Things looking ominous for BOTH formats?

RobertR · 06-08-2006, 07:14 PM

Saw this posted on AVS:

Quote:

Spoke to someone in the industry earlier today and was bemoaning the poor release for HD-DVD and the never-ending delays for BD-DVD. He told me the following:

1) The delay is being caused by the studios. While several have committed support, they have not "officially" committed titles (even though they may have announced them).

2) Many studios are now very worried about the viability of BD-DVD. This is due in large part to significant changes in what they were told about the PS3 (the BD-DVD "Trojan Horse"), the bath many took on PSP video titles, and their experience with SACD vs. DVD-A.

3) The studios are currently using this position to re-negotiate royalties and duplication costs with Sony as they now feel that they are in the stronger position.

While Sony could of course release what it has, it does not feel that this is enough to "blunt" HD-DVD and in fact could create a backlash effect with the studios. Many of them have been swayed by Microsoft's arguements and are very dissapointed over the two-format "war" as they feel that they could be significant loosers in the long run.

Sony has really bungled this badly. Let's hope that this can right itself, as it is quickly appearing as if HD-DVD and BD-DVD are about to go the way of SACD and DVD-A.

The irony is that I see thinly- veiled celebrating every time there’s any bad news for the format the poster doesn’t support. Why is there this “all or nothing” mentality? People should want GOOD news about BOTH formats. I’m REALLY annoyed that all the people involved can’t properly deliver HD disc content when there are no technical barriers to it!. Sigh (and please spare me any “see what trouble the ‘other’ side has caused” posts).

JohnS · 06-08-2006, 08:13 PM

Quote:

the bath many took on PSP video titles, and their experience with SACD vs. DVD-A.

now wait a minute. ISn't it the own studios fault for pricing the UMD's so freakin high? If they would have started it out and kept it at $9.99-12.99 a title they could have had something

Sean Bryan · 06-08-2006, 08:39 PM

Yeah, this doesn't sound great in general. Though, if you believe it (and we can't be sure the original poster doesn't have "an agenda"), this is speaking to studios having concerns about BD and not seeing it in as strong a light as they once did (and seeing HD DVD in a little better light).

But mostly, it seems like they are just using these "concerns" to get a better deal.

Still, this is interesting (potentially concerning) enough to warrant some reasonable discussion. I posted this excerpt in one of the threads in the Hi-Def Software forum here as well.

Curious to see if people are going to be concerned about this or just kinda shrug it off. Most reasonable reaction is to not take it too seriously unless we hear more of this kinda stuff from multiple (reliable) people with (reliable) sources.

For all we know, the Samsung player may not wind up being delayed at all. And even if it is, we aren't going to get any official info saying that this is the reason.

Guess the most reasonable thing to do is see how is plays out.

I'll be getting both formats. I'd like each to get a fair shake and the one that delivers the best product to "win" (or at least become the dominant format if they both co-exist). But before any of that can happen, they need to get these things out there, get out movies people want to buy, and then see how things develop.

Lew Crippen · 06-08-2006, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Spoke to someone in the industry earlier today...

Now this is what I love about the internet.

An anonymous source, who even if in the industry, could be a single, low level technician or editor with no real connections.

However it is credible that various factions would be trying to negotiate better deals. But I think that it is too early for any real panic by executives.

RobertR · 06-08-2006, 11:16 PM

What gives it plausibility is that it explains the current situation. The alternative is that Blu-Ray is having a hard time working out all the kinks.

**HTF Ads**

Dave H · 06-08-2006, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lew Crippen

But I think that it is too early for any real panic by executives.

You must not work with high level executives.

CRyan · 06-08-2006, 11:38 PM

I personally continue not to understand the DVD-A and SACD comparison. Completely different ball of wax in my mind. People (most) are interested in an easily prortable aduio format that does not require intense retrofitting of audio equipment in their car, home, office, etc. The bennefits of those superior audio formats would not be recognized by most audio systems where most are no more than stereo. The formats themselves basically demanded users to own multiple copies of the same content on multiple platforms to enjoy in any one listening environment - stupid to most. DVD-A for the home, CD for the car and the walkman. The same is true for UMD. What became popular for the PSP was ripping and downresing DVD. Because people do NOT want to buy multiples for various listening or viewing occasions. I am not about to go buy two copies of Hitch (one on DVD and one on DVD) so I can what it on my various devices.

Video on the other hand is predominantly for the home. One format is all that is needed - Whatever that format will be. Most do not care that it will not be protable to their cars or on the go.

That is at least my take on it. One of these formats will succeed and become the standard sooner or later. And it looks like timeliness of content will be the deciding factor.

Hey! I finally posted something in the HD section!

Lew Crippen · 06-09-2006, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave H

You must not work with high level executives.

I'm retired--but you would have been wrong.

Austan · 06-09-2006, 11:15 AM

The way I see it. Toshiba is doing what Sony is known for, which is "going alone". By having no other partners, they can designed and release their product much quicker. The downside is that they are limited in R&D, testing and product selection. The HD-DVD camp is taking advantage of "first release" but with limited backing there will be limited choices in products. The Blu-Ray camp has to coordinate their designed and release. They can share R&D data, testing data and they will have more products released. The price they pay is time. With low sales volume of Toshiba HD DVD units, there is no added pressure on the Blu-Ray camp to release their products. Hopefully they will take this time and release Grade A products instead of letting the consumer "Beta-Test" for them.

As we have it today:
HD-DVD camp saying that Blu-Ray is delayed, hard to work with, not ready. They have that right because they are first out the gate.
Blu-Ray camp saying that HD-DVD quality is poor and no support. They can say that because thats what the data suggests.

I dont know, but once "time" has passed, the Blu-Ray camp can over come their critics by releasing high quality products. Will time get more HD-DVD supporters? Will time clear up the "quality issues" with the first generation Toshiba HD-DVD players?

SACD & DVD-A:
Times have changed, the mass consumer has moved onto a mobile audio format (MP3). Both of these products came too late. Fast Food & quick meals is what fuels this nation. Gone are the days of stilling for hours in a lounge chair listening to music.

UMD:
Sony sold 8.2 million UMD movies. with no UMD blanks, no UMD writer and high prices it was easier for people to downsize DVDs onto a Memory Stick. If the UMD movies were cheaper, there might have been a different outcome.

RobertR · 06-09-2006, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Blu-Ray camp saying that HD-DVD quality is poor and no support. They can say that because thats what the data suggests.....Will time clear up the "quality issues" with the first generation Toshiba HD-DVD players?

What "quality issues" are there with the Toshiba players that have the firmware update (an update that belies the "no support" comment)? I see complaints about player shortages, concerns about sales and a desire for more titles, but no complaints about video or audio quality.

Edwin-S · 06-09-2006, 11:41 AM

I don't think he was referring to customer support when he said "no support". I believe he was referring to a lack of support by the majority of studios and other CE manufacturing companies. Some