Bill Hunt says: Wait
04-18-06 | 10:54 AM
#1
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DVD Talk Special Edition
Bill Hunt says: Wait
This is what Bill Hunt of The Digital Bits just said with regard to HD DVD and Blu-ray:
Link
[T]he most reasonable advice we can give you is just to wait on buying HD-DVD (and Blu-ray Disc as well) for the time being. The bottom line is that unless you really have to try out all the latest technology, you have a lot of money to blow, and/or you don't mind buying hardware and software today that could become worthless in a year or two... you should just sit tight. The longer you wait, the more we'll know about how well these formats work and how well they'll be supported with software. The longer you wait, the clearer the picture should become in terms of which format has the edge in the high-def format war. The longer you wait, the cheaper the hardware and software will get. Even more importantly, the longer you wait, the better the hardware and software will be in terms of quality and features. Let the early adopters deal with all the technical problems that are inevitably going to crop up - that's what they do. By this time next year, all of those issues should be worked out. Plus, good old regular DVD looks and sounds just great and it's going to be around a long time.
DVD is currently the single biggest source of income for the Hollywood studios, bringing in far more profit than even theatrical presentations. There are currently more than 100 million DVD players in homes in the U.S. alone, not to mention many millions more computers equipped with DVD-ROM drives and videogame systems that can play DVD discs too. Just as VHS has been around since the 1980s (that's more than 20 years - many of you still have VHS players in your houses and lots of old home movies on videotape), DVD is going to be around and supported by the Hollywood movie studios for many more years to come. Our guess is at least 10 years, and maybe even 15 or more.
Soon enough, we here at The Digital Bits (and lots of other respected and knowledgable reviewers too) will have the chance to test drive the hardware and software. You can bet we'll have plenty to say about HD-DVD (and eventually Blu-ray Disc) - we'll give you our informed opinions and call things like we see them. If you absolutely must have HD-DVD immediately, then more power too you. As for the rest of you... relax. Enjoy your current DVDs, and don't worry about it. We'll straighten all this stuff out for you in time.
Actually, if you've really got an extra couple $1000 burning a hole in your wallet, and you think you might be interested in HD-DVD or Blu-ray Disc down the line, then the best thing you can buy today is a new high-definition TV (widescreen, of course, and one equipped with an HDMI input). Your existing anamorphic widescreen DVDs will all look better than ever on it, and there's lots of great content you can watch in high-definition now, available via over-the-air broadcast or from your digital cable or satellite provider. And when the dust does finally settle in the HD-DVD/Blu-ray Disc scuffle, you'll be all set to take advantage of whichever format should happen to survive it.
So there you go.
DVD is currently the single biggest source of income for the Hollywood studios, bringing in far more profit than even theatrical presentations. There are currently more than 100 million DVD players in homes in the U.S. alone, not to mention many millions more computers equipped with DVD-ROM drives and videogame systems that can play DVD discs too. Just as VHS has been around since the 1980s (that's more than 20 years - many of you still have VHS players in your houses and lots of old home movies on videotape), DVD is going to be around and supported by the Hollywood movie studios for many more years to come. Our guess is at least 10 years, and maybe even 15 or more.
Soon enough, we here at The Digital Bits (and lots of other respected and knowledgable reviewers too) will have the chance to test drive the hardware and software. You can bet we'll have plenty to say about HD-DVD (and eventually Blu-ray Disc) - we'll give you our informed opinions and call things like we see them. If you absolutely must have HD-DVD immediately, then more power too you. As for the rest of you... relax. Enjoy your current DVDs, and don't worry about it. We'll straighten all this stuff out for you in time.
Actually, if you've really got an extra couple $1000 burning a hole in your wallet, and you think you might be interested in HD-DVD or Blu-ray Disc down the line, then the best thing you can buy today is a new high-definition TV (widescreen, of course, and one equipped with an HDMI input). Your existing anamorphic widescreen DVDs will all look better than ever on it, and there's lots of great content you can watch in high-definition now, available via over-the-air broadcast or from your digital cable or satellite provider. And when the dust does finally settle in the HD-DVD/Blu-ray Disc scuffle, you'll be all set to take advantage of whichever format should happen to survive it.
So there you go.
Last edited by Grubert; 04-18-06 at 11:02 AM.
04-18-06 | 10:59 AM
#3
DVD Talk God
Makes sense, especially about the technical problems at launch. I'm waiting. Probably until next year. I want to see what Blue-Ray has to offer first, before I dive in.
04-18-06 | 10:59 AM
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The bottom line is that unless you really have to try out all the latest technology, you have a lot of money to blow, and/or you don't mind buying hardware and software today that could become worthless in a year or two...
04-18-06 | 11:03 AM
#5
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Special Edition
Originally Posted by digitalfreaknyc
Where'd you get this from?
Sorry, forgot to add the link: http://www.thedigitalbits.com/mytwoc...l#hdlaunchtext
04-18-06 | 11:11 AM
#7
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by Adam Tyner
Which is why I bought in now!
04-18-06 | 11:11 AM
#8
I plan on getting a HD-DVD player soon. If BR does win out, then I'll just get a PS3 or wait until their entry level players drop to $500. Simple.
Once Mr. Hunt sees some of the bigger titles in High-Definition, most notably King Kong, I wonder if his opinion will change.
Once Mr. Hunt sees some of the bigger titles in High-Definition, most notably King Kong, I wonder if his opinion will change.
Last edited by Mr. Cinema; 04-18-06 at 11:22 AM.
04-18-06 | 11:28 AM
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From: Blu-Ray: We Don't Need No Stinkin' Petition
Did TDB ever release their "exclusive" HD-DVD interview?
My HDTV is starving for HD content. It would be a crime to not feed my child... er,umm... my TV.
My HDTV is starving for HD content. It would be a crime to not feed my child... er,umm... my TV.
04-18-06 | 12:05 PM
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I'm sure Bill has seen the King Kong HD-DVD demo. But, his advice makes sense for most ppl. But, in terms of $500 for an HD-DVD player...I couldn't wait to try out HD resolution discs. I sold my D-VHS deck and movies and jumped in on the new format. Swapped one for the other. If it turns into an interim move or BD wins out, so be it. I move on to the next technology. CE is littered with tech. that is no longer viable...beta (lost the war), CED(niche), laser disc (never took off-niche)D-theater (suppose to be niche) and VHS (tail end of it's life span).
04-18-06 | 08:13 PM
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From: Stuck doing T.P.S. reports for Lumbergh!!!!
I always adopt new technology and for the most part it fails.
Here are a few examples of my past:
SACD (failed or failing due to content)
DVD-A (same as above)
Mini-Disc (Pre-recorded disc cost more then CDs but still going strong in Japan)
DAT (was cool to start with, I even had a DAT player in my 1991 Eagle Talon Tsi)
DCC (does anyone remember this format)
8mm VCR (bombed big time)
Beta (still have my Toshiba that I purchased over 20 years ago going strong!)
I guess I have money to burn
Here are a few examples of my past:
SACD (failed or failing due to content)
DVD-A (same as above)
Mini-Disc (Pre-recorded disc cost more then CDs but still going strong in Japan)
DAT (was cool to start with, I even had a DAT player in my 1991 Eagle Talon Tsi)
DCC (does anyone remember this format)
8mm VCR (bombed big time)
Beta (still have my Toshiba that I purchased over 20 years ago going strong!)
I guess I have money to burn
04-18-06 | 08:32 PM
#12
Retired
Exactly why I'm waiting. Never been an early adopter of anything other than video game consoles from proven companies.
I'd rather wait until a new technology catches on, drops in price and, in the case of a media player, has a lot of software available including some older titles at bargain prices.
I applaud the early adopters with money to burn who make technology advances possible though.
I'd rather wait until a new technology catches on, drops in price and, in the case of a media player, has a lot of software available including some older titles at bargain prices.
I applaud the early adopters with money to burn who make technology advances possible though.
04-18-06 | 08:50 PM
#13
I'm also in the camp of waiting. I'm just in the midst of building my home theater, which will be HD, but that still doesn't make me wanna ease that itch to buy HD-DVD.
Boy oh boy, though, does HD-DVD have a great head start!
Great job by the HD-DVD camp to bust of the gates with a ~~~gusto.
Blu-Ray will suffer greatly because of this. There won't be any money left from those who bought HD-DVD. I'm thinking they (you) won't buy both players in such a quantity to make a difference. Those who are waiting for Blu-Ray and not buying HD-DVD, are gonna be riding far back in the crowd. Far far back. It'll be like trying to catch 'Smarty Jones'. ;P
Boy oh boy, though, does HD-DVD have a great head start!
Great job by the HD-DVD camp to bust of the gates with a ~~~gusto.Blu-Ray will suffer greatly because of this. There won't be any money left from those who bought HD-DVD. I'm thinking they (you) won't buy both players in such a quantity to make a difference. Those who are waiting for Blu-Ray and not buying HD-DVD, are gonna be riding far back in the crowd. Far far back. It'll be like trying to catch 'Smarty Jones'. ;P
04-18-06 | 09:08 PM
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From: Greenville, South Cackalack
Originally Posted by Vandelay_Inds
There was no need for a new format, especially one without any advances in the things that matter
04-18-06 | 09:26 PM
#15
DVD Talk Gold Edition
I bought the Toshiba and will enjoy it for outstanding SD upscaling and HD. This player outperforms higher priced SD for upscaling.
If Blu-ray wins (in a year or two), I will buy blu-ray (at a cheaper price).
However, in the meantime with SD and HD-DVD, I am happy. I've only seen "Samurai" on my player/display and it looks amazing. I'm looking very forward to some of the other titles coming out this year.
If Blu-ray wins (in a year or two), I will buy blu-ray (at a cheaper price).
However, in the meantime with SD and HD-DVD, I am happy. I've only seen "Samurai" on my player/display and it looks amazing. I'm looking very forward to some of the other titles coming out this year.
04-18-06 | 10:08 PM
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From: NYC
Originally Posted by Vandelay_Inds
There was no need for a new format, especially one without any advances in the things that matter, such as integrity of presentation, the ability to buy movies and TV shows from the rest of the world without any hassles or constraints, the availability of so much unreleased stuff, and the development of a medium and packaging standard far less prone to defects, scratches and damage than current DVDs.
Oh.
Right.
04-18-06 | 11:10 PM
#17
Originally Posted by Vandelay_Inds
There was no need for a new format, especially one without any advances in the things that matter
1080p is an advance that doesn't matter.
Man, good one. Keep 'em coming, I needed a good laugh.
04-18-06 | 11:38 PM
#18
Senior Member
I really don't get the point of this article?
This oddly sounds 1997. I remember similar articles stating to stick with VHS. It was good enough too.
Isn't this all common sense? Those who can afford to purchase will. Those who can't shouldn't? Buy an HDTV? Um... duh... These players would be pretty pointless without one.
This isn't exactly a revelation.
I don't know. The whole article to me seems like pointless babble that should be pure common sense.
And no. I don't own any HD player yet as I am holding out awhile to see what other players have to offer. But, I didn't need a website to tell me to do so. Yikes. Do people really need their hands held when it comes to their own money?
This oddly sounds 1997. I remember similar articles stating to stick with VHS. It was good enough too.
Isn't this all common sense? Those who can afford to purchase will. Those who can't shouldn't? Buy an HDTV? Um... duh... These players would be pretty pointless without one.
This isn't exactly a revelation.
I don't know. The whole article to me seems like pointless babble that should be pure common sense.
And no. I don't own any HD player yet as I am holding out awhile to see what other players have to offer. But, I didn't need a website to tell me to do so. Yikes. Do people really need their hands held when it comes to their own money?
04-18-06 | 11:40 PM
#19
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Vandelay_Inds
There are more significant principles than FASTER, BIGGER, LOUDER... you get it.
For instance, experiencing culture from all regions is very important for me.
For instance, experiencing culture from all regions is very important for me.
04-18-06 | 11:45 PM
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From: NYC
Originally Posted by AllHallowsEve
That's why you should wait for a "region free" HD-DVD player.
Vandalay is just here because....ummm....well....i'm not sure.
04-19-06 | 12:26 AM
#22
Originally Posted by digitalfreaknyc
At the moment, they ARE region free.
And Vandelay, as has been said... if "experiencing culture from all regions is very important" to you, then go buy a Philips DVP-642. For $60 (or less), you can play any DVD made.
If you (Vandelay... or anyone) really think you are currently limited to R1 US DVD releases, you need to open your eyes. Because that could not be further from the truth.
Last edited by mbs; 04-19-06 at 12:30 AM.
04-19-06 | 01:15 AM
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From: In the Universe.
I sort of agree with Vandelay to a point. I will upgrade to HD-DVD/Blu-Ray to buy a few certain titles that will shine on HD-DVD/Blu-Ray (Star Wars, Matrix, LOTR) but I think for the most part many titles older titles will not benefit from HD. I have seen a lot of older movies broadcast in HD and actually they look worse because they become highly pixelated and older TV shows are even worse. I was just watching Knight Rider on Universal HD and it looked terrible. Once I get a bigger TV it's going to look even worse.
I don't think there is going to be mass adoption to HD like there was with DVD simply because of this. Unless everyone does what Warner has done with their Ultra Definition mastering I don't see HD as successful as it could be.
I don't think there is going to be mass adoption to HD like there was with DVD simply because of this. Unless everyone does what Warner has done with their Ultra Definition mastering I don't see HD as successful as it could be.
04-19-06 | 01:53 AM
#24
Originally Posted by jiggawhat
I think for the most part many titles older titles will not benefit from HD.