High-Def DVD Players Headed for Stores

**Cass** · 08-14-2004, 08:39 PM

definitionjerk · 08-22-2004, 10:05 AM

I just don't understand how they can say HD DVD players will be shipping soon, when they haven't even decided on a universal format yet!!! I just don't get it. So each format (Blu-Ray and HD-DVD) is just going to put its players out there, regardless?? This is just going to hurt and confuse the average consumer, who is sure to be very confused and won't know what to buy! This is not going to be good. The only way this new technology can survive is if there is ONE format...most have agreed. So I don't understand this latest development at all.

I take it that dvd's on Blu-Ray players won't work with dvd's on HD-DVD players, correct? So this is just suicide by each format sending out its players to stores, without a universal format decided. On the other hand, it'll be nice to see hi-def movies in stores, but I can promise you that I won't be making any purchases until I know which format will be around to stay and which will not (BETA vs. VHS, anyone?????).

UGH.

Lucky Ducky · 08-22-2004, 12:27 PM

Ah, just pick out a player and go with it. If you happen to choose the format that eventually gets edged out, no biggie, when you up grade to a newer player you can change formats. The alternative is to hold off until the dust settles and a victor is apparent, but that may take a while.
There is nothing to be hurt and confused about. This is cutting edge technology we are dabbling in here. It tends to be expensive and risky. That has been my experience with adopting new technology as I deal with keeping my gaming computer on the cutting edge. I don't suppose dealing with cutting edge tech in the realm of TV and DVD is much different.

maximus · 08-22-2004, 12:41 PM

Besides early adopters...IMO you just spoke for everybody that matters. Hopefully the big 2 are listening.

maximus · 08-22-2004, 12:47 PM

If a next generation HD dvd format came out that was "perfect for everybody" then it would needlessly hurt a very healthy and growing regular dvd market.

definitionjerk · 08-22-2004, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky Ducky

Ah, just pick out a player and go with it. If you happen to choose the format that eventually gets edged out, no biggie, when you up grade to a newer player you can change formats.

Ok, so I should just buy all my new movies on Blu-Ray (or whatever format I like) and then when it becomes obsolete, I won't be able to play those dvd's on the new player I get. Sounds like a plan to me. I'll just have 2 dvd players standing by in my entertainment rack, and I'll switch the DVI cables everytime I need to watch the other player.

On a side note, I hope new HD tv's will come with more than one DVI input. With all the new hi-def toys, receivers and players out there, we're gonna need more than one DVI.

SLedford · 08-22-2004, 04:48 PM

I am going to wait on buying a HD or Blu-Ray player or recorder until I see which standard is going to win out. Just don't have the money to be an early adopter. Would be willing to bet that competition will force these HD / Blu-Ray players to also play regular DVD's, so you may not need to keep two DVD players around.

As far as multiple DVI hookups, I am already running into that problem. My current receiver does not have any DVI hookup options and my TV only has one DVI input. Hopefully in the near future there will be receivers that have multiple DVI inputs and at least one output. It is a lot cheaper to replace the reciever than to replace the TV.

Unless one format "wins" quickly, I do not see this hurting regular DVD sales for some time to come.

It will all work out for the benefit of the consumer if we can wait.

Knight76 · 09-06-2004, 09:48 AM

definitionjerk... You say you cant see how they can send out players without a definitive winner yet you mention at the end of the post the war between beta and vhs!

It is upto the public which players they buy and therefore the eventual winner. Of course what the public buys is influenced by what is available on each format but you cant blame both factions for wanting to get their tech out there. That is the only way a winner will be decided otherwise its all paper talk of stats and opinions.

Henry W Andrade · 09-06-2004, 11:58 PM

I would like to buy a HD DVD Player.....My TV is a SONY GRAND WEGA KDF-70XBR950.... Any suggestion?...... Thanks.....

maximus · 09-07-2004, 12:03 PM

HD DVD players aren't out yet, nor is Blu-ray except for Japan.
I wouldn't recommend importing one, compatibility issues and no studio support at this time.
BTW very nice HDTV you got there, I'm jealous.

bayards · 09-08-2004, 03:37 PM

Rather than VHS vs Beta - lets skip forward to now and DVD-Audio vs SACD - will they never learn?

H in London

maximus · 09-08-2004, 04:39 PM

It appears for now that they will never learn lets hope that they realize consumers are more informed now than ever and Hollywood seems committed to one format only.

g6374 · 11-18-2004, 11:55 AM

Anyone remember DIVX

Coastman49 · 12-01-2004, 07:19 AM

Does anyone know when HD players will be hitting US shores?

maximus · 12-01-2004, 08:26 AM

Toshiba has stated Q4 2005 for their <$1000 HD DVD player. For those waiting hopefully that means October 1st rather than December 31st...

08-14-2004, 08:39 PM	#1
Cass Administrator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Colorado Springs & Denver Posts: 1,129	High-Def DVD Players Headed for Stores High-Def DVD Players Headed for Stores

08-22-2004, 10:05 AM	#2
definitionjerk A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 10	?? I just don't understand how they can say HD DVD players will be shipping soon, when they haven't even decided on a universal format yet!!! I just don't get it. So each format (Blu-Ray and HD-DVD) is just going to put its players out there, regardless?? This is just going to hurt and confuse the average consumer, who is sure to be very confused and won't know what to buy! This is not going to be good. The only way this new technology can survive is if there is ONE format...most have agreed. So I don't understand this latest development at all. I take it that dvd's on Blu-Ray players won't work with dvd's on HD-DVD players, correct? So this is just suicide by each format sending out its players to stores, without a universal format decided. On the other hand, it'll be nice to see hi-def movies in stores, but I can promise you that I won't be making any purchases until I know which format will be around to stay and which will not (BETA vs. VHS, anyone?????). UGH.

08-22-2004, 12:41 PM	#4
maximus user Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 903	definitionjerk... Besides early adopters...IMO you just spoke for everybody that matters. Hopefully the big 2 are listening.

08-22-2004, 12:47 PM	#5
maximus user Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 903	On the other hand... If a next generation HD dvd format came out that was "perfect for everybody" then it would needlessly hurt a very healthy and growing regular dvd market.

08-22-2004, 04:48 PM	#7
SLedford HD Fan Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Little Rock, Arkansas Posts: 1,023	Unless you have a lot of money, just wait a while. I am going to wait on buying a HD or Blu-Ray player or recorder until I see which standard is going to win out. Just don't have the money to be an early adopter. Would be willing to bet that competition will force these HD / Blu-Ray players to also play regular DVD's, so you may not need to keep two DVD players around. As far as multiple DVI hookups, I am already running into that problem. My current receiver does not have any DVI hookup options and my TV only has one DVI input. Hopefully in the near future there will be receivers that have multiple DVI inputs and at least one output. It is a lot cheaper to replace the reciever than to replace the TV. Unless one format "wins" quickly, I do not see this hurting regular DVD sales for some time to come. It will all work out for the benefit of the consumer if we can wait.

08-22-2004, 12:27 PM	#3
Lucky Ducky High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Seattle, wet but green! Posts: 112	Ah, just pick out a player and go with it. If you happen to choose the format that eventually gets edged out, no biggie, when you up grade to a newer player you can change formats. The alternative is to hold off until the dust settles and a victor is apparent, but that may take a while. There is nothing to be hurt and confused about. This is cutting edge technology we are dabbling in here. It tends to be expensive and risky. That has been my experience with adopting new technology as I deal with keeping my gaming computer on the cutting edge. I don't suppose dealing with cutting edge tech in the realm of TV and DVD is much different.

09-06-2004, 09:48 AM	#8
Knight76 FINALLY enjoying Hi Def Join Date: May 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 97	definitionjerk... You say you cant see how they can send out players without a definitive winner yet you mention at the end of the post the war between beta and vhs! It is upto the public which players they buy and therefore the eventual winner. Of course what the public buys is influenced by what is available on each format but you cant blame both factions for wanting to get their tech out there. That is the only way a winner will be decided otherwise its all paper talk of stats and opinions.

09-06-2004, 11:58 PM	#9
Henry W Andrade What is HD? Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 1	I would like to buy a HD DVD Player.....My TV is a SONY GRAND WEGA KDF-70XBR950.... Any suggestion?...... Thanks.....

09-07-2004, 12:03 PM	#10
maximus user Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 903	HD DVD players aren't out yet, nor is Blu-ray except for Japan. I wouldn't recommend importing one, compatibility issues and no studio support at this time. BTW very nice HDTV you got there, I'm jealous.

09-08-2004, 03:37 PM	#11
bayards A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 12	Rather than VHS vs Beta - lets skip forward to now and DVD-Audio vs SACD - will they never learn? H in London

09-08-2004, 04:39 PM	#12
maximus user Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 903	It appears for now that they will never learn lets hope that they realize consumers are more informed now than ever and Hollywood seems committed to one format only.

11-18-2004, 11:55 AM	#13
g6374 Panasonic HD Plasma Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: MA Posts: 5	Anyone remember DIVX

12-01-2004, 07:19 AM	#14
Coastman49 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 13	Does anyone know when HD players will be hitting US shores?

12-01-2004, 08:26 AM	#15
maximus user Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 903	Toshiba has stated Q4 2005 for their <$1000 HD DVD player. For those waiting hopefully that means October 1st rather than December 31st...