Poll: Where do you stand in the format war?
We used to really like polls around here, and with the success of last week's poll, they might make a comeback starting with this format war poll. We want to know where you stand in this whole format war thing. Based on last week's poll, we predict that the majority of our readers will be dual format, with the minority being those sitting on the sidelines. While we know the opposite is probably true in the world of joe six-packs, it's still interesting to see where the early adopters stand.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
RazorD @ Nov 13th 2007 10:54AM
Brave guys... very brave!
SMan @ Nov 13th 2007 10:57AM
I voted still waiting. From an implementation perspective I think HD-DVD has delivered the better product (i.e. all features baked into the standard from day one)
The reason for being on the fence is the prohibitive cost of dual format players.
At the end of the day I would love to be able to play movies but am not willing to spend money on BD and HD knowing that BD is still in development.
My movie come from both sides. My message to the studios is that they are missing out sales of both Hi-Def DVD's and standard DVD because I would really like to hold off on buying movies until I feel comfortable with a Hi-Def choice.
Chris @ Nov 13th 2007 3:03PM
Better Product? HA! Good one... on antoher note - are you saying the reason HD DUD movie sales suck is because you are all waiting to BD to win so you can start buying movies ??????????????? Cause Blu isn't waiting !!!!!!!
rick @ Nov 13th 2007 10:57AM
which way is "i lean red" - don't they both use blue lasers?
Matt @ Nov 13th 2007 1:14PM
The one that comes in a red case.
CapNJunkie @ Nov 13th 2007 10:58AM
I decided to post some comments on this one for a change.
I voted HD DVD exclusive only because I don't have a Blu player, only the xbox 360 add on. I would be neutral if I could get a Blu player for under $200 because there are a bunch of movies I would buy. Especially with the current BOGO offer.
And this is my reason for posting. I bought the add-on because it was cheap (relative at the time) and would let me experience HDM, not because I "hate Sony" or "love Toshiba" or whatever. I just want to watch great movies (ok, and some crappy ones too) in high def. So give me a cheap Blu-ray player and I'll be there too.
Jeff @ Nov 13th 2007 12:59PM
I lean HD DVD, but would buy an "add on" in a heartbeat.
Burrens @ Nov 13th 2007 11:01AM
I agree with SMan. I am not buying movies right now because;
A - I don't want to be stuck buying two players to be able to watch all my HD movies with all interactive features intact.
B - I do not want to buy an uber expensive dual format player.
C - I do not want to buy SD movies anymore seeing as HD movies available, and I have an HD TV.
Michal @ Nov 13th 2007 12:07PM
Same reasons I'm on the fence.
Aaron @ Nov 13th 2007 10:03PM
For $300, you can have both formats if you have an HTPC with enough power (link below). Even if you don't have an HDCP video card, just get AnyDVD HD and everything will play well together.
Of course, you will have to use Cyberlink's PowerDVD HD which (is buggy and it) downsamples HD audio to DVD-equivalent quality. Also, you will never (at least for the forseeable future) be able to get a 7.1 digital signal to the receiver as Optical/Toslink can only carry digital 5.1. But most high-end receivers can take a 5.1 digital signal and pump out 7.1 channels with Dolby EX.
In any case, I guess it is kind of a mixed bag. But for those that are interested in a cheap dual alternative, here is the HTPC dual format player:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136133&Tpk=lg%2bblu%2bray
Joe Maki @ Nov 13th 2007 11:06AM
I have both. I'm partial to hd-dvd primarily becuase I can easily author HD material to standard dual-layer dvds for viewing on their players. They are both excellent formats
andy @ Nov 13th 2007 11:07AM
I didn't really care, but I like the complete spec of HD-DVD better, and it's lesser restrictions. It's more consumer electronics and less beta (as in beta software or spec versions).
Now, I guess I'm HDDVD exclusive. I needed a new DVD player for my setup, and walmart decided to practically give me an HDDVD player, so I took it.
Will @ Nov 13th 2007 11:07AM
I bought one of the HD-A2s when they went on sale on Amazon. I really have been blown away by the picture quality. That being said, I don't mind moving it to a bedroom TV if Blu-Ray wins, as it has great picture quality for regular DVDs.
I am really wanting to have a home theater media center, and the PS3 is by far the cheapest option for that right now. I kinda want Blu-Ray to win for that reason, but I could just be patient and build my own in a year. I really wouldn't mind either one, but I hope the decision comes quickly!
WallyB @ Nov 13th 2007 11:16AM
I voted "Both, but I lean red". I actually only own HD DVD, but I like both formats. If I could get a BR player right now for $199, I'd be all over that. I've been happy so far with my 360 add-on and my new A2, but I'd love to be able to double my library .
Ryan J. @ Nov 13th 2007 11:26AM
I bought the Xbox 360 HD DVD player for about $80, and my PS3 for $600. Both formats are great, but at the end of the day, I would rather be out $80 on an attachment that only outputs 5.1 Dolby Digital / DTS and 1080i video which may have ITC problems in the future (via component on my original Xbox 360 premium with no HDMI) VS. $600 on a system that outputs lossless next generation audio and 1080P video via HDMI. Therefore, I support both but lean towards Blu-ray for these reasons. Just my opinion based on my situation.
andyg8180 @ Nov 13th 2007 11:36AM
@Ryan... 1080P through HDMI on the latest 360's...
Dont forget that most of the HDDVD players are online capable and are able to get updates unlike the Blu-Ray players which are obsolete out of the box once things go profile 1.1 and 2.0 compliant...
I'm not flaming so dont read it like that... just pointing out the con's...
Spending $80 is definitly better than spending $600 to get a taste of high def...
SuperChuck @ Nov 13th 2007 11:27AM
Both HD formats feel like Laserdisc from the 90s. Yeah, they're technically superior, but they lack market penetration...
Marshall @ Nov 13th 2007 11:27AM
I also picked up a $99 A2, review forthcoming and not all positive, but as I fleshed out in episode 17, DVD is still champ for the mainstream, and even enthusiasts who have a diverse taste in content. There's no doubt that HD produced superior Video and Audio, but DVD is still the more attractive solution (All though, if the $199 and below price sticks, I'd probably change my tune).
Blu-ray needs a $199 player yesterday unless they want to become a joke. PS3 is not an excuse.
Marshall
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The Real HT Info Podcast
andyg8180 @ Nov 13th 2007 11:32AM
PS3 is not a Blu-Ray player... It's a sorry excuse for a Video Game System who just so happens to be able to PLAY BLU-RAY... so give me a break... It's like taking my big ass tower computer and putting it next to my plasma and saying that my computer is the ultimate media center...
GIVE ME MY $199 BLU RAY PLAYER!!! or im sticking with my HD-DVD... Screw it... I'm in love with the Red stuff... and im not talking Aunt Flow...
Ryan J. @ Nov 13th 2007 11:39AM
"PS3 is not a Blu-Ray player... It's a sorry excuse for a Video Game System who just so happens to be able to PLAY BLU-RAY... so give me a break..."
Are you kidding? I own a PS3 (and an Xbox 360)... the Blu-ray player (in my house) is the best part! The reality for many (but not necessarily most people) is that it is a Blu-ray player FIRST and a gaming device SECOND. That could change in the near future as Sony brings out more advanced online capabilities and games. Don't kid yourself, the Blu-ray capabilities are SWEET on the PS3.
domerdel @ Nov 13th 2007 2:03PM
andy:
PS3 not a blu-ray player? poor excuse for a console? Sure the sales suffer, library is limited for now... It's been a year. What great game did 360 have in a year's time? GoW... that's it (merely subjective I know). Here's a look at some exclusives
1. Uncharted (uses 91% of BD capacity)
2. Ratchet n Clank
3. Folklore
4. R:FoM (an oldie but goodie)
5. Heavely Sword
6. Warhawk
Blockbuster games coming soon
1. MGS4
2. FFXIII
3. Killzone 2
4. God of War 3
5. Grand Turismo 5
More games, but just mentioning the exclusive ones. I wont deny the rough start. but Xbox360 came out with some REALLY CRAPPY games upon launch... oh how people forget, love to hate on Sony.
Wow what a terrible console. And this just in... it's getting the official divx stamp soon (check divx website for official press release). Wow, I get wi-fi, blu-ray, divx(soon), networking, games, all out of the box! no add ons! and it doesnt look like a clunky tower sitting next to my tv!
****ATTENTION HD-DVD SUPORTERS****
I still hear a lot about "did you know only 40% of ppl use PS3 for blu-ray.... the results of this study came back 3 months ago, but it was way beyond that.... STOP USING OLD NUMBERS!!!!
MGS4
FFXIII
Killzone 2
Charlie @ Nov 20th 2007 3:30PM
PS3 Not a Blu ray player...do your research before your blog...Not only is it a blu ray player...its rated as phenominal blu ray player which is fully upgradeable to the new 1.1 profile
Galley @ Nov 13th 2007 11:34AM
I'm Blu-ray exclusive, but I'm not rushing out to buy a bunch of titles. I don't see why the discs have to be so expensive. Other than Planet Earth, the most I have paid for a single title is $18.90 for Cars and Ratatouille. The BOGO sales bring them down to standard DVD prices, so I have been taking advantage of those.
Ryan J. @ Nov 13th 2007 11:35AM
I own both (so no "fanboy" accusations please). I wonder why this poll reflects HD DVD support in a narrow lead while Blu-ray software sales are kicking the crap (2:1) out of HD DVD software sales. Just curious.
andyg8180 @ Nov 13th 2007 11:39AM
Check the rental records... Netflix boasts double rentals on HD than Blu... Plus thats only in the US... Europe boasts a 3.8 attach rate on HD and only a .06 attach rate on Blu... How its below 1, i dont know, but thats stats for ya....
And now that HD-DVD players has increased in home because of the $99 and $199 deals, we'll have to wait another couple months to see if that "2:1" ratio will still stand... I predict that 2:1 will not be so wonderful...
Ryan J. @ Nov 13th 2007 11:45AM
My PS3 is already wireless, online, and ready for profile updates :) With my Xbox 360 HD DVD player, there are hardware limitations that cannot be updated with firmware.
Ryan J. @ Nov 13th 2007 12:09PM
1080P on the latest 360's does me no good, I already own an HDTV and an existing 360 that allows me to max out at "only" 1080i via component video.
domerdel @ Nov 13th 2007 1:21PM
once again. *obsolete* if you are giddy about supplements/interactivity
HD Tom @ Nov 13th 2007 11:36AM
I used to be part of the waiting crowd, till I got a $99 HD-DVD player two weeks ago. The way I figure, if HD-DVD wins, or is part of some future cooperation between the two sides - my first player came dirt cheap. If I'm wrong, I'm out $99, but not really, as I would still use it to upconvert DVD's on one of my non-primary TVs. But while this is in doubt - go HD-DVD!!!
crunchywyte @ Nov 13th 2007 11:38AM
It amazes me to see how many people are ok with their 1080i(A2 and add-ons, i know 1080p DUD players exist), low bitrate video encodes with no lossless audio(Transformers) just so they can have some JavaScript extras.....I'll take my 1080p high bitrate AVC video encodes with 48kHz/24bit PCM any day, and with blu movies outselling HDDVDs 2 to 1, it will not be long until blu is all that's left.
Kevin Murphy @ Nov 13th 2007 12:03PM
"It amazes me to see how many people are ok with their 1080i(A2 and add-ons, i know 1080p DUD players exist), low bitrate video encodes with no lossless audio(Transformers) just so they can have some JavaScript extras.....I'll take my 1080p high bitrate AVC video encodes with 48kHz/24bit PCM any day, and with blu movies outselling HDDVDs 2 to 1, it will not be long until blu is all that's left."
Where to start?
1) To a properly functioning 1080p set there is NO DIFFERENCE between 1080i/60 or 1080p/60 transfer of 1080p/24 frames. Both transfer methods pass all information to the set.
2) You need more bits to store compressed data when you use 1990 technology like mpeg2. HDTV uses better ethods.
3) Blu-ray has NO LOSSLESS COMPRESSION required in the 1.0 spec. They use that big disc to store uncompressed audio. Which is like emailing an unzipped file and bragging "My file is bigger!" Every HD DVD player has Dolby TrueHD support, which is lossless. Transformers "only" uses DTS at 1.5Mbits, yet every reviewer has said that the sound is indistinguishable from the original soundtrack. I'm having trouble here not using the "moron fanboy" term. PCM is a bug, not a feature.
Ed @ Nov 13th 2007 8:19PM
@ crunchywyte
Guess you haven't heard:
http://blog.hometheatermag.com/geoffreymorrison/0807061080iv1080p/
Deathwish238 @ Nov 13th 2007 5:26PM
It's sad but true...the PS3 is a BluRay player that happens to play games.
I'm still all for BluRay even though HD-DVD was better thought out as they haven't had to change its specs which lead to incompatibility issues that BluRay is having.
Once BluRay gets the price of their players down to $200, it's game over HD-DVD!
gjperch @ Nov 13th 2007 11:39AM
Ryan J. - many blu-ray people view this site as HD DVD-centric, and so don't spend a lot of time here.
andyg8180 @ Nov 13th 2007 11:49AM
and hd-backers view this site as blu-ray centric lol... kind of screwed either way you view it lol...
Kevin Murphy @ Nov 13th 2007 11:52AM
The attach rates in Europe for PS3s are awful, due to the small penetration of HDTV sets. Note that European SD has 100 more scan lines than in the USA. Anyway, with few HDTV sets, most PS3s have no way to play Blu-ray movies, so the attach rates suck. HD DVD, as usual, only goes to homes with HDTV.
Not sure that this means anything, though. The variables are hardly independent.
John B @ Nov 13th 2007 11:40AM
AFAIC, I support both. Both have pluses and minuses. I just wish that we didn't have to make a choice, thanks to studio exclusivity. I picked up one of the $98 HD-A2s, but I'll also rush to buy a $98 BluRay player, should one ever show up at that price. Until then, I'm just going to get my BR-exclusive titles on regular DVD.
Phigmeta @ Nov 13th 2007 2:41PM
ok i don't understand... what do you mean xbox360 can't take an update ... sorry bro ... pure bs
Besides I have never had to take an update for my DVD ... why should my HD-DVD player be any different
gjperch @ Nov 13th 2007 11:52AM
That is hilarious. So that means either that the site is unbiased (pissing off both camps) or if it's trying to be biased, it's doing a crappy job of it.
breissim @ Nov 13th 2007 11:50AM
I support both. Just acquired an LG GGC-H20L for $300 and put it into my existing HTPC. War? What war?
Kevin Murphy @ Nov 13th 2007 11:53AM
Now, if the editors would take the poll and post their results ;-)
Yao @ Nov 13th 2007 11:55AM
Assuming PS3 sold 2 Million Units in the USA
2,000,000 X .5 = 1,000,000 (The amount of PS3 owners that have HDTVS)
1,000,000 X .4 = 400,000 (The amount of PS3 owners that know about its BluRay capabilities)
400,00 X .2 = 80,000 ( The amount of PS3 owners that use their Blueray players)
Ryan J. @ Nov 13th 2007 12:00PM
Key word "assuming"... If that's true, how do YOU then explain Blu-ray software outselling HD DVD software 2:1?
Kevin Murphy @ Nov 13th 2007 12:07PM
Those percentages are not independent statistics, so they do not simply multiply. Many or the folks that don't know about Blu-ray don't have HDTVs, which is why they don't know. The actual overall factor to use is about 40%. And there are 1.75 million PS3s in user hands in the USA as of 2 weeks ago, for an effective count of about 700K.
shawnmos @ Nov 13th 2007 11:58AM
I see that the blu-boys have notified all of their fan sites, as I see they have come out of the woodwork to vote again.
mattydread @ Nov 13th 2007 11:58AM
What about the option, "None and I don't support either format" ? Everything I have seen in HD has been downloaded on XBox Live or have seen on an HD broadcast.
MJD @ Nov 13th 2007 12:03PM
It was 470 to 451 in HD DVD favor on exclusives 5 minutes ago. I've been hitting refresh ever since I saw it move to 470 to 465 quickly. Everytime I refresh, a new Blu Ray vote. Are voters for various sides being directed here to vote in groups from fan sites, there was a sudden change and it's been like 30 in a row when it should be rather random.??
h0mi @ Nov 13th 2007 1:06PM
Blu-ray has never outsold HD-DVD 2:1 unless you count month old "year to date" rates, which is dishonest at best. Blu-ray is outselling HD-DVD at a rate of 3:2 since inception, and only slightly better in 2007.
octupul @ Nov 13th 2007 12:01PM
How about a choice for I don't care and get all my HD movie content over the XBL market place?
MJD @ Nov 13th 2007 12:04PM
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