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    Invelos Forums->General: General Home Theater Discussion Page: 1 2 3 4 5  Previous   Next
Why I choose HD DVD over Blu-ray
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DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantMark Harrison
I like IMDB
Registered: March 13, 2007
Reputation: Great Rating
United States Posts: 3,321
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I mentioned in my post that for my eyes, I can't see the difference between the various formats or it's so close (with different sides winning for different movies), that it's pretty much a non-issue.  But it's really hard to put that into words.

Until now.  Here's a site where you can see the differences for yourself and make your own conclusions.  I can't honestly say if this guy is pro HD DVD, pro Blu-ray or neutral.  That could bias the shots he choose to use of course.  But at least you can begin to get some idea of how the two formats compare with picture quality.

Keep in mind that these are HUGE screenshots and take a while to load.  Once they do load, you can move your mouse on and off the images to switch between the screenshots.
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 Last edited: by Mark Harrison
DVD Profiler Desktop and Mobile RegistrantStar ContributorFunkyLA
Will you remove your hat?
Registered: March 13, 2007
United Kingdom Posts: 1,136
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Short answer - pick a format, not really much in it, so it appears
Signature? We don't need no stinking... hang on, this has been done... blast [oooh now in Widescreen]
Ah... well you see.... I thought I'd say something more interesting... but cannot think of anything..... oh well
And to those of you who have disabled viewing of these signature files "hello" (or not) Registered: July 27, 2004
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantAVAddict
Registered: May 16, 2007
Posts: 8
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I have to agree with FunkyLA here.  Just pick a format.

Yes, one or both formats might be dead in a year.  However, you will still have the player you picked and the movies you already bought.  And players and movies will show up on eBay really cheap so you can expand your collection of what was already produced.  There will still be some new titles that come out even after the format is declared "dead".

I speak from experience on this from my laserdisc days.  I was an early adopter.  DVD came out and "killed" it.  However, the movies kept coming out and there were suddenly lots of cheap older titles to bulk up my collection.  I still have my player and discs today, and I don't enjoy them any less today than I did back then.  When my old player broke, I just got another one off eBay.

As far as I can see, HD-DVD is implemented better and more consistently, and it is cheaper to get a player.  I went with Blu-ray on a gamble of future releases based on the number of supporting studios.  However, I am really counting on a good universal player.  IF one doesn't come out,  I will get an HD-DVD player also and just have both in my collection.
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantFLighT
Registered: May 26, 2007
United States Posts: 57
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Very nice read Mark, well thought out and I found it very helpful. I downloaded lists of available Blu-Ray and HD-DVD tiltles and checked off the titles I would probably be interested in buying. The score was 29 to 34, (some available on both formats) not enough difference to make me jump at this point unless there was a top notch combi player with full feature capability for both formats (although I could care less about interactive features - a good transfer from a good master and the typical bonus features are all I want).

I recently purchased a Pioneer Elite Pro-FHD1 monitor I'm using with a $200 OPPO 981. The picture quality is so good I'm hard pressed to believe either HI-Def format could be significantly better and without a side by side comparison... for the time being I'm very content with the "old" technology and it's like watching many of my old standard def DVD's for the first time. 

I hope to be able to get a good combi player by year end. For me it's not a matter of cost, I could buy one of each but then there's extra cables, I'll need an HDMI switch box, (and I'm told the good one's are expensive), I like to keep things as simple as I can. Simple solutions are always the more elegant.

It's also seems to me that both Hi-Def formats, especially Blu-Ray, were rushed to market incomplete and with bugs and shortcomings. I haven't read enough about the second generation machines to feel confident that they have all the software issues and mechanical quirks resolved satisfactorily.

Anyway, your post has helped me get my thought processes around the heart of the matter and I found myself in agreement with your conclusions about the differences and what they are worth in the bigger picture.

Thanks for the effort.
 Last edited: by FLighT
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorNexus the Sixth
Contributor since 2002
Registered: March 13, 2007
Reputation: High Rating
Sweden Posts: 3,188
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Well, I finally broke down and ordered a Toshiba XE1 HD DVD player today, so at last I can join in the high definition fun. I guess I'll have to get a Blu-ray player as well for some of the American imports (and also to upscale my region 1 DVDs to 1080p, the Toshiba will only play region 2) but this should do nicely for the European releases. Right now there are more HD than BD titles available that I'm interested in anyway.
First registered: February 15, 2002
DVD Profiler Desktop and Mobile Registrantdarius
IT-God
Registered: May 19, 2007
Austria Posts: 15
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well let's wait and see much a "Total HD Disc" will cost...then i think i'll be able to make up my mind...
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DVD Profiler Desktop and Mobile RegistrantStar ContributorNadja
Small and broken
Registered: March 13, 2007
United Kingdom Posts: 775
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I wouldn't wait for Total HD to use as a decider, there's no firm indication that any studio besides Warner will use it, and they already issue most material on both formats.
DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantxradman
Registered: June 17, 2002
Registered: March 14, 2007
United States Posts: 1,328
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Very nice write-up Mark.  I got into the high-def formats a little earlier.  I bought a Toshiba HD-XA1 in June and Sony PS3 in December of 2006.  Since then, I have not looked back.  I've accumulated over 150 HD DVDs and close to 90 Blu-ray discs.  I've stopped buying regular DVDs altogether.  I've found that with the current release schedules, I have plenty to watch (my to watch pile is at around 50 discs).

I think the difference in PQ or AQ matters more on quality of the master used than on any inherent weakness or strengths of the format.  It doesn't matter that Blu-ray has a larger capacity or higher bandwidth.  It seems that for movie reproduction, HD DVD has enough of both.

For those of you who are wondering if high def is going to make a difference in your setup, easy way to tell is by looking at the difference between your upconverted DVD and broadcast HD.  If you can see a difference, best in optical high-def is going to look better than the very best broadcast HD (video for video, and film for film).

Another nice reason to go in might be with the next blockbuster which is going to be released in both formats, 300.  You can get the Blu-ray version for same price as the SD DVD or you can opt for HD DVD combo for $3 more and get both HD DVD and DVD versions in addition to exclusive interactive bonus contents.
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DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantFLighT
Registered: May 26, 2007
United States Posts: 57
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Quoting xradman:
Quote:

Another nice reason to go in might be with the next blockbuster which is going to be released in both formats, 300. You can get the Blu-ray version for same price as the SD DVD or you can opt for HD DVD combo for $3 more and get both HD DVD and DVD versions in addition to exclusive interactive bonus contents.


300! Can't wait, saw it in the theatre and enjoyed it trendously, especially the look of it which I felt was wholly appropriate to the subject matter. Looks like I have to get my butt in gear on adding a Hi-Def player sooner rather than later. I haven't seen a release date announced anywhere and this was the next "must buy" movie I've been waiting for.
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantBoykin
Reg. December 2, 2001
Registered: March 13, 2007
United States Posts: 172
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300 is now available for preorder in both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats from Columbia House.
 Last edited: by Boykin
DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantmarkusst
Registered: May 27, 2007
Switzerland Posts: 12
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The reasons why I chose HD-DVD are

- It's region free
- It's cheaper (bought the HD-DVD drive for my X360)
- Don't like the bubble-gum movies coming onto BRD exclusivly (these pirates, motorcycle heroes, vampire hunters...)
DVD Profiler Desktop and Mobile RegistrantStar ContributorVoltaire53
Missed again!
Registered: March 13, 2007
Reputation: High Rating
United Kingdom Posts: 2,293
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HD-DVD is backed by the porn industry... that'll be esy then   
It is dangerous to be right in matters where established men are wrong
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantRandall_Lind
Registered: May 10, 2007
Posts: 418
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I am poor and can't afford an HD TV so doesn't matter to me. I just hope dvd format stay around for a while.
DVD Profiler Desktop and Mobile RegistrantStar ContributorNewEnglander
Registered: 11/13/2003
Registered: March 13, 2007
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Calling the Fifth Element the "first next-gen double dip" is stretching it.

If you are going to buy it twice, you're an idiot since Sony is replacing it free of charge,

I sent in my disc, today I recieved a brand new copy factory sealed in a new case. Now, I have the old case to stare at with the new case.

They also sent it out 2 day FedEx. Sparing no expence to make things right. Definately NOT a double dip.
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DVD Profiler Desktop and Mobile RegistrantDr. Killpatient
Here's my card
Registered: May 19, 2007
Reputation: Highest Rating
United States Posts: 5,916
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Quoting pplchamp:
Quote:
Calling the Fifth Element the "first next-gen double dip" is stretching it.

If you are going to buy it twice, you're an idiot since Sony is replacing it free of charge,

I sent in my disc, today I recieved a brand new copy factory sealed in a new case. Now, I have the old case to stare at with the new case.

They also sent it out 2 day FedEx. Sparing no expence to make things right. Definately NOT a double dip.

Do you have info on where to send it?
DVD Profiler Desktop and Mobile RegistrantStar ContributorNewEnglander
Registered: 11/13/2003
Registered: March 13, 2007
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News

The Fifth Element Exchange Program
Posted June 14, 2007 by Josh

When Blu-ray first launched, there were great expectations for the titles released. That was especially true for 'The Fifth Element', which had been a home theater enthusiast favorite on DVD. Unfortunately, the results were less than stellar, but Sony is here to atone! Those who purchased 'The Fifth Element' in its current form can exchange the disc for the new, cleaned up version of the film, due out July 17th.

The disc will come as a BD-50, encoded with AVC, and have two lossless/uncompressed audio tracks: the same PCM track from the original release (which was quite excellent) and a 20-bit Dolby TrueHD track. The extras remain the same, but the film has been remastered for a cleaner/crisper video experience.

Right now, Sony is taking down your name, mailing address, and phone number and will contact you closer to the release of the remastered version on how to exchange your disc. When you call, have that information ready, or if you are emailing, make sure to place it in your message. Here is the contact information:

Phone: 800-860-2878
Email: consumer@sphecustomersupport.sony.com
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