Blu-Ray X HD DVD Format War Erupts more
It was really sad for the whole world when technology took two different paths with HD DVD and Blu-Ray technology. Each has it’s own advantages and disadvantages. The two tried to set down before and reach a resolution, but NO. They agreed on No Deal terms. It was too difficult to reach agreement the two sides said. So each went on his own path, trying to prove with time he is the superior. Time went on and studios were releasing DVDs in both formats. People had the choice to make. Some were hesitating of making a move, and waited for things to get more clear.
Just recently, and when the heat was starting to cool down, Paramount and Dreamworks struck Blu-Ray manufacturers and the whole world when they announced they will exclusively support and produce HD DVD formats only! This means big titles will not be available to Blu-Ray users at all. But why that decision? Why now? Why HD DVD and not Blu-ray? Things were unclear until New York Times revealed information that the two studios will be receiving around $150 million of value in financial incentives. So in a way, Paramount and DreamWorks sold their Blu-ray customers for money.
That’s not all news however, there is still a bit of good news on the blu-ray side as well, surprisingly happening at the same time. Both Fox and MGM studios have announced their plans of major aggressive Blu-Ray Disk release strategies, after reporting that Blu-ray disks were outperforming HD DVDs 2-1. This campaign however seems to support Blu-Ray first, but is not exclusive at the end. It is really sad to see this happening. Studios making critical technical and customers affecting decisions for money. So what will happen in the end is most likely as the Mr. David Carnoy from CNET said:
” The problem right now is that you’re almost going to have to pick your format by the studios you like,” I said. “The impact may ultimately be that people just don’t buy any of the next-gen players. ‘Shrek’ is going to look pretty good on DVD, so you just buy the DVD and call it a day.”
For me, I already got PS3 as my Blu-Ray player, and yes I will be just fine with normal DVD if I have to make a choice. I already got Blu-Ray player and studios should support something that is outselling HD DVD two-to-one.
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Comments
I think, Multi format (Combo) players are also a possiblity. Why not? They did it with DVD-RW/CD-RW.
However, for me, I’m not expecting that REALLY great change in definition and quality with either Blu-ray or HD-DVD. DVDs are more than enough for my naked eye. How more clear can they be ? Do you ever find a difference between 192kbit mp3 file and 256kbit version of the same file ? For me, The only difference is file size.
Personaly I’m thinking of HD-DVDs or blu-rays more of a backup and storage advantage for my ever growing data files.
Solo: I really doubt we will see combo players, at least not anytime soon. The underlying technology is different.
As for the difference, I believe in special type of videos like nature documentary, 3D animation and video games you can tell the difference. I never tried it yet. I will soon with a blu-ray DVD I got.
Extra storage is ofcourse an added feature, but seems PCs will support HD DVD.
I just bumped into this combo news:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4531-10921_7-6465507.html
http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/21/samsungs-hd-dvd-blu-ray-combo-player-just-in-case/
I agree with you about video games, I’m sure there is much to come for the huge extra space that both technologies can offer.
Regarding movies, I’m not a very good differentiator. After all, I wear glasses :) If the difference is 10%, I might see. But a 1% is a 0% for me :)
WOW… you proved me wrong :)
Thanks… good news.
I should invite you over one night for a trial test and see the difference.
If it keeps going on, I’m buying neither.