Who Is Keeping/Selling Their HD-DVD Player Now?

Cintoman · 01-09-2008, 11:54 AM

Hi everyone,

Well, after being on the fence for soooo long watching the format war go at it, with my recent purchase of a Panasonic Plasma TV, I figured it was time to spring for an HD-DVD or Blu-ray player. Like so many of us, I did my share of research, saw the sales figures, read about each format's specs and strengths and weaknesses, and finally decided to go with a Toshiba HD-A3 HD-DVD player.

Of course, now, with Warner Bros going blu, it definitely dealt a blow to the HD-DVD camp. Many are saying that's the final nail in HD-DVD's coffin, and I'm sure, many people like me, who recently bought or were given an HD-DVD player for Christmas are thinking about returning theirs for fear of getting stuck with a format that's going to potentially die.

So my question to all of you is: Who is keeping or selling their HD-DVD player now? Here is my thinking....

I fall in the category of what I believe most consumers fall in: the general consumer. As a general consumer, we've heard about HDTV, know the differences between Plasma and LCD, the amazing PQ each has, and the coolness factor of being able to hang our new widescreen TV's on the wall.

I have a bit more knowledge than the average consumer, but am by no mean an audio/visual techie. I've seen the specs on each format, and to me, I don't particularly care about how one format can pump DTS, or TrueHD or Dolby Digital 7.1 or use different codecs, etc and as many acronyms as there are letter combinations . So basically, I probably won't be able to tell the difference in audio or video quality between the very best and the next best. As such, that's one of the reasons I ended up buying a 50" 720p plasma, instead of a smaller 42" 1080p plasma. That, and the fact that all video signals (Cable, Sat, OTA, etc) only transmit in 720p/1080i. Of course, if you get a 1080p TV and a 1080p capable blu-ray or HD-DVD player, it will make a difference in PQ versus 720p/1080i, but I think only those of you technophiles will probably be able to notice the difference in a side-by-side comparo.

I decided to go HD, but keeping a reasonable budget in mind. So I, like many consumers, wanted the most bang for my buck. Which got me to buy the Panasonic 50" TH-50PX75U 720p plasma and a Toshiba HD-A3. I think many consumers are looking to get into HDTV in the least expensive way possible. Which explains why Walmart is promoting low-end Visio HDTV's, and why so many people sprung for the $99 Black Friday deals for the Toshiba HD-A2's.

But the Warner blow is a serious hit. However, in light of what I'm going to say below, how many think HD-DVD will really die, based on some tidbits I've found all around the net:

- HD-DVD is cheaper to manufacture...no need for new plants. Just re-tool.
- No region coding
- Standards are set. No profile1.0, 1.1, etc to worry about, and no compatibility issues. All HD-DVD movies will play on all HD-DVD players. Whereas blu-ray 1.0 players won't be able to play "Bonus View" and "BDLive" movies. Even Blu-Ray execs (BDA) admit they should have waited a year or more to release Blu-ray
- More blu-ray disc are tossed out at the factory due to production/manufacturing defects.
- Value, in the eyes of 99% of consumers (non-technophiles) is what matters most, and HD-DVD is a better value, thanks to lower priced players. Just look at Beta vs VHS.
- HD-DVD is less expensive to get people into the HD world with players as cheap as $180.00 vs blu-ray's MUCH more expensive price for their players. With a recession looming, do people really want to spend close to $400.00 for a blu-ray player, where they can, in their eyes (again, not looking a detailed techno-specs) they can get the "same thing" (again, in their eyes) for over $200.00 less.
- People can see the value in having DVD's with both formats (SD DVD and HD-DVD). They can use the same disc in their Toshiba HD-DVD player, and then bring it with them to watch it in mom's minivan.
- People that own a 720p/1080i TV can buy a HD-DVD that plays up to 720p/1080i. No need to spend more money on a player that plays 1080p when they don't need it and their tv doesn't handle it.
- Being that sooo many people bought Toshiba HD-DVD players over the holiday season for cheap, how many of them will be pissed now that they may be stuck with a 21st century Betamax player? Does the industry really want to piss of so many consumers? Sure sure...if HD-DVD folds, it won't render the players useless, as there are over 400 U.S. HD-DVD movies out, and it will continue to beautifully upconvert SD DVD's, but they'll still be pissed if they can't get new movie releases in HD-DVD. Will this force an uprising and continue the 2 format war?

Once again I'm back on the fence on what I should do with my HD-DVD player, but leaning more towards keeping it. Thankfully, I'm still in the window to be able to return it back to Amazon should I choose to. So I'll wait and see how things pan out over the month of January. Of course, if Toshiba raises the white flag and declares victory to Sony and Blu-ray, I'll definitely return it, but I'll be grudgingly doing so. Reasons why? Because I'm not a big fan of Sony and their ideas to monopolize a format and charge major royalty fees. Remember their failed formats: Beta, UMD, MicroDV, SACD, etc. But the real reason I prefer HD-DVD is because of the feature set and specs that were built into HD-DVD from the start, and the ethernet connectivity, which blu-ray does not yet have. I hate to have to worry about what profile blu-ray player I'm buying (1.0, 1.1. 2.0, etc). Of course, if I were to go out and get a blu-ray, I'd love to get profile 2.0, but it'll be prohibitively expensive for me. Plus HD-DVD fits for what I want it to do....play 720p with great digital sound for a very reasonable cost.

It's funny to see so many people on the different forums saying "oh I really wish HD-DVD would come out on top", "I was rooting for HD-DVD", "Sony Sucks", "HD-DVD is better for the consumer", etc. If this is the case, then we consumers should be able to sway the market back to the HD-DVD camp. Remember, the movie studios watch what the consumer does. And, yes, I know the sales figures for disc sales favor blu-ray over HD-DVD, but is it because Sony/blu-ray has been advertising so much more than Toshiba/HD-DVD? I guess that might be the case because when I bought my HD-A3, my wife (by no means a technophile) never even heard of HD-DVD.

As for me, I'll admit, I would prefer to see HD-DVD win the war, but if it doesn't, I think I'll still be keeping my HD-A3, buy up any HD-DVD movies I like, enjoy HD-DVD for what it is, and wait until blu-ray sets its standards, and drops in price to about $150.00 or so. If and once that point is reached, then I will definitely go with Blu-ray.

Anybody else have any comments? Sorry about the huge post and the somewhat incoherentness and bouncing around topics a bit, but I wanted to throw something out there based on the eyes of a general consumer.

Thanks,
Paul
(cintoman)

hippy fascist · 01-09-2008, 11:56 AM

I'm keeping mine

I have over 60 HD DVDs

To rebuy that (even with the money from selling my current stuff) would probably cost me twice as much on blu as I'd make from selling it (at least)

bhampton · 01-09-2008, 12:01 PM

I would sell mine,

But I was never silly enough to buy one.

-Brian

bingotem · 01-09-2008, 12:01 PM

When I receive the 5 free, I'll still only have 11 HDDVDs. I have no plans to get rid of my player or any of the movies. I doubt I will buy any more movies though, or at least not very many.

GLOW · 01-09-2008, 12:02 PM

I'm keeping my XA2 until a better upconverter is out. It's my primary DVD player.

Changeling · 01-09-2008, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GLOW

I'm keeping my XA2 until a better upconverter is out. It's my primary DVD player.

If it's working, keep it. No reason to get double-dipped.

KEEBS1984 · 01-09-2008, 12:04 PM

I'm keeping my player and my movies. They still work and run fine.

DanPLC · 01-09-2008, 12:08 PM

It makes no sense to sell my HD-DVDs for a fraction of the price I paid for them and then have to re-buy them on Blu-ray. So I'm definitely keeping my player and movies.

Stew4HD · 01-09-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhampton

I would sell mine,

But I was never silly enough to buy one.

-Brian

Why continue to be such an ass???????? Now you are officially a troll! Time to add you to the iggy list.

As to the OP, I will be keeping my 2 HD DVD players to go with my 100 HD DVDs.

El Despairado · 01-09-2008, 12:17 PM

I am keeping my XA2 for sure, and if I were in your position I would keep that player as well, but if you could still return it, I couldn't blame you there either. It's a decision only you can make and neither would really be "wrong", IMO.

The reason I think most HD DVD owners are keeping their units is because there is no option for return anyway, but furthermore even if the format sees an end (I think it probably will) it is hardly useless. The player you have now will still be able to playback any HD DVD titles you may have or will buy for many years. With a worldwide library of 600 titles, those HD DVD's will continue to circulate many years from now, so it's not like you aren't going to find something you want to watch. All those titles are going to continue offering the same grade PQ and AQ as Blu-ray, so the HD DVD technology will hardly be obsolete. You just won't see any "new" HD DVD title offering at some point, probably a good year from now at least. So in the meantime, for those that have the player it's hardly a waste to pick up more titles for it. Keep in mind that functioning HD DVD players will probably also circulate the market for at least 10 years so there is no real danger of not having an option of a new player if yours would break down.

If you decide to get a blu-ray player, based on what you said about not being too picky on PQ and AQ, I would guess you also don't care too much about special features, etc that you might find on a disc? If that's the case, than any current Blu-ray player will probably suffice for you, but you may want to make sure it is Profile 1.1 at least. Basically, educate yourself on the different Blu-ray profile's in general. It's not that complicated and could become a factors on some titles. Most people will tell you the PS3 is still the best Blu-ray player option, but based on your particular interests, any standalone will probably satisfy you.

HD Goofnut · 01-09-2008, 12:17 PM

I'm keeping mine and I got another A2 sitting on back up so I am good to go.

pjc · 01-09-2008, 12:20 PM

I'm keeping my A2 for sure. I am trying out a PS3 for Blu Ray now, but I only hooked it up last night and didn't have time to watch anything by the time I was done setting up my user account, router, PSN ID.

Anyway, my A2 will play all my current HDDVD's and SDDVD's for sure. If I keep the PS3, it will be used only for Blu Ray and the occasional game (at least until my A2 dies, but I have a 2 and half years left on a warranty).

If you can afford to, I would keep it and at the very least use it as an upconvert player. You will still be able to buy HDDVD's for a while even if Toshiba were to throw in the flag.

kamspy · 01-09-2008, 12:21 PM

Keeping. I own too many good movies that are not available on BD

GLOW · 01-09-2008, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamspy

Keeping. I own too many good movies that are not available on BD

Then I guess you should take the "Toshiba: I Want My Money Back." out of your sig.

loganhunter200 · 01-09-2008, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

I'm keeping mine and I got another A2 sitting on back up so I am good to go.

+1. No need to upgrade to blu-ray until Profile 2.0 and subsequent bugfixes are out.

01-09-2008, 11:54 AM	#1
Cintoman Proud HD-DVD Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cumberland, RI Age: 40 Posts: 59	Who Is Keeping/Selling Their HD-DVD Player Now? Hi everyone, Well, after being on the fence for soooo long watching the format war go at it, with my recent purchase of a Panasonic Plasma TV, I figured it was time to spring for an HD-DVD or Blu-ray player. Like so many of us, I did my share of research, saw the sales figures, read about each format's specs and strengths and weaknesses, and finally decided to go with a Toshiba HD-A3 HD-DVD player. Of course, now, with Warner Bros going blu, it definitely dealt a blow to the HD-DVD camp. Many are saying that's the final nail in HD-DVD's coffin, and I'm sure, many people like me, who recently bought or were given an HD-DVD player for Christmas are thinking about returning theirs for fear of getting stuck with a format that's going to potentially die. So my question to all of you is: Who is keeping or selling their HD-DVD player now? Here is my thinking.... I fall in the category of what I believe most consumers fall in: the general consumer. As a general consumer, we've heard about HDTV, know the differences between Plasma and LCD, the amazing PQ each has, and the coolness factor of being able to hang our new widescreen TV's on the wall. I have a bit more knowledge than the average consumer, but am by no mean an audio/visual techie. I've seen the specs on each format, and to me, I don't particularly care about how one format can pump DTS, or TrueHD or Dolby Digital 7.1 or use different codecs, etc and as many acronyms as there are letter combinations . So basically, I probably won't be able to tell the difference in audio or video quality between the very best and the next best. As such, that's one of the reasons I ended up buying a 50" 720p plasma, instead of a smaller 42" 1080p plasma. That, and the fact that all video signals (Cable, Sat, OTA, etc) only transmit in 720p/1080i. Of course, if you get a 1080p TV and a 1080p capable blu-ray or HD-DVD player, it will make a difference in PQ versus 720p/1080i, but I think only those of you technophiles will probably be able to notice the difference in a side-by-side comparo. I decided to go HD, but keeping a reasonable budget in mind. So I, like many consumers, wanted the most bang for my buck. Which got me to buy the Panasonic 50" TH-50PX75U 720p plasma and a Toshiba HD-A3. I think many consumers are looking to get into HDTV in the least expensive way possible. Which explains why Walmart is promoting low-end Visio HDTV's, and why so many people sprung for the $99 Black Friday deals for the Toshiba HD-A2's. But the Warner blow is a serious hit. However, in light of what I'm going to say below, how many think HD-DVD will really die, based on some tidbits I've found all around the net: - HD-DVD is cheaper to manufacture...no need for new plants. Just re-tool. - No region coding - Standards are set. No profile1.0, 1.1, etc to worry about, and no compatibility issues. All HD-DVD movies will play on all HD-DVD players. Whereas blu-ray 1.0 players won't be able to play "Bonus View" and "BDLive" movies. Even Blu-Ray execs (BDA) admit they should have waited a year or more to release Blu-ray - More blu-ray disc are tossed out at the factory due to production/manufacturing defects. - Value, in the eyes of 99% of consumers (non-technophiles) is what matters most, and HD-DVD is a better value, thanks to lower priced players. Just look at Beta vs VHS. - HD-DVD is less expensive to get people into the HD world with players as cheap as $180.00 vs blu-ray's MUCH more expensive price for their players. With a recession looming, do people really want to spend close to $400.00 for a blu-ray player, where they can, in their eyes (again, not looking a detailed techno-specs) they can get the "same thing" (again, in their eyes) for over $200.00 less. - People can see the value in having DVD's with both formats (SD DVD and HD-DVD). They can use the same disc in their Toshiba HD-DVD player, and then bring it with them to watch it in mom's minivan. - People that own a 720p/1080i TV can buy a HD-DVD that plays up to 720p/1080i. No need to spend more money on a player that plays 1080p when they don't need it and their tv doesn't handle it. - Being that sooo many people bought Toshiba HD-DVD players over the holiday season for cheap, how many of them will be pissed now that they may be stuck with a 21st century Betamax player? Does the industry really want to piss of so many consumers? Sure sure...if HD-DVD folds, it won't render the players useless, as there are over 400 U.S. HD-DVD movies out, and it will continue to beautifully upconvert SD DVD's, but they'll still be pissed if they can't get new movie releases in HD-DVD. Will this force an uprising and continue the 2 format war? Once again I'm back on the fence on what I should do with my HD-DVD player, but leaning more towards keeping it. Thankfully, I'm still in the window to be able to return it back to Amazon should I choose to. So I'll wait and see how things pan out over the month of January. Of course, if Toshiba raises the white flag and declares victory to Sony and Blu-ray, I'll definitely return it, but I'll be grudgingly doing so. Reasons why? Because I'm not a big fan of Sony and their ideas to monopolize a format and charge major royalty fees. Remember their failed formats: Beta, UMD, MicroDV, SACD, etc. But the real reason I prefer HD-DVD is because of the feature set and specs that were built into HD-DVD from the start, and the ethernet connectivity, which blu-ray does not yet have. I hate to have to worry about what profile blu-ray player I'm buying (1.0, 1.1. 2.0, etc). Of course, if I were to go out and get a blu-ray, I'd love to get profile 2.0, but it'll be prohibitively expensive for me. Plus HD-DVD fits for what I want it to do....play 720p with great digital sound for a very reasonable cost. It's funny to see so many people on the different forums saying "oh I really wish HD-DVD would come out on top", "I was rooting for HD-DVD", "Sony Sucks", "HD-DVD is better for the consumer", etc. If this is the case, then we consumers should be able to sway the market back to the HD-DVD camp. Remember, the movie studios watch what the consumer does. And, yes, I know the sales figures for disc sales favor blu-ray over HD-DVD, but is it because Sony/blu-ray has been advertising so much more than Toshiba/HD-DVD? I guess that might be the case because when I bought my HD-A3, my wife (by no means a technophile) never even heard of HD-DVD. As for me, I'll admit, I would prefer to see HD-DVD win the war, but if it doesn't, I think I'll still be keeping my HD-A3, buy up any HD-DVD movies I like, enjoy HD-DVD for what it is, and wait until blu-ray sets its standards, and drops in price to about $150.00 or so. If and once that point is reached, then I will definitely go with Blu-ray. Anybody else have any comments? Sorry about the huge post and the somewhat incoherentness and bouncing around topics a bit, but I wanted to throw something out there based on the eyes of a general consumer. Thanks, Paul (cintoman)

01-09-2008, 12:01 PM	#4
bingotem High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Warren, MI Age: 34 Posts: 259	When I receive the 5 free, I'll still only have 11 HDDVDs. I have no plans to get rid of my player or any of the movies. I doubt I will buy any more movies though, or at least not very many. __________________ Samsung PN59D8000 Onkyo TX-SR705 DVDO Edge Tosh HD A35, Panny DMP BD30K Xbox 360, Wii, HTPC Infinity IL40 fronts, matching center/surrounds 15" Titanic III sub

01-09-2008, 12:02 PM	#5
GLOW High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Post-Empire America Posts: 10,287	I'm keeping my XA2 until a better upconverter is out. It's my primary DVD player. __________________ I have no interest in understanding sheep, only eating them. Is it still trolling if the balls touch?

01-09-2008, 12:08 PM	#8
DanPLC High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 151	It makes no sense to sell my HD-DVDs for a fraction of the price I paid for them and then have to re-buy them on Blu-ray. So I'm definitely keeping my player and movies. __________________ Samsung LN-T5271F LCD TV Panasonic DMP-BD30K Blu-ray Xbox 360 with HD-DVD add-on Kenwood VR-405 Receiver

01-09-2008, 12:17 PM	#10
El Despairado HD DVD: Still the best! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: North Dakota Age: 36 Posts: 903	I am keeping my XA2 for sure, and if I were in your position I would keep that player as well, but if you could still return it, I couldn't blame you there either. It's a decision only you can make and neither would really be "wrong", IMO. The reason I think most HD DVD owners are keeping their units is because there is no option for return anyway, but furthermore even if the format sees an end (I think it probably will) it is hardly useless. The player you have now will still be able to playback any HD DVD titles you may have or will buy for many years. With a worldwide library of 600 titles, those HD DVD's will continue to circulate many years from now, so it's not like you aren't going to find something you want to watch. All those titles are going to continue offering the same grade PQ and AQ as Blu-ray, so the HD DVD technology will hardly be obsolete. You just won't see any "new" HD DVD title offering at some point, probably a good year from now at least. So in the meantime, for those that have the player it's hardly a waste to pick up more titles for it. Keep in mind that functioning HD DVD players will probably also circulate the market for at least 10 years so there is no real danger of not having an option of a new player if yours would break down. If you decide to get a blu-ray player, based on what you said about not being too picky on PQ and AQ, I would guess you also don't care too much about special features, etc that you might find on a disc? If that's the case, than any current Blu-ray player will probably suffice for you, but you may want to make sure it is Profile 1.1 at least. Basically, educate yourself on the different Blu-ray profile's in general. It's not that complicated and could become a factors on some titles. Most people will tell you the PS3 is still the best Blu-ray player option, but based on your particular interests, any standalone will probably satisfy you. __________________ Consumers did not choose the winner of the format war, the movie studios did, and now consumers are stuck with the decision. Samsung HL-S6187W Yamaha RX-V2700 Toshiba HD-XA2 RF/LF-Polk Audio RTi8 Center-Polk Audio CSi3 SL/SR-Polk Audio RTi6 LFE-Polk Audio P505 300watt self amplified. Xbox 360 Administrator of Horns Up International hornsupinternational.freeforums.org

01-09-2008, 11:56 AM	#2
hippy fascist Illusions Michael! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cambridge, UK Posts: 694	I'm keeping mine I have over 60 HD DVDs To rebuy that (even with the money from selling my current stuff) would probably cost me twice as much on blu as I'd make from selling it (at least)

01-09-2008, 12:01 PM	#3
bhampton Red at Heart Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 902	I would sell mine, But I was never silly enough to buy one. -Brian

01-09-2008, 12:04 PM	#7
KEEBS1984 FIFA 10 > PES 2010 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: PORTLAND!!!... OR Posts: 2,658	I'm keeping my player and my movies. They still work and run fine.

01-09-2008, 12:17 PM	#11
HD Goofnut Official HDF BD Reviewer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mississippi, U.S.A. Your resident Dune, Star Wars, and war film expert Posts: 9,571	I'm keeping mine and I got another A2 sitting on back up so I am good to go. __________________ BenQ MP512ST, Panasonic TC-L55ET5 55" 360Hz LED/3D, Sharp LC-46SB57UN 46" 120 Hz LCD, Sanyo DP46848 46" 60Hz LCD, HP 21.5" 60Hz LCD Onkyo TX-NR709 7.1/Onkyo SKS-HT540 ASUS BD Drive, LG BH200, Sony Optiarc Blu-ray Burner, Sony BDP-590, Vizio VBR220 My Motion Picture Collection Latest BD Review: *Jack Reacher*

01-09-2008, 12:20 PM	#12
pjc High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 2,131	I'm keeping my A2 for sure. I am trying out a PS3 for Blu Ray now, but I only hooked it up last night and didn't have time to watch anything by the time I was done setting up my user account, router, PSN ID. Anyway, my A2 will play all my current HDDVD's and SDDVD's for sure. If I keep the PS3, it will be used only for Blu Ray and the occasional game (at least until my A2 dies, but I have a 2 and half years left on a warranty). If you can afford to, I would keep it and at the very least use it as an upconvert player. You will still be able to buy HDDVD's for a while even if Toshiba were to throw in the flag.

01-09-2008, 12:21 PM	#13
kamspy Brewers lol Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 21,988	Keeping. I own too many good movies that are not available on BD

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