 2007 at 10:21 AM
...now thats another story ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: et414 on Sep 16, 2007 at 11:19 AM
according to research 1920x1080 is as good as we will ever need. any improvement above that will be hard for the human eye to distinguish  at regular viewing distances. the next area of improvement will be on the display side. tv's with 100,000:1 contrast ratio would yield a more lifelike picture.

kung 3D movie naman Mitsubishi and Philips are already developing a Blu-Ray player w/c can transform a 2D image into 3D w/o using 3D goggles:

Mitsubishi consumer Blu-ray 3D system

There has been much speculation recently on the imminent arrival of 3D technology into our homes, with a number of manufacturers promising to make this exiting new technology a reality in the near future. Overshadowed in the past by the likes of Philips, Mitsubishi has surprised consumers with the announcement that they are readying a system for general release.

Mitsubishi has announced that it is working on a Blu-ray player that will be able to turn standard 2D content into simulated 3D by using a technique to split the incoming picture ‘frames’ which are responsible for the picture you see on your TV.

Consumers will be pleased to know that the new technology does not require the use of those 3D goggles, which had their few minutes of fame back in the eighties when cinema goers were enticed out of their living room with the prospect of films such as jaws in 3D.

It looks like Mitsubishi are pulling out all the stops to be the first mainstream manufacturer to release a 3D system for consumers. Philips will no doubt point to the fact that their system, which offers a more refined viewing experience, will be worth waiting for.

Philips uses the familiar trick of mimicking our stereoscopic view of the real world by sending slightly different images to the left and right eye. But while the original 3-D movies relied on the special glasses to block images meant for each eye, WOWvx technology from Philips places tiny lenses over each of the millions of red, green and blue sub pixels that form an LCD or plasma screen. These lenses cause each sub pixel to project light at one of nine angles fanning out in front of the display.

No word yet on exact release dates or pricing, but we will keep you informed of any developments.

Source (http://www.hdtvorg.co.uk/news/articles/2007082901.htm)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: frootloops on Sep 17, 2007 at 07:33 PM
was in china last week and got a glimpse of how the chinese are making the hardware and software so cheap as to make the format war just about academic.

for example, i viewed an hd-dvd player that costs less than 10k pesos. it has a usb input and can control an external drive. add a few k for a 250gb drive. i will stop na.

quality? spectacular, through a mitsubishi hc5000 firing onto a stewart screen.

You make me wanna................. :D

Were you at the factory? Sana you had some pics taken of the PQ.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Sep 18, 2007 at 09:57 PM
DaSilva, what's the brand of the Chinese HD DVD player?

Any photo taken during your trip?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: DaSilva on Sep 19, 2007 at 06:42 AM
brand was kaifa, not sure if i spelled it correctly. sorry no pix. it's black and slim, looks like a samsung dvdp.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Sep 25, 2007 at 04:59 PM
Blu-ray/HD DVD war to run another 18 months

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sales of next-generation DVD players are not seen as likely to take off for another 18 months as consumers are still waiting for prices to fall and for the battle over two competing technologies to be resolved.

Referring to the high-definition DVD format war between HD DVD and Blu-ray, Forrester Research said in a report on Monday that while the two camps have "been fighting what seems to be a war of attrition for consumers' hearts and minds," few consumers are warming to either type of device.

Sony Corp (6758.T) backs the Blu-ray standard against Toshiba Corp's (6502.T) HD DVD.

Hollywood and electronics manufacturers hope new high-definition DVDs, with better picture quality and more capacity, will revive the slowing $24 billion home DVD market.

But the format war has curbed adoption in a way reminiscent of the Betamax-VHS videotape format battle of the early 1980s, experts say.

Forrester analyst J.P. Gownder stood behind his company's view that Blu-ray would eventually win out over HD DVD, but he said the Blu-ray camp needs to cut prices.

A stand alone Blu-ray player sells for about $500, while HD DVD players cost about $400, and prices are expected to drop further as the holiday shopping season nears.

Gownder said Blu-ray's content advantages are somewhat diminished since the recent decision by Viacom Inc's (VIAb.N) Paramount studio to commit exclusively to HD DVD. HD DVD hardware prices have also dropped into consumers' preferred price range, he said.

"Weakened by these developments, Blu-ray needs to offer a viable hardware model at the $250 price point by Christmas 2007," he said in the report. "The Blu-ray camp must also stave off further studio defections, and employ more aggressive promotional tactics to counter HD DVD's recent momentum."

Forrester said typical owners of high-definition televisions are not willing to pay more than $200 on average for a new HD DVD or Blu-ray player.

"Failure to alter strategy would open up Blu-ray to a possible upset defeat at the hands of HD DVD," Gownder said.

Source (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070924/tc_nm/dvd_battle_dc_1)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Oct 09, 2007 at 01:45 PM
New Blu-ray Features Freeze Older Players; Updates Coming
By Scott M. Fulton, III, BetaNews
October 5, 2007, 2:40 PM


With the next wave of interactive features having been added to 20th Century-Fox's latest Blu-Ray Disc releases, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer and The Day After Tomorrow, there was always a certain level of anticipation that some existing Blu-ray consoles would have trouble, especially the first-generation editions. Surprisingly, it's the second generation which is seeing some early problems, with reports from owners of Samsung's BD-P1200 that they can't play either of these titles.

http://www.betanews.com/article/New_Bluray_Features_Freeze_Older_Players_Updates_Coming/1191609316 (http://www.betanews.com/article/New_Bluray_Features_Freeze_Older_Players_Updates_Coming/1191609316)

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/1035 (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/1035)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 07, 2007 at 04:26 PM
How HD DVD Got its Groove Back

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews. November 7, 2007, 12:01 AM
ANALYSIS: Sources close to retailers indicate that Toshiba sold over 90,000 $99 HD DVD players over the weekend, and that figure only represents a portion of the retailers that participated in the frenzy.

According to Video Business, the 90,000 count includes Toshiba HD-A2 players sold at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Circuit City along with a few other brick and mortar outlets. But it apparently doesn't include online retailers who also participated in the price drop, such as Amazon.com.

BetaNews' own estimates placed sales at around 40,000 to 70,000 within Wal-Mart alone based on information compiled about stocks at the discount retailer's various locations around the country.

Wal-Mart's move spurred a retailer war over prices of the players, even bringing down the cost of other models as a result when HD-A2 stocks depleted. It's fairly likely that total sales of all HD DVD players eclipsed the 100,000 mark during just the past week.

Sales of the Toshiba HD-A3, the successor to the HD-A2, appeared to be equally brisk, with many retailers selling out of their stocks quickly after the older model became hard to find. At many locations, the newer player was selling for $199 - $100 off its original retail price.

Furthermore, sales of the HD-A2 alone over the past few days are nearly equivalent to total sales of the top Blu-ray player, Sony's BDP-S300, which has shipped 100,000 units since its introduction over the summer. BetaNews has a request in with Toshiba for full sales numbers, but the company thus far has not provided specific figures.

It All Comes Down to Price
Over the weekend, BetaNews talked to several new-to-HD disc consumers and there was almost a universal reaction that price was the primary factor behind the purchases. Buying an HD DVD player, however, did not necessarily mean the door was shut to Blu-ray.

"I was waiting on the price to come down on the hardware to where i thought the return on investment was there, because I know lots of money will be spent on software once I had a player," Mike Taylor of Park City, Utah told BetaNews.

The story was the same from David Balfoort of Syracuse and David Lazerson of Cape Coral, Florida. While Lazerson remains open to Blu-ray if the price drops below $250, Balfoort says he'd only consider the opposite format if it "wins the war."

Another interesting finding of the interviews was that no one felt worried about their purchase, despite the future of high-definition discs remaining up in the air. "I'm not nervous at all about the purchase," Lazerson said, pointing to the upconversion feature of the player, which he noted alone makes it worth the $98 purchase price.

Balfoort, who already had a extensive home theater, said that an HD movie player was the last piece of the puzzle. "I generally purchase a DVD player every 12-18 months so there was no nervousness involved," he told BetaNews.

Blu-ray's Dilemma
Through these interviews, it seems clear that Sony's recent offerings of a small price cut this holiday may not be enough to counter what could be increasing momentum for HD DVD. With so many new players now in consumers' hands, it can only be expected that disc sales will increase as well.

Multiple studies show that the PlayStation 3 alone will not be enough to keep the Blu-ray format afloat. Six out of ten users aren't even aware that the device can play Blu-ray movies, and out of the remaining four, only two had actually used the player in the past month to play a disc, according to NPD Group.

In addition, a rising number of HD DVD owners will make it hard for Sony to make the case to both retailers and studios to support its format exclusively. Consumer demand will keep HD DVD on the radar of the studios who currently support it, and will give the format leverage to lure new studios in.

It is not out of the question that this past weekend's moves by Wal-Mart have in the very least extended the format war much longer than many Blu-ray supporters would have imagined, and very well could have provided the needed momentum toward a successful conclusion for those in HD DVD's camp.

"Wal-Mart doesn't have these sales for no reason, there's always a business aspect," an employee told BetaNews on Friday while customers waited in line to snap up a $99 HD DVD player. "You can fully expect that this will be the price next year; they are always ahead of the curve on that."

Source (http://www.betanews.com/article/How_HD_DVD_Got_its_Groove_Back/1194405684)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: MAtZTER on Nov 08, 2007 at 11:35 AM
even if it is 20x better than Blu-ray or HD DVD.......Hollywood studios and big time electronics giants like Sony and Toshiba have already invested a lot into this two formats, and will unlikely withdraw support in favor of new technology.   No support from Hollywood and CE companies, no go for that technology.

Steven Seagal also said that electric cars have been invented since the 60's but the oil cartels dont let this tech out.  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 08, 2007 at 11:57 AM
Format war fanboys shut down AVS Forum

Anyone who's ever visited AVS Forum--probably the largest online forum for audio/visual discussion--knows that people can get carried away. And anyone who has dared to venture in the HD DVD and Blu-ray forum is well aware of rampant fanboy flame wars--the kind that used to be reserved for game consoles.

Well apparently a couple of the AV geeks have gone too far, which has led to AVS Forum moderators to completely shut down the HD DVD and Blu-ray forums until the end of the week. And in case you think it's an overreaction, check out this quote from the letter they posted to AVS members:

"We have seen members attacking other members not only in debate, which is the right way, but with physical threats that have involved police and possible legal action."

Wow. The format war has gotten pretty ugly between Blu-ray and HD DVD, but this is the first instance of physical threats that we're aware of. We're also sure it's no coincidence this shutdown has occurred directly following the $99 HD DVD player sale at Wal-Mart and Best Buy--which is just like pouring gasoline on the already raging flame wars.

Since AVS Forum is always an interesting place to see exactly what's brewing in the rumor mill, let's hope cooler heads prevail so everyone can get back to discussing the new high-def disc formats.

Source (http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9812929-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Nov 08, 2007 at 12:28 PM
Format war fanboys shut down AVS Forum


Those kind of people definitely need to get some sunlight, the Metro Manila sun (heat) type para masakit sa balat.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: chuck427 on Nov 08, 2007 at 01:03 PM
Those kind of people definitely need to get some sunlight, the Metro Manila sun (heat) type para masakit sa balat.

there gonna be needing a whole lot of SUNSHINE!!!! hahahahahaha but for me..best option is to just go neutral, and get the best of both worlds..
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 08, 2007 at 01:14 PM
Very pathetic those fanboys took the format war so serious until to the extend of abuse... :(

Yeah, they need to get a fresh lives soon...before insanity sunk it deepen into their heads. :-[
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Nov 08, 2007 at 01:51 PM
there gonna be needing a whole lot of SUNSHINE!!!! hahahahahaha but for me..best option is to just go neutral, and get the best of both worlds..
Here in PinoyDVD, fanboyism is nearly dead, almost all HD enthusiasts have gone neutral, and all seems to be happy with it. Notice how this thread slowed down.........Be Happy, Go Neutral!!!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 08, 2007 at 01:53 PM
Hehe I agree. Since we all can live hapily together sharing our HD passion, there's no reason why the Blue & Red pills can't co-exist together....the more the merrier noh! After all, lives are too short...ya I wana be happy. ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: chuck427 on Nov 09, 2007 at 02:05 AM
Hehe I agree. Since we all can live hapily together sharing our HD passion, there's no reason why the Blue & Red pills can co-exist together....the more the merrier noh! After all, lives are too short...ya I wana be happy. ;D

i salute to that sir Paul..i salute to that
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: john5479 on Nov 09, 2007 at 07:44 AM
amen, spend more time watching movies than argue to which is better i say :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Huddaf on Nov 10, 2007 at 02:08 PM
I read on the news that Paramount and Dreamworks has suddenly changed sides from Blu Ray, they are now going for HDDVD only.  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Nov 10, 2007 at 06:59 PM
You don't have to read the news ...  just read pinoydvd.  ;)

Paramount and Dreamworks to Exclusively Support HD DVD!
 « on: Aug 21, 2007 at 02:47 AM »
http://pinoydvd.com/board/index.php?topic=70087.msg719773#msg719773 (http://pinoydvd.com/board/index.php?topic=70087.msg719773#msg719773)


===============================================================


After we got so used to Sony's repeated declarations of victory for Blu-ray, Howard Stringer's more realistic assessment is refreshing: 


Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007
Hi-def format war a 'stalemate': Stringer

NEW YORK (AP) The head of Sony Corp., Howard Stringer, said the Blu-ray disc format the company has developed as the successor to the DVD is in a "stalemate" with the competing HD DVD format, chiefly backed by Toshiba Corp. and Microsoft Corp.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/rss/nb20071110a2.html (http://search.japantimes.co.jp/rss/nb20071110a2.html)


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 10, 2007 at 07:03 PM
Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007
Hi-def format war a 'stalemate': Stringer

NEW YORK (AP) The head of Sony Corp., Howard Stringer, said the Blu-ray disc format the company has developed as the successor to the DVD is in a "stalemate" with the competing HD DVD format, chiefly backed by Toshiba Corp. and Microsoft Corp.

Nice to know that, the war will indeed rage on for a long time... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Nov 10, 2007 at 07:09 PM
Interesting comments on cepro - http://www.cepro.com/article/sony_blu_ray_hd_dvd_format_war_a_stalemate/ (http://www.cepro.com/article/sony_blu_ray_hd_dvd_format_war_a_stalemate/)


For example:

Posted by Harold Frothing  on  11/09  at  12:26 PM
This is a definite change from the confident “We’re going win” / “It’s over. We’ve won.” Sony we’re used to hearing from.

For Sony to say this means that things may have been tied up and Sony might even have been humbled somewhat in this experience.


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: chuck427 on Nov 12, 2007 at 07:34 AM
Nice to know that, the war will indeed rage on for a long time... :)

which is a good thing because prices will continue to drop!!! which means less money fro us to spend!!  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 12, 2007 at 08:19 AM
Probably it's the other way...when software prices drop....we might actually spend more... :P ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Nov 12, 2007 at 12:05 PM
Analysis:

Did Sony's CEO Dig Blu-Ray's Grave, or Was This Just a Series of Idiotic Events?
Nov. 12, 2007 by  Christopher Hogg

Sony let its guard down for a millisecond, and it's going to take a beating for it. The head of Sony told the media the high-def DVD battle was in a stalemate. He also said he wished he would have collaborated with Toshiba rather than competing. What?

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/246067/Did_Sony_s_CEO_Dig_Blu_Ray_s_Grave_or_Was_This_Just_a_Series_of_Idiotic_Events_
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: juneaki on Nov 12, 2007 at 01:44 PM
Microsoft, Toshiba Working on New Xbox Entertainment Device:

The report cites insiders at Toshiba who say that the new Xbox will feature a built in HD DVD player, wireless networking, 1080p playback, a large hard drive, and possibly a dual HDTV tuner and an electronic programming guide.

Source: http://www.cepro.com/article/report_microsoft_toshiba_working_on_new_xbox_entertainment_device/K294
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: chuck427 on Nov 12, 2007 at 11:59 PM
Analysis:

Did Sony's CEO Dig Blu-Ray's Grave, or Was This Just a Series of Idiotic Events?
Nov. 12, 2007 by  Christopher Hogg

Sony let its guard down for a millisecond, and it's going to take a beating for it. The head of Sony told the media the high-def DVD battle was in a stalemate. He also said he wished he would have collaborated with Toshiba rather than competing. What?

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/246067/Did_Sony_s_CEO_Dig_Blu_Ray_s_Grave_or_Was_This_Just_a_Series_of_Idiotic_Events_


well, we dont really know what Sony's CEO is thinking..but im sure he has something up his sleeve.. :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: chuck427 on Nov 13, 2007 at 12:01 AM
Probably it's the other way...when software prices drop....we might actually spend more... :P ;D

hahahahahaha very good point Sir Paul..well, cheers to spending!!!!  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 14, 2007 at 07:31 AM
Blu-ray 1.1: A Lawsuit Waiting To Happen?

Early adopters of Blu-ray Disc could be so incensed by changes being made to 'their' movie format that they could sue Hollywood studios and hardware makers alike.

This is because many Blu-ray movies being launched next year have interactive menus and other features that take advantage of BD-Video Final Standard Profile 1.1 - a new hardware standard that mandates technology like persistent memory, BD Java and internet connections (optional) that older Blu-ray decks do not have.

Blu-ray: accident or design?

If you've ponied up in excess of £1,000 for a Blu-ray deck in that last couple of years that can't play or won't play these new features, you're gonna feel pretty miffed. So says Olivier Van Wynendaele, spokesman for the European arm of the HD DVD Promotion Group. To be honest, he has a point, and it's a very good one:

"You some have hardware limitations. Persistent memory, for instance, mandates that you have flash memory inside the player, which is what HD DVD players have."

"You can't upgrade the hardware"
"Take a Samsung or a Sony player - they have no flash memory. How will you introduce flash memory into a player which has already been designed and introduced? It's not a PC, you can't change the board, you can't upgrade it," Van Wynendaele told Tech.co.uk.

Wynendaele then cites the Blu-ray release of sci-fi actioner Sunshine as an example of how this could be a problem. Sunshine is the first Blu-ray from any Hollywood studio that includes a Picture-in-Picture function so you can see, rather than just hear, movie-makers comments.

"This feature won't work on any Blu-ray player available today. Even on the PS3...", he says. The PS3's saving grace, however, is that it can be upgraded to the Profile 1.1 specification with a firmware update.

"The first people who will buy your Blu-ray player are early adopters, the tech guys and so on. The ones who love new technology and features. They want the best. They are the ones who make the reputation of the format, of the product... those people are very important from the start.

"You'd better have those people on your side, for you rather than against you, because a small pool can make a large noise. And if those people make too much noise then the majority won't buy your product.

Full article (http://www.tech.co.uk/home-entertainment/video/dvd-hdd-players-and-receivers/blu-ray-and-hd-dvd/news/blu-ray-11-a-lawsuit-waiting-to-happen?articleid=1402030689)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: threadlock on Nov 14, 2007 at 03:30 PM
WOW! Meron nang Blu-ray ROM!  :o
http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4186&Itemid=1 (http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4186&Itemid=1)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: killer_smile3 on Nov 17, 2007 at 12:56 PM
I think I'm going to stick with my HD DVD add on even though my xbox is experiencing overheating problems. It's better this way than to spend money on a new format that might eventually fail.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 17, 2007 at 01:00 PM
killer, how's your Xbox..it's fix na? Since you're gamer, perhaps getting a PS3 as an interim solution is viable. You can watch BD & play games at the same time. Either format win/lose...you still have a game console to enjoy all your favourite games. :)

The newly released & cheaper PS3 40Gb is here na.  ;D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: killer_smile3 on Nov 17, 2007 at 01:18 PM
Sir Paul, my xbox 360 is not yet fixed. I'm excited to have it fixed. I've been thinkin about acquiring the ps3 but I'm having second thoughts coz I'm not yet convinced to go neutral. Red pill lang muna ako. ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Marl☆1 on Nov 20, 2007 at 12:33 PM
Neutral's best.  Here's a fun read:  ;) 
http://www.tvpredictions.com/2007/10/blu-ray-vs-hd-dvd-no-one-is-winning.html
 (http://www.tvpredictions.com/2007/10/blu-ray-vs-hd-dvd-no-one-is-winning.html)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 20, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Yup, some fans constantly getting into debate over the silly war...."Guys, get a life"  ;D

Nevertheless, it's interesting to see how the war goes on...now that the holiday/shopping season is here...phew it will get a lot worse... :-X

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Marl☆1 on Nov 20, 2007 at 01:15 PM
Yup, some fans constantly getting into debate over the silly war...."Guys, get a life"  ;D

Nevertheless, it's interesting to see how the war goes on...now that the holiday/shopping season is here...phew it will get a lot worse... :-X



Hehe... healthy competition I'd say.  ;D  BTW bro, can you direct me to a link or thread in this forum which stacks up the HD disposition of our very own PDVD members?  How many are on the Red/Blue/Neutral side?  Would be interesting to know lang.  Thanks  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 20, 2007 at 01:47 PM
BTW bro, can you direct me to a link or thread in this forum which stacks up the HD disposition of our very own PDVD members?  How many are on the Red/Blue/Neutral side?  Would be interesting to know lang.  Thanks  :)

I'm not sure if there's a thread on this. But you may refer to the "Whats your latest HD DVD/BLU-RAY purchase?" or "Show em your HD DVD/Blu-ray Titles Here (collection)!!" threads to see what the members are buying or already owned. Most of us are Neutral/Purple na... ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Marl☆1 on Nov 20, 2007 at 04:53 PM
I'm not sure if there's a thread on this. But you may refer to the "Whats your latest HD DVD/BLU-RAY purchase?" or "Show em your HD DVD/Blu-ray Titles Here (collection)!!" threads to see what the members are buying or already owned. Most of us are Neutral/Purple na... ;D

Haha... thanks Paul.  Well, guess I'll just hold my breath till the price of the A30/35 goes further down... If I hold it long enough... will surely turn PURPLE by default...  :D
Title: Blu-ray players to be obsolete by 2007
Post by: sight on Nov 20, 2007 at 07:49 PM

http://blog.homecinemachoice.com/page/homecinemachoice?entry=blu_ray_players_to_be

This news could be old so my apologies in advance.

 :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 20, 2007 at 07:58 PM
Essentially all BD players that don't conform to the BD Profile 1.1 in order to offer fully-functioning BD-Java, bringing PIP interactivity for in-movie commentaries and special features are considered obsolete.  ;D

But I guess not all fans are concerned with the special features/bonus so they should still able to  playback the movies without any problem unless all the "new BD-J discs" will render playback malfunction?? :-[
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: oReOsHaKe on Nov 20, 2007 at 09:54 PM
Essentially all BD players that don't conform to the BD Profile 1.1 in order to offer fully-functioning BD-Java, bringing PIP interactivity for in-movie commentaries and special features are considered obsolete.  ;D

But I guess not all fans are concerned with the special features/bonus so they should still able to  playback the movies without any problem unless all the "new BD-J discs" will render playback malfunction?? :-[

This is no problem with me since I don't watch commentaries and special features anyway..  ;) ;) ;) 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: chuck427 on Nov 26, 2007 at 12:21 AM
Essentially all BD players that don't conform to the BD Profile 1.1 in order to offer fully-functioning BD-Java, bringing PIP interactivity for in-movie commentaries and special features are considered obsolete.  ;D

But I guess not all fans are concerned with the special features/bonus so they should still able to  playback the movies without any problem unless all the "new BD-J discs" will render playback malfunction?? :-[

I agree..but my main concern is the movie itself..like "day after tomorrow", it keeps freezing on my 1st gen Samsung bdp1000..i dont mind the long load times, but i just wish that when it starts, it doesnt stutter...  :'( still waiting for the new firmware update..
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Nov 28, 2007 at 06:05 PM
Onkyo, priced out of HD DVD, discontinues its HD805 HD DVD player

The first Onkyo HD DVD player has been available in Italy for a few days now, but it can already be considered as a collector's item, because there are very few units in existence, and Onkyo has stopped its production.

We were waiting for a unit of the first Onkyo HD DVD player, the DV-HD805, for review on the pages of AV Magazine. After a conversation with Tecnofuturo, the Brescia-based Italian distributor of the Japanese manufacturer, we decided in mutual agreement that it was not worth the trouble. The reasons are quickly explained: the DV-HD805 is no other than a rebranded Toshiba HD-XE1 HD DVD player, which is already compatible with streaming of all lossless multichannel HD codecs via HDMI 1.3, and there are only few units of it available.

In view of the new marketing policy being applied by Toshiba, consisting of sinking the price of its own players, Onkyo has difficulty in positioning its own player (the Europe list price is 899 euros) and has therefore decided to stop production. The scarce units produced have been redistributed in varios markets. It has been known that barely 11 units arrived in Italy, and no others will come. Germany has been more fortunate, with 20 units, and Spain will receive none.

As to why it was decided not to review such a product, apart from its being a clone, it won't be effectively be available on the market (the 11 Italian units are already sold). We thank Tecnofuturo for such a quick communication and we apologize to the enthusiasts. Onkyo is already working actively on a new player and according to tidbits it could be this time a Blu-ray player or a hybrid player. We'll have other news and more confirmation during the upcoming CES at Las Vegas.

Avmagazine.it (http://"http://www.avmagazine.it/news/sorgenti/onkyo-dv-hd805-l-hd-dvd-fantasma_2654.html")
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: killer_smile3 on Nov 28, 2007 at 10:37 PM
It's pretty apparent that Toshiba's strategy is "Cost Leadership". Go HDDVD!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 28, 2007 at 11:34 PM
Some HD fan boys will certainly get upset over the withdrawal of Onkyo HD DVD players as they are looking for a higher end model. Looks like Toshiba is destined to be the lone ranger. :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: SirLaw11 on Nov 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM
The HD805 is indeed in very limited quantity in europe, but here in the US, HD805 is not discontinued at all. And onkyo HD805 is not even onkyo's high end model. The Integra DHS-8.8 is onkyo's flagship HD DVD player.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Nov 29, 2007 at 03:49 PM
That's good news for the USA fanboys. :D  The suggested retail price for DV-HD805 is $899. That's almost P40,000 without shipping. Still not high-end as compared to Tosh A35? ::)

SirLaw11, I'm not familiar with Integra. I can't find the DHS-8.8 model at Onkyo's website. It's it released na in the market? Based on the specs revealed in the press release (nothing is mentioned on Onkyo name?)...they're drooling... :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: SirLaw11 on Nov 30, 2007 at 11:35 AM
Quote
SirLaw11, I'm not familiar with Integra. I can't find the DHS-8.8 model at Onkyo's website. It's it released na in the market? Based on the specs revealed in the press release (nothing is mentioned on Onkyo name?)...they're drooling...

You won't be able to find the integras DHS-8.8 in onkyo's website for they have there own website. Integra is the High End line up of onkyo. Here's there website including the DHS-8.8 HD DVD player.

http://www.integrahometheater.com/prod_class.cfm?class=DVD (http://www.integrahometheater.com/prod_class.cfm?class=DVD)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nels76 on Dec 05, 2007 at 12:24 PM
BDA: 2.7 million Blu-ray players and PS3's sold through black friday

Counting standalone players and the PS3, a total of 2.7 million Blu-ray players have now been sold through to consumers.

That's the word from the Blu-ray Disc Association, in what seems to be a clear response to the HD DVD camp's recent announcement that it had sold over 750,000 "dedicated" players (including standalones and the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on).
ADVERTISEMENT

That earlier report from the HD DVD camp sparked outrage from Blu-ray supporters, who complained that HD DVD backers were for the first time including sales of the Xbox HD DVD add-on in their numbers to create the artificial impression of a Black Friday sales surge for the format.

In its new announcement, the BDA fights fire with fire, counting both standalone Blu-ray players and the Playstation 3 to come up with a staggering 2.7 million units sold through Black Friday.

Neither group broke out individual sales numbers for standalone players and console-based players.

The BDA went on to tout recently-released Nielsen VideoScan numbers, which gave Blu-ray a resounding lead in software sales Thanksgiving week, boasting 72.6% of all discs sold (compared to 27.4% for HD DVD).

In a statement, the group said, "Despite the $99 HD DVD fire sale, Blu-ray movies were flying off the shelves in this crucial holiday shopping period.""

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Industry_Trends/BDA:_2.7_million_Blu-ray_Players_Sold/1228
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Dec 05, 2007 at 03:16 PM
You won't be able to find the integras DHS-8.8 in onkyo's website for they have there own website. Integra is the High End line up of onkyo. Here's there website including the DHS-8.8 HD DVD player.

http://www.integrahometheater.com/prod_class.cfm?class=DVD (http://www.integrahometheater.com/prod_class.cfm?class=DVD)

Got it SirLaw11. I'm salivating!! :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Dec 09, 2007 at 12:13 PM
About the Paramount/Dreamworks/HD DVD issue, director Michael Bay originally wrote on a blog post:

"I want people to see my movies in the best formats possible. For them to deny people who have Blu-ray sucks! They were progressive by having two formats. No Transformers 2 for me!"


Michael Bay quickly changed his mind, then wrote:

"Last night at dinner I was having dinner with three Blu-ray owners. They were pissed about no Transformers Blu-ray, and I drank the Kool-Aid hook, line and sinker. So at 1:30 in the morning I posted -- nothing good ever comes out of early AM posts, mind you -- I over reacted. I heard where Paramount is coming from and the future of HD and players that will be close to the $200 mark which is the magic number. I like what I heard.

As a director, I'm all about people seeing films in the best quality possible, and I saw and heard firsthand people upset about a corporate decision.

So today I saw 300 on HD, it rocks!

So I think I might be back on to do Transformers 2!"



========================================================


Eto na naman si Michael Bay ---


Bagong sulong:


Microsoft IsThe Evil Empire According To Michael Bay
By Tim Beringer: 2007-12-05 15:56:06 

http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Microsoft-IsThe-Evil-Empire-According-To-Michael-Bay-7618.html



Bagong urong (at konti pang sulong):

Bay backtracks: "doesn't care" about format war
Thursday 6-Dec-2007 10:52 AM
But "Blu-ray suits my films better", says the Transformers director

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=177017

May credibility pa ba siya?


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Dec 09, 2007 at 08:16 PM
I agree. The guy's brains need to be examined! ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: dB10 on Dec 09, 2007 at 09:43 PM
I agree. The guy's brains need to be examined! ;D

they'l see how it "transforms" every now and then ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Marl☆1 on Dec 10, 2007 at 12:15 AM


Microsoft IsThe Evil Empire According To Michael Bay
By Tim Beringer: 2007-12-05 15:56:06 

http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Microsoft-IsThe-Evil-Empire-According-To-Michael-Bay-7618.html



Is he serious?  I gather he's pretty outspoken but can a director of his stature come out with trashy soundbites?  Either it's blown out of proportion or he has partially gone 'mental.'  In his site though, there were some fans who supported his stand on 'Microsoft's evil schemes of world domination.'  ;D

Sayang, excellent directorial career pa naman; aside from Transformers - Armageddon, The Rock, Pearl Harbor, Bad Boys, and he's just going out on a limb and throwing it all away.  :-[
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: nukee on Dec 11, 2007 at 08:02 PM
Wala na ba talagang hope for transformers blu-ray?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: et414 on Dec 11, 2007 at 08:10 PM
wait a while ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Marl☆1 on Dec 11, 2007 at 10:10 PM
Wala na ba talagang hope for transformers blu-ray?

Here bro...  ;D  lol  :D  just kidding buddy.
(http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/images/post/4/4007/original.pjpeg)
PQ: 3.0
AQ: 2.0

REVIEW CLICK  HERE. (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1198/transformersmovie1986_uk.html)

Seriously, I hope Michael Bay's Transformers does make the 'leap.' Let's see how Paramount plays this.  ::)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: choy on Jan 02, 2008 at 05:27 AM
PS3 is a good chicken-or-the-egg marketing by Sony

if you're a gamer, you buy the PS3 for the games.  then you get the BluRay player then you can buy BluRay movies

if you're a HD movie buff, you will consider the PS3 because its cheaper than most BluRay players and there's the HD games as well.  you will think that why not get the PS3 primarilyl as a player, and you get to play games as well

the HD-DVD doesn't have the same push since its an expensive option for the XBox360.  although they did bring the price of the players down
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: oReOsHaKe on Jan 06, 2008 at 10:30 AM
I guess the title for this thread should read: The War Has Ended...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: xage on Jan 06, 2008 at 11:12 AM
I guess the title for this thread should read: The War Has Ended...

Hehehe.. You are indeed correct! Jan. 04, 2007 is the declaration of Victory to BluRay
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 06, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Hehehe.. You are indeed correct! Jan. 04, 2007 is the declaration of Victory to BluRay
Happy New Year sir...;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: DaSilva on Jan 06, 2008 at 12:14 PM
still, there was always a downside for any winner in this war - that is, the demise of one of the formats does not automatically guarantee long term success for the other.

it's up to sony now to make it work or screw it up...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Jan 06, 2008 at 08:48 PM
actually sony is just one of the players, dami na rin sila Disney, Warner, Fox etc...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Jan 06, 2008 at 09:02 PM
still, there was always a downside for any winner in this war - that is, the demise of one of the formats does not automatically guarantee long term success for the other.

it's up to sony now to make it work or screw it up...

Yup thats the big question, if it will be adopted by the mass market. Imo, it might not win against dvd, Imagine I will buy a bluray player for my 70 plus year old parents or my sisters  and tell them they have to update the player once in a while for the movie to work..Im sure they will go HUH?? Not only that if you want more features connect to the net..HUH?? Im sure that will be most of the response for the not so tech savvy people (Me included in this) Im still running 1.82 in my ps3 (lazy to update also),  and never check the net for those extra features yet. Actually havent watched any extra features on those discs.  ;D Gotta start watching them..

To me they made it too complicated for the regular joes.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: oReOsHaKe on Jan 06, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Yup thats the big question, if it will be adopted by the mass market. Imo, it might not win against dvd, Imagine I will buy a bluray player for my 70 plus year old parents or my sisters  and tell them they have to update the player once in a while for the movie to work..Im sure they will go HUH?? Not only that if you want more features connect to the net..HUH?? Im sure that will be most of the response for the not so tech savvy people (Me included in this) Im still running 1.82 in my ps3 (lazy to update also),  and never check the net for those extra features yet. Actually havent watched any extra features on those discs.  ;D Gotta start watching them..

To me they made it too complicated for the regular joes.

Well they have to start to learn how to go about with this new "thing".. Before many oldies and not so oldies were intimidated with the computer but then again many nowadays both old and young knew how to use the computers because they have to.. and its just part of life.. Gotta learn what is new for you to be able to enjoy new technology and benefit from it..
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 06, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Easier said than done.

Old folks cannot ignore computers because there is no alternative; but they can easily ignore Blu-ray because SD-DVD works just fine.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Battousai on Jan 06, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Kaya nga andyan yung mga apo at anak nila e, para sila na gumawa nun para sa kanila.  ;D As per experience dealing with my "old school" relatives, kailangan lang naman silang pagtyagaang turuan ng mga basic set up, lalo na pagdating sa mga video players. They're not usually after the DTS audio or special features. All they want to know is how to insert the media, play it, pause (weee wee breaks are aplenty) and power it off. After that,madali na ituro yung ibang bagay.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: oReOsHaKe on Jan 06, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Easier said than done.

Old folks cannot ignore computers because there is no alternative; but they can easily ignore Blu-ray because SD-DVD works just fine.

I guess there is no difference between Blu-ray or SD-DVD with regards to the step by step process in viewing them.  Pop in the disc, play and that's it.  Blu-ray players play SD-DVD also so pinagkaiba lang talga is you have to buy a player that plays both SD and HD discs.   ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Jan 09, 2008 at 02:58 AM
this maybe the final nail in the coffin.......

http://digitalbits.com/#mytwocents

Well... we've had SOME confirmation this morning of the details of the Financial Times story from last night. While the studio isn't yet commenting, reliable industry sources are telling us that Paramount is indeed preparing to end their HD-DVD support and announce a return to the Blu-ray fold. Details are currently being finalized, and an announcement is expected as soon as they're complete. Paramount's first new Blu-rays will almost certainly include many of those titles that were cancelled last year, but that were already packaged and ready for shipping, so you could see them in stores very quickly once the studio announces.

Meanwhile, sources are telling us that Universal has also been talking with the BDA, and is looking to follow Paramount and Warner's lead as soon as possible.

On a related note, Times Online in the U.K. is now reporting that as many as 20 additional firms currently backing HD-DVD are also considering defection in the wake of Warner's Friday announcement, including Fujitsu, Lenovo, Kenwood and Pony Canyon (which is a major Japanese film and music studio).

What's more, word is starting to circulate at CES that major big box retailers will begin winding down in-store support for HD-DVD as soon as these studios go public with their decisions. We're told that the industry's major retail partners are already pressuring Paramount, DreamWorks and Universal to go Blu following Warner's decision.

Rumors are also beginning to circulate here that Apple's Steve Jobs may announce the addition of Blu-ray Disc drives to their Mac desktop lineup at next week's Macworld Expo in San Francisco.

We would caution you to keep in mind that all of this should be considered unofficial until the studios make their actual announcements. Things are moving very fast, and the situation is highly fluid. Still, it really looks like this is the end for HD-DVD, and the end of the format war overall. We'll keep you up to date with new developments as they break.

Stay tuned...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: SirLaw11 on Jan 09, 2008 at 05:10 AM
Microsoft stands behind HD DVD for Xbox 360.

http://www.betanews.com/article/Microsoft_stands_behind_HD_DVD_for_Xbox_360/1199822503 (http://www.betanews.com/article/Microsoft_stands_behind_HD_DVD_for_Xbox_360/1199822503)


Paramount Sticking With HD DVD - Star Trek Seasons 2 & 3 Still On Track for 2008:

http://trekmovie.com/2008/01/08/paramount-sticking-with-hd-dvd-star-trek-seasons-2-3-still-on-track-for-2008/ (http://trekmovie.com/2008/01/08/paramount-sticking-with-hd-dvd-star-trek-seasons-2-3-still-on-track-for-2008/)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Jan 09, 2008 at 06:32 AM
New Line dropping HD-DVD immediately

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/New_Line/Industry_Trends/New_Line_Details_Transition_to_Blu-ray/1351

I guess no Austin Powers in HD-DVD @_@ who cares, just bring out LOTR already ^_^
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: choy on Jan 09, 2008 at 06:55 AM
at least the PS3 has won Sony one war

for every gamer who buys the PS3, they are instantly one person who has a BluRay player
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 09, 2008 at 07:58 AM
this maybe the final nail in the coffin.......reliable industry sources are telling us that Paramount is indeed preparing to end their HD-DVD support and announce a return to the Blu-ray fold.

Meanwhile, sources are telling us that Universal has also been talking with the BDA, and is looking to follow Paramount and Warner's lead as soon as possible.

Times Online in the U.K. is now reporting that as many as 20 additional firms currently backing HD-DVD are also considering defection in the wake of Warner's Friday announcement, including Fujitsu, Lenovo, Kenwood and Pony Canyon (which is a major Japanese film and music studio).

...that major big box retailers will begin winding down in-store support for HD-DVD as soon as these studios go public with their decisions. We're told that the industry's major retail partners are already pressuring Paramount, DreamWorks and Universal to go Blu following Warner's decision.

Whoa....the above are major moves which are not unexpected. These will indeed aggravate the situation & devastate HD DVD completely! :o

There's no point in prolonging & avoiding the inevitable.  :-[
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: oReOsHaKe on Jan 09, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Whoa....the above are major moves which are not unexpected. These will indeed aggravate the situation & devastate HD DVD completely! :o

There's no point in prolonging & avoiding the inevitable.  :-[

They should concede na and move on..
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Jan 09, 2008 at 01:03 PM
wondering what's going at the HD-DVD/BD booth? here's some pics

(http://i15.tinypic.com/81ezgxw.jpg)
(http://i12.tinypic.com/6jlu4hx.jpg)
(http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/2523/blurayhddvdsg9.jpg)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: threadlock on Jan 09, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Report: Paramount Could Drop HD DVD Exclusivity Support
http://www.dailytech.com/Report+Paramount+Could+Drop+HD+DVD+Exclusivity+Support/article10268.htm (http://www.dailytech.com/Report+Paramount+Could+Drop+HD+DVD+Exclusivity+Support/article10268.htm)

This could be another hard blow to HD-DVD camp...  :D

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: 1ringwd4s on Jan 09, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Cant wait to see Transformers and the Bourne series at the Blu side.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: vtec3 on Jan 09, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Cant wait to see Transformers and the Bourne series at the Blu side.

me too  ;) was thinking of going nuetral this year but with this development i guess i will stay blue  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 09, 2008 at 04:51 PM
wondering what's going at the HD-DVD/BD booth? here's some pics

It's a big embarrassment...no one will dare to show his face eh :-X
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: SirLaw11 on Jan 09, 2008 at 05:37 PM
No Exit Plan Seen In HD Disc Format War


http://www.twice.com/article/CA6517466.html?industryid=23099 (http://www.twice.com/article/CA6517466.html?industryid=23099)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Ctlim on Jan 14, 2008 at 04:31 PM
indeed very poor marketing done in promoting HD-DVD. Then again, when they called it HD-DVD, it was already destined to fail.

why call high definition HD-DVD??? its just so boring. BLU-RAY sounds so much more futuristic. of course thats the marketing side of it.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 14, 2008 at 07:08 PM
why call high definition HD-DVD??? its just so boring. BLU-RAY sounds so much more futuristic. of course thats the marketing side of it.

It's not the name that cause its failure LOL....but for me, it's kinda cute... ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 14, 2008 at 11:26 PM
With doomsday sure to come for HD DVD, paano na yung Internet Access ng mga HD DVD movies? Will they be still around?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:39 AM
With doomsday sure to come for HD DVD, paano na yung Internet Access ng mga HD DVD movies? Will they be still around?

that would be up to the studios.....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Ctlim on Jan 15, 2008 at 12:16 PM
It's not the name that cause its failure LOL....but for me, it's kinda cute... ;D

thats not it. im sure the power brokers of HDDVD and BD wont think so as well. But you'd be surprised how things like this will manifest itself during in depth research projects done on consumers.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 15, 2008 at 12:49 PM
why call high definition HD-DVD??? its just so boring. BLU-RAY sounds so much more futuristic. of course thats the marketing side of it.

It depends on the marketing strategy.

The name HD DVD implies an evolution of DVD.  A high def disc based on an existing format connotes affordability and reliability.

The name Blu ray is not evolutionary, it is revolutionary.  It's not based on SD, it's entirely new, built from the ground up.  Instead of simply retooling exisitng DVD facilities, it requires entirely new facilities. 

Some may like the idea of a revolutionary product, but to others, revolutionary implies "overpriced" and "unreliable".

But the Blu ray name did not arise solely from marketing.  Sony's camp wanted to monopolize the HD disc business.  They could no longer go for the "evolutionary" approach because HD DVD already cornered that one.  So they went for the "revolutionary" approach. 

Now that they had the revolutionary approach, they thought of Blu ray as the revolutionary name to go with it.



===================================   



It's not the name that cause its failure LOL....but for me, it's kinda cute... ;D

I agree with you there.   :)  Studio alliances doomed a superior format.

It's easy to say HD DVD is a bad name now, after it has already lost the war.  If sir ctlim76 said that as early as last year, when people were saying that the name Blu-ray sounds like "Blurry", then that would have been really impressive.

Like they say, hindsight is 20/20.



thats not it. im sure the power brokers of HDDVD and BD wont think so as well. But you'd be surprised how things like this will manifest itself during in depth research projects done on consumers.

Yes, that would be interesting.  It's really difficult to analyze if we don't have the data.


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Jan 15, 2008 at 01:34 PM
instead of hd-dvd, they could have called it "red ink"


I believe the ink is still more bloody red on the BD side yet.  sub $200 BD player...WHEN?  Hopefully, the "alleged fire-sale" of Toshiba HD DVD players would somehow bring down the price of BD players.

They can call it Uni/Para/Dreamwork HD Player for now, and it's not totally over yet until the Japanese Emperor surrenders.   :) 

Don't underestimate Toshiba.  That company has nuclear technology.   :)

I find it amusing that the HD DVD boxer got hit with a heavy Warner punch right on the face by the BD boxer, and then all BD fans including the ring announcer, round lady, towel boys, and simpleng miron seem to have rushed inside the ring to do the pummeling themselves.   :)     Got to wait for the Uni/Para/Dreamworks haymaker yet.





Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: juneaki on Jan 15, 2008 at 01:53 PM
I believe the continuation of the HD war benefits more the consumers.  With the war continuing, competition not only push the manufacturer to make better product to outsell the competition but also tend to lower the price to appeal to the consumers to buy their poduct. But once for example the Sony and the blu ray camp won, they can now dictate a higher price for their player.  :-\ Baka lalo na hindi ko ma-experienced manood ng 1080p HD video  :'(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 15, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Good observation. 

But it's now genearally accepted that Blu-ray has already won, so Blu-ray prices have nowhere to go but up.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Jan 15, 2008 at 04:59 PM

But it's now genearally accepted that Blu-ray has already won, so Blu-ray prices have nowhere to go but up.

PS3 prices have nowhere to go but down, or at least remain at their current levels for a while.  They can't increase the price of "The BD Player" that can play games.   Sony had to actually introduce the cheaper PS3 option in order to compete with the Xbox360.  But that is another war.

Makes me wonder what could have happened if the 15M+ (or is it 17M now?) Xbox360s had built-in HD DVD playback?

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Jan 15, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Ok, the momentum is really on the side of the BD camp right now.  But it's not like the BD camp has actually flooded the industry with bazillions of new titles since the Warner announcement.  Fox still remains nothing more than a studio with "release dates."   BD players are still expensive.  HD DVD players are really cheap.   There are more than 300 titles already released in HD DVD, and many of them are really worth buying.   Toshiba may be in desperate position but if they can somehow manage to keep Universal, Paramount and Dreamworks, and they can flood the market with cheaper HD DVD players, they can probably protract the war.  1M HD DVD user base may pale in comparison against the millions of PS3 owners, but let's not forget that HDM is still very much a niche market when viewed in the overall home entertainment world.

Perhaps Toshiba should consider concentrating in India or China as well?

I did sound desperate didn't I?   :) :) :)


 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 15, 2008 at 05:38 PM
PS3 prices have nowhere to go but down, ...  They can't increase the price of "The BD Player" that can play games.  


Why not? 

PS3 initial production cost is estimated to have been US$805.85 for the 20 GB model and US$840.35 for the 60 GB model, but they were priced at US$499 and US$599, respectively.  The high manufacturing costs meant that every unit was sold at a loss of approximately $250, contributing to Sony's games division's operating loss of ¥232.3 billion (US$1.97 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 2007. 

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/746/746482p1.html

In April 2007, soon after these results were published, Ken Kutaragi, the head of gaming at Sony, announced plans to retire. Various news agencies, including The Times and The Wall Street Journal reported that this was due to poor sales, while SCEI maintained that Kutaragi had been planning his retirement for six months prior to the announcement.  (Wikipedia)

Price cuts continued mainly because of the HD war, while Sony continued to absorb losses.

It's hard to imagine that these guys won't try to recover those losses this time, now that the competition is out of the way.

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Jan 15, 2008 at 05:49 PM

Why not? 

Price cuts continued mainly because of the HD war, while Sony continued to absorb losses.

It's hard to imagine that these guys won't try to recover those losses this time, now that the competition is out of the way.



Well they have to compete against Toshiba on one side, and an even more powerful MS Xbox on the other.  So they might be winning the hi def movie war, but on hi def gaming console side, I don't think so.   But regardless, has there been any precedence of "hardware price increase" in the consumer electronic world???   I think the common thinking is that Sony would try to recover losses from software sales, but given the amount of losses already incurred, it's gonna take years of dramatically increasing content sales in order to achieve that.

I tend to believe that article which mentioned something like BD may have won the hi def war but could lose in the end.  Even at the moment, they are already losing some significant ground from downloadable hi def rips...and granted you only get to enjoy those 4.5GB-8.5GB high def contents using a PC, they are pretty darn awesome quality images even if you put your face next to the monitor.   I plead guilty on that.


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: et414 on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:03 PM
when, in the history of gaming consoles has there ever been a price increase? the $800+ manufacturing cost was a year ago. if you read the next paragraph of that wikipedia article, it states that:

Since the system's launch, production costs have been reduced significantly as a result of phasing out the EE chip and falling hardware costs. The cost of manufacturing Cell microprocessors has fallen dramatically as a result of moving to the 65 nm production process and Blu-ray diodes being cheaper to manufacture. As of January 2008, each unit costs around $400 to manufacture.


and anyway, winning over hddvd is only half the battle. the bda still has a lot of work to do to replace dvd as the dominant format.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:09 PM
I think the common thinking is that Sony would try to recover losses from software sales, but given the amount of losses already incurred, it's gonna take years of increasing content sales in order to achieve that.

I think that would be the better approach.  Sony could be aware of this, and it's good if they move in the right direction.

It's also widely specualted that PS3 game titles are few because of the difficulty involved in authoring a complex format.

Is PS3 Programming Really More Difficult?        
Written by nblachford    
Thursday, 14 June 2007  


http://www.ps3coderz.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=127&Itemid=54

I didn't understand much of it ;D, but it's still worth a read.


But Sony is still trying to figure out a solution.  They recently reduced fees for a PS3 kit to encourage third party game designers.

Sony halves fees for PlayStation 3 software development to encourage outside game designers
By YURI KAGEYAMA
Nov. 19, 2007


http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/GadgetGuide/story?id=3885881&page=1
 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Ctlim on Jan 16, 2008 at 11:12 AM
ive been in consumer goods marketing for 10 years now and I would have never approached an evolutionary approach with dvd's. these are high involvement products and there will always be more hype in evolution.

do you think it would have made a difference had xbox just built in an hddvd player? like blu-ray on the ps3?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 16, 2008 at 01:58 PM
No.  The clincher was content.

As long as all or nearly all future releases of movie titles will be released exclusively on Blu-ray, then Blu-ray would win, regardless of whether or not HD DVD had been built into the XBox.

Content is king. 


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Jan 16, 2008 at 02:49 PM

do you think it would have made a difference had xbox just built in an hddvd player? like blu-ray on the ps3?

I think yes.  If the HD DVD were built-in into the 360, there would have been at least 5M more HD DVD user base than that of BD.   15M+ current owners of the 360 against about 1M HD DVD owners, that's quite a giant leap in numbers of potential media buyers even if you consider that many Xbots may not be interested in movies.

At the very least, I think Warner would have maintained neutrality with that number of HD DVD players.   Unfortunately, Microsoft's support has always been half-hearted.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Ctlim on Jan 16, 2008 at 03:28 PM
^ total opposite sa comment ni barrister.

i think even content providers will take the existing base of early adopters into consideration before they decide on which format to support short term and long term, studio's shifting from hd-dvd to blu-ray probably tells us that, content cannot be king forever. ultimately, its the consumers that are king.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 16, 2008 at 03:45 PM
content cannot be king forever. ultimately, its the consumers that are king.

Majority of consumers buy HD based on the contents. Without good studios supporting it's very hard for a format to prevail.

I'm neutral but initially started with HD DVD = 50 & Blu-ray = 0. Now look at my total collections.  :-\
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Jan 16, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Majority of consumers buy HD based on the contents. Without good studios supporting it's very hard for a format to prevail.

I'm neutral but initially started with HD DVD = 50 & Blu-ray = 0. Now look at my total collections.  :-\

Pchin you are at a virtual tie until Warner's announcement, and it was not that difficult to imagine that both these formats could have eventually co-existed peacefully.  Everybody knows that it wasn't exactly BD media outselling HD DVD by 2 to 1 or 3 to 1 because they have better contents or more studios.  In fact, it can be easily argued that HD DVD have the better contents even up to now, and their studio support was decently productive .  However, the number of PS3 owners are simply too massive compared to that of HD DVD.

He who's willing to spend gold, has the rules.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 16, 2008 at 05:36 PM
The point I try to illustrate is I started HD DVD in Jan 2007 but Blu-ray in Nov 2007. But within such a short time blu-ray collection simply catch up. Prior to WB's announcement it's a tie na on both formats. I'm still a HD DVD supporter at heart. But what tempted me to try Blu-ray was the vast available titles.

Speaking PS3 owners, I'm one of them (the cheapest blu-ray player I can afford) ;D In a way, I'm also hoping both formats can co-existed.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Ctlim on Jan 16, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Pchin you are at a virtual tie until Warner's announcement, and it was not that difficult to imagine that both these formats could have eventually co-existed peacefully.  Everybody knows that it wasn't exactly BD media outselling HD DVD by 2 to 1 or 3 to 1 because they have better contents or more studios.  In fact, it can be easily argued that HD DVD have the better contents even up to now, and their studio support was decently productive .  However, the number of PS3 owners are simply too massive compared to that of HD DVD.

He who's willing to spend gold, has the rules.

thats actually what I was pointing to. the number of ps3 owners that have direct access to a BD player compared to that of the xbox360 which has an optional hd-dvd player.

was the base of ps3 owners too large to ignore? compared to that of the difference between those with an xbox but does not have an add on hddvd player?

whether hd-dvd of blu-ray; i was always for having just one format. (probably because i havent seen electronic companies seriously developing dual format players) to force consumers to just go for high def, regardless of the format and just buy the content that they like.

and since I bought a ps3, its only logical to buy bluray discs... had i gotten an xbox 360, i would have contemplated if I were to spend the extra cash on an hddvd add on... and I could have gone either way. which is exactly what happened to hddvd in xbox.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 16, 2008 at 06:32 PM
If Microsoft waited and included a permanent HD DVD drive, they would not have this unsurmountable lead in the console wars. Their thinking was since no one uses a PS2 as a DVD player, why should anyone use a Xbox as a HD DVD player. The PS3 however proved to be a different class since it is easily the cheapest  blu ray and it multimedia functions are awesome... ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 16, 2008 at 07:34 PM
the number of ps3 owners that have direct access to a BD player compared to that of the xbox360 which has an optional hd-dvd player.

Yes in a way but not enitirely. PS3 costed more than Xbox 360 + Addon combined. Many serious AV consumers prefer PS3 as their Blu-ray player. In fact, stand alone HD DVD players are much cheaper than PS3. Many of my friends that own PS3 use it to watch Blu-ray movies as their primary purpose. 

The PS3 however proved to be a different class since it is easily the cheapest  blu ray and it multimedia functions are awesome... ;D ;D ;D


Yes I hate to agree....that's what made me got the PS3 tho initially I was totally against a game console. But with the great BOGO promo...dam I just can't resist anymore... :-[
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: tonedeaf on Jan 16, 2008 at 09:27 PM
Blu Ray craps on customers

http://www.hdtv-news.co.uk/2008/01/16/blu-ray-craps-on-customers/

The recent announcement that Blu Ray may have effectively won the HD format wars over HD DVD took a bizarre twist today.

According to a report on the BBC, continued development of Blu-ray technology will leave all existing Blu-ry customers behind - because their machines are not built to upgrade.

The problem arises because Blu-ray are pushing for a range of new features for Blu Ray machines which are simply not accessible for most existing customers.

Blu-ray developers intend to release an upgraded version later this year, called BD Live, which allows Blu-ray players to connect to the internet and download content, not least video and images.

However, internet connectivity was never built into most Blu-ray players to date, making the ability to upgrade to the new features difficult at best.

The only Blu-ray player built with internet connectivity as mandatory is the Sony Playstation 3.

While Blu-ray are trying to play down the impact on consumers, citing the fact that people were looking for a HD experience first, the fact of the matter is that customers are likely to feel left behind, and let down.

It’s patently ridiculous that the Blu-ray camp appear to have lacked any long-term vision at the start, which could have enabled them to provide further features to all customers at a later date by equipping hardware to upgrade along with such a plan.

Instead, it seems that Blu-ray have put all their effort into beating the HD DVD format, and only then decide what would come next if they looked like winning.

The result is that there are now expected to be no less than three different Blu-ray profile machines is use this year - the original profile 1.0, an updated profile 1.1, and now the development of profile 2.0 with the net-enabled features.

All along we were told that the DVD format war was between two rivials: Blu-ray and HD DVD.

Now it looks as though consumers may feel justified in feeling misled, as the facts of the matter suggest it was HD DVD vs three different levels of Blu-ray format.

Frank Simonis, of Philips and the European chairman of the Blu-ray Disc Association, basically states in the BBC article that Blu-ray wasn’t ready to compete with HD DVD at the start of the format war, so they effectively rushed something out just to get a presence on the market.

The result, as we’re seeing now, is that the early adopters who built the original Blu-ray momentum are to be left behind. Mr Simonis is even quoted as making a rather snotty comment:

“The guys that bought the first Blu-ray players are the guys who bought the first laser discs. They know the risks.”

In other words - thanks for pushing our profile, now buy new or get lost.

Not the best message to send to your customers.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: tetablanco on Jan 16, 2008 at 11:54 PM
No.  The clincher was content.

As long as all or nearly all future releases of movie titles will be released exclusively on Blu-ray, then Blu-ray would win, regardless of whether or not HD DVD had been built into the XBox.

Content is king. 




Your statement that "content is king" is only partly true since the type of content available for a particular format would eventually determine the winner of the format wars. 

Some observers argue that what tipped the scales in favor of VHS in the Betamax / VHS format wars is the porno industry.  In contrast to Sony's earlier decision to ban "independent" studios from publishing pornographic content in Betamax format, VHS embraced the porno industry wholeheartedly by allowing porno films to come out in VHS format.  Presently and partly due to its alliance with Disney (a family-oriented studio), Sony maintains its official stand against porno content being published in Bluray format.  However (and mindful of its painful Betamax experience), Sony is being very hypocritical in this regard since it chooses to look the other way when other manufacturers of Bluray disks come out with pornographic titles in Bluray format.  One fellow PDVDer earlier posted that a major pornographic studio has dumped its support for HD-DVD in favor of exclusively publishing its videos on DVD and Bluray formats.  Clearly, Sony has learned its lesson.   

 ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 16, 2008 at 11:56 PM
thats actually what I was pointing to. the number of ps3 owners that have direct access to a BD player compared to that of the xbox360 which has an optional hd-dvd player.


That issue has already been discussed to death.

PS3 included Blu-ray in the hope that PS3 will drive Blu-ray into the mass market, in the same way that PS2 was allegedly responsible for the DVD's success.  

Sony's idea that the DVD was successful because of PS2 would be scoffed at by many observers as a conceited revision of history, but believe it or not, Sony CEO Howard Stringer officially said so:

"The people who like Blu-ray are the people who play PlayStation 3, just as people who play PS2s were the early proponents of the DVD format. It drove the DVD format."

http://www.news.com/Sonys-brave-Sir-Howard/2008-1041_3-6150661.html

In contrast, XBox 360 did not include an HD DVD player because they wanted the consumer to have a choice.  In their view, PS3's inclusion of a Blu-ray player was forcing the consumer to also buy Blu-ray.

But did the inclusion of a Blu-ray player on PS3 actually push Blu-ray into victory?

I highly doubt it, because the average gamer cares about games, not movies.  And my opinion is backed by data:


Report: Gamers largely clueless about
next-gen console media capabilities

By Ben Kuchera
Published: August 09, 2007


http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070809-report-gamers-largely-clueless-about-next-gen-console-media-capabilities.html


and since I bought a ps3, its only logical to buy bluray discs... had i gotten an xbox 360, i would have contemplated if I were to spend the extra cash on an hddvd add on... and I could have gone either way.

That's just you, because you're more knowledgeable than the average person.  But the same is not true of the vast majority of console buyers.



=========================================================


2006:

The Cymfony survey (first posted by sir Munskie) showed in late 2006 that the consumer preferred HD DVD:

http://www.cymfony.com/Blu-ray.pdf

If the consumer is king, then why didn't the tide turn in favor of HD DVD at that time?


2007:

As of November 2007, Blu-ray held an approximately 2:1 media-shipment lead over HD DVD, month after month, since the war started.  If the consumer is king, and consumer preference was clearly in favor of Blu-ray at the time, then why was nobody declaring Blu-ray as the winner during that time?

Remember that even Sony (via Sony CEO Howard Stringer) admitted that the situation was a "stalemate", despite the fact that Blu-ray sales exceeded HD DVD sales 2 to 1:

http://gamer.blorge.com/2007/11/11/bad-news-for-the-ps3-sony-admits-loss-sorry-stalemate-in-format-war-with-microsoft/


2008:

When did the tide turn in favor of Blu-ray? Not when consumer preference was in favor of HD DVD in 2006...  Not when Blu-ray was outselling HD DVD 2:1 in 2007...  But when Warner announced Blu-ray exclusivity in January 2008.

With Warner's announcement, Blu-ray will effectively corner about 70% of HD releases.  Who would buy HD DVD if very few titles will be available on that format?

That's the only time when the overwhelming opinion was that HD DVD was doomed.




As I said, content is king.


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 17, 2008 at 12:38 AM

Some observers argue that what tipped the scales in favor of VHS in the Betamax / VHS format wars is the porno industry. 



This topic has also been previously discussed to death here.

Porn was not the cause of VHS' victory.

VHS won because initially, Beta recorded at 60 mins. maximum, while VHS recorded at 120 mins. maximum.  You couldn't even record a full-length movie on Beta. 

A time war ensued, with VHS always having a longer recording time than Beta.  By the time Beta's recording time was long enough, it was too late.  VHS was already the consumer's choice.



I agree with John C. Dvorak's view.

Dvorak says that while it's commonly stated that VHS won against Beta because of porn, nobody can cite any evidence to prove it.

"I've gotten into more debates over the notion that all advances in technology are due to porn than any other topic. And there is zero evidence to support this assertion. With Beta versus VHS, the deal breaker was the fact that you could record a sporting event on VHS while it was impossible to do so on Beta. The 4 hours of recording time on VHS (which was extended to 6) made the difference. And here's a breakthrough notion: The VHS-based products were cheaper to buy and use."

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2112479,00.asp

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Jan 17, 2008 at 02:21 AM
to those who wish to see the writing on the wall (on Amazon at least  ;D)

http://www.eproductwars.com/dvd/

at least 17 BD titles on the Top 100, only 3 for HD-DVD and oh #13 is Planet Earth BD and #36 is Planet Earth HD-DVD  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 17, 2008 at 10:12 AM
But did the inclusion of a Blu-ray player on PS3 actually push Blu-ray into victory?
I highly doubt it, because the average gamer cares about games, not movies.  And my opinion is backed by data:

As I said, content is king.

Well said barrister. That's why I don't buy it that HD DVD fans put the blame on Xbox 360 failure to include a HD DVD player. Content is indeed king!  ;)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Jan 17, 2008 at 01:11 PM


This topic has also been previously discussed to death here.

Porn was not the cause of VHS' victory.

VHS won because initially, Beta recorded at 60 mins. maximum, while VHS recorded at 120 mins. maximum.  You couldn't even record a full-length movie on Beta. 

A time war ensued, with VHS always having a longer recording time than Beta.  By the time Beta's recording time was long enough, it was too late.  VHS was already the consumer's choice.



I agree with John C. Dvorak's view.

Dvorak says that while it's commonly stated that VHS won against Beta because of porn, nobody can cite any evidence to prove it.

"I've gotten into more debates over the notion that all advances in technology are due to porn than any other topic. And there is zero evidence to support this assertion. With Beta versus VHS, the deal breaker was the fact that you could record a sporting event on VHS while it was impossible to do so on Beta. The 4 hours of recording time on VHS (which was extended to 6) made the difference. And here's a breakthrough notion: The VHS-based products were cheaper to buy and use."

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2112479,00.asp



Agree.  :)

as stated in wikipedia


   "Betamax was widely perceived at the time as the better format, as it offered a slightly higher horizontal resolution (250 lines vs. 240 lines in PAL & NTSC), lower video noise, and less luma-chroma crosstalk than VHS, and was marketed as providing pictures superior to VHS's.
   Betamax held an early lead in the format war — but by 1981, U.S. Betamax sales had sunk to only 25% of all sales.[3] VHS was gaining market share due to its longer tape time (9 hours maximum, compared to just 4 hours for Betamax in USA) and JVC's less strict licensing program. The longer tape time is sometimes cited as the defining factor in the format war, allowing consumers to record entire programs unattended (recording time between VHS and Betamax were similar in areas where VHS entered the market several years after introduction, such as the UK in 1978). Sony ultimately conceded the fight in 1988, bringing out a line of VHS VCRs of its own.

The format war and the "marketing over technology" claims have taken on a life of their own, and continue to be used as analogies in battles within the computer industry, including Apple vs. IBM, Macintosh vs. PC, Microsoft Internet Explorer vs. Netscape/Mozilla Firefox, and HD DVD vs. Blu-ray Disc."


Eventhough BD has not officially won... yet.  I see the same scenarios.

-HD-DVD is being marketed as the better technology because of the well established standards (iHD, VC1 etc).
-BD is Bigger in capacity (just like longer recording and playing time of VHS). I remember Transformers HD-DVD is not in lossless audio, rumor is that its a capacity issue.
-HD-DVD has an early lead in the war.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Jan 17, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Nielsen has just said its 85-15 in HD disc sales in favor of BD last week, looks like Warner's decision made a big impact
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 17, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Nielsen has just said its 85-15 in HD disc sales in favor of BD last week, looks like Warner's decision made a big impact
Nielsen?  wala ba daya yan?  hehehehe joke  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 19, 2008 at 10:49 AM
I posted a link here: http://pinoydvd.com/board/index.php?topic=75175.msg774097#msg774097

Please vote on that thread's poll.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Jan 19, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Apple’s iTunes Store movies outsell HD DVD, Blu-ray titles (http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/16111/)

And dont forget the absolutely free torrent sites.   Availability of 720p BD and HD DVD rips is pretty awesome and in some cases, even precede the official release dates of the disks.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 21, 2008 at 10:56 AM
(http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/misc/nytlogo153x23.gif)

You’re Not Buying Gadgets, You are Subscribing To Them
By Saul Hansell
January 18, 2008,  7:15 pm


http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/18/youre-not-buying-gadgets-any-more-you-are-subscribing-to-them/?hp



For me, a subscription scheme is OK for computers, where a modest upgrade every few years is considered acceptable by the general public.  But for other gadgets, I prefer the older, more established tech. 

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: threadlock on Jan 21, 2008 at 06:13 PM
I believe that there should only be one winner from the two hi-def formats. If not, this war will repeat the history of SACD vs DVD-Audio where because there is no clear winner, both became very very pale and was not patronized in the mainstream market UNTIL NOW. Where there is no answer on which one format officially follows the CD. DVD-Audio and SACD media prices and players did not go down, consumer adoption was very very slow, resulting to FAILURE OF BOTH. It may also happen to Blu-ray and HD-DVD. Of course this is only my opinion.  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Jan 24, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Standalone player sales (PS3 and XBox 360 add-on excluded)  ---  pie charts from Digital Bits:


Before Warner's announcement:

(http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/miscgfx2/hdmarketsdec07jan08.jpg)


After Warner's anouncement:

(http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/miscgfx2/hdmarketsdjan081st2weeks.jpg)





http://www.thedigitalbits.com/mytwocentsa149.html#npd
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: SirLaw11 on Jan 25, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Sky Isn't Falling for HD-DVD, Blu-ray Isn't Champ Yet

Quote
NPD: Free Blu-ray player deals led to boosted sales this month

By Nate Mook, BetaNews

January 24, 2008, 2:46 PM

A report from NPD Group claimed Blu-ray standalone player sales accounted for 93 percent of the high-def market for the week ending January 12, but NPD itself won't stand behind the numbers, saying they were leaked and that weekly sales data is not a long-term indicator.

According to Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis for NPD, the data "came from an NPD subscriber" and "wasn't approved for release from NPD." He added that the firm typically sees big fluctuations in sales volumes each week, and never makes long-term judgements based on weekly data.

"It reflects what was going on during that week," Baker said, adding that it wasn't smart to "extrapolate that out for six months.

"So what went on the week ending January 12 that led to such high numbers in Blu-ray standalone player sales? Bundling deals with HDTVs, explained Baker. Sharp Blu-ray players accounted for over 30% of sales, as they were offered free to buyers of the company's LCD televisions.

Sony -- also accounting for one-third of sales -- had a similar $400-off deal for Blu-ray players when buying a Sony HDTV.

Panasonic, like Sharp, offered a free Blu-ray player and made up for the remaining third of units sold. Samsung Blu-ray sales were almost non-existent, as the company did not offer any special deals to TV buyers.

The NPD figures did not include Sony's PlayStation 3 or Microsoft's HD DVD add-on for the Xbox 360 -- only standalone players.

Baker wouldn't get specific -- since NPD normally never even comments on weekly sales data -- but said there was some drop in HD DVD player sales. For its part, the HD DVD Promotional Group told BetaNews the weekly sales data was from before the HD DVD player price drop Toshiba announced last week.

Baker did provide BetaNews some insight as to how NPD counts sales. It receives its data from point-of-sale systems from a number of retail outlets across the United States. He would not say how many retailers send data to NPD, but said it was "double digits."

NPD's numbers do not include online sales from the likes of Amazon, where Toshiba's HD-A3 HD DVD player is the number one seller in the DVD player category and number 14 in all of electronics. By contrast, standalone Blu-ray players do not make the electronics list.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Moks007 on Jan 25, 2008 at 03:35 PM
Sky Isn't Falling for HD-DVD, Blu-ray Isn't Champ Yet
 

Haha..Its really funny na right now NPD comes out with standalone datas...On 2006 and 2007, I don't think they are really showing/comparing sales of standalones. I think its mostly hd disc sales..I may be wrong..It's funny so many bluboyz want HDDVD to die.
I think their favorite actor and movie is Tommy Lee Jones as twoface in the third batman, where he said "Why don't you (batman) just diiiiieeeeee"  ;D

Hmm its been awhile..Give me some BOGO on both formats..
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Jan 25, 2008 at 05:00 PM
Haha..Its really funny na right now NPD comes out with standalone datas...On 2006 and 2007, I don't think they are really showing/comparing sales of standalones. I think its mostly hd disc sales..I may be wrong..It's funny so many bluboyz want HDDVD to die.
I think their favorite actor and movie is Tommy Lee Jones as twoface in the third batman, where he said "Why don't you (batman) just diiiiieeeeee"  ;D

Hmm its been awhile..Give me some BOGO on both formats..

where are the BOGOs now?   tsk tsk tsk....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Jan 25, 2008 at 05:42 PM
No matter what the news on those sales figures are, HD DVD will never recover from its current bind.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Jan 25, 2008 at 05:44 PM
June 1 would be interesting
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 25, 2008 at 05:58 PM
June 1 would be interesting

It will be a doom's day for some & independance day for others  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Quitacet on Jan 25, 2008 at 06:15 PM
So its www.pinoyBD.com in the future! :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Jan 29, 2008 at 12:45 PM
desperate times calls for desperate measures

HD DVD buys Super Bowl ad

According to industry reports, the 30-second TV spot is expected to run Toshiba nearly $3 million.  It is a crucial move that Toshiba hopes will bring consumers to HD DVD instead of Blu-ray, which has a significant early lead in the format war.


http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/35807/98/
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: chuck427 on Jan 30, 2008 at 02:49 AM
desperate times calls for desperate measures

HD DVD buys Super Bowl ad

According to industry reports, the 30-second TV spot is expected to run Toshiba nearly $3 million.  It is a crucial move that Toshiba hopes will bring consumers to HD DVD instead of Blu-ray, which has a significant early lead in the format war.


http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/35807/98/

is this probably a desperation move by HD?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: choy on Jan 30, 2008 at 05:18 AM
but with AAA game titles coming out and a rumored price cut (possibly $299) the PS3 is poised to increase its sales this year and this will only help the BluRay cause even more.  i don't know how a superbowl ad can hope to counter that.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Jan 30, 2008 at 05:43 AM
is this probably a desperation move by HD?

Probably also a pointless move....probably they forgot the retailers ain't at their side no more.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Jan 30, 2008 at 07:27 AM
remember all those Internet venture companies before who invested millions in SuperBowl Ads? pets.com = Toshiba's HD-DVD adventure
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: JT on Jan 30, 2008 at 10:31 AM
desperate times calls for desperate measures

HD DVD buys Super Bowl ad

According to industry reports, the 30-second TV spot is expected to run Toshiba nearly $3 million.  It is a crucial move that Toshiba hopes will bring consumers to HD DVD instead of Blu-ray, which has a significant early lead in the format war.


http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/35807/98/

Its a waste. I would rather use the $3m to secretly research & develop a hack for PS3 & other Blu-Rays to playback HD-DVD. Or for Toshiba players to playback blu-rays.


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: juanbote on Feb 01, 2008 at 02:41 PM
Sony is also selling Blu-ray drives with two of its VAIO PCs, the VGN AR190G notebook and the VAIO VGC-RC310G. Perhaps the most interesting thing about these systems is that the drives can burn Blu-ray discs too.

Although it has a built-in HD DVD drive, the Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV650 ($2,999.99 direct) cannot record content onto HD DVDs. That and some issues with the video playback led us to be less than impressed with the system as a whole.

Which one would be the "Best Buy"? ???
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: juanbote on Feb 01, 2008 at 02:49 PM
It looks like the end is near for the long-running battle between HD and Blu-ray. As Warner jumps ship and boards the Blu-ray bandwagon, the same could be said of consumers as the latest NDP report showed the huge difference between HD media player sales the week before and after the announcement. From a better-than-average 60 percent to a dominating 93 percent, Blu-ray seems to be headed towards the finish line, lording it over its rival HD DVD format.

Everyone's hopping on the Blu-ray bandwagon!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Quitacet on Feb 01, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Its a waste. I would rather use the $3m to secretly research & develop a hack for PS3 & other Blu-Rays to playback HD-DVD. Or for Toshiba players to playback blu-rays.





AMEN! :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: juneaki on Feb 04, 2008 at 07:25 AM
As long as there are giants who still support HD-DVD, like Amazon.com (not to mention giants Universal Studio and Paramount), HD-DVD will always be a pain in the neck of Bluray & Co.

http://www.dvdtown.com/news/amazoncom-we-will-continue-full-support-of-both-formats/5174

I salute Amazon.com for the respect they give their customers. It's really the consumers who should decide and not the studios.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: oReOsHaKe on Feb 04, 2008 at 09:18 AM
As long as there are giants who still support HD-DVD, like Amazon.com (not to mention giants Universal Studio and Paramount), HD-DVD will always be a pain in the neck of Bluray & Co.

http://www.dvdtown.com/news/amazoncom-we-will-continue-full-support-of-both-formats/5174

I salute Amazon.com for the respect they give their customers. It's really the consumers who should decide and not the studios.

I think the consumers have decided.  Majority has been buying Blu-ray rather than HD DVD and this is the main reason why Warner has shifted exclusively to Blu-ray.  It's just a matter of time when Universal and Paramount will also turn Blu-ray exclusive when their contract with HD DVD expires. 
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Feb 04, 2008 at 09:24 AM
It's really the consumers who should decide and not the studios.

I'm afraid majority of the consumers have decided na... :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Feb 04, 2008 at 10:13 AM
I'm afraid some people are spending more time worrying about this matter on a daily basis instead of actually watching hi-def movies.   ;D

I'm afraid the BD staunch supporters are much more concerned about the "immediate" future of HD DVD than HD DVD owners themselves.  ;D ;D

I'm afraid that by 2009, BD supporters may still be wondering when HD DVD will finally become extinct...and probably still waiting for Transformers, Bourne Trilogy,  Jack Ryan Series, Heroes etc, in BD, not to mention Matrix with BD-J powered interactive contents???.   ;D ;D ;D

I'm afraid this discussion is becoming boring, not to mention the lack of marketplace.   ;D ;D ;D

I'm afraid I might get banned from this site.   ;D ;D ;D

Isang makabuluhang araw sa inyong lahat.  Please watch a good movie (after you work).
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Munskie on Feb 04, 2008 at 10:34 AM
I'm afraid some people are spending more time worrying about this matter on a daily basis instead of actually watching hi-def movies.   ;D

I'm afraid the BD staunch supporters are much more concerned about the "immediate" future of HD DVD than HD DVD owners themselves.  ;D ;D

I'm afraid that by 2009, BD supporters may still be wondering when HD DVD will finally become extinct...and probably still waiting for Transformers, Bourne Trilogy,  Jack Ryan Series, Heroes etc, in BD, not to mention Matrix with BD-J powered interactive contents???.   ;D ;D ;D

I'm afraid this discussion is becoming boring, not to mention the lack of marketplace.   ;D ;D ;D

I'm afraid I might get banned from this site.   ;D ;D ;D

Isang makabuluhang araw sa inyong lahat.  Please watch a good movie (after you work).
hehehehe.........I totally agree bro...... BD supporters probably  would gladly apply to do a Jack Kevorkian to HD DVD.....  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Feb 04, 2008 at 11:30 AM
I had this thought during the weekend.  If MS had spared 2B of the 44B it offers to Yahoo to buy-out all BD studios, then the rest would have been plain algebra.    :)   They could even keep the 44B for Yahoo and spare 5B for HD DVD out of their 300B cash hoard.   But MS dont really care about discs.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Feb 04, 2008 at 11:44 AM
I'm afraid June 1 can't come too soon

(http://thedigitalbits.com/articles/miscgfx2/nvshddata012708.jpg)

and oh this is just for the US market, much higher pa sa iba hehehe

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: bachwitz on Feb 04, 2008 at 12:22 PM
desperate times calls for desperate measures

HD DVD buys Super Bowl ad

According to industry reports, the 30-second TV spot is expected to run Toshiba nearly $3 million.  It is a crucial move that Toshiba hopes will bring consumers to HD DVD instead of Blu-ray, which has a significant early lead in the format war.


http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/35807/98/

a marketing strategy

Universal Half Price HD DVD Sale at Amazon

In just a couple hours, the Superbowl will kickoff in Glendale, Arizona. With it, viewers of the big game will have the opportunity to view a rather expensive HD DVD commercial some critics view as a last attempt to save the fledging high-def format.

Coincidentally, Amazon.com has kicked off an all-new HD DVD promotion today. Prices on 103 Universal HD DVD titles have been cut in half from their list price, most down to just under $15.


http://www.themanroom.com/news/Universal_Half_Price_HD_DVD_Sale_at_Amazon/2118

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&plgroup=1&docId=1000195491&plpage=1
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Feb 05, 2008 at 01:36 AM
desperate times calls for desperate measures

HD DVD buys Super Bowl ad

According to industry reports, the 30-second TV spot is expected to run Toshiba nearly $3 million.  It is a crucial move that Toshiba hopes will bring consumers to HD DVD instead of Blu-ray, which has a significant early lead in the format war.


http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/35807/98/




Where is my HD-DVD Superbowl Commercial?
Monday, Feb 4th 2008 by Daniel Lim

http://www.slashgear.com/where-is-my-hd-dvd-superbowl-commercial-0410067.php

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Feb 05, 2008 at 03:57 AM
it wasn't even in HD  :D $2.7m heh
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Feb 05, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Oh man...that's their last ditch effort to save HD DVD?? ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: JT on Feb 05, 2008 at 05:15 PM
China has better solutions in saving HD-DVD players, release PHD-DVD ...

(http://pic.yupoo.com/flyerzeng/98307509664b/hxhhww4u.jpg)
(http://pic.yupoo.com/flyerzeng/410105076e32/0283130r.jpg)
(http://pic.yupoo.com/flyerzeng/5115650ab84f/4gkzht8u.jpg)

Can even convert blu-ray titles into HD-DVD...

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: et414 on Feb 05, 2008 at 05:34 PM
hmmm i wonder how much that costs. ang mahal pa ng HDM discs e. kung half the price ng orig, maghihintay na lang ako ng amazon bogo hehehe
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: juanch on Feb 05, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Oh man P****** HD-DVD's!!!!!! :o :o :o :o :o :o

bad bad
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Feb 05, 2008 at 11:36 PM
PHD DVD?? Is that possible na? ???

Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Feb 05, 2008 at 11:43 PM
State of French HD

Best Sellers in DVD section (includes DVD, Blu Ray and HD DVD)

1 - BR - Ratatouille Rank # 6
2 - BR - Cars # 102
3 - BR - Pathfinder #130
4 - BR - Die Hard 4 # 135
5 - BR - The Simpsons Movie # 158
6 - BR - The Day After # 330
7 - BR - HP:OOTP # 339
8 - BR - Spiderman3 # 447
9 - HDDVD - Triplettes of Belleville(fr) # 493
10 - BR - Blade Runner # 489
11 - BR - Shakira OFT # 537
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrid on Feb 06, 2008 at 05:39 AM
PHD-DVD? Way to go Reds!!!!  Pls PM me if this are available in Singapore. More interested on Blu ray titles. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Feb 06, 2008 at 07:54 AM
Maybe the original poster should change the title of this topic

"The War Begins To End..." ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Feb 06, 2008 at 02:05 PM
HMV store in Scotland, just remove the Warner titles pag June 1 and imagine....
(http://leechristie.com/hotlinks/hmv.jpg)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: choy on Feb 06, 2008 at 02:25 PM
bakit sa Best Buy medyo equal pa rin shelf space nila?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: darkwing on Feb 06, 2008 at 09:27 PM
bakit sa Best Buy medyo equal pa rin shelf space nila?

store to store basis yata, pero from what i read, daming open box na Toshiba HD-DVD players, and oh Warner is now saying

"The 3rd Quarter will offer Superhero fans something exciting: a Batman Begins: Limited Collector's Edition Gift Set on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, as well as a Batman Anthology box set of all the feature film titles on Blu-ray Disc. These are obviously timed to coincide with the DVD and Blu-ray release of The Dark Knight."

^_^
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrid on Feb 07, 2008 at 06:30 AM
Looks like I can get a couple more Tosh with a bargain price.  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: DaSilva on Feb 17, 2008 at 05:33 PM
interesting comparison with screen shots: sd vs dvd vs blu-ray vs apple hd downloads vs hd cable (http://ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/apple-tv-20-vs-blu-ray-dvd-hd-cable-the-comparison/)



Title: The war is over!?
Post by: sight on Feb 18, 2008 at 02:41 PM
http://www.psp-vault.com/Article1383.psp

I could be wrong or this article was posted earlier already but I’m hoping this could be it. The war is over.

 :)

SYT
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: threadlock on Feb 18, 2008 at 03:05 PM
So, kelan kaya lalabas ang Toshiba Blu-ray player na $100?  ;D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: tambutsoo on Feb 18, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Toshiba to give up on HD DVD, end format war: NHK Link :( 
Posted on 02/16/2008 @ 11:35 PM

NHK reports that Toshiba Corporation has decided to withdraw from next generation high-definition DVD production.

Toshiba has been struggling with its version of the next generation DVD format, as support for Blu-ray technology has spread among US retailers.

Toshiba has been in heated competition with other Japanese electronic giants such as Sony, Panasonic and Hitachi, which produce the high-definition DVD format, Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray format now makes up 90 percent of the Japanese high-definition DVD market after winning last year's price war for DVD recorders and players.

Toshiba faced even more difficulty when the major movie studio, Warner Brothers Entertainment, announced that it planned to use only the Blu-ray format for its movie software.

The company said it will continue to sell HD-DVD products for a while but will stop further development of HD DVD. Meanwhile, it said its DVD factories in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan, would be closed.

Market observers said that Toshiba could suffer a loss of hundreds of millions of US dollars.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: pchin on Feb 19, 2008 at 06:06 PM
As the saying goes...if you can't win em, join em... :-X
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Feb 19, 2008 at 06:38 PM
I wonder how much they will go before or the end of March. Anyone who needs to stockpile better get them now. The only other place you'll find them would be at EBay.

"Toshiba said it will begin reducing shipments of HD DVD players and recorders immediately, with the aim of pulling all HD DVD players, recorders and disc drives from store shelves by March."
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Ctlim on Feb 19, 2008 at 06:43 PM
having pirate hd-dvd and bluray is inevitable.... :o
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Huddaf on Feb 20, 2008 at 12:35 AM
I think the topic should now be changed to The War has Ended! I'm missing the hddvd already  :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mr. Hankey on Feb 20, 2008 at 01:01 AM
I think the topic should now be changed to The War has Ended! I'm missing the hddvd already  :'( :'( :'(

Nah, that topic already exists: http://pinoydvd.com/board/index.php?topic=76211.0

 :D

I'm still sort of bummed out, though. I was ready to make the Blu-ray plunge last year, then the Paramount shift made me go HD DVD instead. Oh well...

Always trust your gut instinct.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Huddaf on Feb 20, 2008 at 06:42 AM
I guess my HDDVD will now be my upscaler dvd player  :( Anyone wants a pioneer dv600?  ??? bought last jan? hehehe :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Mouldingo on Feb 20, 2008 at 08:57 AM
I guess my HDDVD will now be my upscaler dvd player  :( Anyone wants a pioneer dv600?  ??? bought last jan? hehehe :D

I'd stick to your pio since HD DVD player will only play R1 SD DVD...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: oReOsHaKe on Feb 20, 2008 at 09:00 AM
I'd stick to your pio since HD DVD player will only play R1 SD DVD...

Correct!!  ;D ;D ;D  Unless all your SD DVDs are R1...
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Huddaf on Feb 20, 2008 at 10:49 AM
I'd stick to your pio since HD DVD player will only play R1 SD DVD...

Aw yeah! plus i forgot, that usb port is very usefull to me!
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Feb 20, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Aw yeah! plus i forgot, that usb port is very usefull to me!

So how much are you willing to sell your HD DVD player then?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Huddaf on Feb 20, 2008 at 10:49 PM
 ;D hehe Not yet! I want to keep it still. Maybe one day it would be a vintage!  :D :D :D or possibly a collectors item!  :D
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Dracula on Feb 21, 2008 at 02:29 AM
bakit sa Best Buy medyo equal pa rin shelf space nila?

Baka kasi madami pa stock....eventually the number of HD DVD titles on the shelf will begin to decrease.....
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: DaSilva on Feb 26, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Blu-ray Disc faces fight against downloads

by Dan Nystedt, Feb 25, 2008 1:48 pm

Blu-ray Disc may have beaten out HD DVD as the high-definition optical disc format to replace DVDs, but it now faces a new test against Internet downloads, market researchers Gartner and iSuppli said.


Link to the full article (http://www.macworld.com/article/132232/2008/02/bluray.html)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Feb 26, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Reality check.

I've been using 100Mbps fiber optic system built by NTT since April 2006. Actual download speedtest result I could get varies between 60Mbps to 80Mbps when I ping a fast server located in Yokohama.  But this is Japan, the country with probably the most advanced commercial internet infrastructure, but comparable in land mass to a small state in the US.    When will this kind of internet service be as widespread in the US, in Europe and in the Asia-Pacific???

On a very very good day, a 4.5GB high def movie in mkv container takes around 1-2 hours to download.   A 4.5GB file is compressed about 1/5-1/10 of the original HD DVD or BD transfer.   Imagine if I have to download a full sized 25-45GB movie.

System Requirements:
A very powerful high-bandwidth server with superfast and STEADY upload capability.
A superfast internet infrastructure spread all over the metropolis or at least within the city limits.
Terabytes of hard drive space.

So how many years ahead should we look at?
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: DaSilva on Feb 26, 2008 at 01:16 PM
bro, apple tv hd downloads are ready to play in less than 5 minutes in many cases (the key is the progressive download capability)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Feb 26, 2008 at 01:31 PM
bro, apple tv hd downloads are ready to play in less than 5 minutes.

Bro those are ONLY COMPRESSED 720p streams.  It could even be quasi-720p for all we know.   Do you think we would settle for that once 50V and larger HDTVs become mainstream, just like we do on MP3?  High def experience is more on the quality of image more than anything else I think.

And dont forget that 4K Cinema is already being implemented on a limited basis.  That's 4320P.

Well it can be done eventually but in my opinion, Tiger Woods would probably win his 19th major faster than downloadable hdm becomes as popular as MP3 legally.
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: DaSilva on Feb 26, 2008 at 01:50 PM
thanks for your inputs bro.  :)

you might be surprised, as i was, about the quality of the hd downloads. based on screenshots they are better than cable hd and roughly on a par with blu-ray.

don't get me wrong bro. i don't mean to debate this. my personal purpose is to be more vigilant about whether blu-ray is a long-term format as i don't want to be holding hundreds of discs again, where there is a more viable option!

i already jumped into the blu-ray pool, and always wonder how deep i should go...so i eagerly anticipate and will always appreciate any news or reality check.  :)
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: Clondalkin on Feb 26, 2008 at 04:01 PM
thanks for your inputs bro.  :)

you might be surprised, as i was, about the quality of the hd downloads. based on screenshots they are better than cable hd and roughly on a par with blu-ray.

don't get me wrong bro. i don't mean to debate this. my personal purpose is to be more vigilant about whether blu-ray is a long-term format as i don't want to be holding hundreds of discs again, where there is a more viable option!

i already jumped into the blu-ray pool, and always wonder how deep i should go...so i eagerly anticipate and will always appreciate any news or reality check.  :)
.

I haven't seen the Apple TV quality in action but in my understanding, it is similar in concept to that of Xbox Live HD downloads which I've actually watched in the US, that is, 720p stream which is ready for viewing in a few minutes while the rest of the file is being downloaded. 

Unfortunately, HD and movie downloads through Xbox Live are exclusive to the US and even if you buy MS point from the US hoping to purchase the video contents, Xbox Live checks your IP address and automatically restricts your access if it's detected to be originating from outside the US.   I guess Apple has the same policy thanks to Hollywood.  IMO, this is another stumbling block for downloadable hdm to becoming mainstream within a few years.   What would the millions of hd adopters in Asia and Europe do if they are not allowed to purchase/download the richer contents from US sites?   Buy the disk from Amazon..or..go to torrent sites.

I've also watched lots of 1080p and 720p hdm torrents and they're really awesome on my 22 inch CRT PC monitor and even more jaw-dropping on my HDCP compliant LCD PC monitor.    However, I don't know how they would look on a regular 37 inch or bigger HDTV as compared to originals.  And although I haven't tested on a receiver, I expect some degradation in sound quality due to compression.

Personally, I would simply continue my selective disk buying which started in 1999 with DVDs and download the rest if I can.   Once the rental shops in Tokyo start carrying BD titles, then that would be another viable option.   Nothing beats the convenience of disk but I'm not going to buy one unless I really like the title.   So I'm actually rooting for HDM download technology to advance as fast as reasonably possible, but I just can't see it slaying the high def disk in the near future. 


Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: DaSilva on Feb 26, 2008 at 04:54 PM
thanks for sharing your personal stand Clondalkin; same with mine regarding buying only the titles i really really like. i've taken off about 10 times more discs from my amazon cart that i've put on. (interesting to see you're based in tokyo; might be asking your advice re places to stay and go if my family decides to push through with a japan trip.)




...and, regarding the ongoing topic, to add to the views re downloads, here's another one:

http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9877031-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-5
Title: Re: The War Begins...
Post by: barrister on Feb 26, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Conspiracy Theory:



Toshiba Buys Sony Chip Plant
Toshiba will run the production site used for their joint ventures,
while Sony focuses on digicam sensor chips.

Reuters
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:14 AM PST

http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,142649/article.html


After HD DVD Drop, Toshiba Spends $835M to Back PS3
Sony gives Toshiba something in return for its troubles --
Japanese Cell chip plants for $835M

Jason Mick (Blog) - February 23, 2008 12:46 PM

http://www.dailytech.com/After+HD+DVD+Drop+Toshiba+Spends+835M+to+Back+PS3/article10826.htm

(http://images.dailytech.com/nimage/7345_Cell_B.E._Chip.jpg)
The 90nm Cell/B.E. package as found in the PlayStation 3,
now to be manufactured by Toshiba.  (Source: DailyTech)



Did Sony and Toshiba conspire to kill HD DVD?
Timing may suggest impropriety where there is none, but...
J. Mark Lyttle
25 Feb. 2008 0800 GMT

http://www.tech.co.uk/home-entertainment/high-definition/news/did-sony-and-toshiba-conspire-to-kill-hd-dvd?articleid=207804080