Upconverts?! Assuming proper deinterlacing* they are one and the same.

*Which depends on the content on the disc being properly flagged, and either the TV or player deinterlacing correctly.

now...if these two can get along....

http://forum.dvdtalk.com/showthread.php?t=489275

I am assuming that eventually it and the XA2 (if it cant already since its not out) will be able to output true 1080p24 like the Sony and Pioneer Bluray players. True 1080p basically.

The XA2 is out.

Huh?

Oh yeah....duh....forgot that it came out recently.

Can it do 1080p24 yet?

I think March.

That's a great deal, assuming it stays at that price when they come back in stock.

There's a thread on it at AVS. They sold out of their first shipment.

Apparently there's a short list of people on the wait list right now.

I've had no problems with my A1. I think it skipped maybe once since I bought it. I watched Mutiny on the Bounty about a month ago with no issues. I don't think your experiences are a widespread pattern. I wonder if reloading the firmware would help?

They certainly are.

regarding CES, I am surprised people on this board are minimizing the fact that Blu-ray announced TONS of specific films to be released this year, while HD-DVD released no new information but focused on cheaper hardware.

Remember VHS vs. Beta that people keep referring to? if more films are released on BD, then more people will want BD players. the average person does not care about technical specs and hardware. They care about movies (software).

(this is coming from someone who wants HD-DVD to win, btw. But I have to be practical).

My perception is that HD-DVD "lost" at CES. no new titles and I don't think porn is going to save the day. BD seems to be focusing on the right area - content.

just my 2 cents..

Sorry, but the "average person" as you call them does not even know CES exists, or at least they aren't going to follow it. They might not of announced much in the way of specific titles, but they did say that there will be over 300 new releases on HD DVD in 2007.

I think what matters is that titles are available, sitting on the shelf. That is when your "average person" will take notice.

I'm sure they'll also take notice of the price. I don't consider myself an "average consumer," yet I care quite a bit about the dollars involved.

I think my concern after CES was not that HD-DVD isnt going to release anything. Because im sure they will. My concern is that it looks like Bluray could possibly be driving HD releases where a few months ago, that wasnt the case. I think thats why WB and Paramount didnt have many dates to announce at CES (I dont know about Universal).

Case in point? When was the last IME title that we got on HD-DVD?? I think WB is holding those back until BD-J is ready (or THD). Thus, BD is driving the release. Even Superman Returns didnt have IME and in the early days of HD-DVD it was apparent that it most likely would (insider info on avs). Where is HP:GOF?

Also, it seems most of the studios had representation at the BDA press conference. Was the same studio execs (WB and paramount) at the HD-DVD one?

It just seems that HD-DVD has become the trailing format (not based on sales necessarily, just studio attention and so on). Rumors of studio neutrality were rampant! Now, it doesnt seem likely at least for a while if ever.

I hope im wrong and very well might be, but I was expected a big showing from HD-DVD at CES (as were many others).

Oh, absolutely. In fact, the price will probably be the first thing they look at. I was just commenting about Steve's suggestion that it mattered to the "average consumer" what titles were announced at CES.

CES was a small victory for Blu-ray, but this is a marathon and I still believe HD-DVD will be the winner in the end.

Consider these notes:
*Microsoft supports HD-DVD, which means Vista does. All new computers, besides Vaio's will come with HD-DVD drives built in.

* X360 HD-DVD drive works with XP, Vista, and OSX. Although software support is still not fully available...it's coming.

* HD-DVD's will be the only way to get HD porn, on disc, now.

All of these factors equal a dramatic increase in the HD-DVD user base over this next year. Meanwhile PS3s and Standalone Blu-ray players sit on shelves everywhere.

Well the only thing about CES that I take a little comfort in is this is the stuff BD has been saying all along, and they are now just finally getting around to doing it. Again, like what was mentioned a while ago, announcement dates are one thing, when they finally ship is another. The next few months will be very interesting.

And how do you figure that? Vista will support Blu Ray as well. It is not the operating system that decides if it will support HDDVD or Blu Ray, but the programs that come with it, like Power DVD. The last I heard they were going to release Vista with no program for either format. As far as every new computer containing an HD DVD Rom drive is just silly. The manufacturers decide the drive that goes in them, unless it is a custom built, and Dell and HP are in Blu Rays corner, although HP may do duel support.

And why buy porn anymore when you can get more than enough for free online? Porn will not be a major factor in the war.

Exactly. There are TONS of Internet sites to get free, decent quality porn. I mean, I THINK there are TONS of places. Not that I ever, uh... I mean, you're right.

Tell that to the people who spend BILLIONS of dollars on porn DVDs every year.

I agree with the other comment about this being silly. That's like saying every new Apple computer will contain a Blu-Ray drive (well that is more likely this year than Microsoft including HD DVD drives in all of their computers).

...if Microsoft even made computers.

And why buy porn anymore when you can get more than enough for free online? Porn will not be a major factor in the war.[/QUOTE]

Because its not the look and sound of perfect

they might as well...all the PC mfg's are Microsoft's bitches.

Funny that you mention BD and Apple since they are likely to release their next desktop upgrade with BD drives installed.