What's the "State of the Nation" regarding HD players?

DaveF · 12-30-2007, 11:25 PM

I'm wondering what's the "State of the Nation" regarding HD players? I've got a $100+ GC for Best Buy for my wife and I to use, and I'm low on sub-$1000 ideas right now. An HD player is a possibility, if there was really one worth getting. But I was just reading another thread about how there are BR discs out with features that Sony BR players can't use. So I'm partially thinking I should just say, "screw it", and forget about HD players for another 12 months.

But if there is good synopsis somewhere on the state of HD media, players, and whether one is distinctly better, I'd like to read it and consider whether HD is worth getting into.

Any links or pointers are appreciated.

Patrick Sun · 12-31-2007, 12:14 AM

At least wait until CES in about 5-6 days where Warners will announce they are either going to stay purple, or go red or blu. If they go blu or red, it'll be much more interesting as to how the hardware side will be affected.

Kevin C Brown · 12-31-2007, 01:42 AM

They are still very much a work in progress. I have a 3rd generation, i.e., the latest, Toshiba A3. I am on my 3rd version of firmware already, and I've only had the player for 2 months. I haven't had any problems with it, maybe mostly because I'm trying to stay up to date with the f/w, but it's still extra effort on my part.

Robert Crawford · 12-31-2007, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick Sun

At least wait until CES in about 5-6 days where Warners will announce they are either going to stay purple, or go red or blu. If they go blu or red, it'll be much more interesting as to how the hardware side will be affected.

Yup, with new hardware being introduced too next week.

Crawdaddy

DaveF · 12-31-2007, 10:48 AM

I'm in no hurry to use my GC, so I'll definitely see what comes of CES. (I'm also considering a Harmony Remote and a Tivo, so HD DVD is an option, but I'm not wed to it)

Is there any expectation of cheaper universal HD players? Having to choose which studios' movies I prefer to watch is bewildering.

**HTF Ads**

Carlo Medina · 12-31-2007, 12:09 PM

Ditto what the others said: wait after CES pending WB and new hardware. Especially if you want to go Blu, and don't want to be trapped with the PS3 and Panny as your only 1.1 alternatives. More 1.1 hardware is sure to be announced at CES, and debut in stores shortly thereafter.

Man-Fai Wong · 12-31-2007, 02:52 PM

Yeah, you might as well wait the week or so at this point.

One thing. If you do decide to go Blue (or Purple), there's currently a $100-back deal for new Sony Visa Card members w/ first purchase of >=$300 at a Sony store (or at sonystyle.com) -- the deal also gives you 12-month interest free. So you can pick up a PS3 (or some other Sony player) that way, instead of using your GC at Best Buy. I jumped on the PS3/40GB just a few days ago w/ this deal mainly for the BD/DVD playback -- they even threw in an extra wireless game controller for free at the time though that part might've expired now.

FYI, updating the software on the PS3 was relatively painless (thanks in part to built-in WiFi connectivity) though very slow for whatever reason -- took something like an hour(!) or so it seemed. I did have some trouble setting up secured WiFi connection, and somethings took a little getting used to. Also, it apparently doesn't do 4x3 squeeze for 4x3 SD titles via component output (like my Denon can) -- no HDMI on my HD RPTV -- so that was a small bummer. But seems like a sweet machine overall, especially given all the other stuff it can do.

Will probably go pick up an inexpensive off-brand remote to add IR remote capability to use w/ a uni remote -- the PS3 only supports Bluetooth natively for wireless control...

_Man_

DaveF · 01-01-2008, 07:02 PM

I'm curious what will be introduced at CES. If I buy an HD player, it will be in the sub-$300 range (which rules out the PS3).

Robert Crawford · 01-01-2008, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveF

I'm curious what will be introduced at CES. If I buy an HD player, it will be in the sub-$300 range (which rules out the PS3).

This time next week, we should know a lot more than we do now.

Man-Fai Wong · 01-01-2008, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveF

I'm curious what will be introduced at CES. If I buy an HD player, it will be in the sub-$300 range (which rules out the PS3).

The PS3/40GB would be ~$300 when factoring the current Sony credit card deal -- though you'd have to spend another ~$15 on top, if you want an IR remote option. Of course, if you do that, you won't be able to use your Best Buy GC for the purchase...

_Man_

joseph westcott · 01-01-2008, 09:42 PM

I just bought the HD-XA2 and the BD-P1200.

Unless you own a terrible SD DVD player, I would say wait until prices on HD players drop to the floor.

It is not worth the investment for the marginal video quality improvement. If you own a quality DVD player already like a Denon or Oppo, you are not going to gain much IMO.

I run a 100" screen and really can not tell a noticeable difference 99% of the time. Transfers are also inconsistent which makes the whole experience even less satisfying.