LOL, that's a nice one. Even though I'm a big time HD-DVD supporter Sony seem to be winning the war, which I hope they won't. They love gouging their customers. The cheapest bluray player for computers or TVs is priced at at least 400-500 dollars while Microsoft is selling an computer compatible HD-DVD player for a mere 199 dollar. What a big freaking difference!!
Not true at all. Pioneer has already announced that the BDC-S02 combo drive will go for about $300 when it's sold here in the US. It's already being sold in England, so it's not vapor. Unlike the MS drive, this one is also a DVD and CD burner. Also, being internal, it doesn't force you to have yet another power brick and another USB cable on your desk and taking up a port.
Not true at all. Pioneer has already announced that the BDC-S02 combo drive will go for about $300 when it's sold here in the US. It's already being sold in England, so it's not vapor. Unlike the MS drive, this one is also a DVD and CD burner. Also, being internal, it doesn't force you to have yet another power brick and another USB cable on your desk and taking up a port.
Damn! Your quick! I was just about to post that. Here is another link to the $299 Pioneer BDC-2202 drive...
LOL, that's a nice one. Even though I'm a big time HD-DVD supporter Sony seem to be winning the war, which I hope they won't. They love gouging their customers. The cheapest bluray player for computers or TVs is priced at at least 400-500 dollars while Microsoft is selling an computer compatible HD-DVD player for a mere 199 dollar. What a big freaking difference!!
Just to update to current pricing...
Few weeks ago M$ officially dropped $20 from the old MSRP which brings down to $179, but HD-DVD add on now is included in the 5 free HD-DVD movies MIR with Toshiba.
So... $179 (comes with external USB HD-DVD drive, remote control & King Kong HD-DVD movie) + 5 free HD-DVD movies MIR....
Not true at all. Pioneer has already announced that the BDC-S02 combo drive will go for about $300 when it's sold here in the US. It's already being sold in England, so it's not vapor. Unlike the MS drive, this one is also a DVD and CD burner. Also, being internal, it doesn't force you to have yet another power brick and another USB cable on your desk and taking up a port.
Cool, I didn't think that was avalible yet. I won't be buying one though, I still remember spending £100 on a 4 speed DVD RW only for the price to drop about 2 weeks later so I can sit this out another while yet but I'm amazed we have them already and you don't over there!
Maybe when theres dual 8 cores in the Mac Pro I'll opt for one
Murchy, this is simply a classic example of you trying to have it both ways. BTW, Blu-ray has a 5 studio advantage, not four--Fox, MGM, Disney, Sony, and Lionsgate. However, it is quite interesting when it suits your vantage point how you or others are so quick to criticize Fox and MGM for not releasing Blu-ray movies in a while and then include them as an advantage in the same breath. Moreover, you or others would like to dismiss the PS3 as a Blu-ray player when you have the same ol tired standalone argument, but want to include it here again in the same breath so as to lay some sort of credence to Blu-ray "underperforming."
Well, if you want to be honest with yourself and others here then you'd be more accurate to say that Blu-ray has outsold HD DVD in total disc sales at a 60/40 clip since inception with only a 3 studio advantage--Disney, Lionsgate, and Sony. Considering that the ratio this year is more like a 3:1 ratio, would a 5:1 ratio give you more hope when Fox and MGM get into the game? You'll probably say so.
In addition, you spout off the full number of PS3 players sold here to try and again support your weak argument when we all know full well that not all (4x) players out there in the PS3 are being used for movies.
I look for Blu-ray to have a huge fall and winter, with the addition of Fox and MGM, and finally the blockbuster releases of some Warner titles that have yet to see Blu-ray. Moreover, I look for the standalone argument that you HD DVD boys have enjoyed thus far to evaporate, and it appears the death knell for this is looking to have already started...
What then my HD DVD sightless wonders? What will your argument be then? You have to know that it is inevitable, right?; given the plethora of hardware vendors on Blu-ray's side, and the minute amount on HD DVD's side. jWill this cause you all to finally see the light. For some reason, I don't think it will...you will simply move on wondering aimlessly, in the dark, on a dead format. To each his own, and my best wishes to you for dropping your hard earned cash into an abyss that is HD DVD.
I was being kind by stating 4 studios. 5 studios doesn't help your case. MGM and Fox have had pathetic release schedules. Regardless the 5 studio advantage has led to a insignificant 20 movie advantage and even less when you consider NA Blu-ray exclusives available as imports.
The PS3 was and remains a significant force. It's still amongst the best of Blu-ray players featurewise and in flexibility. However it's not driving as many movie attaches IMO. Despite the "Plethora" of Blu-ray players combined they have not sold more than the Toshiba players. Now we have Onkyo joining the fray and soon the Reference Platform. I think we're fine here. EVERY HD DVD player is better speced than most of the Blu-ray standalones.
I've got 32 movies that will play in HD for as long as I own a functioning player. If that's an "Abyss" then that's positive. There's a vast difference in our arguments Marzetta7. Yours is akin to the boastful child on the lot beating on his chest and speaking of fire and brimstone. You want people to believe their product is dying and that someone the HD Movies they view will cease someday. It's ironic because you don't even claim a player yourself so in that case you really wouldn't understand the joy we have watching a quality movie in its best representation. That's ok....at this point you're talking theory and hypothesis when I'm not talking...I'm buying movies.
Why do I have to repeat after you? I already know that total disc sales are tracking at 60/40 in favor of Blu-ray since inception. If you don't consider a 4 studio advantage and 4x advantage in total players yielding only a tenuous 12-20 percent advantage in total disc sales "underperforming" that's fine but there is cause for many to do just that.
I see..it's a good thing. Gotcha. And really...12-20%. That's bullshit. Overall, BD is outselling HD-DVD almost TWO to ONE. It's not 12-20%. It's 120,000 BD for every 80,000 HD-DVDs....at best. That's how much? FIFTY PERCENT.
Then you rely on the tried and true tactic of claiming BD's strengths are actually weaknesses. Example: 4 studio advantage. Meanwhile, people are yelling at Universal to go blu-ray (literally) and Toshiba is revising sales numbers downward like a real estate agent in Chernobyl.
I was being kind by stating 4 studios. 5 studios doesn't help your case. MGM and Fox have had pathetic release schedules. Regardless the 5 studio advantage has led to a insignificant 20 movie advantage and even less when you consider NA Blu-ray exclusives available as imports.
The PS3 was and remains a significant force. It's still amongst the best of Blu-ray players featurewise and in flexibility. However it's not driving as many movie attaches IMO. Despite the "Plethora" of Blu-ray players combined they have not sold more than the Toshiba players. Now we have Onkyo joining the fray and soon the Reference Platform. I think we're fine here. EVERY HD DVD player is better speced than most of the Blu-ray standalones.
I've got 32 movies that will play in HD for as long as I own a functioning player. If that's an "Abyss" then that's positive. There's a vast difference in our arguments Marzetta7. Yours is akin to the boastful child on the lot beating on his chest and speaking of fire and brimstone. You want people to believe their product is dying and that someone the HD Movies they view will cease someday. It's ironic because you don't even claim a player yourself so in that case you really wouldn't understand the joy we have watching a quality movie in its best representation. That's ok....at this point you're talking theory and hypothesis when I'm not talking...I'm buying movies.
No, he's claiming that you won't be able to buy HD-DVD players or movies anymore, and he's likely right. No one is saying not to enjoy your HD-DVDs or that there is anything wrong with them inherently. The only argument here is what format survives, and right now that is clearly going to be blu-ray unless something major changes soon. Your arguments are focused though on the format winning and surviving. Given the past year, that is is highly unlikely.
No, he's claiming that you won't be able to buy HD-DVD players or movies anymore, and he's likely right. No one is saying not to enjoy your HD-DVDs or that there is anything wrong with them inherently. The only argument here is what format survives, and right now that is clearly going to be blu-ray unless something major changes soon. Your arguments are focused though on the format winning and surviving. Given the past year, that is is highly unlikely.
The "past year" shows a mere %10 difference in Total Media Sales so I'm not sure how you make that leap.
You may believe that it's "Clearly" a Blu-ray future but your accuracy for prognistications hasn't be proven. That has little t do with me...I'm buying HD DVD along with a lot of other people and eventually I'll have access to both players via a low cost BD player or Universal player. I will still buy the HD DVD version in that scenario.
I don't speak about a winner/loser because recent history shows that co-existence happens (SACD/DVDA and DVD+r./DVD-R)
You can continue to believe this battle is going to wrap up neatly but history shows that a compromise will have to be made.
Most people would make such ignorant statements because they are ignorant to such media formats. Not sure about J6P, but the univeral players are the most popular AV player hardwares being sold to enthusiasts and same will likely happen to Hidef Video formats once the combo hidef universal players are readily available.
If I am paying $1000 for my next AV player, then it better play all the hidef video and audio formats. I still buy few SACD's and I'm not ready to let go of my SACD & DVD-A collection yet.
The "past year" shows a mere %10 difference in Total Media Sales so I'm not sure how you make that leap.
Just where are you getting these figures? It's sure not from Nielsen. Neither of Nielsen's figures support this. They say year to date is 66:34 in Blu-ray's favor. That's a 94% difference in sales. If you're talking about since inception, Nielsen says it's 60:40 in Blu-ray's favor, still a 50% advantage.
Oh, yeah, right, right. What was I thinking? "Nielsen is worthless. They're unreliable. They don't include everyone. Yadda yadda yadda."
I see..it's a good thing. Gotcha. And really...12-20%. That's bullshit. Overall, BD is outselling HD-DVD almost TWO to ONE. It's not 12-20%. It's 120,000 BD for every 80,000 HD-DVDs....at best. That's how much? FIFTY PERCENT.
Then you rely on the tried and true tactic of claiming BD's strengths are actually weaknesses. Example: 4 studio advantage. Meanwhile, people are yelling at Universal to go blu-ray (literally) and Toshiba is revising sales numbers downward like a real estate agent in Chernobyl.
Seriously....you're just comical at this point.
I never said the 5 studio advantage was a "weakness" your putting words in my mouth. I erred in the 12-20 percentage because those aren't percentage points but ratio points which correspond to different percentages. Blu-ray is tracking at roughly %50 more discs coming from %400 more Blu-ray players at a minimum.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JLL
SACD and DVDA coexist but neither are a success. DVD+/-R are writable discs and you can't really use them in this comparison.
Yes...the fear I have is both formats becoming a niche "enthusiast" format. Why are consumers going to flock to a format where they have to pay 2-3x for the typical movie? It's going to take affordable screens that are 50" and larger.
LOL, that's a nice one. Even though I'm a big time HD-DVD supporter Sony seem to be winning the war, which I hope they won't. They love gouging their customers. The cheapest bluray player for computers or TVs is priced at at least 400-500 dollars while Microsoft is selling an computer compatible HD-DVD player for a mere 199 dollar. What a big freaking difference!!
Great compare a $400-500 device that CAN play the discs and show an output to a screen to a $199-179 device that can't without the aid of extra hardware to do the decoding, but DON'T include the COST fo that extra hardware in your comparison I see the HD-DVD penchant for ignoring certain facts is still apparent, but at least it prooves you really ARE a HD-DVD supporter
Just where are you getting these figures? It's sure not from Nielsen.
His ass?
and {mock outrage}HOW DARE YOU mention that scurrilous spawn of deceitful duplicity the unwholesome, wretched and rancourous Nelson - OR Nielson either for that matter!! its just not on i tells ya {/Mock outrage}
I never said the 5 studio advantage was a "weakness" your putting words in my mouth. I erred in the 12-20 percentage because those aren't percentage points but ratio points which correspond to different percentages. Blu-ray is tracking at roughly %50 more discs coming from %400 more Blu-ray players at a minimum.
I still don't get when the PS3 counts as a player and when it doesn't
Neither were a success to J6P market, but these formats are the audio enthusiasts preferred choices, especially the hybrid SACD discs.
The entry cost of having an audio system to enjoy the improvements of SACD & DVD-A quality is much greater than HiDef video equipments and the prices on the audio equipments don't drop like HiDef video hardwares. Therefore, the cost still remains to be high which is the main reason both media formats are supported can coexist only by the niche audio enthusiasts.
However, the HiDef Video hardware prices have been dropping, and since a year ago, HDTV & HiDef players also have dropped about half in price and still dropping. This is the main reason HiDef video market has better chance with even J6P. Upon purchase of HDTV, it only requires $200 HiDef/DVD player to enjoy HiDef movies. Obviously, for any future TV purchases, most consumers will be forced to buy Hidef TV's because it's now harder to find SD-DVD these days.
I still don't get when the PS3 counts as a player and when it doesn't
Because that was the Coup de grace of Blu-ray success. Warner and Paramount execs admitted that the PS3 was the reason why they went neutral. Another reason is that though a console may not be intended as a dedicated player it can provide that duty.
Yes...the fear I have is both formats becoming a niche "enthusiast" format. Why are consumers going to flock to a format where they have to pay 2-3x for the typical movie? It's going to take affordable screens that are 50" and larger.
And the thing that will guarantee that the HD formats become a niche product is a prolonged format war. One side needs to become so marginalized very soon so that the preception among J6P is that the other side is the winner. I can't see how combo players will do anything other than prolong this mess.
Does anyone have some hard numbers as to how much Microsoft is subsidizing Toshiba and Universal?
One side needs to become so marginalized very soon so that the preception among J6P is that the other side is the winner. I can't see how combo players will do anything other than prolong this mess.
It's most likely that J6P will pick the format winner, not the winner format picking J6P. I really don't understand what the big mess is by having multiple optical media formats....
When PC evolved from 5.25" to 3.5" floppy, then CD to DVD media a mess for PC users? On the optical side.... CD/DVD or -/+R always existed and having a drive supporting both cleared everything up.
How is HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray any different with combo drives?
Comments
LOL, that's a nice one. Even though I'm a big time HD-DVD supporter Sony seem to be winning the war, which I hope they won't. They love gouging their customers. The cheapest bluray player for computers or TVs is priced at at least 400-500 dollars while Microsoft is selling an computer compatible HD-DVD player for a mere 199 dollar. What a big freaking difference!!
Not true at all. Pioneer has already announced that the BDC-S02 combo drive will go for about $300 when it's sold here in the US. It's already being sold in England, so it's not vapor. Unlike the MS drive, this one is also a DVD and CD burner. Also, being internal, it doesn't force you to have yet another power brick and another USB cable on your desk and taking up a port.
Damn! Your quick! I was just about to post that.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/storage...502232931.html
^^
LOL, that's a nice one. Even though I'm a big time HD-DVD supporter Sony seem to be winning the war, which I hope they won't. They love gouging their customers. The cheapest bluray player for computers or TVs is priced at at least 400-500 dollars while Microsoft is selling an computer compatible HD-DVD player for a mere 199 dollar. What a big freaking difference!!
Just to update to current pricing...
Few weeks ago M$ officially dropped $20 from the old MSRP which brings down to $179, but HD-DVD add on now is included in the 5 free HD-DVD movies MIR with Toshiba.
So... $179 (comes with external USB HD-DVD drive, remote control & King Kong HD-DVD movie) + 5 free HD-DVD movies MIR....
Not true at all. Pioneer has already announced that the BDC-S02 combo drive will go for about $300 when it's sold here in the US. It's already being sold in England, so it's not vapor. Unlike the MS drive, this one is also a DVD and CD burner. Also, being internal, it doesn't force you to have yet another power brick and another USB cable on your desk and taking up a port.
Cool, I didn't think that was avalible yet. I won't be buying one though, I still remember spending £100 on a 4 speed DVD RW
Maybe when theres dual 8 cores in the Mac Pro I'll opt for one
Murchy, this is simply a classic example of you trying to have it both ways. BTW, Blu-ray has a 5 studio advantage, not four--Fox, MGM, Disney, Sony, and Lionsgate. However, it is quite interesting when it suits your vantage point how you or others are so quick to criticize Fox and MGM for not releasing Blu-ray movies in a while and then include them as an advantage in the same breath. Moreover, you or others would like to dismiss the PS3 as a Blu-ray player when you have the same ol tired standalone argument, but want to include it here again in the same breath so as to lay some sort of credence to Blu-ray "underperforming."
Well, if you want to be honest with yourself and others here then you'd be more accurate to say that Blu-ray has outsold HD DVD in total disc sales at a 60/40 clip since inception with only a 3 studio advantage--Disney, Lionsgate, and Sony. Considering that the ratio this year is more like a 3:1 ratio, would a 5:1 ratio give you more hope when Fox and MGM get into the game? You'll probably say so.
In addition, you spout off the full number of PS3 players sold here to try and again support your weak argument when we all know full well that not all (4x) players out there in the PS3 are being used for movies.
I look for Blu-ray to have a huge fall and winter, with the addition of Fox and MGM, and finally the blockbuster releases of some Warner titles that have yet to see Blu-ray. Moreover, I look for the standalone argument that you HD DVD boys have enjoyed thus far to evaporate, and it appears the death knell for this is looking to have already started...
What then my HD DVD sightless wonders? What will your argument be then? You have to know that it is inevitable, right?; given the plethora of hardware vendors on Blu-ray's side, and the minute amount on HD DVD's side. jWill this cause you all to finally see the light. For some reason, I don't think it will...you will simply move on wondering aimlessly, in the dark, on a dead format. To each his own, and my best wishes to you for dropping your hard earned cash into an abyss that is HD DVD.
I was being kind by stating 4 studios. 5 studios doesn't help your case. MGM and Fox have had pathetic release schedules. Regardless the 5 studio advantage has led to a insignificant 20 movie advantage and even less when you consider NA Blu-ray exclusives available as imports.
The PS3 was and remains a significant force. It's still amongst the best of Blu-ray players featurewise and in flexibility. However it's not driving as many movie attaches IMO. Despite the "Plethora" of Blu-ray players combined they have not sold more than the Toshiba players. Now we have Onkyo joining the fray and soon the Reference Platform. I think we're fine here. EVERY HD DVD player is better speced than most of the Blu-ray standalones.
I've got 32 movies that will play in HD for as long as I own a functioning player. If that's an "Abyss" then that's positive. There's a vast difference in our arguments Marzetta7. Yours is akin to the boastful child on the lot beating on his chest and speaking of fire and brimstone. You want people to believe their product is dying and that someone the HD Movies they view will cease someday. It's ironic because you don't even claim a player yourself so in that case you really wouldn't understand the joy we have watching a quality movie in its best representation. That's ok....at this point you're talking theory and hypothesis when I'm not talking...I'm buying movies.
Why do I have to repeat after you? I already know that total disc sales are tracking at 60/40 in favor of Blu-ray since inception. If you don't consider a 4 studio advantage and 4x advantage in total players yielding only a tenuous 12-20 percent advantage in total disc sales "underperforming" that's fine but there is cause for many to do just that.
I see..it's a good thing. Gotcha. And really...12-20%. That's bullshit. Overall, BD is outselling HD-DVD almost TWO to ONE. It's not 12-20%. It's 120,000 BD for every 80,000 HD-DVDs....at best. That's how much? FIFTY PERCENT.
Then you rely on the tried and true tactic of claiming BD's strengths are actually weaknesses. Example: 4 studio advantage. Meanwhile, people are yelling at Universal to go blu-ray (literally) and Toshiba is revising sales numbers downward like a real estate agent in Chernobyl.
Seriously....you're just comical at this point.
I was being kind by stating 4 studios. 5 studios doesn't help your case. MGM and Fox have had pathetic release schedules. Regardless the 5 studio advantage has led to a insignificant 20 movie advantage and even less when you consider NA Blu-ray exclusives available as imports.
The PS3 was and remains a significant force. It's still amongst the best of Blu-ray players featurewise and in flexibility. However it's not driving as many movie attaches IMO. Despite the "Plethora" of Blu-ray players combined they have not sold more than the Toshiba players. Now we have Onkyo joining the fray and soon the Reference Platform. I think we're fine here. EVERY HD DVD player is better speced than most of the Blu-ray standalones.
I've got 32 movies that will play in HD for as long as I own a functioning player. If that's an "Abyss" then that's positive. There's a vast difference in our arguments Marzetta7. Yours is akin to the boastful child on the lot beating on his chest and speaking of fire and brimstone. You want people to believe their product is dying and that someone the HD Movies they view will cease someday. It's ironic because you don't even claim a player yourself so in that case you really wouldn't understand the joy we have watching a quality movie in its best representation. That's ok....at this point you're talking theory and hypothesis when I'm not talking...I'm buying movies.
No, he's claiming that you won't be able to buy HD-DVD players or movies anymore, and he's likely right. No one is saying not to enjoy your HD-DVDs or that there is anything wrong with them inherently. The only argument here is what format survives, and right now that is clearly going to be blu-ray unless something major changes soon. Your arguments are focused though on the format winning and surviving. Given the past year, that is is highly unlikely.
No, he's claiming that you won't be able to buy HD-DVD players or movies anymore, and he's likely right. No one is saying not to enjoy your HD-DVDs or that there is anything wrong with them inherently. The only argument here is what format survives, and right now that is clearly going to be blu-ray unless something major changes soon. Your arguments are focused though on the format winning and surviving. Given the past year, that is is highly unlikely.
The "past year" shows a mere %10 difference in Total Media Sales so I'm not sure how you make that leap.
You may believe that it's "Clearly" a Blu-ray future but your accuracy for prognistications hasn't be proven. That has little t do with me...I'm buying HD DVD along with a lot of other people and eventually I'll have access to both players via a low cost BD player or Universal player. I will still buy the HD DVD version in that scenario.
I don't speak about a winner/loser because recent history shows that co-existence happens (SACD/DVDA and DVD+r./DVD-R)
You can continue to believe this battle is going to wrap up neatly but history shows that a compromise will have to be made.
If I am paying $1000 for my next AV player, then it better play all the hidef video and audio formats. I still buy few SACD's and I'm not ready to let go of my SACD & DVD-A collection yet.
The "past year" shows a mere %10 difference in Total Media Sales so I'm not sure how you make that leap.
Just where are you getting these figures? It's sure not from Nielsen. Neither of Nielsen's figures support this. They say year to date is 66:34 in Blu-ray's favor. That's a 94% difference in sales. If you're talking about since inception, Nielsen says it's 60:40 in Blu-ray's favor, still a 50% advantage.
Oh, yeah, right, right. What was I thinking? "Nielsen is worthless. They're unreliable. They don't include everyone. Yadda yadda yadda."
I don't speak about a winner/loser because recent history shows that co-existence happens (SACD/DVDA and DVD+r./DVD-R)
SACD and DVDA coexist but neither are a success. DVD+/-R are writable discs and you can't really use them in this comparison.
I see..it's a good thing. Gotcha. And really...12-20%. That's bullshit. Overall, BD is outselling HD-DVD almost TWO to ONE. It's not 12-20%. It's 120,000 BD for every 80,000 HD-DVDs....at best. That's how much? FIFTY PERCENT.
Then you rely on the tried and true tactic of claiming BD's strengths are actually weaknesses. Example: 4 studio advantage. Meanwhile, people are yelling at Universal to go blu-ray (literally) and Toshiba is revising sales numbers downward like a real estate agent in Chernobyl.
Seriously....you're just comical at this point.
I never said the 5 studio advantage was a "weakness" your putting words in my mouth. I erred in the 12-20 percentage because those aren't percentage points but ratio points which correspond to different percentages. Blu-ray is tracking at roughly %50 more discs coming from %400 more Blu-ray players at a minimum.
SACD and DVDA coexist but neither are a success. DVD+/-R are writable discs and you can't really use them in this comparison.
Yes...the fear I have is both formats becoming a niche "enthusiast" format. Why are consumers going to flock to a format where they have to pay 2-3x for the typical movie? It's going to take affordable screens that are 50" and larger.
^^
LOL, that's a nice one. Even though I'm a big time HD-DVD supporter Sony seem to be winning the war, which I hope they won't. They love gouging their customers. The cheapest bluray player for computers or TVs is priced at at least 400-500 dollars while Microsoft is selling an computer compatible HD-DVD player for a mere 199 dollar. What a big freaking difference!!
Great compare a $400-500 device that CAN play the discs and show an output to a screen to a $199-179 device that can't without the aid of extra hardware to do the decoding, but DON'T include the COST fo that extra hardware in your comparison
Just where are you getting these figures? It's sure not from Nielsen.
His ass?
and {mock outrage}HOW DARE YOU mention that scurrilous spawn of deceitful duplicity the unwholesome, wretched and rancourous Nelson - OR Nielson either for that matter!! its just not on i tells ya {/Mock outrage}
I never said the 5 studio advantage was a "weakness" your putting words in my mouth. I erred in the 12-20 percentage because those aren't percentage points but ratio points which correspond to different percentages. Blu-ray is tracking at roughly %50 more discs coming from %400 more Blu-ray players at a minimum.
I still don't get when the PS3 counts as a player and when it doesn't
SACD and DVDA coexist but neither are a success.
Neither were a success to J6P market, but these formats are the audio enthusiasts preferred choices, especially the hybrid SACD discs.
The entry cost of having an audio system to enjoy the improvements of SACD & DVD-A quality is much greater than HiDef video equipments and the prices on the audio equipments don't drop like HiDef video hardwares. Therefore, the cost still remains to be high which is the main reason both media formats are supported can coexist only by the niche audio enthusiasts.
However, the HiDef Video hardware prices have been dropping, and since a year ago, HDTV & HiDef players also have dropped about half in price and still dropping. This is the main reason HiDef video market has better chance with even J6P. Upon purchase of HDTV, it only requires $200 HiDef/DVD player to enjoy HiDef movies. Obviously, for any future TV purchases, most consumers will be forced to buy Hidef TV's because it's now harder to find SD-DVD these days.
I still don't get when the PS3 counts as a player and when it doesn't
Because that was the Coup de grace of Blu-ray success. Warner and Paramount execs admitted that the PS3 was the reason why they went neutral. Another reason is that though a console may not be intended as a dedicated player it can provide that duty.
...
Yes...the fear I have is both formats becoming a niche "enthusiast" format. Why are consumers going to flock to a format where they have to pay 2-3x for the typical movie? It's going to take affordable screens that are 50" and larger.
And the thing that will guarantee that the HD formats become a niche product is a prolonged format war. One side needs to become so marginalized very soon so that the preception among J6P is that the other side is the winner. I can't see how combo players will do anything other than prolong this mess.
Does anyone have some hard numbers as to how much Microsoft is subsidizing Toshiba and Universal?
One side needs to become so marginalized very soon so that the preception among J6P is that the other side is the winner. I can't see how combo players will do anything other than prolong this mess.
It's most likely that J6P will pick the format winner, not the winner format picking J6P. I really don't understand what the big mess is by having multiple optical media formats....
When PC evolved from 5.25" to 3.5" floppy, then CD to DVD media a mess for PC users? On the optical side.... CD/DVD or -/+R always existed and having a drive supporting both cleared everything up.
How is HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray any different with combo drives?