HD DVD format dead?

[psychos2]

Blu-ray is the better format if you compare the two. For that reason I bought a Blu-ray player at xmas time when they were $299. It goes good with the 42" 1080i tv. And the programs that I watch are so much better in with the hi def cable box. shawn

[snowtrooper1966]

Greetings!
I too am sad to see that Blu has apparently won the format war. Just another example that the general public dosen't want what's best, just what they are told is the best
In my experience, having first owned a high end HD DVD player (Toshiba XA2), that format seemed more stable. I kept hearing how Blu was supposed to be the superior format, but was hearing of many Blu owners complaing about latest releases not playing on the player they owned.
I recently purchased a Samsung hybrid dual format (HD DVD & BluRay) player. I was getting tired of all the infighting and claims from both sides about who would win.
I intially went HD DVD, as there were more movies available from the onset that I was interested in (Sky Captain, Last Samurai, King Kong, Coprse Bride & Forbidden Planet) to name a few. The original player I had also had the bonus of an upconverting chip called the Renon, which by all reports was one of the best available.
On my professionally calibrated 61 inch 1080p TV, I really did see a huge difference in picture quality since the HD media (HD DVD & BluRay) both have about 3 times the information and resolution that we are used to seeing with standard DVD's.
The picture quality also blows away HD cable or satalite def signals, since those are compressed up the wazoo for broadcast.
The final benefit was, as I mentioned,the superb upconversion of my standard def DVD collection to near HD picture quality.
After a year or so, I heard a rumor of a hybrid player coming to the market that would play both HD formats, and have the same Renon upconverting chip from my previous HD DVD only player. I was sold. There were Blu films that I was missing, even though it was possible to purchase imported HD DVD versions of domestic Blu movies, but not all of them, Disney being a prime example.
One final added benefit of HD media is that they offer lossless (uncompressed) audio formats as well, so if you have a nice surround system to go with your HDTV, you can experience the best possible picture AND sound. I really did not realize untill I had a great system how important the sound was to a great home theater experience.
To this point, there has not been a HD media player available that did not have some limitations, or that did not need firmware to upgrade features. That being said, the Samsung hybrid player I now have is not perfect, but does have the potential to be the best player on the market. I don't have to worry about which format wins, and can enjoy all that HD DVD and BluRay has to offer.
Best,
James
snowtrooper1966

[nfpgasmask]

James, what Samsung player do you have? I think this will be a good option for me.

Thanks- Bart

[snowtrooper1966]

Hey, Bart!
I have the Samsung BD-UP5000.
This player is not cheep 600 to 800, and as I said, does have some isuues. The biggest has to do with it not playing the advanced lossless audio I mentioned in my post. Samsung has promised a firmware upgrade (via internet), but this may be a few months off.
Thay being said, the unit is almost worth the price alone if you have alot of standard DVD's for it's upscaling capabilites alone. Oh yea, it also plays BluRays AND HD DVD's
Do you have or are you considering buying a big HDTV that would benefit from the outstanding picture this player puts out?
Best,
James
snowtrooper1966

[nfpgasmask]

Hey James,

Yes. I am buying the newest Sony Bravia 52" 1080p LCD when I move. Attached to it I would like a top of the line HD/Blu-Ray player, a PS3, and a cheap-o all region DVD player (so I can play DVDs and VCDs from other countries, etc) and a good 5.1 surround sound system.

So yeah, if I can get a good DVD player that does both HD and Blu-ray, I am sold. Does the Samsung you have output at 1080i or 1080p?

Bart

[snowtrooper1966]

Bart,
The Samsung BD-UP5000 will output at all the resolutions. It's 1080p native, but user can select, depending on how the 5K is attached to other hardware (receiver/TV). I would recommend a HDMI 1.3 compliant TV and surround receiver to get the most out of the three formats: HD DVD, BluRay and existing standard definition DVD's.
James

[don moore]

off subject,,,trooper check this out
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[HOT_WASABI_JUNKIE]

I hate to say it, but I knew that hd-dvd was gonna lose the war. How did I know? One, Microsoft backed hd-dvd and Apple backed Blu-Ray. Any technology Microsoft backs is usually a dog, unless they steal it from Apple.
Two,Blu-ray has more capacity,so why adopt a disc player with a small capacity disc when you can adopt a player with a larger capacity disc. Size matters!

[mdwyer]

Blu-ray is the better format if you compare the two. For that reason I bought a Blu-ray player at xmas time when they were $299. It goes good with the 42" 1080i tv. And the programs that I watch are so much better in with the hi def cable box. shawn

Frankly, I don't care. I've bought into neither of them. Regular DVDs look good enough to me on a 42" 1080i TV. They'd look even better if I had an up-converting DVD player, and I still wouldn't be out upgrading my library AGAIN.

But the best part is that I haven't sold my soul to Hollywood any more than I already have. Really, the only player I'm looking for right now is one that ignores the "Prevented User Operations" codes.

I get livid every time a disc won't let me skip the endless FBI warnings and disclaimers and commercials...

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

Frankly, I don't care. I've bought into neither of them. Regular DVDs look good enough to me on a 42" 1080i TV. They'd look even better if I had an up-converting DVD player, and I still wouldn't be out upgrading my library AGAIN.

But the best part is that I haven't sold my soul to Hollywood any more than I already have. Really, the only player I'm looking for right now is one that ignores the "Prevented User Operations" codes.

I get livid every time a disc won't let me skip the endless FBI warnings and disclaimers and commercials...

I with you....plus..I thought it was ironic that I had to read the FBI warning about anti-piracy laws while trying to view "Pirates of the Caribbean 3"!