High Definition Discussion Thread - Blu-Ray, HDTV, etc...

[PrimeBane]

Welcome to the addiction Barry :D

[freezerfuel]

I bought LG's dual format player. :o

Visions had it on sale and since I won't give them any business went to Future Shop and they price-matched it plus 10%. Yeah, these dual format players have issues but I just wanted one machine upstairs to be able to watch all the titles I own. If there are any playback issues whatsoever it's going right back though (Supposedly it has issues playing back some HD DVD discs, maybe resolved with a firmware update) Feels good to be neutral upstairs and down. Can't wait to hook it up when I get home, it's such a pretty box. :D

[PrimeBane]

freezer, I think you may need to go to HD Annoymous. ;)

[freezerfuel]

deepdiscount.com has the following HD-DVDs for $12.20 each with free shipping.


12 Monkeys [HD DVD]
2 Fast 2 Furious [HD DVD]
The 40-Year-Old Virgin [HD DVD]
American Me [HD DVD]
Apollo 13 [HD DVD]
Army of Darkness [HD DVD]
Being John Malkovich [HD DVD]
The Big Lebowski [HD DVD]
Born on the Fourth of July [HD DVD]
Bruce Almighty [HD DVD]
Bulletproof [HD DVD]
Carlito's Way [HD DVD]
Carlito's Way: Rise To Power
Cinderella Man [HD DVD]
Dante's Peak [HD DVD]
Darkman [HD DVD]
Doom [HD DVD]
Elizabeth [HD DVD]
Erin Brockovich [HD DVD]
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind [HD DVD]
The Fast and the Furious [HD DVD]
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas [HD DVD]
For Love of the Game [HD DVD]
The Frighteners [HD DVD]
The Getaway [HD DVD]
In Good Company [HD DVD]
Inside Man [HD DVD]
The Interpreter [HD DVD]
The Last Starfighter [HD DVD]
Lost in Translation [HD DVD]
Mystery Men [HD DVD]
Notting Hill [HD DVD]
Out of Sight [HD DVD]
Patch Adams [HD DVD]
Pride and Prejudice [HD DVD]
Ray [HD DVD]
The River [HD DVD]
The Rundown [HD DVD]
Scent of a Woman [HD DVD]
Sea of Love [HD DVD]
Seabiscuit [HD DVD]
Seed of Chucky [HD DVD]
The Skeleton Key [HD DVD]
Spy Game [HD DVD]
The Sting [HD DVD]
The Thing [HD DVD]
Tremors [HD DVD]
The War [HD DVD]
The Watcher [HD DVD]
The Wedding Date [HD DVD]
What Dreams May Come [HD DVD]
Billy Madison [HD DVD]
Dawn of the Dead [HD DVD]
Daylight [HD DVD]
End of Days [HD DVD]
The Hulk [HD DVD]
Mercury Rising [HD DVD]
The Nutty Professor [HD DVD]
Pitch Black [HD DVD]
Shaun of the Dead [HD DVD]
Timecop [HD DVD]
U-571 [HD DVD]
Unleashed [HD DVD]
Van Helsing [HD DVD]

Wow, some good deals there.


I also have for trade if anyone is interested....

Inside Man HD DVD
Blue Planet HD DVD
Alpha Dog HD DVD

[freezerfuel]

freezer, I think you may need to go to HD Annoymous. ;)


Hey I blame you for getting me into this mess in the first place. If I have to go you do too. :p

[PrimeBane]

LOL :D

I think myself, Jaylis and grif are the official Spawn founding members of HD Annoymous. ;)

[Kleptos18]

Hey garth, I got my Pirates movies today. Just wanted to let you know :)

thanks!

Aw man. Pm to you regarding Black Pearl man.

[Thee Ultimate Collector]

Do you have Hi-Def? Cuz if you don't than you must think that DD 5.1 sounds better than uncompressed, True-HD and DTS HD-MA and that is crazy talk.

yes I have Hi-Def...and I have a very good system..not a HTIB setup..and whats wrong with DD 5.1?...I prefer L7

[GPWYANKEE]

Hey garth, I got my Pirates movies today. Just wanted to let you know :)

thanks!


Im an arse-Youll be getting the Pearl shortly:o:o

[Wardo30]

If you're getting sound from the cablebox over HDMI, you don't need ot use optical.

It's there for people that have an older cable or sat box with DVI, component, s-video or composite... since you can't get sound over a DVI connection (usually DVI to HDMI) then they need to get the sound over composite/RCA or optical.

yeah I am getting sound from the HDMI..thanks for the info

[GPWYANKEE]

Whats the difference between Dynamic and Native when theyre listing it with TVs?Is one more important then the other??

[DAHUNTERMANNY]

Does anyone still have the list of all the HD-DVD movies that are going to be converted to Blue after the Warner Bro's flip?


Thx.
M. :)

[grif32]

Whats the difference between Dynamic and Native when theyre listing it with TVs?Is one more important then the other??

Contrast ratios are really nothing more than a marketing technique and the differences from set A to set B is quite minimal.

don't get 'hung up' about dynamic contrast ratio. Once you have the set in house, it's normally suggested to turn "dynamic" setting off. But, it's up to you to judge which looks best

[ewto16]

Quick question for people who are fans of the Pirates of the Carribean movies. Are 2 and 3 better then 1? I watched 1 on TV a while back and it was ok at best. Was thinking about checking the other 2 out but not sure if its worth it. Guess this would be a good reason to have netflix but I dont think Id use it enough lol.

I actually liked all three movies. The last one is probably the worst of the 3, but I still enjoyed it. If you didn't like the first one, I would assume that you probably won't like the other two. There really isn't anything that happens to make you like them more than the first one.

[civictyperboy]

Dynamic and Static contrast ratios are 2 different things...Dynamic is when the testers put the tv in a no light situation and measure the difference from the deepest black to the purest white, static on the other hand is more of the everyday test...how it would look under normal circumstances

[Tuckertank]

Watched Jesse James last night and loved it...Wow what a great movie, probably will watch again this weekend. Definately not for everybody as it's kind of slow and not alot of action, my gf gave up in the first 15 minutes and went up to bed.

Picture and sound were pretty good, not the best I've seen but far better than anything I've seen on SD. Casey Affleck is very good and Pitt is great as always, all of the bit actors did very well too. It really made you feel like you were back in time.

[DAHUNTERMANNY]

Hi def movies sales


monoprice.com
Best place to buy hi def cables
http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp

Barnes & Noble
offers 50% off many of their HD DVDs, starting at $15 for Non-Members or $13.49 for Members. Use code Y4R4K7D for an additional 25% off, making some of the HD DVDs only $11.25. Shipping is Free if you spend $25 or more.

http://video.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.asp?r=1&FRM=1&Z=y&CAT=1009855&IDX=1


Non Members T3E9J3V 20% off
Non Members Y4R4K7D 25% off

Members M4Y8X4J 20% off
Members T4W3P7J 25% off

deepdiscount.com
has HD-DVDs for $12.20 each with free shipping.
www.deepdiscount.com

This direct link should list all movies from lowest price to highest
http://www.deepdiscount.com/viewcategory.htm?categoryId=462356&sortby=price&count=#listtop


Amazon.com current deals
HD-DVD Sale
http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=amb_link_4545332_20?ie=UTF8&node=390987011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=browse&pf_rd_r=0VWX1CBJC8HJWZZXP6F4&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=364020501&pf_rd_i=130


Tower.com
Mostly 50% off
HD-DVD’s
http://www.tower.com/surf/explore/nav_exp/nav_3_browse.cfm?div_id=3&format=18

Save from 30% - 58% off
Blu Ray
http://www.tower.com/surf/explore/nav_exp/nav_3_browse.cfm?div_id=3&format=3



Best Buy current deals
HD-DVD -$10 off sale movies as low as $14.99
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat145500050044&type=category&initialize=false&initialize=true&_requestid=9824




Circuit City current deals - free shipping on orders of $24+ or in store pick up.
HD-DVD sale - movies start as low as $19.99 (not really a good sale)
http://entertainment.circuitcity.com/Boutiques/Store.aspx?Store=1022

[DAHUNTERMANNY]

Does anyone still have the list of all the HD-DVD movies that are going to be converted to Blu after the Warner Bro's flip?


Thx.
M. :)

Oh yeah found the list. I thought this would be helpful to look over again since with all the HD-DVD sales I don't want to end up buying a movie that will come out in a better version in Blu down the road. I'm sure other here would like to avoid that problem also. ;)


Upcoming Warner BR releases 2008-2009

08Q1
Bonnie and Clyde: Ultimate Collector's Edition

08Q2
Dirty Harry: Ultimate Collector's Edition Box Set (Dirty Harry, Magnum Force, The Enforcer, Sudden Impact, Dead Pool, and Clint Eastwood: Out of the Shadows)

08Q3
An American in Paris
Batman Anthology
Batman Begins: Limited Collector's Edition Box Set
Gigi
How the West was Won
The Dark Night

08Q4
A Christmas Story: Ultimate Collector's Edition
Otis: Uncut

2008
The Adventures of Robin Hood
Casablanca
Clash of the Titans
Excalibur
Forbidden Planet
Heat
Grand Prix
The Matrix Trilogy
Mutiny on the Bounty
V for Vendetta

2009
Ben-Hur
Gone With the Wind
North by Northwest
The Wizard of Oz
Woodstock

This is just a short catalog list of movies.

[Joe Bruin723]

Anyone know of any Blu Ray rebates? That didn't expire last month.

[JaylisJayP]

i wish they had that sale earlier, i got most of those at higher prices :(

lol, me too.

[ToightLikeATiger]

that deepdiscount sale is amazing. only problem is all the movies i want are showing out of stock and wont ship till 2/24. wonder if i make the order it will go through without a hitch.

[PrimeBane]

If you're a big Tarintino fan, you might want to do some BD importing.

Kill Bill vol 1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RJEHLW/ref=pd_luc_mri?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

Kill Bill vol 2
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RJEHM6/ref=pd_luc_mri?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

Pulp Fiction
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RJEHLM/ref=pd_luc_mri?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

[oaktown2000]

If you're a big Tarintino fan, you might want to do some BD importing.

Kill Bill vol 1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RJEHLW/ref=pd_luc_mri?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

Kill Bill vol 2
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RJEHM6/ref=pd_luc_mri?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

Pulp Fiction
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RJEHLM/ref=pd_luc_mri?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE


I wouldn't mind all of those...plus Gangs of New York. I just wish it didn't cost an arm and a leg for them.

[SBrooks1]

If you're a big Tarintino fan, you might want to do some BD importing.

Kill Bill vol 1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RJEHLW/ref=pd_luc_mri?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

Kill Bill vol 2
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RJEHM6/ref=pd_luc_mri?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

Pulp Fiction
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RJEHLM/ref=pd_luc_mri?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

OMG!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[stupidsuck]

is there some sort of list somewhere that shows all the imports that aren't available in the US?

[HollandX]

I think they're overcharging.

http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-HD-XA2-1080p-HD-DVD-Player/dp/B000M6XKEK/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1203019094&sr=8-1

[GPWYANKEE]

I think they're overcharging.

http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-HD-XA2-1080p-HD-DVD-Player/dp/B000M6XKEK/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1203019094&sr=8-1


:eek::eek::eek:

[GPWYANKEE]

If you're a big Tarintino fan, you might want to do some BD importing.

Kill Bill vol 1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RJEHLW/ref=pd_luc_mri?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

Kill Bill vol 2
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RJEHM6/ref=pd_luc_mri?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

Pulp Fiction
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RJEHLM/ref=pd_luc_mri?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE


Oh Man-Im in trouble:o

[JaylisJayP]

I'm sorry but for me that's just too much for those movies, at least after it translates to U.S. dollars. Isn't 21 euros like 40 bucks or something? Plus shipping? I'll wait until they're $20 in the U.S., although I can't recall if the Kill Bill flicks are from Weinstein. If that's the case it'll be import or nothing at this point.

[Tuckertank]

Can someone explain to me imports? Why don't studios release these worldwide instead of only in certain regions?

[oaktown2000]

Can someone explain to me imports? Why don't studios release these worldwide instead of only in certain regions?


Distributing rights

[stupidsuck]

Has anyone seen "The Host"? it sounds like a good monster flick (actually it sounds alot like cloverfield, storywise at least)
Is it subtitled?

[GPWYANKEE]

Has anyone seen "The Host"? it sounds like a good monster flick (actually it sounds alot like cloverfield, storywise at least)
Is it subtitled?


Some of the humor is funny but overall i thought it was a rental at best.

[stupidsuck]

Some of the humor is funny but overall i thought it was a rental at best.

how were the special effects?

[PrimeBane]

Anyone looking to make the leap to a projector, this is as cheap as I've seen the BenQ w500

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=24145&promoid=1001

I love mine :D

[JaylisJayP]

Lord help me....I'm seriously considering this Japanese import of the Band of Brothers set on HD DVD. I think it'd be like $170.00. Anyone else have this or see it?

[JaylisJayP]

Has anyone seen "The Host"? it sounds like a good monster flick (actually it sounds alot like cloverfield, storywise at least)
Is it subtitled?

I enjoyed this one a lot. I liked the qwirky little sci-fi parts where they have him in the labs. I liked the characters. Yeah, it's hokey a little and the dubbing isn't the best, but I'll watch it a few more times for sure.

[JaylisJayP]

Lord help me....I'm seriously considering this Japanese import of the Band of Brothers set on HD DVD. I think it'd be like $170.00. Anyone else have this or see it?

Well, I'm safe for now, since HMV Japan doesn't accept paypal. I know how concerned you all were for me.

[PrimeBane]

I know I was on the edge of my seat all afternoon... :p

[Barry Sanders]

Just watched the HD DVD of the Hulk. Wow what an awesome picture I thought. Tons of cool arial shots and tons of others. Great audio as well. I was dissapointed in the overall storyline and the movie itself. At least it looked good.

[freezerfuel]

Has anyone seen "The Host"? it sounds like a good monster flick (actually it sounds alot like cloverfield, storywise at least)
Is it subtitled?

First 20-30 minutes kick ass, after that it's all downhill. Special effects are good though.

[SBrooks1]

Finally broke down and bought Across the Universe on Blu this afternoon for a pseudo Valentines Day gift to my fiance and to myself.... :D

[imaginegrafix]

Lord help me....I'm seriously considering this Japanese import of the Band of Brothers set on HD DVD. I think it'd be like $170.00. Anyone else have this or see it?

I've been considering it for a while as well - History channel was showing them in HD this past weekend and that didn't help any..... looked flat out amazing!

I'm hoping it comes out for Father's day - if not I might have to spring for it.

[imaginegrafix]

Well, I'm safe for now, since HMV Japan doesn't accept paypal. I know how concerned you all were for me.

Lol - you should get the paypal debit card, it's basically a debit card for the money you have in paypal and you get something like 2% cashback on all purchases that you process as a credit card.

[JaylisJayP]

Lord help me....I'm seriously considering this Japanese import of the Band of Brothers set on HD DVD. I think it'd be like $170.00. Anyone else have this or see it?

Lol - you should get the paypal debit card, it's basically a debit card for the money you have in paypal and you get something like 2% cashback on all purchases that you process as a credit card.

Someone at work just told me about this. I wish he hadn't...now the temptation has returned.

[pbspectre]

wow....i just saw Little Shop of Horrors on HDNet....looked freaking amazing!!...

hard to believe a flick from 22 years ago can look like it was shot yesterday...lol :D

[Wofford29]

Could the end be near?
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ib77125d96b22e86027d0bfb0c25aa58d

[johnnyknoxsvill]

Could the end be near?
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ib77125d96b22e86027d0bfb0c25aa58d

If thats the case, I think we will see BD prices skyrocket on HDM and Players

[NCStateWolfpack33]

Quick question for Robocop (BD) owners. is it worth the $35 to get it now. I'm a huge Robocop fan but i dont know if i want to shell out 35 beans for a movie that i already have all the special editions of on DVD

[JaylisJayP]

Quick question for Robocop (BD) owners. is it worth the $35 to get it now. I'm a huge Robocop fan but i dont know if i want to shell out 35 beans for a movie that i already have all the special editions of on DVD

I would wait. It doesn't look great, but it doesn't look horrible. However, I got it on sale from Frys for $13.99. I'd imagine another sale would come up sooner or later. Or pick it off ebay for under $20.

[johnnyknoxsvill]

Do you guys think this is a good deal for $425?

XA2 and 21 movies

SLITHER
PULSE
LUCKY # SLEVIN
SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT
FORBIDDEN PLANET
TERMINATOR 3
THE DEPARTED
KING KONG
BABEL
CORPSE BRIDE
AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON
THE HITCHER
TROY (selaed new)
ENTER THE DRAGON
SERENITY
ALPHA DOG
BLACK RAIN
SMOKIN ACES
FEARLESS
PITCH BLACK
CHILDREN OF MEN

[JaylisJayP]

Could the end be near?
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ib77125d96b22e86027d0bfb0c25aa58d

Man if they're gonna do it, just do it already. I don't care I'll still pick up some HD DVDs here and there and keep what I've got. But it would make it easier on the consumers if they really just bowed out at this point. They obviously don't have the fight left in 'em.

[JaylisJayP]

Do you guys think this is a good deal for $425?

XA2 and 21 movies

SLITHER
PULSE
LUCKY # SLEVIN
SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT
FORBIDDEN PLANET
TERMINATOR 3
THE DEPARTED
KING KONG
BABEL
CORPSE BRIDE
AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON
THE HITCHER
TROY (selaed new)
ENTER THE DRAGON
SERENITY
ALPHA DOG
BLACK RAIN
SMOKIN ACES
FEARLESS
PITCH BLACK
CHILDREN OF MEN

Yeah, I'd bite if I needed those movies. That's a strong HD DVD player.

[johnnyknoxsvill]

I emailed the guy so we will see if he still has it

[HollandX]

dizam.

rip hd dvd.

[Thee Ultimate Collector]

Anyone looking to make the leap to a projector, this is as cheap as I've seen the BenQ w500

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=24145&promoid=1001

I love mine :D


$250 replacement lamps are a steal also....I set one up at my Buddies theater room and it was a pain in the nuts..it clearly had tons of visible pixelation and the zoom range is awful..we ended up having to mount it right above his first row of seats...that was probably his fault when he was designing the theater room....but, for the price it's very tough to beat.

[kawai7]

For Pulp Fiction I may pass because if its an old movie, I have yet to see an older film look better on Hi-Definition. I've seen some movies where the Hi-Def transfer is only a tad step-up from the standard DVD.

Only one I've seen so far that has an excellent transfer despite its age is Enter the Dragon (ironically, since it a super old film).

I watched Sleepy Hollow on Blu-Ray and oh man, it looks just a little bit brighter from the original. You can tell there's an upgrade but oh man, grain, grain and lots of more grain.

[CoachB]

I second that, I would like to start picking up some paramount movies, and to make sure Iron Man comes out in Blu.Man if they're gonna do it, just do it already. I don't care I'll still pick up some HD DVDs here and there and keep what I've got. But it would make it easier on the consumers if they really just bowed out at this point. They obviously don't have the fight left in 'em.

[PrimeBane]

$250 replacement lamps are a steal also....I set one up at my Buddies theater room and it was a pain in the nuts..it clearly had tons of visible pixelation and the zoom range is awful..we ended up having to mount it right above his first row of seats...that was probably his fault when he was designing the theater room....but, for the price it's very tough to beat.

The zoom range is my biggest beef with the projector, but the lens shift helps to make up for it.

I can't say I notice any pixelation, unless it's due to the source.

[Chugga]

Just putting out a public service announcement. After viewing it tonight Gone Baby Gone is my favorite movie of 07.

Watched it with a few other people and it's one of those movies where everyone comes out with a different opinion and standpoint at the end. If people had actually gone out and saw this movie, or bought it, it would definately be watercooler material but ehh didn't make a ton of money. Great movie, if you don't own it you're doing a disservice to your movie collection and yourself by not having it.

9.75/10

[grif32]

Do you guys think this is a good deal for $425?

XA2 and 21 movies

SLITHER
PULSE
LUCKY # SLEVIN
SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT
FORBIDDEN PLANET
TERMINATOR 3
THE DEPARTED
KING KONG
BABEL
CORPSE BRIDE
AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON
THE HITCHER
TROY (selaed new)
ENTER THE DRAGON
SERENITY
ALPHA DOG
BLACK RAIN
SMOKIN ACES
FEARLESS
PITCH BLACK
CHILDREN OF MEN

Thats a Great Deal....

Chris

[GPWYANKEE]

how were the special effects?

Fair at best im afraid

[GPWYANKEE]

Whos got the best deal on a Toshiba HD XA2???

[MattW62001]

I was looking at some import HD DVD's over at Xploited Cinema and I noticed that on a handful of them the UK version was cheaper than say the French version. Does anyone know why this is? I was just curious. Yet another ignorant question but is the quality going to be the same on an import as it is on the American counterpart? Any help would greatly be appreciated. Thanks, Matt

[grif32]

Whos got the best deal on a Toshiba HD XA2???

Prime posted back I think it was UBID. Had an amazing price on a refurb. One sweet machine.

[ewto16]

Could the end be near?
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ib77125d96b22e86027d0bfb0c25aa58d

I'm all about HD-DVD going away and Blu-ray being the only format, but really this article doesn't say anything. All it does is summarize everything that has happened over the last 2ish months. The rumor that HD-DVD was going away isn't anything new, even if it now comes from an unconfirmed source.

Perhaps thier plan is to wait to see what the numbers look like for American Gangster, Bee Movie and Beowulf before making a decision. Also, it would be likely that they would rather wait until after those high profile releases, so they can make some money off those movies, versus dropping out and those discs being cancelled.

[GPWYANKEE]

Prime posted back I think it was UBID. Had an amazing price on a refurb. One sweet machine.


Sold out:(

[grif32]

Sold out:(

Yeah I knew they wouldnt last long at that price.

I was going to pull the trigger on one but didnt. Wish I did now

[HollandX]

For Pulp Fiction I may pass because if its an old movie, I have yet to see an older film look better on Hi-Definition. I've seen some movies where the Hi-Def transfer is only a tad step-up from the standard DVD.

Only one I've seen so far that has an excellent transfer despite its age is Enter the Dragon (ironically, since it a super old film).

I watched Sleepy Hollow on Blu-Ray and oh man, it looks just a little bit brighter from the original. You can tell there's an upgrade but oh man, grain, grain and lots of more grain.

lol Sleepy Hollow is like the worst movie to choose as a reference point for older movies. Try Casablanca and then we'll talk.

[HollandX]

Just putting out a public service announcement. After viewing it tonight Gone Baby Gone is my favorite movie of 07.

Watched it with a few other people and it's one of those movies where everyone comes out with a different opinion and standpoint at the end. If people had actually gone out and saw this movie, or bought it, it would definately be watercooler material but ehh didn't make a ton of money. Great movie, if you don't own it you're doing a disservice to your movie collection and yourself by not having it.

9.75/10

Wow. Seriously? I have to see it now. I may be a lame-o, but I was totally avoiding this moving since it was written and directed by Ben Affleck, who chose to star his own brother. I was afraid it was self-indulging neptotism at its best. But now I gotta check it out for sure.

[ewto16]

Big news!!! Of course this assumes that your Wal-Mart actually carries HD media, which mine does not.

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9873029-1.html

Things have gone from bad to worse for HD DVD in the space of one week.

Wal-Mart announced Friday morning that it, too, has chosen a side in the battle for high-definition video supremacy: by June it will only stock Blu-ray Disc players.

A buyer in Wal-Mart's video division wrote this morning on her Wal-Mart Checkout blog that the retail giant had made the decision following Netflix and Best Buy's high-profile announcements that they will exclusively stock Blu-ray products.

Wrote Susan Chronister of Wal-Mart: "By June Wal-Mart will only be carrying Blu-ray movies and hardware machines, and of course standard-def movies, DVD players, and up-convert players."

"So," she continues, not mincing words, "if you bought the HD (DVD) player like me, I'd retire it to the bedroom, kid's playroom, or give it to your parents to play their John Wayne standard-def movies, and make space for a BD player..."

That might be the best option at this point, as the dominoes keep falling in Blu-ray's favor. While Netflix and Best Buy were pretty damning evidence that the end was near, now it's glaringly obvious: it's over for HD DVD.

Toshiba might agree: The Hollywood Reporter has sources telling it that Toshiba, the main backer of the HD DVD, might drop its allegiance with the format in the next few weeks.

Toshiba denies it, but stay tuned. There's likely much more to come in this drama.

[SBrooks1]

Good lord, can it get any worse for HD DVD? :eek:

[JaylisJayP]

Just putting out a public service announcement. After viewing it tonight Gone Baby Gone is my favorite movie of 07.

Watched it with a few other people and it's one of those movies where everyone comes out with a different opinion and standpoint at the end. If people had actually gone out and saw this movie, or bought it, it would definately be watercooler material but ehh didn't make a ton of money. Great movie, if you don't own it you're doing a disservice to your movie collection and yourself by not having it.

9.75/10

Awesome, I picked this up on Wednesday and am going to watch it this weekend.

[JaylisJayP]

After that Wal-Mart announcement, it doesn't matter what Toshiba/Universal/Paramount do...seriously unless they drop the DVD format altogether and go HD DVD exclusive exclusive (which ain't happening), it's over.

[johnnyknoxsvill]

Well if BD wants to become mass and not a nitch they need to stick with current prices or drop its prices. I have a feeling that Sony will jack up prices now knowing that they have no one to compete with.

[PrimeBane]

Crappy news that's for sure. :(

Although HDM pricing at WM in Canada is soooo crappy, the only time I buy either format from them is if they have a crazy good sale or they misprice something.

The biggest blow will be if Amazon drops HD DVD.

[SBrooks1]

Wal-Mart makes it official!! :D

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- National discount retailer Wal-Mart announced Friday that it had decided to only sell Sony's Blu-ray hi-definition movie discs, and will phase out Toshiba's competing HD-DVD formatted discs over the next several months.

Wal-Mart said that by June, its 4,000 Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores would sell only Blu-ray discs and Blu-ray hardware players. Blu-ray and Toshiba's HD-DVD format are not compatible.

"We've listened to our customers, who are showing a clear preference toward Blu-ray products and movies with their purchases," said Gary Severson, Wal-Mart's Senior Vice President of Home Entertainment in a statement.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/02/15/technology/wal-mart_blu-ray/index.htm?postversion=2008021511

[PrimeBane]

I never thought things would move this fast after the Warner move...

Probably the best move for Toshiba now is to liquidate the last of their players and let Uni and Paramount out of their contracts.

Now if the BDA would make HDi part of their specs, we can happily move forward to single HDM format with fewer hicups. :)

[JaylisJayP]

Wal-Mart makes it official!! :D

Toshiba needs to make an announcement very soon. As quickly as all this happened with Netflix, Best Buy and Wal-Mart...you just know it's not the end. Target will be next, then count on Circuit City and Blockbuster online following soon.

[Wardo30]

so how many more months until the Blu Ray takeover is complete???

[SBrooks1]

Toshiba needs to make an announcement very soon. As quickly as all this happened with Netflix, Best Buy and Wal-Mart...you just know it's not the end. Target will be next, then count on Circuit City and Blockbuster online following soon.

You know what? Honestly sitting here everyday and posting on various message boards and following this war, I NEVER expected it to end this quickly. It's almost every 2-3 days now that some huge announcement is made that cuts HD DVD deep. It's almost surreal.

[SBrooks1]

so how many more months until the Blu Ray takeover is complete???

Months? Try days....

[MPCanes]

strange request - anyone have the xbox 360 HD-DVD installation disc they are willing to part ways with? I sold my drive on ebay, but I can't find my disc ANYWHERE, and I have absolutely no idea where it walked to - I had it last week when I started the auction, now it's gone.

Let me know, cause it would be a HUGE help.

[PrimeBane]

More refurb XA2s

http://www.refurbdepot.com/productdetails2.cfm?Product_ID=5992

Friggen aholes will only accept wire transfers for international orders... what a crock. :mad:

[SBrooks1]

strange request - anyone have the xbox 360 HD-DVD installation disc they are willing to part ways with? I sold my drive on ebay, but I can't find my disc ANYWHERE, and I have absolutely no idea where it walked to - I had it last week when I started the auction, now it's gone.

Let me know, cause it would be a HUGE help.

I may have it. I'll look when I get home.

[PrimeBane]

Well, if you want what is arguably the worst BD player on the market today and don't care that it won't play some new movies, head out to Sears.

The BDP-1200 is $93 at Sears. Reg price is $399 or so.

fyi, this is the player that Samsung is being sued over.

[grif32]

so how many more months until the Blu Ray takeover is complete???

Take over what?

If you mean take over as the only HD format then probably as soon as Toshiba says its done. Could be a day or months. But my guess would be sometime next week we hear something.

If you mean take over DVD then probably never.

Chris

[WingNut 25]

The big question for me is: will retailers start clearancing out HD-DVD movies? Look at the price drops with the players. Will the discs follow suit?

[ToightLikeATiger]

I would think discs would be clearanced if places are going BD exclusive. I will be ready to purchase movies in bulk once that happens. I will enjoy my HD-DVD movies whether BD wins or not. I have both and enjoy both.

[SBrooks1]

And you wonder why Wal-Mart chose Blu-ray over HD DVD.....

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/SBrooks2006/17feb2008a.gif

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/SBrooks2006/17feb2008b.gif

[PrimeBane]

The big question for me is: will retailers start clearancing out HD-DVD movies? Look at the price drops with the players. Will the discs follow suit?

I imagine it will depend on whether they can return them to the distributor or not... I imagine many liquidation stores and websites will have dirt cheap HD DVDs in a few months.

I'd recommend holding of on purchasing any catalogue HD DVD titles at this point.

I'll only be buying new releases for now.

[MPCanes]

found the disc - thanks for offering to look though, sbrooks. I was in full on panic mode, haha.

[JaylisJayP]

I could be completely wrong, but something tells me Toshiba won't make an announcement until after American Gangster and Beowulf hit stores.

[JaylisJayP]

I imagine it will depend on whether they can return them to the distributor or not... I imagine many liquidation stores and websites will have dirt cheap HD DVDs in a few months.

I'd recommend holding of on purchasing any catalogue HD DVD titles at this point.

I'll only be buying new releases for now.

I doubt you'll find any cheaper at retail than what Deepdiscount is running right now at $12.20 each.

Remember, the retailers have higher prices than online, so they're "clearance" sales will still probably only get you down to $14-$15...maybe $12.50 on older catalog.

[PrimeBane]

They have been found cheaper in the bogo deals. :)

I'm expecting $5 movies at some point in the next 6 months...

[ToightLikeATiger]

We can all rest easier at night now that SBrooks has posted his chart. Thought for a while we werent going to see it this week.

And you wonder why Wal-Mart chose Blu-ray over HD DVD.....

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/SBrooks2006/17feb2008a.gif

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/SBrooks2006/17feb2008b.gif

[ncblue79]

Just putting out a public service announcement. After viewing it tonight Gone Baby Gone is my favorite movie of 07.

Watched it with a few other people and it's one of those movies where everyone comes out with a different opinion and standpoint at the end. If people had actually gone out and saw this movie, or bought it, it would definately be watercooler material but ehh didn't make a ton of money. Great movie, if you don't own it you're doing a disservice to your movie collection and yourself by not having it.

9.75/10

I'm gonna watch it tonight along with We Own the Night.

[JaylisJayP]

They have been found cheaper in the bogo deals. :)

I'm expecting $5 movies at some point in the next 6 months...

yeah that's true. I don't know about $5 movies. Maybe on ebay used.

[Chugga]

Kinda mixed on this flood of news lately. I obviously always wanted Blu-ray to win. I was a supporter of the format from the minute I was able to see Monster House in HD. But I didn't expect it to come this soon and almost don't like the fact that it's happening this soon. One of my favorite parts of HDM was only a few titles came out on my chosen format on a weekly basis. I liked the fact that Universal and Paramount didn't support my format of choice, I was never in too much of a rush to get any particular movie (aside from Big Fish/Man on Fire and I got those) so waiting for the war to be over to see stuff like Clerks2/Hulk in HD was something I was perfectly fine with. Allowed me to spend money on more "questionable" purchases like Gone Baby Gone, Pans Labyrinth, etc. Stuff I never would have casually purchased if I knew I'd have to save up for American Gangster or Zodiac right around the corner.

The prospect of this being over and all studios releasing movies on a weekly basis and playing catch up with blu-ray is a bit scary, not something I had wanted to happen this early at all. You figure if things are actually heading the way they are looking like then this upcoming summer/fall is going to be an absolutely cluster&*$# of releases to someone like myself who didn't want to buy into HD DVD and just stuck with one format. Wouldn't have minded another year or so of fighting and studio exclusivity. I'm honestly in no rush to see more Paramount or Universal blu-ray titles. Don't have the willpower to weather that giant storm. But on the same note I just can't imagine Toshiba holding out much longer at all, they can't be making any money what-so-ever and the prospect of actually making money in the future has been thrown out the window.

[Chugga]

I'm gonna watch it tonight along with We Own the Night.

We own the night was ehhhh. They show you all the awesome stuff that happens in the movie in the trailer. Not a bad movie by any stretch, but I thought it had the potential to be something really amazing. It looked alot like the Departed and in the end it doesn't really live up to that movie at all. 7.5/10 in my book.

[ewto16]

I imagine it will depend on whether they can return them to the distributor or not... I imagine many liquidation stores and websites will have dirt cheap HD DVDs in a few months.

I'd recommend holding of on purchasing any catalogue HD DVD titles at this point.

I'll only be buying new releases for now.

Yeah, when the Hollywood videos around here went out of business, I was going to try and pick up some Blu-ray movies since they were selling every thing at 30-50% off. The person working there told me they weren't able to sell the Blu-ray movies (HD-DVD as well) for a discount and had to send them back to the distributer.

[ewto16]

I could be completely wrong, but something tells me Toshiba won't make an announcement until after American Gangster and Beowulf hit stores.

That is what I said earlier. They have AG, Bee Movie and Beowulf coming out. They are going to hold out and let all the people that own HD-DVD pick up those big releases, and then probably drop out after that. Might as well make any cash that they can before they bow out.

I say this is all over by June when Warner switches over. I think they will hold out an clearance all their players until then. Get those out in the market, so they don't lose all their money on those as well.

[SBrooks1]

We can all rest easier at night now that SBrooks has posted his chart. Thought for a while we werent going to see it this week.

I'll always post it just for you :p

[ewto16]

Here is a little something to foster some discussion:

Many people bashed Sony left and right when the PS3 was coming out for including a Blu-ray player in their console. They wanted a game machine, not an all-in-one media (Game/DVD/BR) machine. People complained about the increased cost and how Blu-ray wasn't necessary and how it was just Sony's way of pushing their technology on people.

How does that decision look a little over a year from then? Personally, I think they look brillant. This has basically won the war for them. The PS2 is what got me into playing DVDs and the PS3 got me into Blu-ray movies. Without the PS3, I would probably own a HD-DVD player, due to the cost and movie selection. On top of that, the PS3 is routinely recommended as the best Blu-ray player.

How do you think this format war could have been different if Microsoft had actually included an HD-DVD drive in the 360, instead of as add-on? Add-ons are notorious for selling terribly in the US, so the fact it didn't succeed wasn't much of a shock, but what if it had been built in? There are like 10 million 360s out there and maybe only 300,000 HD-DVD add-ons compared to 5-6 million PS3s, but also 5-6 million Blu-ray players. Given the huge lead in console sales for the 360 versus the PS3, would the scales have been tipped the other way?

[SBrooks1]

I wasn't going to post this but it's just too funny not to. I dedicate it to Toight.... :D

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/SBrooks2006/bluraykill.gif

[JaylisJayP]

That is what I said earlier. They have AG, Bee Movie and Beowulf coming out. They are going to hold out and let all the people that own HD-DVD pick up those big releases, and then probably drop out after that. Might as well make any cash that they can before they bow out.

I say this is all over by June when Warner switches over. I think they will hold out an clearance all their players until then. Get those out in the market, so they don't lose all their money on those as well.

Well, as an HD DVD owner, I'm torn on what to do with these 3. I will probably end up buying Beowulf, and then hold off on Bee Movie. American Gangster I can see myself getting on either format when it gets down to that $12 range.

[SBrooks1]

How do you think this format war could have been different if Microsoft had actually included an HD-DVD drive in the 360, instead of as add-on? Add-ons are notorious for selling terribly in the US, so the fact it didn't succeed wasn't much of a shock, but what if it had been built in? There are like 10 million 360s out there and maybe only 300,000 HD-DVD add-ons compared to 5-6 million PS3s, but also 5-6 million Blu-ray players. Given the huge lead in console sales for the 360 versus the PS3, would the scales have been tipped the other way?

I think if the 360 would have had HD DVD built it it would have helped them sell more movies no doubt. It might have kept Warner neutral and we would have had multiple movie formats just like we have multiple consoles with exclusives on each. The add-on sold decent numbers I'm sure but had it been built in it would help sell much more HD DVD's.

[PrimeBane]

The rest of the article was crap, but this was interesting...


Sure, Toshiba had the development cost, carried much of the promotional cost and had to build those HD DVD players, which wasn’t exactly cheap. But Toshiba covered its bases through a production and development joint-venture with Samsung: TSST, short for Toshiba Samsung Storage Technologies, enables Toshiba to get access to Blu-ray technology immediately. Toshiba holds 51% of the joint venture, Samsung the remaining 49%. Sony, by the way, also covered its bases through a joint venture with NEC, a company that today focuses on HD DVD drives.


http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/36017/128/1/1/

[WingNut 25]

^ Smart business moves.

[PrimeBane]

Here is a little something to foster some discussion:

Many people bashed Sony left and right when the PS3 was coming out for including a Blu-ray player in their console. They wanted a game machine, not an all-in-one media (Game/DVD/BR) machine. People complained about the increased cost and how Blu-ray wasn't necessary and how it was just Sony's way of pushing their technology on people.

At $659, it was a bad idea... now that a PS3 is $499 or less it's a lot easier to stomach the purchase.

Problem is, putting BD in the PS3 has cost them so far in the console war... Sony effective sacrificed one for the other at this point. Had they move backfired, they could have had duds on both fronts.

Now BD has won and the PS3 is picking up steam... I still think it will finish #3 in the console war, but that remains to be seen.

[WitchKingOfAngmar]

At $659, it was a bad idea... now that a PS3 is $499 or less it's a lot easier to stomach the purchase.

Problem is, putting BD in the PS3 has cost them so far in the console war... Sony effective sacrificed one for the other at this point. Had they move backfired, they could have had duds on both fronts.

Now BD has won and the PS3 is picking up steam... I still think it will finish #3 in the console war, but that remains to be seen.

Well, this last week the PS3 sold a bit more than 360....but, that wasn't hard considering that MOST places have been sold the **** out of the non "arcade" versions of the system.

[ewto16]

Well, this last week the PS3 sold a bit more than 360....but, that wasn't hard considering that MOST places have been sold the **** out of the non "arcade" versions of the system.

I read about this shortage today. How is that possible? There have been more than enough 360s to go around for the last year and a half. Why are they just now running out?

Did they actually sell that many over the holidays that they don't have enough backstock, or are they pulling a Nintendo and trying to artifically create demand by shorting the supply.

If it is the latter, that will be a bad move on their part. Plenty of people would just snag a PS3 if there wasn't a 360 there.

[quiggle]

what's the best HDTV antenna I should get? I don't have cable. thanks!

[SBrooks1]

what's the best HDTV antenna I should get? I don't have cable. thanks!

I bought my parents an RCA powered OTA antenna for local HD stuff and it works great

[quiggle]

I bought my parents an RCA powered OTA antenna for local HD stuff and it works great

thanks, is this for indoor or outdoor?

[SBrooks1]

thanks, is this for indoor or outdoor?

indoor

[quiggle]

this is the one?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31MG6mBP2QL._AA280_.jpg

[SBrooks1]

Nah, it's this one.......

http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/8280/8280843_sb.jpg

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8280843&st=rca+antenna&lp=3&type=product&cp=1&id=1171058630563

[quiggle]

oh nice, thanks!

I'm getting my first HDTV next week, I was reading some reviews and this caught my attention could someone please explain further what this means for the televsision? thank you

"television does not support a 1080p input signal via its HDMI"

the television I want to get is Sony KDL-46V2500

[JaylisJayP]

oh nice, thanks!

I'm getting my first HDTV next week, I was reading some reviews and this caught my attention could someone please explain further what this means for the televsision? thank you

"television does not support a 1080p input signal via its HDMI"

the television I want to get is Sony KDL-46V2500

welcome to high def! Don't buy an HD DVD player ;):D

[quiggle]

welcome to high def! Don't buy an HD DVD player ;):D

thanks man lol, so I can't play HD DVDs with this HDTV Sony, that totally defeats the purpose. No wonder why it's cheaper than most 46 inch :(

[ewto16]

oh nice, thanks!

I'm getting my first HDTV next week, I was reading some reviews and this caught my attention could someone please explain further what this means for the televsision? thank you

"television does not support a 1080p input signal via its HDMI"

the television I want to get is Sony KDL-46V2500

It means that you don't want to get that TV.

Seriously, while it may not be a crucial feature at this point, it likely will be in the future. Basically HDMI is the connection that most equipment (DVD player/Blu-ray/PS3) will use in the future and that most do now. Some PS3 games and all Blu-ray movies output thier signal at 1080p. This gives you the best overall picture.

This TV will support 1080p, but not over that HDMI input. It means that it will sclae the component input from 720p/1080i to 1080p and accept a 1080p input on that input, but not HDMI. If you input HDMI, such as from the PS3 while watching a Blu-ray movie, you will get an error/blank screen. I beleive that many sources won't output 1080p over component, just 1080i, but I might be wrong on that.

In short, I would get a different TV. 1080p is the future for TV and so is HDMI. Right now, it is basically for games (360/PS3) and HD-DVD/Blu-ray movies, but more 1080p content will be coming.

Also, assuming that movie studios ever activate the encryption that is built into HDMI, then you would be screwed for watching movies in anyting other than 480p over component. I guess you could scale things to 720p in theory, but that sort of defeats the purpose and means you would scale the image twice (1080p to 720p to 1080p) which will probably affect the picture.

Anyone that knows better, feel free to correct me.

[ewto16]

thanks man lol, so I can't play HD DVDs with this HDTV Sony, that totally defeats the purpose. No wonder why it's cheaper than most 46 inch :(

Correct, for the most part. You might be able to play them over component, but I wouldn't count on that for all movies and players.

Really, look into getting a better TV. I have a Sony KDS-50A2000 and I love it. Others on here have many different TV, so you can get a good recomendation from this thread if you post what you are looking for and your budget.

[quiggle]

great in depth explanation ewto16, thank you! wow, I'm glad I caught this in time - I knew something was funny seeing this for under $1999 while all others the same size were going for mid $2000.

Correct, for the most part. You might be able to play them over component, but I wouldn't count on that for all movies and players.

Really, look into getting a better TV. I have a Sony KDS-50A2000 and I love it. Others on here have many different TV, so you can get a good recomendation from this thread if you post what you are looking for and your budget.

Well, I'm looking for a 46 inch Sony HDTV but was hoping I could get one for less than $2000, the Sony KDL-46V2500 seemed like the ideal one for me as it was the size I wanted and did fit my budget. Eh :(

[JaylisJayP]

1080p might be "the future" as marketers would have you believe, but that still doesn't mean there's any difference between 720p and 1080p. Especially on a 46" TV. There's not. I wish I had bookmarked that link to the Q&A article from last week where the tech guy had such a beautiful explanation as to why there's virtually no difference unless you're watching a 70" TV three feet away from the screen.

[quiggle]

my parents wanted to get a 720p last week but I told them not to because all the local newspapers warned against it saying we should invest in 1080p because it's going to be the future

[quiggle]

sorry for asking all these questions, but on the specifications it does say it has HDMI? :confused:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8179455&st=Sony+KDL-46V2500&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1172881381461

and it has pretty solid reviews, if it doesn't have HDMI then surely it would get some bad ones?

[SmartassBoiler]

sorry for asking all these questions, but on the specifications it does say it has HDMI? :confused:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8179455&st=Sony+KDL-46V2500&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1172881381461

and it has pretty solid reviews, if it doesn't have HDMI then surely it would get some bad ones?

That one has 2 HDMI inputs. I don't believe the TV could boast the ability to show a 1080p signal without HDMI....

[grif32]

I could be completely wrong, but something tells me Toshiba won't make an announcement until after American Gangster and Beowulf hit stores.

Who is going to buy them on HD DVD now? Toshiba needs to come out Monday ditch HD DVD and be done with it.

I wouldnt waste the money on making these movies on HD DVD because they will not sell.

[Kingpen]

uh oh.....Wally just went Blu. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23186582/)

[SmartassBoiler]

my parents wanted to get a 720p last week but I told them not to because all the local newspapers warned against it saying we should invest in 1080p because it's going to be the future

The local newspapers want you to spend more money. Unless you're huge into BluRay or HD gaming, it's not worth spending a bunch more money to upgrade from 720p to 1080p. There's just not enough out there for 1080p outside of that.

[quiggle]

That one has 2 HDMI inputs. I don't believe the TV could boast the ability to show a 1080p signal without HDMI....

thanks SmartassBoiler, that must be a bogus review on CNET then, do you by any chance own this model? thanks again!

[SmartassBoiler]

thanks SmartassBoiler, that must be a bogus review on CNET then, do you by any chance own this model? thanks again!

No, I don't. I just looked at the specifications link.

[ewto16]

sorry for asking all these questions, but on the specifications it does say it has HDMI? :confused:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8179455&st=Sony+KDL-46V2500&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1172881381461

and it has pretty solid reviews, if it doesn't have HDMI then surely it would get some bad ones?

Don't be sorry. That is part of the point of this thread. That and *****ing about if HD-DVD or Bluray is better. ;)

It does have HDMI, but some TVs don't accept the 1080p signal over HDMI. I thought this was only in earlier TVs. Is this TV an older model? Basically you could hook up something to it via HDMI, but you would only be able to receive a 720p/1080i signal, not 1080p.

Jay is correct, though I tend to think the size is 50" for you to notice 1080p. I answered my question in the way I did because it seemed that 1080p was a fature that you wanted.

If you are fine watching a 720p TV, which at under 50" you should be, then you have a whole world of TVs open to you.

[ewto16]

thanks SmartassBoiler, that must be a bogus review on CNET then, do you by any chance own this model? thanks again!

Nope, CNET is right. Don't get confused.

Just because a TV has HDMI DOES NOT mean it can accept 1080p. It means that 1080p is the native resolution of the TV set and that everything that is input into the TV will get scaled to 1080p.

However, if you input a 1080p signal to the TV over HDMI, your TV simply won't recognize it and won't be able to display it. It will display 1080p over component, assuming you had something that would input that to the TV.

Again, please buy a different TV. Sony offers many TVs that are way better than that one, if you are sold on getting a Sony. If you are going for 46", I would get a 720p TV with more HDMI inputs and better specifications. If you really really want a 1080p TV, I would 100% get a TV that does accept 1080p over HDMI or you are pretty much defeating the purpose.

[quiggle]

thanks for all your input, it's much appreciated. I'm not too particular with what I'm looking for, just a television that will be sufficient for the 2009 conversion and able to play DVDs with no problems. Seeing buying these is such a significant investment, I just want to make sure I'm getting the most of my money. Do any of you see any cons with that model I'm interested in? I also read it has clouds but those were from older and earlier versions and it was fixed. thanks again! :)

Nope, CNET is right. Don't get confused.

Just because a TV has HDMI DOES NOT mean it can accept 1080p. It means that 1080p is the native resolution of the TV set and that everything that is input into the TV will get scaled to 1080p.

However, if you input a 1080p signal to the TV over HDMI, your TV simply won't recognize it and won't be able to display it. It will display 1080p over component, assuming you had something that would input that to the TV.

Again, please buy a different TV. Sony offers many TVs that are way better than that one, if you are sold on getting a Sony. If you are going for 46", I would get a 720p TV with more HDMI inputs and better specifications. If you really really want a 1080p TV, I would 100% get a TV that does accept 1080p over HDMI or you are pretty much defeating the purpose.

I'm just beginning to read this, now I think I'm a little more confused than before. I like the one you posted but it's too big for my place, is there something similar in nature that is 46 inches? thanks!

[ewto16]

The local newspapers want you to spend more money. Unless you're huge into BluRay or HD gaming, it's not worth spending a bunch more money to upgrade from 720p to 1080p. There's just not enough out there for 1080p outside of that.

The local newspapers probably don't care what he spends his money on. I'm sure they are just speaking in general terms and not doing proper research on the topic as the news does with 90% of the stuff they report anyway.

[PrimeBane]

It's an LCD :p

Seriously, if you want a terrific 50" tv and 1080p isn't a concern, take a good look at the Panasonic line of plasmas.

[HollandX]

The rest of the article was crap, but this was interesting...



http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/36017/128/1/1/


i feel played.

lol... it was all a scam. the ultimate double dip.

"let's make a format... just to destroy it."

"but then everyone will have to rebuy?"

"EXACTLY! MUAHAHHAAH! MUAHAHAHHAHA! MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA!"

[ewto16]

Who is going to buy them on HD DVD now? Toshiba needs to come out Monday ditch HD DVD and be done with it.

I wouldnt waste the money on making these movies on HD DVD because they will not sell.

People that don't follow the HD-DVD news as much as we do in this thread. People with HD-DVD players that really like those movies and want to watch them in HD. People who don't know any better and walk into the store and buy an HD-DVD player, since they are cheap, and these two new movies.

Those are the people Toshiba hopes to take advantage of over the next few months. All ofthe recent news really does help explain why there have been no announcements of new HD-DVDs from Uni/Para beyond what is already announced. I would assume they know the end is coming, maybe in June, so they aren't working on any more movies.

[ewto16]

thanks for all your input, it's much appreciated. I'm not too particular with what I'm looking for, just a television that will be sufficient for the 2009 conversion and able to play DVDs with no problems. Seeing buying these is such a significant investment, I just want to make sure I'm getting the most of my money. Do any of you see any cons with that model I'm interested in? I also read it has clouds but those were from older and earlier versions and it was fixed. thanks again! :)



I'm just beginning to read this, now I think I'm a little more confused than before. I like the one you posted but it's too big for my place, is there something similar in nature that is 46 inches? thanks!

There are lots of TVs that fit in that size range for you. Sony probably makes a better LCD. Panasonic, Pioneer, Sharp, and I think Samsung all make excellent LCD/Plasma TVs that would fit in your price/size range and offer you a much better set of features.

A lot of the guys on here have TVs from those various manufactuers, so I'm sure they can give you some good advice. I don't really have much experience with them, other than knowing that is what everyone recommends.

[SmartassBoiler]

The local newspapers probably don't care what he spends his money on. I'm sure they are just speaking in general terms and not doing proper research on the topic as the news does with 90% of the stuff they report anyway.

That could be true, but I'm of the mindset that the media machine as a whole usually has a goal of maximizing the amount of money that a potential consumer will spend...

[johnnyknoxsvill]

It sucks that HD might be dead (untill we hear official word) Im just looking forward to a better/newer HDM selection

[Kleptos18]

Hey quiggle. I don't know if your looking for flatscreen or what, but this is the tv I bought. I love it. It's not very thick, in fact most rear projections now days equal out to about the same as a flatscreen if you have the flat mounted on the wall.

Check it out, it's in your price range (1497 right now, i bought it at 1599 less than a month ago so i'll be emailing to get some money back :) ) and it's beautiful. 1080p, everything looks great on it.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Bravia-KDS-50A3000-1080p-Projection/dp/B000TMFYAA/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1203113542&sr=8-1

[imaginegrafix]

It sucks that HD might be dead (untill we hear official word) Im just looking forward to a better/newer HDM selection

I agree, bummed on HD DVD because I thought it had a better chance for widespread adoption due to cheaper hardware - but as long as we continue to see bluray sales I could care less, I just hope sony doesn't screw the pooch like they tend to do with every other "better" technology they introduce into the market.

[imaginegrafix]

Someone at work just told me about this. I wish he hadn't...now the temptation has returned.

You should get it anyhow - I pay any bill I can with it and I've saved hundreds of dollars over the years from it.

[ewto16]

Hey quiggle. I don't know if your looking for flatscreen or what, but this is the tv I bought. I love it. It's not very thick, in fact most rear projections now days equal out to about the same as a flatscreen if you have the flat mounted on the wall.

Check it out, it's in your price range (1497 right now, i bought it at 1599 less than a month ago so i'll be emailing to get some money back :) ) and it's beautiful. 1080p, everything looks great on it.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Bravia-KDS-50A3000-1080p-Projection/dp/B000TMFYAA/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1203113542&sr=8-1

This is an excellent point. While most people are lured in by the slimness of an LCD or Plasma, they do end up taking up more space when mounted to the wall. Plus, if you out them on a stand, the stand is likely the same size as an RPTV as well.

That being said there are numerous pros/cons to a RPTV versus an LCD versus a plasma. That is a WHOLE different discussion. :D

[quiggle]

Hey quiggle. I don't know if your looking for flatscreen or what, but this is the tv I bought. I love it. It's not very thick, in fact most rear projections now days equal out to about the same as a flatscreen if you have the flat mounted on the wall.

Check it out, it's in your price range (1497 right now, i bought it at 1599 less than a month ago so i'll be emailing to get some money back :) ) and it's beautiful. 1080p, everything looks great on it.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Bravia-KDS-50A3000-1080p-Projection/dp/B000TMFYAA/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1203113542&sr=8-1

nice, thanks Kleptos but it's going to be too big for me - but how come these 50 inch televisions are even cheaper than 46 inch one I'm looking out. Shouldn't they be more? Is it because it's not flat panel?

[quiggle]

also, it seems that I should get one that has at least 3 HDMI?

[Wofford29]

I just want this to be over with, because the majority of movies I want now and that are coming out later this year are all damn HD DVD exclusive at the moment.

[Kleptos18]

So I just got off the phone with amazon. Seems that even though I bought the tv Off of amazon.com, i bought it from crutchfield and the Post Sale Price Guarantee doesn't hold true for that.

That sucks :( that's 100 bucks I could have put into some blu-rays :)

[Hanky Panky]

uh oh.....Wally just went Blu. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23186582/)

Just read this today...with Walmart shelving HD-DVD...I think it's a matter of weeks we can expect prices to drop to $19-15 per disc :)

[PrimeBane]

More Toshiba XA2 HD DVD players for $228 (refurb)

http://www.ubid.com/Toshiba_HDXA2_HD_DVD_high-def__player_with_1080p_output/a602210845.html

Garth, I'm looking at YOU buddy :D

[Hanky Panky]

Garth, I'm looking at YOU buddy

Run Garth! That's not a lightsabre in his pocket! :eek: :D

[CoachB]

Toshiba should just announce there going back to Blu-ray also, so they can save a little money

[SBrooks1]

So I guess I've got a lot of HD DVD's and the 360 add-on which I'll be looking to sell ASAP. Anyone interested? :)

[JaylisJayP]

Who is going to buy them on HD DVD now? Toshiba needs to come out Monday ditch HD DVD and be done with it.

I wouldnt waste the money on making these movies on HD DVD because they will not sell.

Dont' you think American Gangster is already made, since it goes onsale Tuesday?

[JaylisJayP]

So I guess I've got a lot of HD DVD's and the 360 add-on which I'll be looking to sell ASAP. Anyone interested? :)

Depending on the movies, I'll take a look at a list and prices.

[JaylisJayP]

You should get it anyhow - I pay any bill I can with it and I've saved hundreds of dollars over the years from it.

what's the deal with the savings? It gives you money back?

[ewto16]

nice, thanks Kleptos but it's going to be too big for me - but how come these 50 inch televisions are even cheaper than 46 inch one I'm looking out. Shouldn't they be more? Is it because it's not flat panel?

Sorry, I stepped away and I'll be off for most of the weekend.

Anyway, yes, it is likely that they are cheaper because they are rear-projection. Those TVs tend to be cheaper than flat-panel TVs. Ususally it goes in order of increasing cost like this, rear projection, LCD, plasma.

3 HDMI inputs would be good. More is better, but don't get a crappier TV, just because it has another HDMI input. You could always buy an HDMI switcher or a better home theater receiver to get you more HDMI ports.

Since you seem fairly new to the whole HDTV buying experience, I'll loop this thread back around to where it seems you started.

CNET guide to buying a TV
http://reviews.cnet.com/tv-buying-guide/?tag=dir

Top HDTVs overall
http://reviews.cnet.com/4370-6485_7-168-101.html?tag=dir

Top plasma TVs
http://reviews.cnet.com/4370-6485_7-168-103.html?tag=lnav

Top LCD TVs
http://reviews.cnet.com/4370-6485_7-168-104.html?tag=lnav

These two ranked as some of the highest and fit in your price range.

Pioneer plasma
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/pioneer-kuro-pdp-5080/4505-6482_7-32476901.html?tag=txt

Panasonic plasma
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-th-42pz700u/4505-6482_7-32466828.html?tag=txt

I can't stress how important it is for you to choose a few TVs you think seem good, but then go see them in the store. Seeing them live is really important to buying a TV. Take a DVD that you know really well with you and ask them to play it on the TV. Play a HD-DVD or Blu-ray movie on the TVs and see how each handles the picture.

The feed to the TVs in a store like Best Buy is not necessacarily the best for trying to determine a TVs quality. Also, remember that the TVs settings might be changed. Try to ensure that they are all set equally and that one isn't on the brightest setting and another isn't on warm or something like that. It will make the TVs look very different.

As for getting a TV that meets the new digital cable standard coming in 2009, any TV you buy that was MADE this past year 2007 or newer will include the proper tuner to allow you to receive that signal. Federal law required that they all carry them after that point. In fact, I think stores, like Best Buy, are no longer allowed to sell TVs that won't be compliant with the new regulation.

Hope all of this helps. I'll try to check back in over the weekend, but I'm usually not online much. Buying a new HDTV is great, but I totally understand the need to get the best bang for your buck. Good luck!!!

[ewto16]

Dont' you think American Gangster is already made, since it goes onsale Tuesday?

Right, I'm sure this and Bee Movie and Beowulf are probably already mastered and likely pressed already. Remember Blades of Glory was already sent out and had to be recalled when Paramount made the switch.

They will see thorugh these movies and their remaining HD-DVD player stock and then announce they give up.

[imaginegrafix]

what's the deal with the savings? It gives you money back?

The paypal debit card you get cash back on when you process transactions as a credit card - make sure to do the debit card though, they also offer a credit card which you probably don't want - here is a link to the debit card info: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=p/acc/dc_intro-outside

[JaylisJayP]

thanks ^^^

[imaginegrafix]

np - I thing it varies, but mine gives me 1.5% cashback on all purchases (processed as credit - debit doesn't give you anything) - it's not a lot, but it adds up. Especially if you make an effort to transfer money and pay bills w/ it as well.

[imaginegrafix]

I think I'll still pick up American Gangster on Tues. - I had a moment today where I thought about throwing some of my hd dvds up for sale, but I don't care what color the case is, all I care is that it is in HD - I'm not going to spend more money to purchase the same movie when the quality doesn't improve.

I'll probably pick up another player when the prices hit rock bottom just to have as a backup.

[JaylisJayP]

I think I'll still pick up American Gangster on Tues. - I had a moment today where I thought about throwing some of my hd dvds up for sale, but I don't care what color the case is, all I care is that it is in HD - I'm not going to spend more money to purchase the same movie when the quality doesn't improve.

I'll probably pick up another player when the prices hit rock bottom just to have as a backup.

My thoughts exactly.

[Hanky Panky]

Anyone know how much of the dvd marketplace Walmart is responsible for in the U.S.?

[JaylisJayP]

The paypal debit card you get cash back on when you process transactions as a credit card - make sure to do the debit card though, they also offer a credit card which you probably don't want - here is a link to the debit card info: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=p/acc/dc_intro-outside

Just applied for this. Thanks again for the link. Only problem is it takes 2-4 weeks for the card to arrive....so I guess I have to wait :mad:

[avsfan21]

The selection walmart had for BD or HD was horrible. There wasnt a single thing there that I would buy. I will stick with best buy if I want to buy something from the store.

[james howlett]

I guess the lesser format has won.

[avsfan21]

Lesser format perhaps but better technology.

[Kleptos18]

So I just watched We Own The Night.

I loved it. I think it was better than The Departed.

[JaylisJayP]

^^^ No s--t? Man, all I've been hearing is how "average" it is.

lol, Don't make me buy another movie.

[JaylisJayP]

Anyone have Secret Window blu-ray they're looking to sell?

[JaylisJayP]

Also, what's everyone's opinion on The Aviator, Omega Man and Million Dollar Baby.

Worth a purchase?

[Kleptos18]

^^^ No s--t? Man, all I've been hearing is how "average" it is.

lol, Don't make me buy another movie.

it's worth a rent man :) I loved it. The first couple minutes with Eva Mendez.. um, pleasing herself is worth the rental :)

[JaylisJayP]

yeah i have it at the top of Netflix already....just wondering if it's worth a purchase. Guess I'll find out myself soon enough.

[SBrooks1]

I guess the lesser format has won.

Your bitter tears taste good :p

[Chugga]

The selection walmart had for BD or HD was horrible. There wasnt a single thing there that I would buy. I will stick with best buy if I want to buy something from the store.

You ever go to a Super Walmart? I'll be the first to admit Walmarts have a tendency to suck in terms of HDM. We have a Walmart about 10 minutes away from here that has 2 Blu-rays for sale...Night at the Museum and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They are the only titles ever out and they display them in the PS3 section. But on the same note the Super Walmart right down the street from me has a 4 way HD display with tv's on both sides 1 with a blu-ray demo one with a hd dvd demo. About 50 blu-ray disks and about 50 hd dvd disks. Walmart is actually a really really good place to go for new releases. They are usually always a good $5 cheaper then Best Buy but don't even bother trying to get a catalogue title from them. It's not going to happen.

[jmcc000]

Also, what's everyone's opinion on The Aviator, Omega Man and Million Dollar Baby.

Worth a purchase?

I liked omega man (the only one i have seen) I have it on HD DVD if your interested? I'll trade it for a BR movie i dont have or sell it for under ebay prices.
Im gonna sell most of my HD DVD movies.

[Chugga]

So I just watched We Own The Night.

I loved it. I think it was better than The Departed.

I respectfully disagree. The Departed wasn't exactly a "masterpiece" but it was a pretty awesome movie. We Own the Night is not awesome....at all. It's solid, it's worth viewing it might even be worth owning but it's not better then the Departed. No chance, not at all, no way.

We Own the Night is to The Departed as A Man Apart is to Man on Fire.

[oaktown2000]

like...chugga's gaming skillz to oaktown's gaming skillz

[oaktown2000]

And yes....I saw your rocking the American Idol version of Kareoke Revolution the other day........I just shook my head in shame

[Chugga]

And yes....I saw your rocking the American Idol version of Kareoke Revolution the other day........I just shook my head in shame


I don't own that game. It came out the same day as Devil May Cry, I went and bought DMC4 and a friend of mine bought Karaoke Revolution. What can you do? I can't say "no don't put that game in my system, thats wrong" no oaktown I've gotta say "ok lets try out Bohemian Rhapsody real quick if you insist". So I did a little bit of singing, I impressed Simon a bit and now, won myself a contract and the rest is history. Don't hate

[Chugga]

like...chugga's gaming skillz to oaktown's gaming skillz

You're confusing people now. Everyone knows I'm better then you, switch it around and thats what we own the night is to the departed.

[oaktown2000]

I don't own that game. It came out the same day as Devil May Cry, I went and bought DMC4 and a friend of mine bought Karaoke Revolution. What can you do? I can't say "no don't put that game in my system, thats wrong" no oaktown I've gotta say "ok lets try out Bohemian Rhapsody real quick if you insist". So I did a little bit of singing, I impressed Simon a bit and now, won myself a contract and the rest is history. Don't hate


sure....a friend bought it........ok



How far into Lost Odyssey are you? Does it have any replay value whatsoever?

[Chugga]

sure....a friend bought it........ok



How far into Lost Odyssey are you? Does it have any replay value whatsoever?

Well if I owned the game I would have played it alot more then for 3 hours the first day the game came out. I'd probably still be playing it now.

As for Lost Odyssey it's a 50+ hour long game, I hope it doesn't have replay value. And as I was telling you in the 360 thread...you wouldn't like the game, you'd absolutely hate it, you wouldn't be able to get through the first level without falling asleep. If you bought it you'd probably consider it the worst game ever created....you'd be wrong like you always are, but thats what you'd think.

But anyways you have fun, I'm going to go play more of the game now...

[oaktown2000]

yeah...im not crazy about the 15 minute text bullcrap....but the game is visually stunning....send it to me for a week when you're done with it and I'll decide if I want it...and if I do...I'll just buy it from you....for the going "trade in value"....that'll give you plenty of time to hash out your singing career


True story. My wife watches the show so in accordance, I watch it sparingly. I watched the final cut episode...where everyone's balling their eyes out and they cut it down to the final 20 or so who'll make the show.

The guy who went with his twin sister....the big fella. I seriously thought that might have been you....until I heard they were from the dirty south. When he made it....he started yelling "praise jesus.....ohhh lordy...praise jesus" and I said to myself....yeah....chugga's not that religious...it couldn't be him.

[avsfan21]

You ever go to a Super Walmart? I'll be the first to admit Walmarts have a tendency to suck in terms of HDM. We have a Walmart about 10 minutes away from here that has 2 Blu-rays for sale...Night at the Museum and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They are the only titles ever out and they display them in the PS3 section. But on the same note the Super Walmart right down the street from me has a 4 way HD display with tv's on both sides 1 with a blu-ray demo one with a hd dvd demo. About 50 blu-ray disks and about 50 hd dvd disks. Walmart is actually a really really good place to go for new releases. They are usually always a good $5 cheaper then Best Buy but don't even bother trying to get a catalogue title from them. It's not going to happen.

Only Walmarts around me are Super Walmarts. They had a few there, but it was mainly crap, but then again it is walmart.

[CoachB]

Last I heard Wal-mart is #1 in DVD salesAnyone know how much of the dvd marketplace Walmart is responsible for in the U.S.?

[CoachB]

Omega Man was made in the early 70's It was made from the Book
"I Am Legend"Also, what's everyone's opinion on The Aviator, Omega Man and Million Dollar Baby.

Worth a purchase?

[JaylisJayP]

I liked omega man (the only one i have seen) I have it on HD DVD if your interested? I'll trade it for a BR movie i dont have or sell it for under ebay prices.
Im gonna sell most of my HD DVD movies.

PM sent

[Kleptos18]

I respectfully disagree. The Departed wasn't exactly a "masterpiece" but it was a pretty awesome movie. We Own the Night is not awesome....at all. It's solid, it's worth viewing it might even be worth owning but it's not better then the Departed. No chance, not at all, no way.

We Own the Night is to The Departed as A Man Apart is to Man on Fire.

That's cool. I didn't dig departed all that much. the ending got me, but the rest of it... eh. I guess it's been awhile since I watched it. Maybe i shoudl give it another shot :)

[JaylisJayP]

I respectfully disagree. The Departed wasn't exactly a "masterpiece" but it was a pretty awesome movie. We Own the Night is not awesome....at all. It's solid, it's worth viewing it might even be worth owning but it's not better then the Departed. No chance, not at all, no way.

We Own the Night is to The Departed as A Man Apart is to Man on Fire.

I won't say A Man Apart was better than Man on Fire, but A Man Apart imo is an underrated flick. I could definitely stand to see that one on blu-ray.

[Hanky Panky]

Last I heard Wal-mart is #1 in DVD sales

In terms of supplier? I'd go with that...which makes today's news all the more relevant as far as the nail in the proverbial coffin for HD-DVD.

[PrimeBane]

WM is the number 1 seller of DVD, but Best Buy is the number 1 seller of HDM... I think WM is number 4.

[avsfan21]

Yeah as I said Walmart sucks for HD Movies.

[freezerfuel]

So Blu-ray will now have to fight DVD. One day the DVD aisles in Wal-Mart will be full of smaller sized cases with a blue trim and a 'Blu-ray' logo. Can't say I see a chance of that happening but oh well. Hooray for the bad guys!

Guess I'll be one of those weirdo's that still has Laserdiscs or Betamax tapes in a few years because I'm keeping all my HD DVD's.

The one concern I have is that HD DVD hasn't been around that long and I hope they (particularly Toshiba) keep making and improving dual format players.

[Chugga]

I won't say A Man Apart was better than Man on Fire, but A Man Apart imo is an underrated flick. I could definitely stand to see that one on blu-ray.

I thought A Man Apart was actually a really good movie but at least in my opinion if you put it up head-to-head against Man on Fire, A Man Apart is going to come up well short. Which was my main issue with We Own the Night, from the minute I saw its trailer I was putting it up against The Departed which I suppose isn't very fair to We Own the Night, but regardless I just didn't think it lived up to the hype or talents of the actors starring in it.

So in many ways it shares alot in common with A Man Apart, very solid movie but in comparison to other films in its genre it falls a little short. Also it likely didn't help that I watched Gone Baby Gone this same week and there isn't much at all that can stand up to that movie. That thing deserves its 90%+ at rotten tomatoes.

[SBrooks1]

So Blu-ray will now have to fight DVD. One day the DVD aisles in Wal-Mart will be full of smaller sized cases with a blue trim and a 'Blu-ray' logo. Can't say I see a chance of that happening but oh well. Hooray for the bad guys!

Guess I'll be one of those weirdo's that still has Laserdiscs or Betamax tapes in a few years because I'm keeping all my HD DVD's.

The one concern I have is that HD DVD hasn't been around that long and I hope they (particularly Toshiba) keep making and improving dual format players.

Toshiba says, nay nay.... :p

Toshiba to exit HD DVD, end format war-NHK

TOKYO (Reuters) - Toshiba Corp is planning to stop production of equipment compatible with the HD DVD format for high-definition video, allowing the competing Blu-Ray camp a free run, public broadcaster NHK reported on Saturday.

Toshiba is expected to suffer losses amounting to tens of billions of yen (hundreds of millions of dollars) to scrap production of HD DVD players and recorders and other steps to exit the business, Japan's NHK said on its website.

No one at Toshiba could be reached for comment.

The format war between the Toshiba-backed HD DVD and Sony Corp's Blu-Ray, often compared to the Betamax-VHS battle in the 1980s, has slowed the development of what is expected to be a multibillion dollar high-definition DVD industry.

Toshiba was dealt a blow on Friday when Wal-Mart Stores Inc said it would abandon the HD DVD format, becoming the latest in a series of top retailers and movie studios to rally behind Blu-ray technology for high definition DVDs.

Toshiba plans to continue selling HD DVD equipment at stores for the time being but will not put resources into developing new devices, NHK said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUSL1627196120080216

[JaylisJayP]

So, what's everyone's thoughts on whether HD DVD players will now be cheaper or more expensive (since they'll presumably be harder to find if they stop making them).

[ToightLikeATiger]

Retail wise HD-DVD players will be cheaper but I think on the secondary market eventually they will be higher priced. Especially if someones player stops working and they need another to play all their HD-DVD collection. They will have to go to ebay to get them and it will cost more because of the rarity.

People better stock up once stores have sales on players and movies. Ill probably grab a 360 add on to have as an extra and grab a bunch of movies as well.

[HollandX]

Toshiba to give up on HD DVD, end format war: source
Sat Feb 16, 2008 9:02am EST

TOKYO (Reuters) - Toshiba Corp is planning to give up on its HD DVD format for high-definition video, conceding defeat to the competing Blu-Ray technology backed by Sony Corp, a company source said on Saturday.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK had earlier reported that Toshiba would suffer losses in the tens of billions of yen (hundreds of millions of dollars) as it scrapped production of HD DVD players and recorders and took other steps to exit the business.

The company source told Reuters that Toshiba was in the final stages of planning to exit the HD DVD business and that an official decision would be made soon.

http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSL1637974620080216

[SBrooks1]

I'm going to try and see if I can sell my 360 add-on + 52 HD DVD movies on eBay as a package deal first before selling off individual movies. Here's my list but remember it's all going on eBay first...

Swordfish
Fast and the Furious
2 Fast 2 Furious
Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
Hulk
Dune
Superman: The Movie
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
The Untouchables
Batman Begins
The Mummy
The Mummy Returns
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
The Bourne Identity
The Bourne Supremacy
The Bourne Ultimatum
Happy Feet
The Break Up
Transformers
Notting Hill
Clerks 2
Coming to America
The Big Lebowski
Galapagos
Total Recall (French Import)
We Were Soldiers
Twilight Zone: The Movie
Top Gun
The Mission Impossible Collection (all 3 movies)
The Complete Matrix Trilogy
Knocked Up
Nacho Libre
Planet Earth
The 40 Year Old Virgin
Blazing Saddles
V for Vendetta
Van Helsing
King Kong
300
The Fugitive
The Good Shepherd
The Breakfast Club
The Polar Express
Casablanca
The Last Samurai
Full Metal Jacket (1st release)
The Pianist
Terminator 2 (French Import)

[SBrooks1]

Actually if anyone is interested I'll take $450 for everything as a package deal. I'm going to put it on eBay for the same amount with "or best offer" attached to it. With the death of HD DVD happening so quickly I honestly don't know how much all this is worth so if you guys think I'm estimating too high or low please tell me. :)

[ToightLikeATiger]

better get rid of them quick. hate to see you stuck with them once the war officially ends and then they blow up your house.:p

I'm going to try and see if I can sell my 360 add-on + 52 HD DVD movies on eBay as a package deal first before selling off individual movies. Here's my list but remember it's all going on eBay first...

Swordfish
Fast and the Furious
2 Fast 2 Furious
Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
Hulk
Dune
Superman: The Movie
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
The Untouchables
Batman Begins
The Mummy
The Mummy Returns
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
The Bourne Identity
The Bourne Supremacy
The Bourne Ultimatum
Happy Feet
The Break Up
Transformers
Notting Hill
Clerks 2
Coming to America
The Big Lebowski
Galapagos
Total Recall (French Import)
We Were Soldiers
Twilight Zone: The Movie
Top Gun
The Mission Impossible Collection (all 3 movies)
The Complete Matrix Trilogy
Knocked Up
Nacho Libre
Planet Earth
The 40 Year Old Virgin
Blazing Saddles
V for Vendetta
Van Helsing
King Kong
300
The Fugitive
The Good Shepherd
The Breakfast Club
The Polar Express
Casablanca
The Last Samurai
Full Metal Jacket (1st release)
The Pianist
Terminator 2 (French Import)

[PrimeBane]

I wonder what the stock levels are like on players? I'd really like to pick up an A35 or XA2 for my main home theatre and have a backup boxed away just in case, at discount prices of course. :)

[johnnyknoxsvill]

I have an XA2 for sale for $300 + shipping. My wife has to get her Transmission either Rebuilt or replaced, so want to get some extra cash for the price shock. It only comes with the player, remote and power cord

[CoachB]

Does this mean they will quit making HD-DVD movies also? Whats Paramount and Universals response??

[grif32]

Dont' you think American Gangster is already made, since it goes onsale Tuesday?

Yeah for some reason I thought it was next month coming out. My bad. Then I walked into FYE last night and noticed its coming next week.

Chris

[SBrooks1]

Does this mean they will quit making HD-DVD movies also? Whats Paramount and Universals response??

I think it's pretty much a given now that Universal/Paramount/Dreamworks will cease to support HD DVD at some point VERY SOON. It really is over now and the support for HD DVD in the US through retail channels is pretty much gone. Toshiba will pull the plug on HD DVD soon as well which will force Uni/Para/Dream to jump on the Blu-ray bandwagon.

[pakalolo2]

I got a dumb question...I have an older hdtv without the hdmi cable input- can I get the proper picture quality with blu-ray using component cables? Any help will be appreciated...thanks...

[freezerfuel]

Toshiba says, nay nay.... :p

Eh, I could see Toshiba manufacturing a dual format player even if they're done. Somebody will at least. The problem is I hope the market will be big enough for 2 (or more) manufacturers to compete, if only one makes them I have a feeling they will be bloody expensive and there won't be that competition to improve them at a steady pace.

[DEN7ER]

Hey fellas, ok so - i'm doin a lil' home theatre set up. i have a Denon 7.1 receiver from 2003. my question is can i use that to play the UNCOMPRESSED audio that comes on blu-rays?
there's no hdmi ports in the back, but that's just for picture, right?

[SBrooks1]

Hey fellas, ok so - i'm doin a lil' home theatre set up. i have a Denon 7.1 receiver from 2003. my question is can i use that to play the UNCOMPRESSED audio that comes on blu-rays?
there's no hdmi ports in the back, but that's just for picture, right?

The only way you can decode uncompressed PCM with a receiver is if it has HDMI inputs which would connect it to wither a Blu-ray or HD DVD player. Sorry... :(

[DEN7ER]

damn. :( oh well, any ideas on a good performing and very affordable HDMI receiver?

[grif32]

damn. :( oh well, any ideas on a good performing and very affordable HDMI receiver?

Onkyo 605

[grif32]

The only way you can decode uncompressed PCM with a receiver is if it has HDMI inputs which would connect it to wither a Blu-ray or HD DVD player. Sorry... :(

I thought if you Receiver and BR/HD DVD players had 5 channel input just hook it up with RCA inputs and you should be all set. The PS3 doenst have multichannel analog outs.

So you dont just need HDMI there are other ways.

[JaylisJayP]

Retail wise HD-DVD players will be cheaper but I think on the secondary market eventually they will be higher priced. Especially if someones player stops working and they need another to play all their HD-DVD collection. They will have to go to ebay to get them and it will cost more because of the rarity.

People better stock up once stores have sales on players and movies. Ill probably grab a 360 add on to have as an extra and grab a bunch of movies as well.

i just looked on ebay and there's something like 1,500 available for sale. I'd imagine in a few months when HD DVD is gone I could scoop one up for around $75.

Question to the HD DVD folks that have seen movies played on the 360 add-on and on a dedicated standalone player...is there a difference in picture quality? Am I doing myself a disservice by sticking with my 360 add-on?

[JaylisJayP]

Never thought I'd say this again, but my HD DVDs have caught up to my blu-rays -- for the time being.

138 each :)

[Chugga]

Anyone bored on a saturday night and are looking for a movie to watch (and have already seen Gone Baby Gone) looks like Best Buy may have jumped the gun in a few areas with this coming weeks releases. I was able to go in and pick up Michael Clayton, no signs of Run Lola Run or In the Valley of Elah though.

Also probably already read this but news out is Blades of Glory and Transformers are showing up as available for order on Blu-ray in Best Buy and Circuit City computer systems. Not to mention the obvious reports that this coming week could be the week we get THE press release.

[HollandX]

hey i've been gone for an hour. how many more retail stores dropped hd dvd while I was away?

[Wofford29]

Batman Begins
Knocked Up
40yr. Old Virgin
The Pianist
There Will Be Blood
American Gangster

I need these on Blu asap, so let's end this **** already.

[SBrooks1]

What a week, HD DVD dies and I get to meet Ron Jeremy tonight... :eek:

[Chugga]

hey i've been gone for an hour. how many more retail stores dropped hd dvd while I was away?

God actually said he was going to stop supporting HD DVD. Pretty big blow for Toshiba. It's widely considered he is HDM's biggest backer.

[SBrooks1]

Too funny......LOL :D

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/SBrooks2006/21jc7pf.gif

[GPWYANKEE]

What a week, HD DVD dies and I get to meet Ron Jeremy tonight... :eek:


Which side of the glory hole were you on???;)

[freezerfuel]

HD DVD group came through and sent my 5 free... The Thing (Hellz yeah), Freedom Writers, Charlie & CF, Darkman and The Frighteners. Also picked up The Invasion HD DVD and 3:10 To Yuma. Finally starting to get some decent horror titles in my collection, about damn time. :D

[jmcc000]

So what day was the selling day again? I dont want to post my HD DVDs till then.

[someguy6000]

last friday was when the last one happened

[Wofford29]

Okay, so can someone explain this to me. Paramount went HD DVD exclusive, yet Paramount Vantage can still release on Bluray? No Country For Old Men is slated for a March Bluray release, but I thought Paramount Vantage was included in the HD DVD deal. Reason I'm asking is because There Will Be Blood is Paramount Vantage and these two movies are the two I want more than any others.

[SBrooks1]

Just sold all my HD DVD's and add-on for $465 shipped on HDD's forums :D

[oaktown2000]

Just sold all my HD DVD's and add-on for $465 shipped on HDD's forums :D


Sweet....now buy another PS3 :p



My movies from that Amazon buy 2 get 1 free already showed up today. And that was with the "free" shipping service. Kickazz.

[ewto16]

Also, what's everyone's opinion on The Aviator, Omega Man and Million Dollar Baby.

Worth a purchase?

If you are just asking in general, I hated the Aviator. I thought it was terribly slow and boring and stopped watching it after 30 minutes. Haven't seen Omega Man, but as previously stated, it is based off the I Am Legend book. Million Dollar Baby is a pretty great movie.

If you are asking in regards to HD quality, I haven't seen them on HDM.

[JaylisJayP]

God actually said he was going to stop supporting HD DVD. Pretty big blow for Toshiba. It's widely considered he is HDM's biggest backer.

How much did Sony have to pay God for that?

[ewto16]

Also probably already read this but news out is Blades of Glory and Transformers are showing up as available for order on Blu-ray in Best Buy and Circuit City computer systems. Not to mention the obvious reports that this coming week could be the week we get THE press release.

Nope, I hadn't seen or read this yet. Being able to watch Transformers on Blu-ray would be one of the best things. I was so sad when that went HD-DVD exclusive.

[oaktown2000]

Michael Bay will literally shlt on himself :)

[ToightLikeATiger]

This just in... Santa Claus and The Easter Bunny have dropped their support for HD-DVD and going Blu exclusive. 2 more nails in the HD-DVD coffin.

[NCStateWolfpack33]

i bought my 2nd BD today...American Psycho...off to watch it now

[PrimeBane]

The only way you can decode uncompressed PCM with a receiver is if it has HDMI inputs which would connect it to wither a Blu-ray or HD DVD player. Sorry... :(

I thought if you Receiver and BR/HD DVD players had 5 channel input just hook it up with RCA inputs and you should be all set. The PS3 doenst have multichannel analog outs.

So you dont just need HDMI there are other ways.

grif is correct... if your old receiver has analogue 5.1 pcm inputs and your HD player has 5.1 analogue outs then you can take advantage.

[Chugga]

This just in... Santa Claus and The Easter Bunny have dropped their support for HD-DVD and going Blu exclusive. 2 more nails in the HD-DVD coffin.

The tooth fairy is said to be considering ending her neutrality and going blu-ray exclusive. Truth be told those dollar bills you get under your pillow don't grow on trees.

[avsfan21]

This just in... Santa Claus and The Easter Bunny have dropped their support for HD-DVD and going Blu exclusive. 2 more nails in the HD-DVD coffin.

Sorry but that just doesnt compete with Chugga's god statement.

[grif32]

The tooth fairy is said to be considering ending her neutrality and going blu-ray exclusive. Truth be told those dollar bills you get under your pillow don't grow on trees.

Correct that money is coming from Sony:D

[HollandX]

God actually said he was going to stop supporting HD DVD. Pretty big blow for Toshiba. It's widely considered he is HDM's biggest backer.

Damn... He did?

Looks like I picked the wrong time to join a Muslim holy war.

[Kleptos18]

anyone got any blu-rays up for sale? I've got some paypal waiting to be spent :)

[jackbauer]

If this has been asked then I apologize, but do you guys think BB, FS, HMV, etc, will blow out there HD DVDs?

[grif32]

If this has been asked then I apologize, but do you guys think BB, FS, HMV, etc, will blow out there HD DVDs?

U would think but only time will tell..

[Chugga]

If this has been asked then I apologize, but do you guys think BB, FS, HMV, etc, will blow out there HD DVDs?

Eventually they will but I wouldn't look for it to happen immediately. A place like Best Buy is going to hopefully prey on the consumers ignorance for at least a few months and hope not every household with a HD DVD player realizes the format is dead yet. Those parents that got HD DVD players for christmas from their kids that don't even know what thelookandsoundofperfect even means (yet own a HD DVD player) will likely still go out and pick up a disk here and there for full price. You gotta figure HD DVD has a userbase of 1 million+ so people are still going to spend full price on movies.

At first you'll see deals, then maybe buying incentives, bogo's, buy 1 get 2, stuff like that. Then come the price cuts and finally (just guessing here) but by about black friday of this year you'll see HD DVD bins. No longer shelves, racks, none of that. Bins, all priced to go. Shelf space is at a premium and come christmas time there will be better options to get prime shelving then HD DVD.

[Chugga]

I should also add it depends alot on if this press release ever actually comes. Until Toshiba actually announces HD DVD is dead then you won't see any of this happen. Me personally I'm hoping it just gets over with, but theres still a ton of people out there that would like them to carry on and fight the good fight, so who knows....I just can't imagine how they'd ever find a way to make money anymore?

[PrimeBane]

If this has been asked then I apologize, but do you guys think BB, FS, HMV, etc, will blow out there HD DVDs?

Walmart will ship theirs back to the distributor... I imagine most places will do the same if they can.

Some store will end up buying the returns and selling them for dirt cheap... probably some small online etailer.