HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray vs. everything else: Round 3 << Plus HD Talk Forum Rules >>
09-12-06 | 12:38 AM
#51
DVD Talk Hero
Originally Posted by Suprmallet
So did anyone else notice these in the Superman thread:
Those'd be must-have's for me.
09-12-06 | 08:45 AM
#52
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From: NYC
From Widescreen Review:
HD-DVD Research Summary
A national online survey was conducted from June 28 to July 2 by Ipsos-Vantis, a company that specializes in forecasting demand for new products and sizing emerging categories. They have elvaluated over 1200 new consumer electronics products worldwide and have successfully predicted the size of overall market and individual platformsin emerging categories, including DVD. Ipsos-Vantis forecasts have been tracked extensivley against in-market sales, and have consistantly produced a level of accuracy that is unmatched by any other firm in the world.
In the survey, amoung households either owning or intending to buy an HDTV, the company asked respondents about their purchase intrest in high def movie systems. TO qualify, respondents had to have an active role in the decision making process when purchasing new electronics products for the household.
The final sample of 469 was screened from 1341 respondents. The survey was conducted in two cells of approximately 235 each, which tested these scenarios: 1) All major Hollywood Studios equally supporting both formats; and 2) Major Studio support split between the two formats (i.e. todays situation). In each of these scenarios, respondents were properly educated as if they would be making a purchase decision (e.g. title key art, pricing, quantities, player compatibility).
In reponse to the question, " Which statement best describes how likely you would be to buy an HD DVD player?" respondents were over seven times more likley to buy an HD DVD player versus a Blu Ray Disc player when all studios support both formats.
a.(cell one) 57 percent would definately of probably buy an HD DVD player versus 8 percent for Blu Ray Disc.
b.(cell two) 25 percent would definitely buy HD DVD versus 2 percent for Blu Ray Disc.
Purchase intrest in HD DVD remains three times higher than Blu Ray Disc-even without HD DVD studio support from Disney and Fox.
a.(cell one) 56 percent of respondents would definitely of probably buy buy HD DVD player versus 18 percent for Blu Ray Disc.
b.(cell two) 20 percent would definitely buy HD DVD versus 6 percent for Blu Ray Disc.
The main reason consumers prefer HD DVD over Blu Ray Disc is its superior value.
a. In response to the question, "Which staement best describes how you feel about the value of an HD DVD player?" nearly 57 percent of respondents indicated that HD DVD was a "very good" or "fairly good" values versus 14 percent for Blu Ray Disc.
b. Conversley, 68 percent indicated that Blu Ray Disc was a "somewhat poor" or "very poor" value versus 19 percent for HD DVD.
In the forth quarter 2006, the quantity of titles in the HD DVD format is assumed to be two times more than Blu-Ray Disc.
A national online survey was conducted from June 28 to July 2 by Ipsos-Vantis, a company that specializes in forecasting demand for new products and sizing emerging categories. They have elvaluated over 1200 new consumer electronics products worldwide and have successfully predicted the size of overall market and individual platformsin emerging categories, including DVD. Ipsos-Vantis forecasts have been tracked extensivley against in-market sales, and have consistantly produced a level of accuracy that is unmatched by any other firm in the world.
In the survey, amoung households either owning or intending to buy an HDTV, the company asked respondents about their purchase intrest in high def movie systems. TO qualify, respondents had to have an active role in the decision making process when purchasing new electronics products for the household.
The final sample of 469 was screened from 1341 respondents. The survey was conducted in two cells of approximately 235 each, which tested these scenarios: 1) All major Hollywood Studios equally supporting both formats; and 2) Major Studio support split between the two formats (i.e. todays situation). In each of these scenarios, respondents were properly educated as if they would be making a purchase decision (e.g. title key art, pricing, quantities, player compatibility).
In reponse to the question, " Which statement best describes how likely you would be to buy an HD DVD player?" respondents were over seven times more likley to buy an HD DVD player versus a Blu Ray Disc player when all studios support both formats.
a.(cell one) 57 percent would definately of probably buy an HD DVD player versus 8 percent for Blu Ray Disc.
b.(cell two) 25 percent would definitely buy HD DVD versus 2 percent for Blu Ray Disc.
Purchase intrest in HD DVD remains three times higher than Blu Ray Disc-even without HD DVD studio support from Disney and Fox.
a.(cell one) 56 percent of respondents would definitely of probably buy buy HD DVD player versus 18 percent for Blu Ray Disc.
b.(cell two) 20 percent would definitely buy HD DVD versus 6 percent for Blu Ray Disc.
The main reason consumers prefer HD DVD over Blu Ray Disc is its superior value.
a. In response to the question, "Which staement best describes how you feel about the value of an HD DVD player?" nearly 57 percent of respondents indicated that HD DVD was a "very good" or "fairly good" values versus 14 percent for Blu Ray Disc.
b. Conversley, 68 percent indicated that Blu Ray Disc was a "somewhat poor" or "very poor" value versus 19 percent for HD DVD.
In the forth quarter 2006, the quantity of titles in the HD DVD format is assumed to be two times more than Blu-Ray Disc.
09-12-06 | 08:53 AM
#53
DVD Talk Godfather
digi, that's a bit of old news. I think we talked about it in Pt. 1. That survey was commissioned by Toshiba, by the way.
http://www.hd-dvd-news.com/archives/toshiba_survey.htm
http://www.hd-dvd-news.com/archives/toshiba_survey.htm
09-12-06 | 03:55 PM
#57
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From: NYC
Microsoft has Sony on the ropes over PS3 say analysts
By Stan Beer
Tuesday, 12 September 2006
Analysts are punishing Sony over its recent PS3 release delay announcement, with a number indicating that they believe the delay is just a bit too much for the market to bear. Unfortunately for Sony, they're probably right.
With Xbox 360 well and truly already established, an HD DVD plug-in coming before the end of the year, Microsoft and to a lesser extent Nintendo have the whole holiday shopping season plus the ensuing three months to themselves.
By the time PS3 makes to store shelves in sufficient quantities, there will probably be about 15 million Xbox 360 consoles in the market, many of them with piggy-back HD DVD players.
For Sony, this may be too much on a number of fronts.
Gamers, as fanatical as they are about their craft, have only so much money to spend and their pockets may well be empty by the time the high-priced PS3 becomes available in March-April. No doubt, the first batch of PS3 consoles will go out door quickly but it's the subsequent sales that matter.
Looking at it things from a high definition video player perspective, HD DVD already had a huge price advantage over Sony's Blu-ray. The PS3 was going to be a way to narrow the gap. However, that is not going to happen for at least six months now. Meanwhile, in addition to the relatively cheap HD DVD players already on the market, Microsoft will bring out a US$200 plug-in box for the millions of Xbox 360 consoles.
In addition, Toshiba just yesterday announced a new three-layer disc technology that will enable HD DVD discs to play on ordinary DVD players.
Meanwhile, it is worth bearing in mind that the reason given for the delay in manufacturing PS3 is a problem with the production process of the Blu-ray diode.
As if to rub further salt into its wounds, the Sony name in manufacturing has also suffered further pressure from the Lithium Ion battery recalls by Dell and Apple.
Sony has a reputation as one of the world's great technology innovators and manufacturers. However, 2006 will not be remembered as one of its finest years
By Stan Beer
Tuesday, 12 September 2006
Analysts are punishing Sony over its recent PS3 release delay announcement, with a number indicating that they believe the delay is just a bit too much for the market to bear. Unfortunately for Sony, they're probably right.
With Xbox 360 well and truly already established, an HD DVD plug-in coming before the end of the year, Microsoft and to a lesser extent Nintendo have the whole holiday shopping season plus the ensuing three months to themselves.
By the time PS3 makes to store shelves in sufficient quantities, there will probably be about 15 million Xbox 360 consoles in the market, many of them with piggy-back HD DVD players.
For Sony, this may be too much on a number of fronts.
Gamers, as fanatical as they are about their craft, have only so much money to spend and their pockets may well be empty by the time the high-priced PS3 becomes available in March-April. No doubt, the first batch of PS3 consoles will go out door quickly but it's the subsequent sales that matter.
Looking at it things from a high definition video player perspective, HD DVD already had a huge price advantage over Sony's Blu-ray. The PS3 was going to be a way to narrow the gap. However, that is not going to happen for at least six months now. Meanwhile, in addition to the relatively cheap HD DVD players already on the market, Microsoft will bring out a US$200 plug-in box for the millions of Xbox 360 consoles.
In addition, Toshiba just yesterday announced a new three-layer disc technology that will enable HD DVD discs to play on ordinary DVD players.
Meanwhile, it is worth bearing in mind that the reason given for the delay in manufacturing PS3 is a problem with the production process of the Blu-ray diode.
As if to rub further salt into its wounds, the Sony name in manufacturing has also suffered further pressure from the Lithium Ion battery recalls by Dell and Apple.
Sony has a reputation as one of the world's great technology innovators and manufacturers. However, 2006 will not be remembered as one of its finest years
09-12-06 | 04:34 PM
#58
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by digitalfreaknyc
By the time PS3 makes to store shelves in sufficient quantities, there will probably be about 15 million Xbox 360 consoles in the market, many of them with piggy-back HD DVD players.
Microsoft will bring out a US$200 plug-in box for the millions of Xbox 360 consoles.
http://www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/7920.cfm
The US release may be cheaper, but I don't see how it would be $170 cheaper.
In addition, Toshiba just yesterday announced a new three-layer disc technology that will enable HD DVD discs to play on ordinary DVD players.
Meanwhile, it is worth bearing in mind that the reason given for the delay in manufacturing PS3 is a problem with the production process of the Blu-ray diode.
http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/30/b...aser-shortage/
09-12-06 | 04:48 PM
#59
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From: Mpls, MN
Microsoft has Sony on the ropes over PS3
As Jay pointed out, yet another article with very poor discussion of the issues. Hey, that makes 100% of the media that doesn't know shit!! No change here, either.
Anyone else completely bored by all the news on this topic? Excepting new movie releases. Think I'll take a little nap, wake me when somebody officially/actually/IRL/with a truck ships a new player for the USA.
09-12-06 | 05:57 PM
#60
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by Jay G.
There isn't a "problem" with producing the blu-laser diodes, there's a shortage. HD-DVD uses the exact same diode for their drives.
http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/30/b...aser-shortage/
http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/30/b...aser-shortage/
I love how that article that Digi posted refers to playing videogames as a "craft."
09-12-06 | 08:57 PM
#62
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From: NYC
http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6370686.html
SEPT. 11 | Some retailers have begun slashing prices on HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc players last week, despite a tight supply of high-definition players that has many retailers placing the machines on back-order.
Chicago-based Abt Electronics is selling Toshiba’s HD-A1 for $437, below the $499 list price, according to the company’s Web site. The higher-end HD-XA1 is selling for $688, well below the $799 list price.
“We try to stay as competitive as possible,” Abt president Jon Abt said. Abt said sales have been strong on the Toshiba players but slower than expected on Blu-ray, which Abt is still selling for the $999 list price.
At Amazon.com, bottom-line Toshiba players were discounted to $404 by third-party retailers, while the HD-XA1 was selling for $659.
Samsung’s BDP1000 player is selling for $799 on the site, down from its list price of $999.
Circuit City is offering 10% off Samsung’s Blu-ray players and pre-orders of Sony’s upcoming player.
“It’s getting more competitive, which I’m surprised because [players] are still hard to get,” said Robert Zohn, president of N.Y.-based Value Electronics. Nevertheless, Zohn said he plans to counter the discounting with his own player promotion.
Some of the price drops could be due to new players that are expected to reach retailers in the coming month. Toshiba is expected to announce a second-generation HD DVD player this week at the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Assn. (CEDIA) tradeshow in Denver.
On the Blu-ray side, Panasonic plans to launch its Blu-ray player priced at $1,299 this month, with the first demo at CEDIA. Pioneer is scheduled to launch its players in October, followed by Sony on Nov. 5.
Not everyone is playing the pricing game. Best Buy has held to the list price on both HD DVD and Blu-ray players, as have Tweeter and Crutchfield.
“I can’t see why you would ever need to discount a new technology,” Crutchfield executive VP of merchandise Rick Souder said. “We generally have more orders than we have inventory for. I know that many have said they are disappointed in sales. I haven’t been.”
Chicago-based Abt Electronics is selling Toshiba’s HD-A1 for $437, below the $499 list price, according to the company’s Web site. The higher-end HD-XA1 is selling for $688, well below the $799 list price.
“We try to stay as competitive as possible,” Abt president Jon Abt said. Abt said sales have been strong on the Toshiba players but slower than expected on Blu-ray, which Abt is still selling for the $999 list price.
At Amazon.com, bottom-line Toshiba players were discounted to $404 by third-party retailers, while the HD-XA1 was selling for $659.
Samsung’s BDP1000 player is selling for $799 on the site, down from its list price of $999.
Circuit City is offering 10% off Samsung’s Blu-ray players and pre-orders of Sony’s upcoming player.
“It’s getting more competitive, which I’m surprised because [players] are still hard to get,” said Robert Zohn, president of N.Y.-based Value Electronics. Nevertheless, Zohn said he plans to counter the discounting with his own player promotion.
Some of the price drops could be due to new players that are expected to reach retailers in the coming month. Toshiba is expected to announce a second-generation HD DVD player this week at the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Assn. (CEDIA) tradeshow in Denver.
On the Blu-ray side, Panasonic plans to launch its Blu-ray player priced at $1,299 this month, with the first demo at CEDIA. Pioneer is scheduled to launch its players in October, followed by Sony on Nov. 5.
Not everyone is playing the pricing game. Best Buy has held to the list price on both HD DVD and Blu-ray players, as have Tweeter and Crutchfield.
“I can’t see why you would ever need to discount a new technology,” Crutchfield executive VP of merchandise Rick Souder said. “We generally have more orders than we have inventory for. I know that many have said they are disappointed in sales. I haven’t been.”
09-12-06 | 11:01 PM
#63
DVD Talk Hero
Originally Posted by digitalfreaknyc
As far as I know, the only feature dropped will be the analog 5.1 outs.
Last edited by RocShemp; 09-12-06 at 11:07 PM.
09-12-06 | 11:14 PM
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Originally Posted by RocShemp
If that's true, that is disappointing news. I was hoping the newer models would actually feature 7.1 analog outputs.
09-12-06 | 11:20 PM
#65
DVD Talk Hero
Thanks for the clarification, digitalfreaknyc. I do hope it features 7.1 outs. BTW, what are the newer features being added to the G2 models? Or, better yet, where can I go to read up on them myself?
09-12-06 | 11:25 PM
#66
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Originally Posted by RocShemp
Thanks for the clarification, digitalfreaknyc. I do hope it features 7.1 outs. BTW, what are the newer features being added to the G2 models? Or, better yet, where can I go to read up on them myself?
09-12-06 | 11:28 PM
#67
DVD Talk Hero
Again, thanks. 1080p, eh? That'd be sweet. Too bad the projector we use at work only accepts up to 1080i (and converts that to 720p). Still, good news. But I do hope I get my wish for 7.1 analog outputs.
09-13-06 | 12:04 AM
#68
DVD Talk Legend
I think that not having the 5.1 analog outs on the cheaper model would be a mistake if the price for the more expensive model is in line with the standalone BD player prices. One advantage they have is that if you have a receiver with multichannel analog inputs, you can spend just $500 or less and take advantage of the advanced codecs without buying a new HDMI 1.3 receiver.
Making the expensive model the only one with the 5.1 outs wipes out the price advantage HD-DVD has over BD for someone who definitely wants the advanced audio from day one. This is likely an advantage even over the PS3, since it will probably need a new receiver for the advanced audio.
Making the expensive model the only one with the 5.1 outs wipes out the price advantage HD-DVD has over BD for someone who definitely wants the advanced audio from day one. This is likely an advantage even over the PS3, since it will probably need a new receiver for the advanced audio.
09-13-06 | 04:44 AM
#69
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From: Mastic, NY
Originally Posted by Drexl
I think that not having the 5.1 analog outs on the cheaper model would be a mistake if the price for the more expensive model is in line with the standalone BD player prices. One advantage they have is that if you have a receiver with multichannel analog inputs, you can spend just $500 or less and take advantage of the advanced codecs without buying a new HDMI 1.3 receiver.
Making the expensive model the only one with the 5.1 outs wipes out the price advantage HD-DVD has over BD for someone who definitely wants the advanced audio from day one. This is likely an advantage even over the PS3, since it will probably need a new receiver for the advanced audio.
Making the expensive model the only one with the 5.1 outs wipes out the price advantage HD-DVD has over BD for someone who definitely wants the advanced audio from day one. This is likely an advantage even over the PS3, since it will probably need a new receiver for the advanced audio.
09-13-06 | 12:38 PM
#70
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by wewantflair
You can still use the next generation audio codecs (including TrueHD) over HDMI 1.1, but the player decodes the stream instead of the receiver. HDMI 1.3 is nowhere near the big deal it's been made out to be.
09-13-06 | 12:38 PM
#71
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Originally Posted by wewantflair
You can still use the next generation audio codecs (including TrueHD) over HDMI 1.1, but the player decodes the stream instead of the receiver. HDMI 1.3 is nowhere near the big deal it's been made out to be.
That said, I am happy to have the 5.1 analog outs and think it is not a good move to remove them on any HD DVD player at this point in the format war.
09-13-06 | 12:46 PM
#72
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Legend
Adding to the "everything else" part of the thread, Apple has announced that Itunes will now start selling movies at near-DVD quality:
http://www.computerworld.com/action/...taxonomyId=123
So video downloads are catching up to DVDs in terms of video quality, although they still lack in audio quality and apparently extra features. Still a 4-times jump in resolution is big, especially considering Apple launched videos on Itunes about a year ago.
Eventually Itunes could increase the resolution 6-times to offer 1080p titles.
Apple also previewed a box that hooks up to your TV that will play movies from Itunes via a wireless network connection to your PC.
The price seems high, since one could buy an Ipod for that price that you could actually store and transport films on in addtion to hooking it up to a TV.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/...taxonomyId=123
Movies available for download from the iTunes Store are shown at 640 x 480 resolution in "near-DVD quality," according to Jobs....."Today we are taking [resolution] up a notch," said Jobs. "We are going to increase that resolution four times, and all video will be at 640 x 480."...... Jobs said that if you have 5Mbit/sec broadband service -- not uncommon for cable modem users -- users can expect to download a full-length movie in roughly a half an hour. What's more, they can start watching the movie in as little as a minute, while it's still downloading.
Jobs described the audio quality as "Dolby Surround."
New releases are priced at $12.99 for pre-orders and during their first week of release, the same time they're available for purchase on DVD. After that they increase to $14.99, though older "library titles" will be priced at $9.99 every day.
Jobs described the audio quality as "Dolby Surround."
New releases are priced at $12.99 for pre-orders and during their first week of release, the same time they're available for purchase on DVD. After that they increase to $14.99, though older "library titles" will be priced at $9.99 every day.
Eventually Itunes could increase the resolution 6-times to offer 1080p titles.
Apple also previewed a box that hooks up to your TV that will play movies from Itunes via a wireless network connection to your PC.
The iTV resembles a short Mac mini. The power supply is built into the unit, and it features integrated wireless networking, a power plug, USB 2.0, Ethernet, High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) plug, component video, analog audio and optical audio interfaces.
Jobs said the iTV will be released in the first calendar quarter of 2007 with a price of $299.
Jobs said the iTV will be released in the first calendar quarter of 2007 with a price of $299.
09-13-06 | 02:46 PM
#73
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From: Greenville, South Cackalack
I've purged all of the bickering about diode shortages.
If you have verifiable facts, try to provide a link.
If you have facts from a reliable source that you can't name: first, question whether or not it's actually worth posting, and if you feel confident, post a disclaimer describing the situation in your post.
Basically, if you don't have verifiable facts, don't pretend that you do.
If you have verifiable facts, try to provide a link.
If you have facts from a reliable source that you can't name: first, question whether or not it's actually worth posting, and if you feel confident, post a disclaimer describing the situation in your post.
Basically, if you don't have verifiable facts, don't pretend that you do.
09-13-06 | 03:43 PM
#74
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From: Detroit
Sept 26th, HOLY COW!!
I just looked at the updated release list and all i can say about sept 26th is WOW!! This is by far the biggest day yet for HD-DVD in terms of releases. In one day we get
2 Fast 2 Furious
Fast & The Furious
Fast & The Furious Tokyo Drift
The Adventures of Robin Hood
Dazed & Confused
The Dirty Dozen
End of Days
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Land of the Dead
Grand Prix
Terminator 3
Wow!! Ill be getting 8 of those suckers, a very expensive day indeed. They are really starting to kick things into overdrive in the release dept. Lets hope this trend keeps up although I dont think well see anlother release day on par with this one for awhile.
PS...
2 Fast 2 Furious
Fast & The Furious
Fast & The Furious Tokyo Drift
The Adventures of Robin Hood
Dazed & Confused
The Dirty Dozen
End of Days
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Land of the Dead
Grand Prix
Terminator 3
Wow!! Ill be getting 8 of those suckers, a very expensive day indeed. They are really starting to kick things into overdrive in the release dept. Lets hope this trend keeps up although I dont think well see anlother release day on par with this one for awhile.
PS...
09-13-06 | 03:50 PM
#75
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From: NYC
Originally Posted by PornoStar
Wow!! Ill be getting 8 of those suckers, a very expensive day indeed. They are really starting to kick things into overdrive in the release dept. Lets hope this trend keeps up although I dont think well see anlother release day on par with this one for awhile.
PS...
PS...
I have an interest in only 1 on that day. The rest I have none so YMMV.
