You did remember that Joe Kane's Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics was
launching today, didn't you? If not, we're here to remind you and pass along an in-depth review of the calibration disc while we're at it. The kind folks over at
UltimateAVMag were able to grab hold of both the HD DVD and Blu-ray version of the disc, and put simply, it does everything you'd expect it to and possibly a bit more. Hailed as having "the most user-friendly set of test materials to date," reviewers had a difficult time finding any niggles within
HD Basics. Interestingly, the HD DVD version was seen as "clearly superior, not only for its My Favorites function, but also for its speedier menu response, predictable display of text, 5.1 and 6.1 Dolby TrueHD soundtracks, and reliable performance with the 720p demo material." As for the BD flavor, the fact that bookmarking and Dolby TrueHD are "optional" on the format made it "difficult to author a robust disc for all players." Still, those hoping to make their display look its best will likely be thrilled with this one, but check out the full review in the read link below before cracking open that wallet.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Prey521 @ Mar 25th 2008 2:08PM
An HD DVD doing something better than a BD? No way maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!
alienclays @ Mar 25th 2008 2:43PM
i like how it was so easy for every hd-dvd player to suport the same mandatory audio codecs, esp when +90% of the players made were from one CE company.
TrentD @ Mar 25th 2008 2:48PM
It didn't matter who was building the players - even if a hundred manufacturers had built HD DVD players, they'd all have to conform to the same strict minimum specs.
BD's specs were simply much looser, and therefore inferior when it came to advanced implementations.
Siva @ Mar 25th 2008 2:33PM
Just use 7.1 PCM on BD and call it a day.
Wryker @ Mar 25th 2008 6:29PM
If the PS3 would support that I'd be happy - but i must listen to my 7.1DT-MA Rush Hour 3 in only 5.1 DTS.....what gives?
Mr. E @ Mar 25th 2008 6:37PM
Wryker, DTS-HD internal decoding will [almost certainly] be added to the PS3 in a future firmware update. Hang in there!
cclaunch @ Mar 25th 2008 2:38PM
What is the difference between this one and the HD-DVD version of DVE that's been out for nearly a year?
Lumpmoose @ Mar 25th 2008 2:49PM
I've only tried the DVD version, but I've read message boards that say the HD DVD/DVD combo disc of DVE was just the regular DVD version of DVE with a few HD test patterns on the other side--which is why I held off rebuying it. This version looks to be a little more tailor-made for HD.
I intended to only buy Blu-ray discs since January, but it looks like I'll have to add one more HD DVD to my collection...
1stGreg @ Mar 25th 2008 3:59PM
What a bunch of BS :)
They could have incorporated DD 5.1 and TrueHD on the BD version just as well, or a PCM 7.1, or a DTS-MA.
As long as there is a DD 5.1 (mandatory), the bases are covered. As per bookmarking, nothing prevented them from putting it in either, it is supported.
No... thinking about it .. is it remotely possible that the makers of DVE were very outspokenly pro HD DVD, and at one time didn't even count on making a BR version? That they botched the work on the BR, reacting to the Toshiba drop?
NO WAY MAN! YOU ARE TALKING CRAZY NOW!
..
Am I ?
Don't think so.
Was going to buy it, now I think I'll pass until a following edition that will be more "comprehensive".
Prey521 @ Mar 25th 2008 5:26PM
Are you high?
1stGreg @ Mar 25th 2008 6:28PM
I'm High because I can't understand why they put a TrueHD track that's 5.1 (yeah, that's what someone over at Blu-Ray.com found out. There is actually a TrueHD track, but 5.1) instead of 6.1 on BR vs HD DVD?
I mean, except out of spite, or because they had to author that in a fast botched way after Toshiba gave in? Right? Otherwise I don't get it... (same for bookmarks)
Paul Moon @ Mar 25th 2008 4:18PM
We need a review with a lot less whining about Blu-Ray...
Wicky @ Mar 25th 2008 4:28PM
It has TrueHD on it
mike @ Mar 26th 2008 4:43AM
You know the majority of movie releases were always better on HD-DVD vs blu-ray. Its a real shame blu-ray won the war. Blu-ray the format is not bad, it just for some reason, they keep releasing crap to it. They need to step it up in terms of quality with blu-ray releases now that the war is over. Crap like the transfer of Terminator 2 on blu-ray is inexcuseable. a good portion of the current released blu-rays need a proper re-release.
jwilliek @ Mar 26th 2008 1:34PM
There's also an informative review over at:
http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/digitalvideoessentialshddvd.html
And speaking of T2, I'm giving serious consideration to getting that T2 Ultimate Edition HD DVD import from Germany. Apparently it's a very good 1080p VC1 transfer and it has a DTS-HD Hi Res 7.1 audio track (in English).