Blue Ray DVD players

[INSman]

What is the best "value" unit in the market today ?? I hear these things load slow and have some problems but allegedly upconvert standard dvd's to almost HD quality.. :idea:

[Riverkid]

was at $999 and I saw it at best buy for $399 today...

[Not So Fast]

Calling Juan, Juan are you there, come in Juan:D NSF

[Jyruiz]

What is the best "value" unit in the market today ?? I hear these things load slow and have some problems but allegedly upconvert standard dvd's to almost HD quality.. :idea:
They do load slow, about 30 to 60 seconds and need firmware updates at times to be able to play certain BD movies, but that is the price you pay to be an early adopter.
If you purchase one with the Reon HQV chip, then they do a really good job with regular DVD's, not HD tho. I myself I am waiting for Samsungs BD-UP5000, it is a dual format player (plays HD-DVD and BlueRay Disc) and has the Reon chip, all the new HD audio formats as well. It also has 5.1 anolog outs so you don't need a new receiver (as long as yours has 5.1 anolog inputs) to hear the new HD formats. The player should be out by Jan 15 of 2008, but if you can't wait, there are some BD players with the Reon chip available.
Almost forgot, the Samsung will have a street price of $799.99

[ttsr]

The best and the cheapest Blu-Ray DVD player you can buy is the Sony Playstation 3. It plays all Blu-Ray and regular DVD's and has slo-mo features for DVD's

[INSman]

They do load slow, about 30 to 60 seconds and need firmware updates at times to be able to play certain BD movies, but that is the price you pay to be an early adopter.
If you purchase one with the Reon HQV chip, then they do a really good job with regular DVD's, not HD tho. I myself I am waiting for Samsungs BD-UP5000, it is a dual format player (plays HD-DVD and BlueRay Disc) and has the Reon chip, all the new HD audio formats as well. It also has 5.1 anolog outs so you don't need a new receiver (as long as yours has 5.1 anolog inputs) to hear the new HD formats. The player should be out by Jan 15 of 2008, but if you can't wait, there are some BD players with the Reon chip available.
Almost forgot, the Samsung will have a street price of $799.99
What do you think of the SAMSUNG BD-P1400 for $370 ?!? :idea:

[Boozer]

Why would you do Blu-Ray and not HD-DVD?
Personally I see Blu-Ray going the way of Beta. When Blu-Ray was developed the developers spent 100's of millions of dollars and a couple years developing the first media disc that was suppose to be unpiratable. After being released for less then 24 hours the code was cracked and Blu-Rays were able to be downloaded.
The developers had to pass the cost of development onto the consumer and that is why Blu-Ray is so overpriced. If you buy Blu-Ray you are paying for the manufacturers to recoup their losses on a technology that failed.
HD-DVD is less expensive and I can not personally see a difference in quality.

[Jyruiz]

What do you think of the SAMSUNG BD-P1400 for $370 ?!? :idea:
The 1200 does a better job with regular DVD's, but the 1400 is not bad and it is there 2nd generation player that has worked out some of the bugs out as well as loading faster and decodes Dolby TrueHD.

[INSman]

Why would you do Blu-Ray and not HD-DVD?
Personally I see Blu-Ray going the way of Beta. When Blu-Ray was developed the developers spent 100's of millions of dollars and a couple years developing the first media disc that was suppose to be unpiratable. After being released for less then 24 hours the code was cracked and Blu-Rays were able to be downloaded.
The developers had to pass the cost of development onto the consumer and that is why Blu-Ray is so overpriced. If you buy Blu-Ray you are paying for the manufacturers to recoup their losses on a technology that failed.
HD-DVD is less expensive and I can not personally see a difference in quality.
How many of the new movie titles are released in HD DVD vs Blue Ray ?!?

[Jyruiz]

How many of the new movie titles are released in HD DVD vs Blue Ray ?!?
BD is actually leading in movies released, but HD DVD is set to catch up by the 1st quarter of 08. The studios are split right now and some only release in BD and other in HD DVD, very few are doing both. This format was is far from over, that is why I am going with a dual format player. It is way to early to tell.

[INSman]

BD is actually leading in movies released, but HD DVD is set to catch up by the 1st quarter of 08. The studios are split right now and some only release in BD and other in HD DVD, very few are doing both. This format was is far from over, that is why I am going with a dual format player. It is way to early to tell.
Okay, no X-Mas present for myself :( Makes perfect sense to wait for the dual Samsung player Thanks J ... ;)

[Jyruiz]

Okay, no X-Mas present for myself :( Makes perfect sense to wait for the dual Samsung player Thanks J ... ;)
Not a problem.

[mbrown2]

The only reason Blu Ray still has life and penetration is because it is included in the Playstation...Even a Sony's CEO, biggest BP supporter, spoke last week and was unsure about the formats future....not sure the posture you would expect from its biggest supporter.
Over the past 6 months due to price reductions on the HD side and more film producers (PORN) starting to adopt HD it is catching up fast...
However, the format war is scheduled to go another 18 months reuters reported the other day...
With a format war continuing and HD internet movies on demand making progress, the format war will hurt itself....if the HD on demand services along with video servers (Microsoft Windows Entertainment, AppleTV/ITunes, other media servers) continue to mature, I see both formats losing like the CD has to ITunes and other electronic mediums......you will just add an all in one, AV router, nas, server device where you just add volume to increase your library...and no more lagging DVD's to your car or the river house....WIFI networks and your second home attached to the internet is all you will need to get to your movies, music and pictures...should be an interesting 18-24 months..

[BigBoyBlue]

Why would you do Blu-Ray and not HD-DVD?
Personally I see Blu-Ray going the way of Beta. When Blu-Ray was developed the developers spent 100's of millions of dollars and a couple years developing the first media disc that was suppose to be unpiratable. After being released for less then 24 hours the code was cracked and Blu-Rays were able to be downloaded.
The developers had to pass the cost of development onto the consumer and that is why Blu-Ray is so overpriced. If you buy Blu-Ray you are paying for the manufacturers to recoup their losses on a technology that failed.
HD-DVD is less expensive and I can not personally see a difference in quality.
Although I agree quality is pretty much the same,
I would do Blu-Ray over HD-DVD for many reasons.
1. PS3 - My first blu-ray player, as my PS2 was my first DVD player, im sure alot of people can agree the same. PS3 and Blu-Ray complement each other way better than a stand alone HD-DVD player or the ugly X-Box 360 add on.
2. Has more max potential to hold more content, 200GB vs. 51GB
3. Has better scratch resistant coating
4. Since introduction, Blu-Ray has been selling roughly 2 to 1 HD-DVD. Black friday statistics, 72% blu-ray, 28% HD-DVD
5. More companys back it. Including VIVID Video and Girls Gone Wild:D
Price will fall soon enough, not much diffent if you shop eBay.

[cnj]

Although I agree quality is pretty much the same,
I would do Blu-Ray over HD-DVD for many reasons.
1. PS3 - My first blu-ray player, as my PS2 was my first DVD player, im sure alot of people can agree the same. PS3 and Blu-Ray complement each other way better than a stand alone HD-DVD player or the ugly X-Box 360 add on.
2. Has more max potential to hold more content, 200GB vs. 51GB
3. Has better scratch resistant coating
4. Since introduction, Blu-Ray has been selling roughly 2 to 1 HD-DVD. Black friday statistics, 72% blu-ray, 28% HD-DVD
5. More companys back it. Including VIVID Video and Girls Gone Wild:D
Price will fall soon enough, not much diffent if you shop eBay.
Hmmm........good to know. I heard the porn industry was going with HD-DVD???

[mbrown2]

4. Since introduction, Blu-Ray has been selling roughly 2 to 1 HD-DVD. Black friday statistics, 72% blu-ray, 28% HD-DVD
Pull PS3 from those metrics and review sales over the last 6-8 months...
5. More companys back it. Including VIVID Video and Girls Gone Wild:D
That's old news on Vivid where CEO announced that in January at Porndex/AVN's...the world has changed since then for many porn and clean film companies....Look at Vivid's site and do a search on Blu Ray then HD, and today it will show 3 BP titles vs 60 plus HD titles..obviously they have embraced HD since their CEO made his premature announcement..

[Jyruiz]

Hmmm........good to know. I heard the porn industry was going with HD-DVD???
Porn studios don't have a choice but to go with HD DVD. Sony wich is the originator of BD wont allow any porn to be put on their format, and that is another reason why Disney went with BD as well.

[Jyruiz]

Although I agree quality is pretty much the same,
I would do Blu-Ray over HD-DVD for many reasons.
1. PS3 - My first blu-ray player, as my PS2 was my first DVD player, im sure alot of people can agree the same. PS3 and Blu-Ray complement each other way better than a stand alone HD-DVD player or the ugly X-Box 360 add on.
2. Has more max potential to hold more content, 200GB vs. 51GB
3. Has better scratch resistant coating
4. Since introduction, Blu-Ray has been selling roughly 2 to 1 HD-DVD. Black friday statistics, 72% blu-ray, 28% HD-DVD
5. More companys back it. Including VIVID Video and Girls Gone Wild:D
Price will fall soon enough, not much diffent if you shop eBay.
Number 3 is not entirely true, BD needs a scratch resistent coating because their info is closer to the surface than HD DVD.

[blown65]

I have both right now and personally the PQ of all my titles seem better on HD-DVD for whatever reason. (also have equally as many hddvd and br discs)
Dual format player would be cool, but you can get a HD-DVD player for sub 150, and then a PS3. I actually dont play any games on the PS3, it was bought mostly to do movies and handle my music. :)

[INSman]

The only reason Blu Ray still has life and penetration is because it is included in the Playstation...Even a Sony's CEO, biggest BP supporter, spoke last week and was unsure about the formats future....not sure the posture you would expect from its biggest supporter.
Over the past 6 months due to price reductions on the HD side and more film producers (PORN) starting to adopt HD it is catching up fast...
However, the format war is scheduled to go another 18 months reuters reported the other day...
With a format war continuing and HD internet movies on demand making progress, the format war will hurt itself....if the HD on demand services along with video servers (Microsoft Windows Entertainment, AppleTV/ITunes, other media servers) continue to mature, I see both formats losing like the CD has to ITunes and other electronic mediums......you will just add an all in one, AV router, nas, server device where you just add volume to increase your library...and no more lagging DVD's to your car or the river house....WIFI networks and your second home attached to the internet is all you will need to get to your movies, music and pictures...should be an interesting 18-24 months..
You had me at "Hello" ;)

[Jyruiz]

I have both right now and personally the PQ of all my titles seem better on HD-DVD for whatever reason. (also have equally as many hddvd and br discs)
Dual format player would be cool, but you can get a HD-DVD player for sub 150, and then a PS3. I actually dont play any games on the PS3, it was bought mostly to do movies and handle my music. :)
Which BD player do you own? Wondering because the 1st gen players were horrible and needed firmware updates for a better picture and even then they were not as good. That is one reason HD DVD players have to have an RJ 45 port, for firmware updates as well as special and added content from the web for a lot of HD movies.

[blown65]

Which BD player do you own? Wondering because the 1st gen players were horrible and needed firmware updates for a better picture and even then they were not as good. That is one reason HD DVD players have to have an RJ 45 port, for firmware updates as well as special and added content from the web for a lot of HD movies.
I use my PS3 for BR, and its got the most updated firmware. My HD-DVD players are about 2 firmwares behind. Both are hooked up the same way with HDMI direct to the TV :)
I haven't compared the same title on each mainly cause I hadn't started renting any till recently. I want to get Phantom of the Opera in BR to see how they look in comparison. I do like how fast the PS3 boots up compared to the hd-dvd players. (I have a 1st and a 2nd gen hd-dvd player, 2nd is faster, but still takes a while to get up and going)
I think your talking about the quality of the first gen samsung right? I remember reading about it on avsforum.com. Lots of unhappy ppl. (along with the crappy first release of the fifth element.)

[blown65]

btw, dont waste your money on Oceans 13 on HD. Why they thought that was a good idea is beyond me. Less than SD quality on an HD price tag. :mad:

[Jyruiz]

I use my PS3 for BR, and its got the most updated firmware. My HD-DVD players are about 2 firmwares behind. Both are hooked up the same way with HDMI direct to the TV :)
I haven't compared the same title on each mainly cause I hadn't started renting any till recently. I want to get Phantom of the Opera in BR to see how they look in comparison. I do like how fast the PS3 boots up compared to the hd-dvd players. (I have a 1st and a 2nd gen hd-dvd player, 2nd is faster, but still takes a while to get up and going)
I think your talking about the quality of the first gen samsung right? I remember reading about it on avsforum.com. Lots of unhappy ppl. (along with the crappy first release of the fifth element.)
Yeah, it sucks how slow stand alone BD and HD DVD players load. The PS 3 and X-Box are fast because they are doing it with hardware and the players with software.

[Jyruiz]

Can't the HD audio be passed through optical or coaxial digital like everything else in the world? I have 6 channel discreet input on my receiver for a SACD/DVD Audio player, but I prefer the ease of optical.
Not for DD+, DD HD, DTS HD and DTS Master HD, the optical and coax digital inputs do not have the bandwidth for the new HD sound formats. You can still use the digital inputs, but the player will down convert the sound to regular DD or DTS.

[OutCole'd]

Not for DD+, DD HD, DTS HD and DTS Master HD, the optical and coax digital inputs do not have the bandwidth for the new HD sound formats. You can still use the digital inputs, but the player will down convert the sound to regular DD or DTS.
What???????:confused: :confused: :D English please......:D

[OutCole'd]

Plug the cable thingies into the DVD player and then plug the other end of the cable thingies into your receiver. :D
Much better, why not just say that to begin with??:rolleyes: :D

[Jyruiz]

What???????:confused: :confused: :D English please......:D
That was English, would you like me to explain it in Spanish?:D

[OutCole'd]

That was English, would you like me to explain it in Spanish?:D
Lol, couldn't hurt.:D

[Not So Fast]

What???????:confused: :confused: :D English please......:D
Ditto, where is the "on-off" knob please? :D NSF

[INSman]

Not for DD+, DD HD, DTS HD and DTS Master HD, the optical and coax digital inputs do not have the bandwidth for the new HD sound formats. You can still use the digital inputs, but the player will down convert the sound to regular DD or DTS.
I am okay with good old DD and really love DTS ... Would be interested to hear the difference in sound for whatever format comes in HD :idea:

[Jyruiz]

I am okay with good old DD and really love DTS ... Would be interested to hear the difference in sound for whatever format comes in HD :idea:
DD and DTS are very compressed 640kbps for DD and 1.5mgbs for DTS at best. The HD formats are uncompressed and sound way better, the new formats sound clearer and way more dynamic, almost day and night difference.

[INSman]

DD and DTS are very compressed 640kbps for DD and 1.5mgbs for DTS at best. The HD formats are uncompressed and sound way better, the new formats sound clearer and way more dynamic, almost day and night difference.
I have a really nice Sunfire processor, what input would be used for the HD audio ??

[BeetleJuice]

Our new Pioneer Elite Blu-Ray player BDP-95FD is a awesome unit! While watching Blu-Ray movie 300 the picture and sound quality is unbelievable! The movie's are getting pumped into our new Pioneer Elite Kuro 60" Plasma and the sound through our new Pioneer A/V Receiver VSX-94TXH. It is a whole new home movie experience! Why go to the theaters?
Go Pioneer Elite.

[Jyruiz]

It sounds like it would have to have the dedicated 6 channel RCA input for a 5.1 source.
For the new formats, yes, as long as the player decodes it.

[Jyruiz]

Our new Pioneer Elite Blu-Ray player BDP-95FD is a awesome unit! While watching Blu-Ray movie 300 the picture and sound quality is unbelievable! The movie's are getting pumped into our new Pioneer Elite Kuro 60" Plasma and the sound through our new Pioneer A/V Receiver VSX-94TXH. It is a whole new home movie experience! Why go to the theaters?
Go Pioneer Elite.
Nice system and you have the best plasma out rigth now, the picture is amazing, you have a nice receiver too.
I currently have last years 50" PIO which is going in the bedroom as soon as we are done remolding the bedroom. Then I will get the 60 Kuro for the living room. I also have an Elite receiver but might be going with something different next.

[INSman]

Our new Pioneer Elite Blu-Ray player BDP-95FD is a awesome unit! While watching Blu-Ray movie 300 the picture and sound quality is unbelievable! The movie's are getting pumped into our new Pioneer Elite Kuro 60" Plasma and the sound through our new Pioneer A/V Receiver VSX-94TXH. It is a whole new home movie experience! Why go to the theaters?
Go Pioneer Elite.
I have gone that route Greg and unfortunately it just gets worse or better from there depending on the perspective. Worse as far as spending yet even more money but better in that there is a whole world past even the very nice Pioneer Elite line. Next step is literally EVERY friggin cable you have, line conditioner/surge protector, voltage stabilizer and of course the right speakers & sub for your particular setup make every difference in the world. ;)

[blown65]

For the new formats, yes, as long as the player decodes it.
I'm a little behind, but can't you use HDMI V. 1.3 to also get the audio you cant get with toslink?

[BigBoyBlue]

Pull PS3 from those metrics and review sales over the last 6-8 months...
True, but why would you pull PS3 from the stats when it is clearly helping more sales for Blu-ray. It exists on the market, it should exist in the stats.
Either way, I dont care about the whole porn deal. Id rather get the real thing than watch a high def movie.

[Racey]

Blu Ray is a superior format to HD-DVD, not in picture quality, they are pretty much equal there, but the actual Blu-Ray format can hold nearly 2x the amount of data that HD-DVD can hold. I'm not a big sony fan but the truth is the truth. For the cost of a Blu-ray player you might as well just buy a PS3 and kill two birds with one stone, they are pretty kickass anyway. Blu-Ray is here to stay for a long time on the simple fact that it has twice the storage per disc. As the data needs of all types of media (Movies, Music, Games, Computers) become more and more Blu-Ray will become more of a necessity.
Look at the trends, remember when the first CD-Burners came out costing thousands, and then when they became a standard item on all computers, then DVD burners came out costing thousands, now they are standard issue costing in the $100.00 range. The next generation of HD-TV will continue to grow in Resolution and frame rate, requiring more and more data storage, as Red spectrum lasers are no longer physically able to handle this, Blue Spectrum discs will become more and more necessary.
CD-ROM: 0.7GB
DVD: 4.7GB(Single Layer) 8.5GB(Dual Layer)
HD-DVD: 15GB(Single Layer) 30GB(Dual Layer)
Blu-Ray: 25GB(Single Layer) 50GB(Dual Layer)

[Jyruiz]

I'm a little behind, but can't you use HDMI V. 1.3 to also get the audio you cant get with toslink?
Yes, but you might have to go into the player setup and set the output to Bitstream.

[Jyruiz]

Blu Ray is a superior format to HD-DVD, not in picture quality, they are pretty much equal there, but the actual Blu-Ray format can hold nearly 2x the amount of data that HD-DVD can hold. I'm not a big sony fan but the truth is the truth. For the cost of a Blu-ray player you might as well just buy a PS3 and kill two birds with one stone, they are pretty kickass anyway. Blu-Ray is here to stay for a long time on the simple fact that it has twice the storage per disc. As the data needs of all types of media (Movies, Music, Games, Computers) become more and more Blu-Ray will become more of a necessity.
Look at the trends, remember when the first CD-Burners came out costing thousands, and then when they became a standard item on all computers, then DVD burners came out costing thousands, now they are standard issue costing in the $100.00 range. The next generation of HD-TV will continue to grow in Resolution and frame rate, requiring more and more data storage, as Red spectrum lasers are no longer physically able to handle this, Blue Spectrum discs will become more and more necessary.
CD-ROM: 0.7GB
DVD: 4.7GB(Single Layer) 8.5GB(Dual Layer)
HD-DVD: 15GB(Single Layer) 30GB(Dual Layer) 51GB (Three Layer)
Blu-Ray: 25GB(Single Layer) 50GB(Dual Layer)
But I am not a cheeleader for either, I would be find if both sayted, that is why I am going with a dual format player.

[Racey]

But I am not a cheeleader for either, I would be find if both sayted, that is why I am going with a dual format player.
Sound advice indeed. :)

[blown65]

But I am not a cheeleader for either, I would be find if both sayted, that is why I am going with a dual format player.
yup, same here. Exactly why I have both.

[BeetleJuice]

I have gone that route Greg and unfortunately it just gets worse or better from there depending on the perspective. Worse as far as spending yet even more money but better in that there is a whole world past even the very nice Pioneer Elite line. Next step is literally EVERY friggin cable you have, line conditioner/surge protector, voltage stabilizer and of course the right speakers & sub for your particular setup make every difference in the world. ;)
Blane, I know what you mean! It just goes up from here. I didn't want to step into the next world above the Pioneer Elite, because it is many thousands more! I do have all Monster cables and the Monster surge protector. Speakers are all Energy, the front towers are the Veritas 2.8i's. I am happy with what I have and didn't want to spend $50k on our family entertainment setup. No matter how much you spend, it would be hard to beat the new 60" Elite Kuro Pro-150FD Plasma in picture quality.
Yes there are better receivers several thousands more then my new Pioneer Elite A/V receiver, but I am happy with the sound effect quality I am getting out of it. It's like where do you draw the line on what to spend for marginal improvement that most will never notice, that only the few real audiophiles out there could or would appreciate?

[INSman]

Blane, I know what you mean! It just goes up from here. I didn't want to step into the next world above the Pioneer Elite, because it is many thousands more! I do have all Monster cables and the Monster surge protector. Speakers are all Energy, the front towers are the Veritas 2.8i's. I am happy with what I have and didn't want to spend $50k on our family entertainment setup. No matter how much you spend, it would be hard to beat the new 60" Elite Kuro Pro-150FD Plasma in picture quality.
Yes there are better receivers several thousands more then my new Pioneer Elite A/V receiver, but I am happy with the sound effect quality I am getting out of it. It's like where do you draw the line on what to spend for marginal improvement that most will never notice, that only the few real audiophiles out there could or would appreciate?
Have not seen the newer Pioneer 60" you have as I am still using a 55" Fujitsu I payed a ton for when they first came out a few years back. The Pioneer Elite receivers are pretty bitchen and packed with just about every feature imaginable, so I have no doubt you have a killer setup and is enjoyed by you and the family. If and when the next round comes up, look into the Bob carver SUNFIRE line, with as simple as a killer 7 channel full feature receiver or seperate amp & processor, can't go wrong either way and they also have earth shattering subwoofers. As you have the Monster Surge Protector, I would REALLY look seriously at getting the Monster Voltage stabilizer that will add both life and efficiency to all of your components, the most important being the Pioneer Plasma. Low voltage is a hidden equipment "killer" :(

[Jyruiz]

Luckily, speakers, subs and clables don't really need to be upgraded as much as DVD players, audio receivers and TV's, and TV's only since they came out with HD, otherwise we still would probably have the same CRT TV's.
Cables have been proven to be a waste when buying the expensive name brands. I myself have compared Monster cables (audio and video) with no name brand cables and have never heard or seen the difference. The more expensive cables usually have better shielding, but unless they are next to an exposed transformer or something with a lot of magnetic electricity bleeding off, they are pretty much a waste, now even more now with digital signals (HDMI, DVI, optical, coaxial) than ever.

[mbrown2]

Cables have been proven to be a waste when buying the expensive name brands. I myself have compared Monster cables (audio and video) with no name brand cables and have never heard or seen the difference. The more expensive cables usually have better shielding, but unless they are next to an exposed transformer or something with a lot of magnetic electricity bleeding off, they are pretty much a waste, now even more now with digital signals (HDMI, DVI, optical, coaxial) than ever.
Bingo...pretty much a waste...buy my 1.3 HDMI cables off of Ebay for a fraction of the cost..

[Jyruiz]

Bingo...pretty much a waste...buy my 1.3 HDMI cables off of Ebay for a fraction of the cost..
I get all my cables thru,
www.monoprice.com
6' HDMI cables go for about $5.00 and are gold plated and high quality. All there cables are inexpensive and of high quality.

[mbrown2]

You've obviously never tried Pear Cables. ;)
http://www.pearcable.com/
Boy...those are some stupid prices for some stupid owners....
Heck the multi-millionaire 40-50 year old does not even have the hearing to hear the real difference......dogs could only tell the diff:)

[mbrown2]

I have some in my boat. :rolleyes: :D
I am sure we can hear the SQ difference at the upper sandbar...:)...at least the dogs can..:)

[blown65]

I get all my cables thru,
www.monoprice.com
6' HDMI cables go for about $5.00 and are gold plated and high quality. All there cables are inexpensive and of high quality.
all my cables are from them and not a single issue.

[MBlaster]

The HD-DVD vs BD can't stop me from thinking of VHS vs Beta.
When the dust settled only one survived.
I always thought Beta was better than VHS.
Isn't buying a expensive dual format player kind of a gamble given the past format wars?
Wouldn't it be better to just sit on the sidelines for a while or just get a PS3?

[INSman]

You've obviously never tried Pear Cables. ;)
http://www.pearcable.com/
Is that guy on crack with those prices ?!? I am sure someone would buy them, just not me :)

[blown65]

At the current prices of HD-DVD players its really not a big deal to just pick one of them up either. Since they upconvert also, which I dont believe the PS3 can do.

[Jyruiz]

Beta was better, much better. In the single biggest marketing snafu of all time, Sony underestimated how far along JVC was with VHS. Sony wanted to control everything about Beta, from the production of the players to the release of the movies. JVC came out with VHS a couple months later and licensed it to everybody with $100.
Exactly what Sony is doing with BD now, thats why if I was to guess on a looser, it would be BD.

[Jyruiz]

At the current prices of HD-DVD players its really not a big deal to just pick one of them up either. Since they upconvert also, which I dont believe the PS3 can do.
Not all the players upconvert very good though, if one gets the entry level Toshiba and now Venturer that Walmart is selling which is a entry level Toshiba clone, those don't upconvert all that well. In those cases, it is better to use or keep your current DVD player. The X-Box and PS3 don't upconvert as well either.

[blown65]

Exactly what Sony is doing with BD now, thats why if I was to guess on a looser, it would be BD.
It was funny how sure they were when stating it would be over by Jan/Feb last yr. LOL!!
The only thing keeping BD around right now isn't the PS3, its the couple studios that are loyal to them right now. If they decide to support both formats, its over IMO. Inexpensive players with all the content will win.

[BajaMike]

Anyone know of a good home theater installation company in the Palm Desert area?:confused:
We want to get my mom a new flat screen TV (wall mounted), HD DVD (or Blu-Ray), and surround sound system. The AC power and the cables will need to be run through the walls where the TV will be and we would like to get wall/ceiling mounted speakers.
Any suggestions on a mid-priced 42" to 52" TV, HD DVD, and surround sound system?
Does Circuit City or Best Buy do these type of installations? I would like to get it all (and installation) at one place and keep it simple to use for her (obviously she's not too technical).:idea:

[Jyruiz]

It was funny how sure they were when stating it would be over by Jan/Feb last yr. LOL!!
The only thing keeping BD around right now isn't the PS3, its the couple studios that are loyal to them right now. If they decide to support both formats, its over IMO. Inexpensive players with all the content will win.
Yes, it was funny. I don't think it is going to end in the next 18 months either, HD DVD and BD are a nitch right now and between both of them, they barely have 5% of the DVD market. If anything, the studios are not in a hurry to release HD DVDs or BDs because regular DVD's sell so good and are way cheaper to make and there is more profit in regular DVD's.
The studios are pretty much split right now, no format has more studios than the other, and some sutios are releasing movies in both formats and don't want to take sides. Both camps are being tricky on the way they count and keep stats on how many players are on the market, Sony counts the PS3 as a player, but not the X-Box and Toshiba does not count the PS3 but does count HD DVD drives that are in there laptops. It is like watching two kids go at it after school.
It sucks that Sony and Toshiba could not come to an agreement when they were meeting for years in trying to decide which format to go with. Neither camp would compromise and now we have this war. Both are loosing money right now, but HD DVD is poised to earn theres back sooner as they use the same technology when making HD DVDs as they do for regular DVDs. Toshiba is also flooding the market with lower price players and JSP (Joe six pack) will for sure go for the lower price unit as he really does not care and want HD the cheapest way he can have it.

[Jyruiz]

I believe both CC and BB do them, but I would normally recommend a specialty store for this type of job.
ShockwaveBob is correct, but if I had to go with on of them, I would go with BestBuy as they are even sending there installers to ISF training.

[BajaMike]

ShockwaveBob is correct, but if I had to go with on of them, I would go with BestBuy as they are even sending there installers to ISF training.
What is ISF training?
I would like to one source the equipment/installation so if there is a problem, the equipment provider isn't saying "the installer screwed up" and installer isn't saying "it's a problem with the equipment".
Mom's in her 80s, and it's a two hour drive if I have to go out and help her.
But she loves her music and movies (the whole house and pool area is already wired with sound).
:idea:

[blown65]

Yes, it was funny. I don't think it is going to end in the next 18 months either, HD DVD and BD are a nitch right now and between both of them, they barely have 5% of the DVD market. If anything, the studios are not in a hurry to release HD DVDs or BDs because regular DVD's sell so good and are way cheaper to make and there is more profit in regular DVD's.
The studios are pretty much split right now, no format has more studios than the other, and some sutios are releasing movies in both formats and don't want to take sides. Both camps are being tricky on the way they count and keep stats on how many players are on the market, Sony counts the PS3 as a player, but not the X-Box and Toshiba does not count the PS3 but does count HD DVD drives that are in there laptops. It is like watching two kids go at it after school.
It sucks that Sony and Toshiba could not come to an agreement when they were meeting for years in trying to decide which format to go with. Neither camp would compromise and now we have this war. Both are loosing money right now, but HD DVD is poised to earn theres back sooner as they use the same technology when making HD DVDs as they do for regular DVDs. Toshiba is also flooding the market with lower price players and JSP (Joe six pack) will for sure go for the lower price unit as he really does not care and want HD the cheapest way he can have it.
yes, that and uninformed buyers understand HD-DVD much easier than Bluray. Its funny how many ppl that ask have no clue that Bluray is HD.
I'm just waiting for affordable HD burners, and a HD camcorder. :)

[Jyruiz]

yes, that and uninformed buyers understand HD-DVD much easier than Bluray. Its funny how many ppl that ask have no clue that Bluray is HD.
I'm just waiting for affordable HD burners, and a HD camcorder. :)
I went with the Canon HV20, it was the best for picture quality out of all the HD camcorders, wether DVD, hard drive or tape, but not the best for ergonomics. It also offers 24p recording and best for low light at that setting.
Check out the link,
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ratings.php

[blown65]

yup, thats what I was planning on getting depending whats out this summer. Not really going to worry about it till around april/may.

[HBjet]

Interesting thread.
I personally believe both formats are too late in coming to market. With everything becoming available online why would you go by a disc when you can download the movie? The DVD disc will soon start to slow in sales just as CD's have been with music downloads. I don't know when the last time I purchased a music CD. 4 years? I wouldn't waste money on either players unless you have money to burn. I would rather have a media center PC or server to store all of my movies, music, photos, etc. The disc will be a thing of the past.

[Jyruiz]

Interesting thread.
I personally believe both formats are too late in coming to market. With everything becoming available online why would you go by a disc when you can download the movie? The DVD disc will soon start to slow in sales just as CD's have been with music downloads. I don't know when the last time I purchased a music CD. 4 years? I wouldn't waste money on either players unless you have money to burn. I would rather have a media center PC or server to store all of my movies, music, photos, etc. The disc will be a thing of the past.
I think you have a point, regular DVD's, not a problem, but you need a lot of bandwidth and space in order to be able to do HD DVD and BD with there new audio formats. Guess you can always leave it downloading and watch it later and I think one day HD movies will be avialable on line, but not everybody will embrace it like they did VHS or DVD, the studios also have more control of there content when it is not online.
Who knows what will happen, HD DVD and BD took for ever to come out because of copy proctection and I think it will be the same for HD content on line.

[mbrown2]

I think you have a point, regular DVD's, not a problem, but you need a lot of bandwidth and space in order to be able to do HD DVD and BD with there new audio formats. Guess you can always leave it downloading and watch it later and I think one day HD movies will be avialable on line, but not everybody will embrace it like they did VHS or DVD, the studios also have more control of there content when it is not online.
Who knows what will happen, HD DVD and BD took for ever to come out because of copy proctection and I think it will be the same for HD content on line.
There is burning sw already available for HD burners and you can buy hardware that will do duplication...
The only thing that is keeping from online is demand and bandwidth...this will change with time as the price of hw comes down....most $900+ laptops come with HD Players, and within 6-9 months Dual Format players will supplant the $150-200 upconverting players of today....within 12 months studios will start to release movies in higher def content first...there will be a BIG movie that comes out and chooses to RELEASE first only on HD or BP...and this will trigger the adoptance....18-24 months, homes and wireless networks will be able to support better then 100mg to 1Gig,...this and other network caching technologies will enable HD capabile media on demand...
But that's that a wild a$$ guess for a Sunday night...

[mbrown2]

Interesting read today that speaks to alot of the same things pointed out in this thread....
10 Reasons to skip to Skip the Format War (http://www.cepro.com/slideshow/image/1741/)
I am wrestling with picking up one of the new players and have a tough time choosing when I see this continuing...and right now dual format players are still too expensive...
Hopefully this xmas season will bring the prices down...

[justfloatn]

Reminds me of the old VHS or Beta question back in 79:D :D :D

[BajaMike]

I went with the Canon HV20, it was the best for picture quality out of all the HD camcorders, wether DVD, hard drive or tape, but not the best for ergonomics. It also offers 24p recording and best for low light at that setting.
Check out the link,
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ratings.php
How much is the Canon HV20?? The price isn't listed at that web site.
That's a good site, by the way.
:idea:

[Jyruiz]

How much is the Canon HV20?? The price isn't listed at that web site.
That's a good site, by the way.
:idea:
Crutchfield has it for $899.00 and you can get the tapes and extra battery thru Amazon, the batteries are like $14.00 a piece for extended ones.

[blown65]

Crutchfield has it for $899.00 and you can get the tapes and extra battery thru Amazon, the batteries are like $14.00 a piece for extended ones.
Costco is better, 799.00 less 50 bucks.

[Jyruiz]

Costco is better, 799.00 less 50 bucks.
Wish they would have had that deal when I purchased mine.:(