Article -- Sound Advice: HD DVD leaves Blu-ray in the dust

MidnightWatche · 11-10-2007, 01:45 PM

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Sound Advice: HD DVD leaves Blu-ray in the dust

Saturday, November 10, 2007
By Don Lindich

Q: Do you have a preference between HD DVD and Blu-ray? --
RHETT ELTON,
Seattle

A: I enthusiastically recommend HD DVD because it's a better product and a better proposition for consumers. Signs are showing it is going to trounce Blu-ray, and soon. Surprised? Read on.
For those looking for a single sentence explaining why go with HD DVD: It's a better thought-out, more solid product than Blu-ray, it is half the price, and picture and sound quality are identical. At less than $200 including seven or more movies, HD DVD players are a stunning value. Why pay twice the money when Blu-ray has serious issues and the movies look and sound the same?
I smile when I see people buying HD DVD players based on bargain pricing, because they are unknowingly getting the Ferrari as well! Despite its purported superiority and much higher cost, Blu-ray is the emperor with no clothes. HD DVD has been superior since day one.

HD DVD has delivered as promised from the start, receiving critical acclaim for its spectacular picture and stunning sound. Hundreds of great movies are available, with more added every week. Check out amazon.com to see the wide, varied selection.

On the other hand, at launch Blu-ray's picture quality was horrible, generating barbs such as "needs to go to the scrap heap" and "who in their right mind would ever like this?" Though they have since closed the picture quality gap, almost all Blu-ray player models announced or existing are already obsolete. They conform to an early player profile that does not support upcoming disc features. Profiles should have been finalized before product launch! Blu-ray's record has been spotty at best, and if you say it sounds like they have been fixing it as they go along, I'd say you are right.

In the words of video industry legend Joe Kane, "Blu-ray is all about greed." Though a poor value, many retailers push Blu-ray because of the higher price and higher margin. It's easy to debunk Blu-ray's purported advantages:

• "More studios support Blu-ray, including Disney ... no 'Cars' or 'Pirates' on HD DVD." Well, HD DVD has plenty of exclusive support, too, and has never lost a studio. Conversely, Paramount and DreamWorks recently abandoned Blu-ray for HD DVD, calling it "the affordable, high quality choice." So, no 'Star Trek' or 'Shrek' for Blu-ray. The answer for either camp is to get the regular DVD if you can't get the HD version.

• "Blu-ray discs have higher capacity." Another nonissue as HD DVD has enough to do the job. Plus, expensive new equipment is needed to manufacture Blu-ray discs. Existing DVD factories need little modification to press HD DVDs, meaning lower costs from movie studio to consumer.

• "More Blu-ray players have been sold and more companies make them." Well, almost all of the "Blu-ray players" sold so far are Playstation 3 game consoles that happen to have a Blu-ray drive in them. Many, if not most of them, are used solely as game machines. HD DVD has the lead in stand-alone players. As for more manufacturers, what's the difference if there are one or 10 obsolete, expensive Blu-ray models on the market?

• "Blu-ray will win because it has sold more movies to date." Another nonissue because even combined, Blu-ray and HD DVD disc sales are an infinitesimal piece of the DVD pie, a few grains of sand in a sandbox. Blu-ray's tiny numerical lead will be obliterated soon anyway because kingmaker Wal-Mart has embraced HD DVD. In early November, Wal-Mart placed HD DVD ads on primetime TV and ran a promotion estimated to have sold well over 50,000 players in a single day. Other retailers showed increased HD DVD player sales in Wal-Mart's wake, with the events making national news.

For more, read the prophetic "Blu-ray: Can it survive?" at www.projectorcentral.com/blu-ray_2.htm. Dated July 14, 2006, it is right on the money!

With the premium offering at a lower price, DreamWorks and Paramount's abandonment of Blu-ray, and support from extremely powerful places, HD DVD, with its growing momentum, is showing signs of turning into a tidal wave this holiday season.

I know consumers are smart enough to see which way to go, and they're going to love their choice. Nice to get the best for half the price, isn't it?

Don Lindich is a national columnist and creator of the "Digital Made Easy" book series. Send him your questions and read past columns at www.soundadviceblog.com.

Hitachi65SWX20B · 11-10-2007, 03:13 PM

The Truth Shall Set You Free!!!

brian451 · 11-10-2007, 03:27 PM

obviously a biased article...but who isnt biased. the fact is, nothing he said is false, and anyone that says otherwise is just too brainwashed to see it. sad that people would want to keep spending money on an inferior and overpriced format. amazing the bluray still tries to sell itself as a better picture and sound technology. total bs from day 1

The_Omega_Man · 11-11-2007, 12:33 AM

Biased ........hell yes.. completely! Accurate ...... yes but possibly dated a bit.

General Message.....completely accurate.

For the average consumer it is mostly about getting some real Value for their money.. And today, HD DVD delivers a better overall Value for the money, than does Blu-Ray! IMO

That is not to say that this could not change, but it was the case over a year ago and it is still the case over a year later!

ClashFan · 11-11-2007, 07:08 AM

Wow, did Kane really say that BR is "all about greed"?

meh130 · 11-11-2007, 01:34 PM

To me, the one advantage that makes all the difference for HD DVD is the HD DVD/DVD combo disc. Obviously, both BD and HD DVD players are backwards compatible, so your old DVDs will play, but as most people have more than one DVD player, the idea of backwards compatible media is critical.

If some of the studios really wanted to kick BD in the proverbial groin, stop issuing new releases in DVD or HD DVD and choose to only issue new releases in combo disc format at the current price of the DVD.

Would it cut into studio profits? Sure, but some studios issue two different DVD releases (Widescreen and the evil "Full Screen") and one or both high-def disc formats. Goodness knows the retail outlets would love to be able to reclaim some shelf space. My guess is the lost margin from the DVD sales would be made up by increasing the shelf space as well as driving down the cost of HD DVD production.

Then once the market is seeded with HD DVDs, the player becomes a no-brainer.

I think this could happen if there is a perception the market is tilting to HD DVD.

The_Omega_Man · 11-11-2007, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meh130

To me, the one advantage that makes all the difference for HD DVD is the HD DVD/DVD combo disc. Obviously, both BD and HD DVD players are backwards compatible, so your old DVDs will play, but as most people have more than one DVD player, the idea of backwards compatible media is critical.

If some of the studios really wanted to kick BD in the proverbial groin, stop issuing new releases in DVD or HD DVD and choose to only issue new releases in combo disc format at the current price of the DVD.

Would it cut into studio profits? Sure, but some studios issue two different DVD releases (Widescreen and the evil "Full Screen") and one or both high-def disc formats. Goodness knows the retail outlets would love to be able to reclaim some shelf space. My guess is the lost margin from the DVD sales would be made up by increasing the shelf space as well as driving down the cost of HD DVD production.

Then once the market is seeded with HD DVDs, the player becomes a no-brainer.

I think this could happen if there is a perception the market is tilting to HD DVD.

This will probably happen when there is enough potential market for HD DVD, to warrant the costs of manufacturing the combo or TWIN discs at today's DVD price points.

Just look at the movie Transformers for a reference, ~8 Million + DVDs versus ~190K HD DVDs sold, in the first week! The potential HD DVD sales number has to get a whole lot larger, to get the combo/TWIN disc retail pricing to come down to DVD levels!

Remember, the Combo disc is actually two discs glued together..and it is a lot harder ($) to mfg. than a standard DVD. The TWIN format disc has a better chance to hit the right price points. IMO.

Hitachi65SWX20B · 11-12-2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Omega_Man

This will probably happen when there is enough potential market for HD DVD, to warrant the costs of manufacturing the combo or TWIN discs at today's DVD price points.

Just look at the movie Transformers for a reference, ~8 Million + DVDs versus ~190K HD DVDs sold, in the first week! The potential HD DVD sales number has to get a whole lot larger, to get the combo/TWIN disc retail pricing to come down to DVD levels!

Remember, the Combo disc is actually two discs glued together..and it is a lot harder ($) to mfg. than a standard DVD. The TWIN format disc has a better chance to hit the right price points. IMO.

I kinda think thats why HD DVD members arn't worried about the BOGO from the blu side right now, Yeah, the BOGO will let them keep a small lead over HD DVD in software sales for now. When the TL twin is read to go into production, HD DVD members will slap a few high profile movies on the TL twin and wipe the floor with ALL HDM software sales

jnester74 · 11-12-2007, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClashFan

Wow, did Kane really say that BR is "all about greed"?

He was right on about that.

jnester74 · 11-12-2007, 12:13 PM

Also does anyone hear see the desperation of Blu ray in offering a BOGO. The studio's can't be happy about that.

Super XP · 11-12-2007, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnester74

Also does anyone hear see the desperation of Blu ray in offering a BOGO. The studio's can't be happy about that.

I do, Sony & Disney are pathetic, they are like Mad Men going around giving BD discs away just to keep that format alive, and at the same time trashing their profits.

Great thread, I love FACTS

The_Omega_Man · 11-12-2007, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super XP

I do, Sony & Disney are pathetic, they are like Mad Men going around giving BD discs away just to keep that format alive, and at the same time trashing their profits.

Great thread, I love FACTS

Have you met any of their hardcore fan base?? If the BDA shows any signs of weakness or shows ANY perception of losing ground, they risk being firebombed (with Flaming PS3s) at their collective front doors, by a bunch of pimple faced adolecesents!

Plus, the BDA will have to eat a BIGGER helping of Crow if they do not completely OWN 2007 for BD sales! Remember it is the year that Sony and Blu-Ray WON the format war!

daleb · 11-12-2007, 07:28 PM

There seems to be a growing census among CE publications in recent weeks that HD DVD is 'complete' . And has the economic advantage for the consumer.
The small technical advantages of BD (yet to be seen as anything significant in the real world) as well as more studio support keeps the playing field level.
But the bigger question is if the public will increase their support of HD technology for DVDs which is essential for the survival of either format.

crybabiz · 11-12-2007, 09:06 PM

http://www.eproductwars.com/dvd/

MidnightWatche · 11-12-2007, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crybabiz

http://www.eproductwars.com/dvd/

Goes to show how desperate Blu-ray is if they feel they need to give away BD movies just to remain on top.

11-11-2007, 12:33 AM	#4
The_Omega_Man Don't touch the remote! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Encino,CA Posts: 3,472	Biased ........hell yes.. completely! Accurate ...... yes but possibly dated a bit. General Message.....completely accurate. For the average consumer it is mostly about getting some real Value for their money.. And today, HD DVD delivers a better overall Value for the money, than does Blu-Ray! IMO That is not to say that this could not change, but it was the case over a year ago and it is still the case over a year later! __________________ Lvng Rm Sony KF50WE610 HDTV D* HR-21 HD DVR XA2 HD DVD Onkyo TX-NR905 JVC HR-S3500U S-VHS Hrmony One Energy Encore 5.1 Spkr Mstr Bdrm Tosh 46XF550U HDTV XA2 HD DVD D* HR-21 HD DVR Onkyo TX-SR606 Hrmony 659 Polk 5.1 Spkr Office Samy LNS3252D HDTV D* HR-20 HD DVR A2 HD DVD Sony RDR-HX715 DVD Rec. Fisher FVH-4910 VHS Onkyo TX-SR674 Psyclone PSC47 HDMI Sw. Hrmony 550 Polk RM6750 5.1 Spkr Gst Rm Samy UN46B7100 HDTV D* HR10 HD DVR XBOX360 Elite+HD DVD PS3 60GB Onkyo TX-SR704 Energy C-7 Spkr Hrmony 880

11-11-2007, 07:08 AM	#5
ClashFan Joe Strummer Lives! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 1,337	Wow, did Kane really say that BR is "all about greed"? __________________ My gear: Samsung LN46A650 -- 46" 120 Hz Onkyo TX-SR674 receiver JBL Venue fronts, Infinity TSS-1100 center Infinity TSS-1100 surrounds and rear surrounds JBL SUB12 subwoofer Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD player (firmware 2.7) (100+ HD DVDs) Sony BDP-S550 BD player (51 BDs) Xbox 360 game console Comcast Motorola 6412 HDTV cable box Logitech Harmony 550 Remote 1 wife, 2 sons (ages 15 and 8)

11-11-2007, 01:34 PM	#6
meh130 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 155	To me, the one advantage that makes all the difference for HD DVD is the HD DVD/DVD combo disc. Obviously, both BD and HD DVD players are backwards compatible, so your old DVDs will play, but as most people have more than one DVD player, the idea of backwards compatible media is critical. If some of the studios really wanted to kick BD in the proverbial groin, stop issuing new releases in DVD or HD DVD and choose to only issue new releases in combo disc format at the current price of the DVD. Would it cut into studio profits? Sure, but some studios issue two different DVD releases (Widescreen and the evil "Full Screen") and one or both high-def disc formats. Goodness knows the retail outlets would love to be able to reclaim some shelf space. My guess is the lost margin from the DVD sales would be made up by increasing the shelf space as well as driving down the cost of HD DVD production. Then once the market is seeded with HD DVDs, the player becomes a no-brainer. I think this could happen if there is a perception the market is tilting to HD DVD. __________________ Living Room: Sony KDS-50A2000 SXRD HDTV (1080p) Samsung BD-UP5000 Blu-ray/HD DVD Player (1080p) Slim Devices Squeezebox 3 Digital Music Player JVC Dolby/DTS 5.1 Surround Sound Logitech Harmony 880 Universal Remote Master Bedroom: Samsung TX-P3075WH CRT HDTV (1080i) Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD Player (1080i) Slim Devices Squeezebox 3 Digital Music Player Accurian Dolby Stereo Logitech Harmony 880 Universal Remote

11-12-2007, 12:13 PM	#10
jnester74 Loving my new Blu Ray Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bothell, Wa Age: 35 Posts: 489	Also does anyone hear see the desperation of Blu ray in offering a BOGO. The studio's can't be happy about that. __________________ 97 35 Gamertag: NestHawk TV: Samsung - 56" 1080p LED Engine DLP HDTV Audio: Onkyo 705 w/hdmi Player: Toshiba A35--Sony BDP-S350 Gaming: X-box 360 ELITE w/HD-add on

11-12-2007, 07:28 PM	#13
daleb High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Clovis, CA Posts: 7,585	There seems to be a growing census among CE publications in recent weeks that HD DVD is 'complete' . And has the economic advantage for the consumer. The small technical advantages of BD (yet to be seen as anything significant in the real world) as well as more studio support keeps the playing field level. But the bigger question is if the public will increase their support of HD technology for DVDs which is essential for the survival of either format. __________________ Samsung PN50A650 plasma, Arcam AVR350, Dali Ikon6 (Vokal2&OnWalls), Outlaw Audio LFM-1EX sub, Anti-Mode 8033B, Oppo Digital BDP-83SE, Roku Digital, Furman Elite power conditioner

11-10-2007, 03:13 PM	#2
Hitachi65SWX20B High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Hockeytown, Detroit Posts: 939	The Truth Shall Set You Free!!!

11-10-2007, 03:27 PM	#3
brian451 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 163	obviously a biased article...but who isnt biased. the fact is, nothing he said is false, and anyone that says otherwise is just too brainwashed to see it. sad that people would want to keep spending money on an inferior and overpriced format. amazing the bluray still tries to sell itself as a better picture and sound technology. total bs from day 1

11-12-2007, 09:06 PM	#14
crybabiz High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 64	http://www.eproductwars.com/dvd/

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