Does it mean Blu-ray won?

[Lyrt]

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=32000
http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/New_Line/Industry_Trends/New_Line_Details_Transition_to_Blu-ray/1351

It seems New Line and HBO will follow Warner Bros and abandon HD DVD for sexy Blu-ray.

[Sejanus]

I have heard a LOT of talk in the past 48 hours that Blu-Ray can now be called the winner because of the major defections.

[jbcohen]

There is a whole part of the industry that is being ignored. I love watching movies on my PC, which has much better sound and image quality then the TV screen. The PC has no idea what either Blue Ray or HD DVDs are, it does know what DVD DL is though. For me Blue Ray and HD DVD are not really relevant.

[Sejanus]

There is a whole part of the industry that is being ignored. I love watching movies on my PC, which has much better sound and image quality then the TV screen. The PC has no idea what either Blue Ray or HD DVDs are, it does know what DVD DL is though. For me Blue Ray and HD DVD are not really relevant.

I do not think you may say that if you saw a HD movie (Whether Blu-Ray or HD-DVD) on a quality TV screen. PC can be pretty close but it isn't quite there. The audio options are severely limited in comparison to a High Def format, though video is pretty close but not quite up to 1080p par unless you have a VERY expensive PC system. Then of course you have the benefit of actually have physical copies of the movies on Blu-Ray/any physical medium. I have never gotten into iTunes or downloading movies because I hate the fact I do not truly own the product in a physical sense, and no... burning your own DVD does not count.

[jbcohen]

What is the 1080p screen refresh rate? I will have to look up what the refresh rate for a DVI monitor is. But here is one fact an image on a 17 inch TFT is smaller then most TVs these days. One strike against the PC movies.

[Sejanus]

What is the 1080p screen refresh rate? I will have to look up what the refresh rate for a DVI monitor is. But here is one fact an image on a 17 inch TFT is smaller then most TVs these days. One strike against the PC movies.

My set which is 1080p has a refresh rate of 2ms, however that is only thing PC monitors have always been better at. However refresh rates have nothing to do with max resolution potential of a screen, it only effects the lag you get from whatever video source you pick.. you could in theory have a 1080p screen with a huge high refresh rate. It would be laggy as all hell but it would look great..

[qhsdoitall]

I work in the electronics industry. The tide is shifting to Blu-Ray. Microsoft is not going to be able to hold it back. It's not going to happen overnight but indications are that all the major players are going to support Blu-Ray.

[jbcohen]

Do you see any posiblity of a Blu-Ray drive for a PC? Does any one remember the fight between VHS and Beta? Anyone see any similarities?

[msandoval858]

As an new owner of a PlayStation 3, I can say that Blu-Ray rocks :cool:

I can also download movies on my computer and share them through Windows Media Player. PS3 picks that up over the network as a media server and I can play them on my TV, no problem.

Now if Netflix can get their online movie setup to work with the PS3 browser, I'd be set.

[Lyrt]

Do you see any posiblity of a Blu-Ray drive for a PC? Does any one remember the fight between VHS and Beta? Anyone see any similarities?
April 2006:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,125581-page,1/article.html

[Sejanus]

I also heard that a Blu-Ray disk drive is in the work for PC, but not sure when it will be ready.

[Lyrt]

Panasonic has already released Blu-ray drives. Google LF-PB271JD and LF-MB121JD.

[Lyrt]

I just injected money in the American economy. :D I ordered two Blu-ray discs from Amazon.com. The prices are nonsensically low. While Japan was in the same region 2 as France during the DVD era, it is now part of the American region 1 for Blu-ray.

[qhsdoitall]

I just injected money in the American economy. :D I ordered two Blu-ray discs from Amazon.com. The prices are nonsensically low. While Japan was in the same region 2 as France during the DVD era, it is now part of the American region 1 for Blu-ray.

Good for you! Thanks. We appreciate it. :D

[sparky5693]

As an new owner of a PlayStation 3, I can say that Blu-Ray rocks :cool:

I can also download movies on my computer and share them through Windows Media Player. PS3 picks that up over the network as a media server and I can play them on my TV, no problem.

Now if Netflix can get their online movie setup to work with the PS3 browser, I'd be set.

PS3 blu ray is great. If you like net flix, also look into gamefly.

[MCsommerreid]

I'm sad that Bluray is doing so well, especially since much of it is bribery. the HD-DVD group is doing normal $200million distribution contracts, where Sony is doing things like $500million contracts. Dirty pool played at its finest there.

It's also kind of weak that a very proprietary, DRM/root-kit ridden, less adaptable, and less expandable technology will win the race.

I do not think you may say that if you saw a HD movie (Whether Blu-Ray or HD-DVD) on a quality TV screen. PC can be pretty close but it isn't quite there. The audio options are severely limited in comparison to a High Def format, though video is pretty close but not quite up to 1080p par unless you have a VERY expensive PC system. Then of course you have the benefit of actually have physical copies of the movies on Blu-Ray/any physical medium. I have never gotten into iTunes or downloading movies because I hate the fact I do not truly own the product in a physical sense, and no... burning your own DVD does not count.

Many new motherboards allow full 1080p output, as well as 5.1 or 7.1 digital surround sound. In fact, my computer does full digital HD, and didn't run me more than $800 minus the storage media.

What is the 1080p screen refresh rate? I will have to look up what the refresh rate for a DVI monitor is. But here is one fact an image on a 17 inch TFT is smaller then most TVs these days. One strike against the PC movies.

Full DVI-D is exactly the same as HDMI, but only transmitting video and no sound. That's why you can buy an HDMI to DVI-D adaptor for something like $10, where something like a VGA to DVI-I adaptor (both essentially the same analog video stream) is $300+. With DVI-D to HDMI you're using the same video standard, but with VGA to DVI-I you're switching standards and outputs.

That's what I did for my PC system, actually. I use the DVI-D to HDMI adaptor to run it to my AV receiver, and the optical out to do the same. So essentially my PC acts as a media server, a VCR, a CD player, an up-converting DVD player, and a few other fun things.

[Sejanus]

I'd actually say I am more pleased Blu-Ray is going to possible win. I was never a fan of HD-DVD from what I read about it. I can't really tell you WHY except some basic info like Lower disk space and combo format with DVD (I hate double sided disks). Sony had it right with a BUNCH of formats but they always lose the 'wars' (Betamax being a big one) and their products are always of a great quality. Frankly they were owed a victory at least once.. :rofl

[Baloosh]

Full DVI-D is exactly the same as HDMI, but only transmitting video and no sound. That's why you can buy an HDMI to DVI-D adaptor for something like $10, where something like a VGA to DVI-I adaptor (both essentially the same analog video stream) is $300+. With DVI-D to HDMI you're using the same video standard, but with VGA to DVI-I you're switching standards and outputs.

That's what I did for my PC system, actually. I use the DVI-D to HDMI adaptor to run it to my AV receiver, and the optical out to do the same. So essentially my PC acts as a media server, a VCR, a CD player, an up-converting DVD player, and a few other fun things.

Some good DVI-D vs. DVI-I information you provided. Thanks!!

[MCsommerreid]

I'd actually say I am more pleased Blu-Ray is going to possible win. I was never a fan of HD-DVD from what I read about it. I can't really tell you WHY except some basic info like Lower disk space and combo format with DVD (I hate double sided disks).

The lower storage isn't entirely true, since HD-DVD seems to be full scalable to very large capacities. For example, a triple layer disc is in the works allowing for 51GB storage capacities, 1GB higher than Bluray's largest disc. If they can make a quad layer disc, that would probably mean 76GB discs, following the +2gb of storage per layer with each increase in layer allowing 19gb per layer x 4 layers.

Plus the HD-DVD standard is unified, so "old" HD-DVD players will be able to play "new" HD-DVDs. With Bluray the "old" version 1.1 player wont be able to play the 1.2 discs without a firmware update, and many players don't have an option for that.

And HD-DVD is region free, Bluray has a strict 3 region system. Since I get a lot of weird foreign films, regioning irks me to no end.

Also, the hybrid HD-DVD/DVD-Video discs aren't part of the standard, they're a variant. There's also 3xDVD, HD-DVD/CD, and a few others that run along that same style.

Some good DVI-D vs. DVI-I information you provided. Thanks!!

Glad to provide it!

Some more stuff on that same subject that I just remembered. HDMI is full of DRM and other invasive copy right protection systems. Meaning if they so choose you wouldn't be able to play non-DRM discs (foreign films, personal back ups, etc) over it.

On the technical side HDMI can only transmit limited 5.1 digital surround sound, since it can only transmit standard audio. In this case that means Dolby products only, no THX or other digital audio standards.

[Sejanus]

Never been a fan of multi-layer DVD disks. I find that some of the lesser quality disks have skipping when jumping from one layer to another.

Region coding has always been annoying for me as well, however in the new Gen Region A includes North America and Japan which is the only country I truly cared about with Region 1/2 so in that case I suppose I am neutral.

Also if Blu-Ray does truly 'win' then the firmware issue I am sure will become more mainstream plus the TVs nowadays have firmware too which can be switched over.

Personally I had avoided buying any of them until a winner was emerging so it is not like I have a Blu-Ray collection sitting around hoping to survive.. hehe

Now to find one of the old 60GB PS3's so I can actually start collecting.

[MCsommerreid]

Never been a fan of multi-layer DVD disks. I find that some of the lesser quality disks have skipping when jumping from one layer to another.

Region coding has always been annoying for me as well, however in the new Gen Region A includes North America and Japan which is the only country I truly cared about with Region 1/2 so in that case I suppose I am neutral.

Also if Blu-Ray does truly 'win' then the firmware issue I am sure will become more mainstream plus the TVs nowadays have firmware too which can be switched over.

Personally I had avoided buying any of them until a winner was emerging so it is not like I have a Blu-Ray collection sitting around hoping to survive.. hehe

The layer delay is an issue with the players, not inherent to the discs them selves, and it's also not confined to cheap media or players. It's a design flaw that had to be worked out due to a buffering system in stand alone players. That and most modern DVD's are 6.5+gb dual layer discs.

Sadly, the firmware issue is a permanent one unless the player has the ability to update the firmware, which many don't. Apparently it's not like the 1.1 players with have limited 1.2 playing capability, they wont be able to recognize the discs at all.

I too will be waiting till a winner comes out, and until then I'll keep hoping HD-DVD pulls ahead from behind. Or perhaps holographic DVDs will be created and usurp both HD-DVD and Bluray :D.

[Sejanus]

Well it seems we officially have a winner. For those not in the mix, HD-DVD will be dropped by Wal-Mart & Sam's Club this June. Best Buy is now endorsing BluRay as their choice. Netflix is no longer carrying HD-DVD. Finally rumours are abound that Toshiba (Main HD-DVD backer) is cancelling production on HD-DVD equipment and closing their factories.

If it was not over before, it really is now.

Guess it is time to either pick up a PS3 or wait until they finish with the Blu-Ray player 'upgrades' and the price comes down a bit.

[sparky5693]

I couldn't be happier. I really believe blu-ray is the better technology, even if it is slightly more expensive. This move should also bring down the price of blu-ray technology.

[JayKay]

Actually, newer PC's with video cards which can be ran in SLI will give you a 1080i/p HDMI picture as well as new computer screens. Also, if your really into computers and image quality you can run PCs with video cards that have HDMI outputs onto large 50+" LCD/plasma/LCD projection/projection screens which all have 1080i/p technology and image quality. As for Blue ray and HD-DVD...its a crapshoot. Sure you could say that blue-ray has won because of the loads of people buying it but if you look back at sonys history (beta-max v. VHS, minidisc v. mp3, etc.) sony hasn't had win in the electronics industry with a format since the sony walkman.

Either way, HD-DVD players= 150$ at walmart.

[Sejanus]

Not really a contest anymore. If Toshiba truly does close up shop it is over. As it is I do not see how HD-DVD can survive when a huge store like Wal-Mart won't carry any of your products. Best-Buy pulling the plug too can only do harm as well.

[JayKay]

At this point I would put my money on blue-ray. Save your money till TVs with 1080p come down in price and cable companies agree to send out 1080p signals. Although, not many people can tell the difference between 1080i and 1080p. At this point sink your teeth in. Possibly try a media PC.

[sparky5693]

At this point I would put my money on blue-ray. Save your money till TVs with 1080p come down in price and cable companies agree to send out 1080p signals. Although, not many people can tell the difference between 1080i and 1080p. At this point sink your teeth in. Possibly try a media PC.

I've got a system I built just for that. It does work, but it's just never stable (at least mine isn't). The constant tweaking and adjusting on it have gotten quite annoying.

You're right about sony not having the greatest track recored in format wars, and they lost some of those battles for some really selfish reasons, even though the technology was sometimes better. I really think sony learned a little from their mistakes, and with walmart and best buy pulling the plug, I really think it's over. I got an email from best buy today about buy one get one HD-DVD's. If toshiba really closed the factories, none of the rest really matters.

[JayKay]

Have you unearthed any of the reasons your computer is unstable? There are a million reasons why it could be but initially I'd start with 1) drivers 2) cooling and 3) power supply with enough power. I would definitely put my money on blue ray at this point and start investing in blue-ray burners and video cards which support blue-ray formats. Once sony gets over winning the prices should start coming down in players.

[sparky5693]

The biggest problem was with my processing of the hd signal. I've tried hundreds of codecs, and the ones that look nice leave me with out of sync audio. The ones that look nice, and leave the audio in sync, seem unstable, and the system crashes after 20+ hours.

It really seems to take a monumental amount of processing power to handle hd. I'm running an amd dual core 4200+ and some hd signals drop it to it's knees. If i'm not running hd, i've had systems as slow as 1.0ghz handle being a multimedia pc just fine.


I'm not downing hd-dvd technology, as it's definitely better than dvd. I'm just really glad sony didn't mess it up this time , as they once did with beta.

[Sejanus]

Ok, it is OFFICIAL OFFICIAL. Toshiba announced today that they are shutting down HD-DVD production. The Next-Gen DVD wars are over.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/02/19/technology/toshiba.ap/index.htm?postversion=2008021904

[JayKay]

What kind of video card are you running to support your HD signal? A good video card with HD support should take much of the load off of your processor and if you were to run 2 video cards in SLI than it shouldnt even break a sweat with even the most outrageous HD material. Previous formats have never put such a strain on computers as HD does with twice the pixels of previous media formats.

[whitetiger7654]

None of this really matters though. The industry is really working hard on digital downloads. Soon we will all be using that and dvd's will be like 8 tracks, tapes, and records.

[mastermute]

These (http://www.tvix.co.kr/Eng/products/4100sh.aspx) are coming back in stock at my local dealer tomorrow and I'm seriously considering getting one...

[Sejanus]

None of this really matters though. The industry is really working hard on digital downloads. Soon we will all be using that and dvd's will be like 8 tracks, tapes, and records.

I can say personally I will not adopt digital downloads. I prefer a physical copy.

[whitetiger7654]

I can say personally I will not adopt digital downloads. I prefer a physical copy.

I completely agree, I hate digital downloads. But it doesn't matter what you or I want. If the companies stop making dvd's we don't have much of a choice. The producers and artists love digital downloads, it gives them complete control over the usage.

[Sejanus]

I completely agree, I hate digital downloads. But it doesn't matter what you or I want. If the companies stop making dvd's we don't have much of a choice. The producers and artists love digital downloads, it gives them complete control over the usage.

They will only do it if they think the market will let them. If enough people scream about it then we'll have physical media for a long time coming.

[qhsdoitall]

Digital Downloads would make sense if you could have a online foolproof digital vault that you could store all your digital media and access it from anywhere. You buy it, you store it and you keep it for good. I'd hate to lose all that if it was stored locally. You could even upload DVDs and music you already own. Now if someone could come up with a business model that would work. Something like this is not cheap.

[Sejanus]

Digital Downloads would make sense if you could have a online foolproof digital vault that you could store all your digital media and access it from anywhere. You buy it, you store it and you keep it for good. I'd hate to lose all that if it was stored locally. You could even upload DVDs and music you already own. Now if someone could come up with a business model that would work. Something like this is not cheap.

That's a good point Rich. That is my main concern with digital downloads is the possibility of using a magnet to wipe out all of what I paid money for. Obviously physical media is not fool-proof either but a computer crash is not going to cost me all my movies.

[JayKay]

I havent heard of the Tivx but the sling box is a very popular multimedia player for moving media types from one type of viewer to another (ie. pc-tv). As for digital media, downloads aren't exactly the worst thing in the world You could burn all your downloaded movies to blue-ray discs with the right software and hardware. Also, you could purchase a hard drive and bring 500gigs worth of movies with you in something no bigger than a couple dvd cases. If your so worried about magnets ruining your hard drives you could also invest in solid state media (i.e. flash drives) which they are now creating hard drives out of which is a much more magnetic-friendly type of storage. Soon enough (within the next few years) everybody will own some sort of device that you can just plug a hard drive into and watch the movies onto your tv. These devices are already available and as digital media becomes more popular many more people will start buying them.

[whitetiger7654]

Digital Downloads would make sense if you could have a online foolproof digital vault that you could store all your digital media and access it from anywhere. You buy it, you store it and you keep it for good. I'd hate to lose all that if it was stored locally. You could even upload DVDs and music you already own. Now if someone could come up with a business model that would work. Something like this is not cheap.

They are working on it. Look up Sony LocationFree and others like it.