High Definition DVD: What is Holding You Back?

Ronald Epstein · 06-18-2006, 04:20 AM

I am certain that all of us are immensely excited over the new
high definition DVD formats that have already astounded members
of this forum. I think it's safe to assume that every one of us is
looking forward to upgrading to these new formats. I'm also certain
that had their only been ONE format launched rather than TWO, there
would be a much higher percentage of us who would have already
purchased their first player.

The format war is the obvious reason why most of us have not
migrated over to the new format at this time.

I am interested in hearing what needs to happen in order for
the rest of us to begin supporting the high definition format(s).

Please tell us why you have not opted to purchase any one of the
two players at this time and what needs to happen before
you will consider doing so.

Realize studios and manufacturers are reading your comments so
please remain professional and constructive with your responses.

Of course, the underlying theme here is it's not a matter of IF....
...but WHEN.

*Please let's try to limit discussion from those that are not yet owners
as I want to avoid turning this thread into a debate amongst owners vs. non.
This is simply a questionnaire for those that have not yet purchased HD-DVD.

Ronald Epstein · 06-18-2006, 04:28 AM

Let me start....

The studios have already given us an incentive. They are not
prohibiting the use of component output/input with these formats.
That means, probably for the next few years, none of us need to
upgrade our non-HDMI compliant televisions. That's a major PLUS!

For me, there are three factors that are preventing me from purchasing....

1. Price. I don't mind $400-$500 for a DVD player, but I'll be damned
if I spend $1000 on a player that's not only a first-generation unit, but
with the knowledge that either format could go belly-up in a year or more.
The price of Blu-Ray hardware absolutely needs to drop to HD-DVD
hardware levels.

2. First Generation. First generation units seems sort of
clunky and have had a few bugs (which are now fixed via firmware).
Knowing that within a few months there will be more improvements
in hardware which will be more streamlined and cheaper is an
incentive for me to wait.

3. Software. Unless the studios are fully into these formats
and start releasing NEW TITLES DAY & DATE, I'm not really interested
in picking up catalog titles. The titles that are being released now are
at best, mediocre compared to what could be released....

...although if Warner had released Batman Begins on HD-DVD and Fox
had released Moulin Rouge on Blu-Ray, I might already be
a proud owner of both formats.

Paul_Scott · 06-18-2006, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein

I'm also certain
that had their only been ONE format launched rather than TWO, there
would be a much higher percentage of us who would have already
purchased their first player.

This thread doesn't apply to me as I'm already an owner of one of the formats, but I just had to comment on this-
if there weren't a war right now, we would not be seeing $500 players this early in the game. I think there is also a good chance we would be getting stuck with more and more compromised, poorly inverse telecined 1080i transfers than we will (we still could get stuck with them from some studios, but I think the sense of competetion is going to make more of them more circumspect about what they deliver now).
Competetion isn't all bad.

GrahamMc · 06-18-2006, 07:51 AM

Well, I for one am really excited about finally having access to uncompressed HD and being able to enjoy movies in much higher quality video and (hopefully) audio. That being said, I haven't even begun to think about making a purchase yet. I'm not exactly sure which is holding me back more, the 1st gen fears, the slow beginning of software availability, or (most likely) the format war. I'm a big supporter of SACD and Dvd-Audio, but both of those formats are nearly extinct. I know the format war is not strictly to blame, but it certainly contributed heavily to the problem and put a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. So, as ready as I am to embrace new technology, I'm fear I'm going to have to wait a LONG while to see how this shakes out. I'm not sure what the solution is from the studios, but a rapidly expanding software library and affordable universal players will definitely help to put me at ease and coax my cash. Until then, I'll be watching and waiting.

Graham McCollum

Chad R · 06-18-2006, 09:07 AM

The main aspect holding me back right now is the format war. Frankly, $500 is more than I want to spend on something that could be a dead format in a few years, and obviously $1000 is right out. Also, the fact that neither of the available players for both sides are 100% yet (not supporting new audio codecs) is a big issue with me. I'd prefer to have a player that does it all.

But, that doesn't mean I don't go to Best Buy every week and drool over players. I want High Def badly. So, as to my thinking lately, it's a little back and forth.

I obviously can read about the technological superiority of Blu-Ray. They've got numbers on their side for storage, etc. But, for me, it's about the movies. When all is said and done, I'm sure each format will deliver excellent picture and sound -- I'm over the whole extras pheonomenon havng come from LaserDisc and most extras seem like the same information over and over again spread out over multiple movies.

So, if movies are key, I'd want to go with the format where the movies are. right now Blu-Ray has the best studio support, most all of them except Universal. However, there's not one movie currently announced for Blu-Ray I'd be interested in. The Terminator movies are nice, but I've seen both of those so much in my life, I'm not chomping at the bit to watch them again anytime soon. HD-DVD may have fewer studios, but they have more movies I'd be interested in owning actually out already. For me, "Serenity" is the one title that I want in HD, "Apollo 13" appeals to the space nut in me, "Unforgiven" has such a comlex visual style that it screams for HD, and although I know Warners has announced support for Blu-Ray, they've yet to talk about one title, but have hinted heavily that "Batman Begins" will be HD-DVD in the next few months (and "Superman" at the end of the year).

So, what will I be buying this year? Not a HD format. Too many variables from the format war, to titles, etc. So, I've decided to upgrade my audio this year. Will probably start with new speakers (been eyeing a set of Axiomm speakers) and then a new receiver when support for Dolby+, TrueHD, and DTS-HD becomes available. That way, when I'm confident that one format will last, I can buy into that and be absolutely ready.

So, yes, it's a matter of when for me, not if. If HD-DVD could get at least one more major studio to commit titles, actual titles not some vague committment to the format, I'd love to jump on board. Blu-Ray would conversely need some actual titles from the studios that do support them for me to jump on their badwagon.

Until then, I wait.

**HTF Ads**

Tom Brennan · 06-18-2006, 09:54 AM

The movies released so far (and announced) are dreadful. Also, are there any displays yet that can accept a 1080p input? I'm also not convinced HDMI is ready for primetime yet. Plus, I'm satisfied with DVD. It looks good and there are plenty of great movies on the format. And the idea of a format war is totally unappealing.

Give it some time, get good movies released, let HDMI settle in and let the displays take advantage of the format.

DonnyD · 06-18-2006, 09:57 AM

I, too, would love to delve into one of the new formats but holding me back is the fact there are TWO and I do not wish to get caught with one that becomes unsupported. Also, I am just wondering just how much better HD-DVD or Blu-Ray really is compared to what is already here? Is it just another slick merchandising gimmick that will be supported by those who simply want to boast in forums or parties that THEY are owners of the IT in ht.

I have been at a couple of "comparison" events where HD DVD's were being side by side compared with the "usual" resolutions and each time, the "usual" appeared to be purposedly selected the be of poor video quality and in no way represented what I am currently watching at my home right now. The HD-DVD was (IMHO) was pretty much what I see currently on my 1080i upconverting player hooked to a first generation HD TV. Either my observations are pretty much correct or my old eyes are deceiving me and I just do not recall what I do actually have at home. To me, these comparison events missed the mark and were poorly presented.

Right now, I have concluded that it is a slick merchandising ploy to make us THINK that we need to shell out. It has to get much better than it currently is, for me to take the plunge. That being said, I remain a person who is always looking for the next thing that would move our entertainment value to another stage. To me, that hasn't come but I do empatically salute those members here who are trying to glean the good stuff from the smoke and mirrors and report it to the rest.

Geoff Gunnell · 06-18-2006, 10:22 AM

1. A player that supports both formats AND has Denon 2910 level audio quality on all audio formats at no higher price than a Denon 2910. Or 3910 level performance on all formats at a 3910 price.

2. Software prices no higher than now, say 19.99 MSRP for typical titles.
I buy a LOT of software and I will not support studio glottony any more than that.

Nate Anderson · 06-18-2006, 01:26 PM

For me, it's a combination of several things:

Price: At this point, I do not have the funds to upgrade to new hardware

I also do not currently own a HDTV, so it does not really make sense to upgrade to HDDVD at this point.

I also want to wait and see where the format goes, if one wins over the other, that sort of a thing.

Plus, there are not that many good movies that have been released that I would want to get on the format at this point.

Ric Easton · 06-18-2006, 01:48 PM

As much as I'd like to jump in... I'll probably wait until there is a clear winner in the format war (I bought Beta). Hopefully it won't take longer than a couple of years.