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

[grif32]

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.

I think Amazon will. A few people reported already buying HD DVD's off Amazon and getting them with a Walmart tag on them.

Chris

[juicyjay504]

Anyone see what the best price for American Gangster will be come tuesday?

[ToightLikeATiger]

Just finished watching The Fugitive. Great movie. PQ was ok. Improved definetly but not amazing like the other movies I have watched. Good classic movie to have in the collection though.

On a side note I just got The Departed and Four Brothers over on Hidefdigest.com for $23 dlvd. I thought that was a pretty good deal. Seen both movies and they are great. Want them in HD for my collection now :)

[JaylisJayP]

Anyone see what the best price for American Gangster will be come tuesday?

I'm sure it'll be $29.99 at B&M stores like Best Buy and Wal-Mart. I'm hoping to find it for that price at FYE if I do in fact get it, as I have store credit there, but something tells me it'll be $34.99 there.

[rsoaker23]

I'm glad i own both formats..cant wait to get HD DVD flicks at a cheap price..i mean there at like 400+ HD DVD's out there...This is really good the the HD consumer

[juicyjay504]

I'm glad i own both formats..cant wait to get HD DVD flicks at a cheap price..i mean there at like 400+ HD DVD's out there...This is really good the the HD consumer

I agree cant wait to pick up a bunch

[SBrooks1]

I'm glad i own both formats..cant wait to get HD DVD flicks at a cheap price..i mean there at like 400+ HD DVD's out there...This is really good the the HD consumer

I don't understand that mentality. I would much rather sell all my HD DVD's at a significant loss now, and subsequently re-buy them on Blu-ray, than keep them knowing at some point soon there won't be any new HD DVD's made. I would much rather have a collection of high def movies in a single format than have both and have to switch back to the old and obsolete format to watch an old movie.

[Kleptos18]

So I just got done watching my first "upconverted" dvd. The Game Plan.

While I could tell the difference, it still doesn't compare to blu-ray :)

[rsoaker23]

I don't understand that mentality. I would much rather sell all my HD DVD's at a significant loss now, and subsequently re-buy them on Blu-ray, than keep them knowing at some point soon there won't be any new HD DVD's made. I would much rather have a collection of high def movies in a single format than have both and have to switch back to the old and obsolete format to watch an old movie.

Why would i want to sell my HD DVD collection? or wait a minute did i miss the part where once HD DVD is officially dead the player nor movies will ever work again?? oh $ hit i your right i better off these bad boys quick:rolleyes: Why would i spend MORE cash on a movies that I ALREADY own on HD? I love both formats and the difference isnt that noticable that I would buy Matrix/bourne identity or Transformers just to have it on Blu Ray...

[Preditor74]

Why would i want to sell my HD DVD collection? or wait a minute did i miss the part where once HD DVD is officially dead the player nor movies will ever work again?? oh $ hit i your right i better off these bad boys quick:rolleyes: Why would i spend MORE cash on a movies that I ALREADY own on HD? I love both formats and the difference isnt that noticable that I would buy Matrix/bourne identity or Transformers just to have it on Blu Ray...


Here is the thing...no our movies will not stop suddenly working. I myself will not sell my 40 some HD-DVDs because yes, I would take a SIGNIFICANT loss on them.

But look at it this way in regards to buying more HD-DVDs...there will be a time when you can no longer find HD-DVD players ANYWHERE and then you'll be stuck. For example, say I have a beta max movie I want to watch because it is not available in DVD or HD yet...but the problem is my betamax player has died. Unlike VCRs which you can still buy brand new, your stuck with trying to find a working beta max player.

Same thing with HD-DVD...there may be a time when you want to watch a flick on HD-DVD but you cant because your player died on you and you can't find one anywhere.

This is why I will not buy another single HD-DVD (stopped at the begining of December) and will make all my future purchases in Blu Ray.

[rsoaker23]

Here is the thing...no our movies will not stop suddenly working. I myself will not sell my 40 some HD-DVDs because yes, I would take a SIGNIFICANT loss on them.

But look at it this way in regards to buying more HD-DVDs...there will be a time when you can no longer find HD-DVD players ANYWHERE and then you'll be stuck. For example, say I have a beta max movie I want to watch because it is not available in DVD or HD yet...but the problem is my betamax player has died. Unlike VCRs which you can still buy brand new, your stuck with trying to find a working beta max player.

Same thing with HD-DVD...there may be a time when you want to watch a flick on HD-DVD but you cant because your player died on you and you can't find one anywhere.

This is why I will not buy another single HD-DVD (stopped at the beginning of December) and will make all my future purchases in Blu Ray.

SO do you think i will have trouble finding one of the 50 million HD DVD add on's for the 360 or the warehouse full of Toshiba HD DVD players in a couple of years IF something happens to my current one? AND THOSE Betamax players you spoke of where hundreds of dollars at the time of there death..owned one of those too! Dont get me wrong I buy movies in Blu ray more than I do in HD, but that dont stop me from buying American Gangster on Tuesday because I wanna wait for blu ray. But please post your HD DVD's that your gonna get rid of dirt cheap so i can take that non working obsolete trash off your hands.

[HollandX]

The only reason I *consider* selling all my HD DVDs is for borrowing and trip compatibility. If someone wants to borrow a movie, or if I want to take a movie to their house, it's so much easier if everyone's on one format. Oops, you can't borrow that. It's HD DVD! or Oops, I can't bring that to watch at your place. It's HD DVD!

Plus, eventually if I want to watch a movie on my laptop with a blu-ray drive (that i don't own yet) when I'm on a trip, I'd like to be able to choose something from my entire library. Not worry about what's on what format.



And since someone's going to say, "there's no real difference watching a blu-ray movie on a laptop..." i don't mean to specfically watch it in high def. i mean because i own the movie, and would like to take it with me to watch again.

Oops, can't. It's HD DVD!

[HollandX]

I think Amazon will. A few people reported already buying HD DVD's off Amazon and getting them with a Walmart tag on them.

Chris

That's hilarious!!

[JaylisJayP]

I don't understand that mentality. I would much rather sell all my HD DVD's at a significant loss now, and subsequently re-buy them on Blu-ray, than keep them knowing at some point soon there won't be any new HD DVD's made. I would much rather have a collection of high def movies in a single format than have both and have to switch back to the old and obsolete format to watch an old movie.

This is actually the exact mentality that I personally don't understand. HD DVD is a great format, whatever the future of it may or may not be. So why on earth would I feel the need to sell off my collection just to have it on blu-ray? Switching back and forth? It's not like I have to switch inputs on the back of my TV or anything...you're putting a disc into a player. You'd be physically taking it out and replacing it with another disc regardless of if it's 2 blu-rays or 1 blu-ray and 1 HD DVD.

Makes zero sense to waste away money having a firesale with your HD DVDs...that's just my opinion. My HD DVD player will still continue to work, my movies will still play...I'm not obsessive compulsive and don't care if some of my cases are red or some are blue.

Quick, very unofficial example here.

Let's say I bought Shooter on HD DVD for $32 after tax. If I sell it now I'd get maybe $18 dlvd for it. So say net sale of $16.

Already I'm down $16. Forget about how many times I may or may not have watched the movie.

Now say I want to buy Shooter on blu-ray (assuming it'll be available in the near future and Paramount begins supporting blu-ray again.)

It'll be the same $32 (on average).

So, basically I'm paying $16 (and this isn't counting the initial $16 loss on the HD DVD price) to have the same movie of the EXACT same quality in a blu-ray format instead of HD DVD.

Really, no offense, but that's ******ed and it's not something I'm going to do. Maybe it affects me more because I have more than 130 HD DVDs...I guess if you had 5 or 6 it might be a different story.

[JaylisJayP]

Here is the thing...no our movies will not stop suddenly working. I myself will not sell my 40 some HD-DVDs because yes, I would take a SIGNIFICANT loss on them.

But look at it this way in regards to buying more HD-DVDs...there will be a time when you can no longer find HD-DVD players ANYWHERE and then you'll be stuck. For example, say I have a beta max movie I want to watch because it is not available in DVD or HD yet...but the problem is my betamax player has died. Unlike VCRs which you can still buy brand new, your stuck with trying to find a working beta max player.

Same thing with HD-DVD...there may be a time when you want to watch a flick on HD-DVD but you cant because your player died on you and you can't find one anywhere.

This is why I will not buy another single HD-DVD (stopped at the begining of December) and will make all my future purchases in Blu Ray.

Look on ebay for laserdisc player...they're readily available and they're pretty cheap.

HD DVD players will be around and easy to find for a LONG time. There are more than 1 million dedicated players that are circulating in the market right now...if the format dies, they'll be a flood on ebay for years and years.

[JaylisJayP]

I actually just looked up betamax player on ebay, as well. There were about a dozen I think...so if you can still get a betamax player for under $100, I can't see finding a quality HD DVD player as a problem for years to come, if ever.

[ToightLikeATiger]

Im keeping all my HD-DVD's and will be buying more especially if stores have fire sales. They will work just fine after HD-DVD is done and I have money invested into them. Like Jay said its dumb to spend more money to get the movie on BR when you have it on HD-DVD already. Finding a player down the road wont be tough and if there are firesales Ill just buy a 360 add on and A3 or A30 as a backup anyway. So no big deal to me.

I love BR and HD-DVD. Once HD-DVD is done I wont be upset that I have to buy BR. But Im not gonna toss away my HD-DVD collection for a fraction of what I paid.

[rsoaker23]

This is actually the exact mentality that I personally don't understand. HD DVD is a great format, whatever the future of it may or may not be. So why on earth would I feel the need to sell off my collection just to have it on blu-ray? Switching back and forth? It's not like I have to switch inputs on the back of my TV or anything...you're putting a disc into a player. You'd be physically taking it out and replacing it with another disc regardless of if it's 2 blu-rays or 1 blu-ray and 1 HD DVD.

Makes zero sense to waste away money having a firesale with your HD DVDs...that's just my opinion. My HD DVD player will still continue to work, my movies will still play...I'm not obsessive compulsive and don't care if some of my cases are red or some are blue.

Quick, very unofficial example here.

Let's say I bought Shooter on HD DVD for $32 after tax. If I sell it now I'd get maybe $18 dlvd for it. So say net sale of $16.

Already I'm down $16. Forget about how many times I may or may not have watched the movie.

Now say I want to buy Shooter on blu-ray (assuming it'll be available in the near future and Paramount begins supporting blu-ray again.)

It'll be the same $32 (on average).

So, basically I'm paying $16 (and this isn't counting the initial $16 loss on the HD DVD price) to have the same movie of the EXACT same quality in a blu-ray format instead of HD DVD.

Really, no offense, but that's ******ed and it's not something I'm going to do. Maybe it affects me more because I have more than 130 HD DVDs...I guess if you had 5 or 6 it might be a different story.

Thank you:D

[Preditor74]

Ha ok guys...you've made your point...I guess its me just being anal about having matching cases :D

[PrimeBane]

Anyone see what the best price for American Gangster will be come tuesday?

$26.95 at amazon.com :)

[kawai7]

ok I'm using a Creative Labs Audio Decoder with 5.1 capability through the use of cube speakers.

I wanna do an upgrade, can anyone recommend a good audio setup?

I keep on hearing about the Onkyo ####.

Also is something, like a specific device, required to take advantage of the 5.1 PCM tracks on most Blu-Ray movies?

[GPWYANKEE]

The only reason I *consider* selling all my HD DVDs is for borrowing and trip compatibility. If someone wants to borrow a movie, or if I want to take a movie to their house, it's so much easier if everyone's on one format. Oops, you can't borrow that. It's HD DVD! or Oops, I can't bring that to watch at your place. It's HD DVD!

Plus, eventually if I want to watch a movie on my laptop with a blu-ray drive (that i don't own yet) when I'm on a trip, I'd like to be able to choose something from my entire library. Not worry about what's on what format.



And since someone's going to say, "there's no real difference watching a blu-ray movie on a laptop..." i don't mean to specfically watch it in high def. i mean because i own the movie, and would like to take it with me to watch again.

Oops, can't. It's HD DVD!


The circles i run in must be different then yours-Ive got two friends that have either a Blu Ray or HD Player.The two that due arent really into the whole movie thing their just part of their gaming systems.This format is a long long way from being a "Hey can i borrow that movie" format in my opinion.I like most people have absolutely no intent of getting rid of my HDs.Ive found as many BluRays that ive been disappointed in the quality of as i have HDs.Not bashing your opinion my friend justt stating mine.

Im personally looking forward to buying a Toshiba XA2 myself.

My library as of now is

HD DVDS 75
BLU RAYS 62

[imaginegrafix]

I don't understand that mentality. I would much rather sell all my HD DVD's at a significant loss now, and subsequently re-buy them on Blu-ray, than keep them knowing at some point soon there won't be any new HD DVD's made. I would much rather have a collection of high def movies in a single format than have both and have to switch back to the old and obsolete format to watch an old movie.

To each their own, but I don't understand the mentality of dropping well over a $1000 dollars - maybe close to 2 - just to have matching cases. I don't want to rain on your parade - but it just boggles my mind that people are doing that, just because new hd dvds aren't going to be made doesn't mean the old ones aren't going to work (and look just as good as the blu cased versions).

[Wardo30]

does anyone know of a good place for wiring diagrams...I am just curious different ways to run hdmi and other wiring for my peripherals involviing surround sound, etc....

[SBrooks1]

Yes yes yes, I know my HD DVD's won't just stop working one day, thank you for informing me of that, I had no idea... LOL :D I'm of the opinion that I don't want to have the leftovers from a dead format in my collection. How many people still own and watch movies on Beta? The industry has united behind Blu-ray and that's what I'm doing. Will it cost me some in the long run to replace movies I had on HD DVD? Sure. Do I care? No. I work at Best Buy part time and the discount there is nice so that's why I dropped my HD DVD's and 360 add-on.

[ToightLikeATiger]

Yes yes yes, I know my HD DVD's won't just stop working one day, thank you for informing me of that, I had no idea... LOL :D I'm of the opinion that I don't want to have the leftovers from a dead format in my collection. How many people still own and watch movies on Beta? The industry has united behind Blu-ray and that's what I'm doing. Will it cost me some in the long run to replace movies I had on HD DVD? Sure. Do I care? No. I work at Best Buy part time and the discount there is nice so that's why I dropped my HD DVD's and 360 add-on.

People dont own Beta anymore because there is something better. Blu Ray and HD-DVD are the best things going today. It may be dead in the sense they wont make the movies anymore but its still HD movies. They still look amazing and are basically the same thing as Blu Ray. Its not like HD-DVD is a totally different format going up against Blu Ray. They are both Hi Def movie providers.

So owning HD-DVD after it goes out isnt anything like owning Beta. HD-DVD movies are just as good as Blu Ray movies. The only reason Blu Ray is going to win over HD-DVD is due to marketing and the money being spent. Sony is paying companies tons of many to go exclusive.

[SBrooks1]

Sony is paying companies tons of many to go exclusive.

Source? Link? Proof? :p

[GPWYANKEE]

Yes yes yes, I know my HD DVD's won't just stop working one day, thank you for informing me of that, I had no idea... LOL :D I'm of the opinion that I don't want to have the leftovers from a dead format in my collection. How many people still own and watch movies on Beta? The industry has united behind Blu-ray and that's what I'm doing. Will it cost me some in the long run to replace movies I had on HD DVD? Sure. Do I care? No. I work at Best Buy part time and the discount there is nice so that's why I dropped my HD DVD's and 360 add-on.

I think theres a sizable difference between Beta and HD.

[SBrooks1]

I think theres a sizable difference between Beta and HD.

No way really? :eek: I know that. I was speaking of my opinion of not wanting to own a dead format.

[GPWYANKEE]

No way really? :eek: I know that. I was speaking of my opinion of not wanting to own a dead format.

Sarcastic little bugger arent ya-Did you throw out your PS2 the moment the X-BOX came out?How about your original TV when a better unit came out?You must have alot of money to throw away on the newest technology all the time.

[JaylisJayP]

People dont own Beta anymore because there is something better. Blu Ray and HD-DVD are the best things going today. It may be dead in the sense they wont make the movies anymore but its still HD movies. They still look amazing and are basically the same thing as Blu Ray. Its not like HD-DVD is a totally different format going up against Blu Ray. They are both Hi Def movie providers.

So owning HD-DVD after it goes out isnt anything like owning Beta. HD-DVD movies are just as good as Blu Ray movies. The only reason Blu Ray is going to win over HD-DVD is due to marketing and the money being spent. Sony is paying companies tons of many to go exclusive.

excellent points.

[JaylisJayP]

No way really? :eek: I know that. I was speaking of my opinion of not wanting to own a dead format.

As someone else said, to each his own. If it's that important to you that you don't own a dead format that you're willing to take significant financial hits on the movies you've purchased, and then take that money and spend twice as much to get the same movies on blu-ray....have at it, man. It doesn't sound like anyone's going to convince the other side that either keeping or dumping the movies is the right thing to do...but at least we'll all still be talking about what blu-ray movie to buy in the next few months. :)

[vicnsand]

For me, it doesn't make sense to get rid of my HD DVD collection. Yes, I'll eventually buy a BR player, but why have an HD DVD firesale? I'm willing to bet that my HD DVD movies and player will last until the next 'latest and greatest' technology is developed, making BR obsolete as well - which is probably in the next 5-10 years.

[GPWYANKEE]

For me, it doesn't make sense to get rid of my HD DVD collection. Yes, I'll eventually buy a BR player, but why have an HD DVD firesale? I'm willing to bet that my HD DVD movies and player will last until the next 'latest and greatest' technology is developed, making BR obsolete as well - which is probably in the next 5-10 years.

This is much more in line with my thought process

[SBrooks1]

You guys crack me up with your "high http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/SBrooks2006/highfive.gif five" replies to each other. LOL :D

[HollandX]

The circles i run in must be different then yours

probably. no biggie... i only have 1 close friend with hi def (and he has both formats)... the rest are dvd4lyfe as of now. I'm not going to sell my HD DVDs... I was just giving my reasoning for consdering it.

I'm so anal, though, that if I did sell them, i'd make a note of how much each sold for, and make sure I only spent that amount on its BD counterpart. If I have to wait for used prices to come down, so be it!

Im personally looking forward to buying a Toshiba XA2 myself.

:eek: You HAVE to!! We must continue matching setups!!! :eek::eek::eek:

[grif32]

Garth keep an eye on avsforums for an XA2. Robert is buying up toshiba's stock on these at a discount and is going to offer them up on avsforums.

Chris

[cocojr]

Toshiba is having thier big Presser tommorow announcing they are pulling the plug (unless its to anounce free HD DVD players for everyone, then maybe they could still win this thing)

[HollandX]

probably. no biggie... i only have 1 close friend with hi def (and he has both formats)... the rest are dvd4lyfe as of now. I'm not going to sell my HD DVDs... I was just giving my reasoning for consdering it.

I'm so anal, though, that if I did sell them, i'd make a note of how much each sold for, and make sure I only spent that amount on its BD counterpart. If I have to wait for used prices to come down, so be it!

Follow-Up Note: If Blu-ray puts on any sort of trade-in programs for hardware or software, I'm all over that likes flies on poo.

[Kingpen]

Toshiba is having thier big Presser tommorow announcing they are pulling the plug (unless its to anounce free HD DVD players for everyone, then maybe they could still win this thing)
Not that I doubt you, but you got a link? I wanna read up on it.

[HollandX]

Update on HD DVD from Ars Technica:

HD DVD death still not official; what they're mulling

By Ken Fisher | Published: February 18, 2008 - 10:05AM CT

As we tried pointing out yesterday twice (once in the report, again in an update), Toshiba has made no (zip, zero, nada) official announcements about killing off HD DVD. It had been widely reported or "blogged" that HD DVD was officially dead, but that simply isn't true.

Today, Toshiba maintained its public face, which since Friday has emphasized that the company is considering its options. Speaking to the BBC, a spokesperson from Toshiba today said, "Toshiba has not made any announcement or decision. We are currently assessing our business strategies, but nothing has been decided at the moment." Toshiba isn't talking to many people on the record, but that's okay, because we've got sources.

We reported yesterday that Toshiba will make the death of HD DVD official in a matter of days, only after it has plans for a shutdown that will please investors and partners. This comes to us from a source close to the HD DVD camp, who also maintains that Toshiba was preparing for this day even before Netflix and Wal-Mart publicly disavowed their interest in the format.

What's there to think about?

Some of the readers who wrote me yesterday to insist that the decision was "official" asked, in paraphrase, "What's there even to think about?" That's a good question, so here's what I know based on conversations with sources close to and in the HD DVD camp.

This is a slow moving train wreck. Despite switched allegiances, intrigue, and the appearance of heavy competition between the HD DVD and Blu-ray formats, neither has grown markedly fast. So-and-so outpaced such-and-such by 30% doesn't mean much when you've only sold 100 widgets. Remember that analysts aren't expecting most homes to have HD DVD or Blu-ray players until sometime after 2010. If HD DVD is a train wreck, it's a very, very slow moving one and Toshiba could push on for many, many more months without necessarily giving up a lot of ground in units sold. But it would be a wasted effort if the goal was to see HD DVD succeed, and that effort is considerably more difficult when you have companies bailing left and right.

If the goal of the effort is to stifle Blu-ray, forget about it. Blu-ray has seen a strong uptick since CES, and that's not likely to stop on account of anything HD DVD does, and Toshiba knows this.

In this very slowly developing business, Toshiba could switch to a "milk it" strategy aimed at recouping as much loss as possible by focusing on moving existing product. We believe that before Netflix and Wal-Mart dropped the hammer on HD DVD, that this was effectively the plan: design no new players, shut down the recorder business, slash prices on existing stock, and stay in the market for several months. Slowly wind things down.

What last week's unraveling did was effectively make it impossible for HD DVD to be taken seriously anymore as a next-gen optical format. A "milk it" strategy now looks like a complete waste of time, but Toshiba could still go that route. I've heard some rumblings that Toshiba might also try to focus on HD DVD as a data storage medium, but Blu-ray should have that wrapped up nicely, too, on account of scale. There's really nowhere to go except the exit, and there's little reason to walk instead of run that we are aware of. At the same time, our sources are quite consumer-facing (as opposed to working with guys who own factories, for instance), so there's undoubtedly other wrinkles to this story.

If you were Toshiba, what would you do? Sell what you can and recoup some losses, or cut the cord and get back to focusing on other aspects of the business?

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080218-hd-dvd-death-still-not-official-what-theyre-mulling.html

[Barry Sanders]

ok I'm using a Creative Labs Audio Decoder with 5.1 capability through the use of cube speakers.

I wanna do an upgrade, can anyone recommend a good audio setup?

I keep on hearing about the Onkyo ####.

Also is something, like a specific device, required to take advantage of the 5.1 PCM tracks on most Blu-Ray movies?

I haven't bought this unit yet, but I've been researching looking for something and at circuit city.com there's a htib set up 7.1 with hdmi at 449.99 minus 10% with free shipping. It looks sweet I'm a bout to bite on it. Its a Onkyo ht-sr800. Check it out. If any one knows anything or own one what do you think?

[JaylisJayP]

all those articles keep saying how it's such a slow-moving business. I don't know, since the Warner announcement, things have been moving faster than I've ever seen before.

[Kleptos18]

I haven't bought this unit yet, but I've been researching looking for something and at circuit city.com there's a htib set up 7.1 with hdmi at 449.99 minus 10% with free shipping. It looks sweet I'm a bout to bite on it. Its a Onkyo ht-sr800. Check it out. If any one knows anything or own one what do you think?

I just took a look at this system on amazon. Only problem I see is the HDMI's on it are just a pass thru, so you would have to also connect audio a different way.

Just spending more money on cables in the end, but it's also only 389 over there.

[HollandX]

circuit city.com there's a htib set up 7.1 with hdmi at 449.99 minus 10% with free shipping.

+ tax. Buy from Amazon if you can.

Also get an tx-srX05 Onkyo if you can.

[Thee Ultimate Collector]

People dont own Beta anymore because there is something better. Blu Ray and HD-DVD are the best things going today. It may be dead in the sense they wont make the movies anymore but its still HD movies. They still look amazing and are basically the same thing as Blu Ray. Its not like HD-DVD is a totally different format going up against Blu Ray. They are both Hi Def movie providers.

So owning HD-DVD after it goes out isnt anything like owning Beta. HD-DVD movies are just as good as Blu Ray movies. The only reason Blu Ray is going to win over HD-DVD is due to marketing and the money being spent. Sony is paying companies tons of many to go exclusive.

wasn't Beta actually better than VHS?? and VHS still ended up winning....sounds very familiar.

[Thee Ultimate Collector]

I haven't bought this unit yet, but I've been researching looking for something and at circuit city.com there's a htib set up 7.1 with hdmi at 449.99 minus 10% with free shipping. It looks sweet I'm a bout to bite on it. Its a Onkyo ht-sr800. Check it out. If any one knows anything or own one what do you think?

save yourself....don't buy a HTIB...unless it is a package deal like Tweeters used to put together..I think they used to pair Denon up with Mirage speakers. If you can go the seperates route you will be much more delighted in the long run

[SBrooks1]

Inching a little closer.....

Despite Red's inability to make any real public statement, Japanese publication Nikkei has it that Toshiba president Atsutoshi Nishida will be announcing the final discontinuation of HD DVD tomorrow, as well as halted sales of hardware and media by March (as in days from now). Apparently Toshiba will pull its units from retail shelves, but has no intention to give burned early adopters any refunds (no kidding). It sounds like this also includes the actual bare drives for PCs as well, so those hoping to keep using HD DVD as a personal data storage medium probably won't have much luck. Apparently the announcement will come alongside Toshiba's plans to build new semiconductor fabs, which we're sure they'll try to spin as an advancement that far overshadows the hundreds of millions they've lost in the format war.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/18/toshiba-expected-to-announce-death-of-hd-dvd-tomorrow-stop-sale

[imaginegrafix]

You guys crack me up with your "high http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/SBrooks2006/highfive.gif five" replies to each other. LOL :D

I think you crack most of us up when you are :D about losing a good chunk of money just so the cases match.

[SBrooks1]

I think you crack most of us up when you are :D about losing a good chunk of money just so the cases match.

I can afford to so it doesn't bother me :p

[Wardo30]

Now I'm not up on the whole HD/Blu Ray deal but I always thought HD DVD players could not play original format DVDs. My parents went and bought a Blu Ray player last night and the sales clerk told them it will play original format disks, Is this true???

[Thee Ultimate Collector]

both formats are dead fish in water...when your selling a 100 copies of a movie in a month

[SBrooks1]

both formats are dead fish in water...when your selling a 100 copies of a movie in a month

Which movie are you talking about and how would you know it sold only 100 copies?

[imaginegrafix]

I can afford to so it doesn't bother me :p

We are still cracking up at you though:p

[Thee Ultimate Collector]

Now I'm not up on the whole HD/Blu Ray deal but I always thought HD DVD players could not play original format DVDs. My parents went and bought a Blu Ray player last night and the sales clerk told them it will play original format disks, Is this true???


another sad clerk story...no wonder HD-DVD doesn't stand a chance...did your parents go shopping at Best Buy and was SBrooks1 their sales person

[SBrooks1]

We are still cracking up at you though:p

Good. Warms my heart.... ;)

[Wardo30]

another sad clerk story...no wonder HD-DVD doesn't stand a chance...did your parents go shopping at Best Buy and was SBrooks1 their sales person

no Circuit City and the only reason they bought was because as they were buying a tv to replace their perfectly good Sony 42" Grand Wega LCD they saw a video of Pirates on Blu Ray and fell in love...

[GPWYANKEE]

another sad clerk story...no wonder HD-DVD doesn't stand a chance...did your parents go shopping at Best Buy and was SBrooks1 their sales person

lmao:D

[GPWYANKEE]

I can afford to so it doesn't bother me :p


This statement is ridiculus:rolleyes:

[civictyperboy]

I am debating purchasing another HD DVD player just to keep in case...I can pick up an A30 for about 150 new

[SBrooks1]

This statement is ridiculus:rolleyes:

Why? :confused:

[GPWYANKEE]

Why? :confused:


Whether you can afford it or not should have no baring on the decision.

If you want all one format-I understand.
Dont want to stay invested in a dieing format-Alridy then.
I prefer the color blue to red-Sweet

I can afford it-Makes one sound like a putz.But this is just my humble opinion.

[WingNut 25]

Watched Across the Universe last night. Amazing movie. It did not let me down as I wanted to see it last year in the theaters and didn't get around to it.

[GPWYANKEE]

Watched Across the Universe last night. Amazing movie. It did not let me down as I wanted to see it last year in the theaters and didn't get around to it.

My copys on the way from Deep Discount-Is the audio of the movies as amzing as im hoping it is?

I watched We were Soldiers on Blu Ray last night-Picture quality wasnt that strong(Real grainy in dark scenes).Audio was off the hook-Made up for the video in my opinion.

[grif32]

I just took a look at this system on amazon. Only problem I see is the HDMI's on it are just a pass thru, so you would have to also connect audio a different way.

Just spending more money on cables in the end, but it's also only 389 over there.

Thats what you should see on an HDMI receiver is HDMI pass through untouched. So why would you need to connect audio a different way?

If your receiver has TWO HDMI inputs and One out. And you wanted to hook up PS3 and Xbox 360 (with HDMI) then all you would need is 3 HDMI cords

1 from PS3 to receiver
1 from Xbox 360 to Receiver

1 from receiver to TV and you would be all set. You wouldnt need any other Audio cables.

I could be just misunderstand what you are saying and sorry if I am.

chris

[grif32]

another sad clerk story...no wonder HD-DVD doesn't stand a chance...did your parents go shopping at Best Buy and was SBrooks1 their sales person

Damn near spit out my water when I read this..

:D

[WingNut 25]

My copys on the way from Deep Discount-Is the audio of the movies as amzing as im hoping it is?

I watched We were Soldiers on Blu Ray last night-Picture quality wasnt that strong(Real grainy in dark scenes).Audio was off the hook-Made up for the video in my opinion.

I'm the last guy to ask about audio since I have no surround set up. My room is just too small. When I have my own place (I live in a house with my best friend currently) I'll go big on a surround sound system.

[Wardo30]

so was there an answer to my question in there anywhere????

[grif32]

so was there an answer to my question in there anywhere????

HD DVD players WILL play DVD's. I think thats what you were asking.

[GPWYANKEE]

HD DVD players WILL play DVD's. I think thats what you were asking.


Did you get my last pm sausagelips??

[SmartassBoiler]

For all of you waiting this format war out, what's your opinion on the latest developments, and are you guys getting closer to getting a BluRay player? Are you still waiting for overall prices on players to drop? I'm definitely interested now that we "seem" to have a winner, but my opinion right now is to wait for Profile 2.0 players to come out, and get a Profile 1.1 player at a price discount as I don't care about DVD extras.

[oaktown2000]

Anyone interested in Sunshine on BR? $17 dlvd?

Picked it up yesterday at BB for $24.99.....and it just wasn't my cup of tea. The hectic camera shots....the bright shots...the static noise added into shots.....they gave me a headache. Maybe it wasn't the best movie to watch before collapsing into bed asleep....but still....it gave me a headache.

[oaktown2000]

For all of you waiting this format war out, what's your opinion on the latest developments, and are you guys getting closer to getting a BluRay player? Are you still waiting for overall prices on players to drop? I'm definitely interested now that we "seem" to have a winner, but my opinion right now is to wait for Profile 2.0 players to come out, and get a Profile 1.1 player at a price discount as I don't care about DVD extras.


I know it's been said time and time again....but why not just get a PS3? One of the better players on the market....and it's basically an enitire media hub....it's a remarkable little machine.

[GPWYANKEE]

Anyone interested in Sunshine on BR? $17 dlvd?

Picked it up yesterday at BB for $24.99.....and it just wasn't my cup of tea. The hectic camera shots....the bright shots...the static noise added into shots.....they gave me a headache. Maybe it wasn't the best movie to watch before collapsing into bed asleep....but still....it gave me a headache.

Nice price-If i didnt have it id be all over it.

[Hanky Panky]

I know it's been said time and time again....but why not just get a PS3? One of the better players on the market....and it's basically an enitire media hub....it's a remarkable little machine.

And this is not lost on Sony, as I noticed this week that Target is offering a $40 gift card with the purchase of a 40gb.

[HollandX]

so was there an answer to my question in there anywhere????

All HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc players play and upconvert standard DVDs.

[Kleptos18]

Thats what you should see on an HDMI receiver is HDMI pass through untouched. So why would you need to connect audio a different way?

If your receiver has TWO HDMI inputs and One out. And you wanted to hook up PS3 and Xbox 360 (with HDMI) then all you would need is 3 HDMI cords

1 from PS3 to receiver
1 from Xbox 360 to Receiver

1 from receiver to TV and you would be all set. You wouldnt need any other Audio cables.

I could be just misunderstand what you are saying and sorry if I am.

chris

While you are correct, I would think the reciever would grab the audio off the hdmi. The way I read it on amazon, you have the hdmi pass through for vid, but you also would have to hook up some audio cables to get the sound to the reciever. So, you'd have say and hdmi and a optical audio cable goin to the reciever for your sound.

I could be wrong but that's the way they explained it on amazon.

[ToightLikeATiger]

another sad clerk story...no wonder HD-DVD doesn't stand a chance...did your parents go shopping at Best Buy and was SBrooks1 their sales person

When I bought my HD-TV last month I asked the BB sales kid if the Toshiba A3 had the 9 free movie deal still going. He said yes but I shouldnt waste my time buying into HD-DVD because they are losing movie companies and BR is the best anyway. I told him I could care less about that I have a bunch of HD-DVD movies already that I enjoy.

Sounds like stores are trying to turn people away from buying HD-DVD. Which cant help. Of course I bought a PS3 and Toshiba A3 that day so I had both formats to watch. But Ill be damned if some little pimple faced BB clerk is gonna tell me not to bother buying something I want because he is a BR fanboy.

[JaylisJayP]

Anyone interested in Sunshine on BR? $17 dlvd?

Picked it up yesterday at BB for $24.99.....and it just wasn't my cup of tea. The hectic camera shots....the bright shots...the static noise added into shots.....they gave me a headache. Maybe it wasn't the best movie to watch before collapsing into bed asleep....but still....it gave me a headache.

was it on sale at Jensen? Or did you have gift cards or rewards or something.

[JaylisJayP]

For all of you waiting this format war out, what's your opinion on the latest developments, and are you guys getting closer to getting a BluRay player? Are you still waiting for overall prices on players to drop? I'm definitely interested now that we "seem" to have a winner, but my opinion right now is to wait for Profile 2.0 players to come out, and get a Profile 1.1 player at a price discount as I don't care about DVD extras.

I'd guess the PS3 is still the best Blu-ray player on the market. If you don't want to wait, you can get that.

[Wardo30]

All HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc players play and upconvert standard DVDs.

thank you

[grif32]

While you are correct, I would think the reciever would grab the audio off the hdmi. The way I read it on amazon, you have the hdmi pass through for vid, but you also would have to hook up some audio cables to get the sound to the reciever. So, you'd have say and hdmi and a optical audio cable goin to the reciever for your sound.

I could be wrong but that's the way they explained it on amazon.

That is wrong. Trust me I just hooked up my onkyo 705 and YOU DO NOT need another cable like optical for sound. HDMI handles both sound and Video.

I think you are getting confused. If you run component or composite in the Receiver and HDMI out to the TV then you will need optical for the componets that are hooked up via component or composite or s-video but no different then any other time if you hook it up that way.

But HDMI is straight pass throught for sound and video for straight HDMI hook up.

Chris

[oaktown2000]

was it on sale at Jensen? Or did you have gift cards or rewards or something.


Best Buy's sale over the weekend.

Yeah...I grabbed it at the Jensen Beach store....last one on the shelf too. I also grabbed The Rock and Con Air...$14.99 for each of those...I couldn't pass up.

Not all of the Blu Rays on sale have tags ID'ing them as being on sale.I had to have them scan them to make sure....as they still had the higher price tags on them.

[HollandX]

That is wrong. Trust me I just hooked up my onkyo 705 and YOU DO NOT need another cable like optical for sound. HDMI handles both sound and Video.

I think you are getting confused. If you run component or composite in the Receiver and HDMI out to the TV then you will need optical for the componets that are hooked up via component or composite or s-video but no different then any other time if you hook it up that way.

But HDMI is straight pass throught for sound and video for straight HDMI hook up.

Chris

Ok let me settle this. Kleptos is talking about a Onkyo ht-sr800. That is HDMI video ONLY. It does not accept audio over HDMI. So yes, he would have to run optical/coax/composite audio cables as well as HDMI video.

Yes the tx-srX05 series (like your 705) do HDMI video AND audio. That's why the 05 series rocks so much and has been so successful. It's the first series to accept hdmi audio.

[grif32]

Ok let me settle this. Kleptos is talking about a Onkyo ht-sr800. That is HDMI video ONLY. It does not accept audio over HDMI. So yes, he would have to run optical/coax/composite audio cables as well as HDMI video.

Yes the tx-srX05 series (like your 705) do HDMI video AND audio. That's why the 05 series rocks so much and has been so successful. It's the first series to accept hdmi audio.

HDMI
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) This high-bandwidth interface supports not only brilliant digital video, but digital audio as well. Up to 5 Gbps of data—more than twice what’s needed for a high-definition movie with surround sound—can be handled, with room for future requirements. All this data is kept in the digital domain, as there are no D/A or A/D conversions needed, to ensure the highest sound and video quality available.

Thats what is says under it. So now I am confused.

Edit: I just read a few review now.

I didnt know he was talking about that model to start with so sorry Kleptos..

[Kleptos18]

Ok let me settle this. Kleptos is talking about a Onkyo ht-sr800. That is HDMI video ONLY. It does not accept audio over HDMI. So yes, he would have to run optical/coax/composite audio cables as well as HDMI video.

Yes the tx-srX05 series (like your 705) do HDMI video AND audio. That's why the 05 series rocks so much and has been so successful. It's the first series to accept hdmi audio.

thank you :)

I thought i was reading right.

[SBrooks1]

It's over. HD DVD is dead. :o

Japanese news site Nikkei.net has just announced that Toshiba's plan is to immediately stop manufacturing all HD-DVD products (both players and recorders), and to stop selling them at end of March. The official announcement will happen at the press conference set for 5 PM Tokyo time. We'll be back with Toshiba's official statement as soon as it comes in.

http://www.thedigitalbits.com/#mytwocents

[GPWYANKEE]

Question gentlemen-How do you have the audio setup on your HD Players?Ive got a Toshiba A2 connected by HDMI cables to my receiver.My Blu Ray player automatically sends the signal to my receiver and the receiver decodes and sets the correct audio(Whether its 5.1 DTS,True HD or what have you).The A2 doesnt do that-I have to change it manually.Just curious as to why or do i have it hooked up wrong.

[grif32]

Question gentlemen-How do you have the audio setup on your HD Players?Ive got a Toshiba A2 connected by HDMI cables to my receiver.My Blu Ray player automatically sends the signal to my receiver and the receiver decodes and sets the correct audio(Whether its 5.1 DTS,True HD or what have you).The A2 doesnt do that-I have to change it manually.Just curious as to why or do i have it hooked up wrong.

You should have the Panasonic set to bitstreaming which it sounds like you do and the A2 should be set to PCM.

The A2 is NOT designed to output in lossless bitstream

If you own one of these players its decoding these HD audio formats internally (instead of sending the signal to the receiver to decode). When using these older players you should set your player to output in PCM. It will send this PCM data "predecoded" to your receiver and your receiver doesn't have to do anything but play it. Therefore, your receiver will not show True HD or DTS HD MA light up (because it’s already been predecoded inside your player already) You ARE still getting True HD even though your player decodes it you just are not having to use your receiver to do the decoding


You need either the A35 or the XA2.

chris

[JaylisJayP]

Question for the group regarding receivers that can play HD audio formats like TrueHD, etc...

Is there THAT much difference between a standard 5.1 surround sound option to a TrueHD option? Is it a bigger difference than SD to HD PQ? How would you describe it?

Thanks.

[SBrooks1]

Hey Jay, you can remove the "HD DVD" from the thread title tomorrow..... :D

[grif32]

Hey Jay, you can remove the "HD DVD" from the thread title tomorrow..... :D

Why?

[JaylisJayP]

Why?

If it dies, we won't be allowed to discuss it anymore.

I'll change the name of the thread to:

"SBrooks' High-Def awesome thread of blu awesomeness - screw HD DVD......if you Have it only."

[SBrooks1]

If it dies, we won't be allowed to discuss it anymore.

I'll change the name of the thread to:

"SBrooks' High-Def awesome thread of blu awesomeness - screw HD DVD......if you Have it only."

Nice! :D This is a GLORIOUS day!! :D

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

[JaylisJayP]

lol

[PrimeBane]

Take it for what it's worth, but Tosh says they're still in the HD DVD business (at least at the moment)

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Toshiba/Toshiba:_Still_Backing_HD_DVD_--_For_Now/1474

[SBrooks1]

Take it for what it's worth, but Tosh says they're still in the HD DVD business (at least at the moment)

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Toshiba/Toshiba:_Still_Backing_HD_DVD_--_For_Now/1474

We're waaaay past that. Thing moved very fast over the weekend. It's over now.

http://www.thedigitalbits.com/#mytwocents

[PrimeBane]

Forgive me if I don't take dollar Bill Hunt's word...

[imaginegrafix]

If it dies, we won't be allowed to discuss it anymore.

I'll change the name of the thread to:

"SBrooks' High-Def awesome thread of blu awesomeness - screw HD DVD......if you Have it only."

you forgot to mention he works at best buy

[SBrooks1]

Forgive me if I don't take dollar Bill Hunt's word...

Fine, he's just the messenger. How does Nikkei work for you?

Toshiba the overall stops and has announced the HD―DVD development and production about the withdrawal today.

Toshiba decided development and the production of new generation DVD products based on the "HD―DVD" standard and the policy of stopping all aspects was decided. It is a direction where it breaks off the product sales at about the end of March. If the customer's support was not won easily in the situation in which a soft spread in the future was not able to be expected, the judgment and the overall pullout were decided though the reduction idea narrowed for the player (reproduction machine) and Europe was examined. As a result, new generation DVD market over which two standards fought is unified to "Blue lei disk (BD)" that Sony and Matsu****a Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. recommend.

The Atssatoshi Nishida president has a press conference, and it announces together with the construction of a semiconductor new factory on the afternoon of the 19th. Development and the production of recorders (recording reproduction machine) stop immediately with the player. Toshiba thinks that they tell the intention of the halt in production as well as the player etc. though the recording equipment for the personal computer is decided through the conference with the main customer such as U.S. Hewlett-Packard (HP). (07:02)

http://www.nikkei.co.jp/news/main/20080219AT1D180DU18022008.html

[grif32]

Question for the group regarding receivers that can play HD audio formats like TrueHD, etc...

Is there THAT much difference between a standard 5.1 surround sound option to a TrueHD option? Is it a bigger difference than SD to HD PQ? How would you describe it?

Thanks.

I for one didnt think there was but man oh man. Upgrading from HTIB to Polk and Onkyo 705 movies are really coming to life now. To me its unreal. Even the GF said something to me about it. I am hearing so much more now and my surrounds are reallly coming to life.

I dont know if its going from SD to HD but there is a difference

Chris

[Chugga]

Where will you be at 3:00am on February 19th, 2008?

I honestly hope this whole format war thing is over with but who knows. Anything can happen at this press conference, but at this juncture I just don't see how HD DVD can be profitable for them anymore. I'd cry if this happened but could you imagine them coming out with their heads down all depressed only to announce they have secured Disney, Fox, Lionsgate, and Warner as HD DVD exclusive but regretfully they lost Weinstein in the process.

[JaylisJayP]

I for one didnt think there was but man oh man. Upgrading from HTIB to Polk and Onkyo 705 movies are really coming to life now. To me its unreal. Even the GF said something to me about it. I am hearing so much more now and my surrounds are reallly coming to life.

I dont know if its going from SD to HD but there is a difference

Chris

Maybe eventually I'll give it a shot, but I can't afford to drop a bunch on a new receiver. I'll just have to turn up the volume on my current one :)

[grif32]

Maybe eventually I'll give it a shot, but I can't afford to drop a bunch on a new receiver. I'll just have to turn up the volume on my current one :)

LOL

Funny thing we were watching a movie we already watch on BR. There was a knock at the door so I got up to answer it but it was just on the TV :D. Never heard the knock so clear before.

Thats the difference.

[JaylisJayP]

LOL

Funny thing we were watching a movie we already watch on BR. There was a knock at the door so I got up to answer it but it was just on the TV :D. Never heard the knock so clear before.

Thats the difference.

That would've driven my already neurotic Dobermans bat crazy.

[grif32]

That would've driven my already neurotic Dobermans bat crazy.

My Choc lab hates me right now. Every little sound he freaks out. I have to put him in the bedroom to watch a movie.

[Hanky Panky]

Can't say I miss owning a dog....or the walks...or the carpet smell...or the barking...

Course...I do miss snacking on his food.

[HollandX]

Breaking: Toshiba Schedules Press Conference, HD DVD Announcement Expected
Mon Feb 18, 2008 at 09:00 PM ET

Toshiba has scheduled a press conference for later today, at which it is widely expected to announce that it is officially ceasing support of the HD DVD format.

Japanese news site Nikkei.net broke the news that Toshiba has scheduled a press conference for 5pm Tokyo time Tuesday (that's 12 midnight PST), at which the company is expected to announce that it will immediately stop manufacturing all HD DVD hardware and that it will cease selling them at retail by the end of March.

The news comes on the heels of a rapid succession of high-profile setbacks for the format over the past last week. First, three major retailers -- Netflix, Best Buy and Wal-Mart -- each announced plans to endorse the rival Blu-ray format, followed by intense speculation that Toshiba was mulling over its exit strategy for the nearly two-year old next-gen format (a claim that the company later confirmed, though it stopped short of declaring whether any decision had been made).

Needless to say, we'll keep you posted on any news out of Toshiba's press conference tonight, as well as any other developments as they unfold.

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Industry_Trends/Toshiba/Breaking:_Toshiba_Schedules_Press_Conference,_HD_DVD_Announcement_Expected/1479

[JaylisJayP]

^^^^ HD DVD is in trouble????????????????????

[HollandX]

^^^^ HD DVD is in trouble????????????????????

lol I didn't mean it as breaking news... Just posting another article on it.

:p:p:p

[grif32]

I know Friday is yardsale day but cmon what do people have for sale?

BR or HD DVD.. I need to buy some movies.

Chris

[Hanky Panky]

Courtesy of digitalbits...

Japanese news site Nikkei.net has just announced that Toshiba's plan is to immediately stop manufacturing all HD-DVD products (both players and recorders), and to stop selling them at end of March. The official announcement will happen at the press conference set for 5 PM Tokyo time. We'll be back with Toshiba's official statement as soon as it comes in.

Thanks to Keiko S. for the translation and links. Stay tuned...

http://www.nikkei.co.jp/news/main/20080219AT1D180DU18022008.html

[GPWYANKEE]

Looking to trade 3.10 to Yuma for Gone Baby Gone

[grif32]

Looking to trade 3.10 to Yuma for Gone Baby Gone

I thought that read Looking to give grif32 3.10 to yuma but then i re-read it again :D

Need to pick that up.

[GPWYANKEE]

Looking to trade 3.10 to Yuma for Gone Baby Gone


This seems like a fair trade since both are new releases.

Grif-You get a snuggy:pNo Yuma for you;)

[Radiation74]

Looking to trade 3.10 to Yuma for Gone Baby Gone


why would you trade an amazing movie like 310? Do you own 2????

http://board.spawn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=432895

admit it, the movie isn't all that.

[JaylisJayP]

I know Friday is yardsale day but cmon what do people have for sale?

BR or HD DVD.. I need to buy some movies.

Chris

I'm still in buying mode myself. So...I WILL hijack your post :D

Need:
Chuck and Larry HD DVD
Shoot 'em Up blu-ray
Omega Man either format

[Wofford29]

Did we ever get an official Friday sale thread going?

Here's what I'm looking for....

The Fountain - Blu Ray
Shoot Em Up - Blu Ray
Blade Runner - Blu Ray

[Wofford29]

Thank God....
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=995937


I was hoping they wouldn't try to string this along if they went down.

[HollandX]

The article...

Paramount, Universal to Be Free if Toshiba Drops HD DVD
"Transformers" on Blu-ray already showing up on retail listings.

Feb. 18
By Jason Unger (http://www.cepro.com/community/bio/junger)

02.18.2008 — Paramount and Universal, the only two studios still exclusively supporting HD DVD, will be “immediately released from their commitments” if Toshiba, as widely reported, drops the format this week (http://www.cepro.com/article/toshiba_almost_certain_to_drop_hd_dvd/)

That’s according to the Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120321618700574049.html), which cites a person “familiar with the situation.”

Warner Bros., which announced before CES that it would be halting HD DVD production in May (http://www.cepro.com/article/warner_bros_to_back_blu_ray_exclusively_hd_dvd_cancels_ces_event/), would also immediately freed from any agreement.

We’ve already seen reports of HD DVD titles on Blu-ray in the wild, as our friends at EngadgetHD are showing a retail listing for Transformers on Blu-ray (http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/02/16/paramounts-transformers-showing-up-in-blu-ray-attire/). It’s a rumor, so take it with a grain of salt, but we know that director Michael Bay (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Michael_Bay/Michael_Bay_on_Blu-ray:_Told_You_So/1460) is happy.

Last August, Paramount and Dreamworks switched from providing their movies (http://www.cepro.com/article/paramount_and_dreamworks_animation_each_declare_exclusive_support_for_hd_dv/K294) on both formats to HD DVD exclusivity, with a reported $150 million payout from Toshiba and crew.

Source: http://www.cepro.com/article/paramount_universal_to_be_free_if_toshiba_drops_hd_dvd/

[Wofford29]

So now the question is a movie like There Will Be Blood that was slated for a DVD release in April. What are the chances that they have enough time to do a day and date Blu Ray?

Better yet, what movies are to far along in the proccess to have switched to Blu-Ray already? Would movies with a March release date be the cut off or what?

[TastySweetNutz]

I don't know how to feel about this HD-DVD demise talk. I love the format and wish it were the one that came out on top, but at the same time I'm also feeling a bit relieved that there will be a primary format to focus on.

[PrimeBane]

I'm actually looking forward to Transformers on BD... just to see Bay eat crow when it gets the exact same transfer that the HD DVD got, he'll proclaim it looks and sounds better on BD and then someone clues him in that the transfers are IDENTICAL. :D

[rsoaker23]

Cant wait to see the prices drop on the movies..got some extra cash..Hey Sbrooks did ya already rid yourself of all your HD DVD's? I keep hearing a bunch of folks on hear claiming to have both formats but wishing HD DVD in the ground so they can focus on Blu ray only and sell all there old obsolete HD DVD flicks....so my question is WHOSE DUMPING THEM CHEAP?

[Chugga]

Finally it's happened, I gotta give a ton of respect to Toshiba for bowing out this early in the game, they very well could have put their head down and charged forward blindly into a battle they weren't going to win but they did the honorable thing here and called it quits.

I know alot of people in this thread and everywhere are going to be a little bummed out by this news but at the end of the day it had to happen sooner or later. There had to be one format and now it looks like it's going to be that way. I honestly hope Blu-ray doesn't fumble this opportunity, I love HDM, my wallet can back me up on this, I just hope they take this momentum and ride it as long as they can. Get the ads out there let them know that theres finally an heir to dvd, get the player prices down, get more functional players out there, get those lazy studios (weinstein, fox, paramount) to start pumping out the quality titles, let Peter Jackson know it's time to sit down and prepare Lord of the Rings for release. They have alot to do but I'm psyched to see how it plays out.

[SBrooks1]

Cant wait to see the prices drop on the movies..got some extra cash..Hey Sbrooks did ya already rid yourself of all your HD DVD's? I keep hearing a bunch of folks on hear claiming to have both formats but wishing HD DVD in the ground so they can focus on Blu ray only and sell all there old obsolete HD DVD flicks....so my question is WHOSE DUMPING THEM CHEAP?

Yeah I sold my 360 add-on + 52 HD DVD's for $450 :cool:

[SBrooks1]

I'm actually looking forward to Transformers on BD... just to see Bay eat crow when it gets the exact same transfer that the HD DVD got, he'll proclaim it looks and sounds better on BD and then someone clues him in that the transfers are IDENTICAL. :D

Sorry buddy but Maxpower, an insider on Blu-ray.com already said it's going to be a high bitrate AVC encode with PCM audio. You heard that right, PCM audio. None of that DD Plus crap. :D

http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=37276&page=13

I can't wait to see how many copies Transformers sells on Blu-ray it's first week on sale :D

[SBrooks1]

Unbelievable numbers....

Q: How many HD DVD players and recorders, exactly, did you sell?

A: 600,000 players in the US -- 300,000 of which were Xbox 360 HD DVD drives. 100,000 units were sold in Europe. And about 10,000 players and 20,000 recorders in Japan. So about 730,000 units worldwide.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/19/live-from-toshibas-hd-dvd-press-conference-in-tokyo

HD DVD never sold 1,000,000 players worldwide. Wow. :eek:

[latonthesnake]

I can't wait to see how many copies Transformers sells on Blu-ray it's first week on sale :D

At least one;)

[grif32]

Finally it's happened, I gotta give a ton of respect to Toshiba for bowing out this early in the game, they very well could have put their head down and charged forward blindly into a battle they weren't going to win but they did the honorable thing here and called it quits.

I know alot of people in this thread and everywhere are going to be a little bummed out by this news but at the end of the day it had to happen sooner or later. There had to be one format and now it looks like it's going to be that way. I honestly hope Blu-ray doesn't fumble this opportunity, I love HDM, my wallet can back me up on this, I just hope they take this momentum and ride it as long as they can. Get the ads out there let them know that theres finally an heir to dvd, get the player prices down, get more functional players out there, get those lazy studios (weinstein, fox, paramount) to start pumping out the quality titles, let Peter Jackson know it's time to sit down and prepare Lord of the Rings for release. They have alot to do but I'm psyched to see how it plays out.

I agree. But what BR really needs to do is make sure EVERY title from now on gets the star treatment and blows our minds with the transfers and the AQ from here on out.

Chris

[grif32]

Sorry buddy but Maxpower, an insider on Blu-ray.com already said it's going to be a high bitrate AVC encode with PCM audio. You heard that right, PCM audio. None of that DD Plus crap. :D

http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=37276&page=13

I can't wait to see how many copies Transformers sells on Blu-ray it's first week on sale :D

Didnt transformers win best AQ for HD with that DD plus crap?

Anyway if true I will have to double dip on this movie.

Chris

[SBrooks1]

I agree. But what BR really needs to do is make sure EVERY title from now on gets the star treatment and blows our minds with the transfers and the AQ from hear on out.

Totally agree. Movie studios need to go balls to the wall now and bring out the greatest movies of all time on Blu-ray and they damn well better be as pristine as the master will allow.

[GPWYANKEE]

Guys keep me in the loop if you find a killer price on the Toshiba X-A2-Im locked,****ed and ready to rock.

[Radiation74]

So now will we see star Wars on BR?

[grif32]

So now will we see star Wars on BR?

Not for a couple years.

Chris

[grif32]

Guys keep me in the loop if you find a killer price on the Toshiba X-A2-Im locked,****ed and ready to rock.

Better get one ASAP. Looks like toshiba is buying back all their stock from stores so new people cannot buy the players. By the beg or end of march they will be doing this.

Chris

[johnnyknoxsvill]

I think Im gonna pick an extra one up, Does XA2 output Dolby HD or any of the other codecs?

[Hanky Panky]

Totally agree. Movie studios need to go balls to the wall now and bring out the greatest movies of all time on Blu-ray and they damn well better be as pristine as the master will allow.

Pristine? I think that's wishful thinking if you are referring to an older catalog. As one can expect films made 20-30 years ago not to retain that polished crispness due to film stock and the grainy artifacts.

Case in point...try watching The Thing by Carpenter on HD...although the whites jump in contrast, the grain is still there in each frame...as is even more apparent on an HD display.

[SBrooks1]

Pristine? I think that's wishful thinking if you are referring to an older catalog. As one can expect films made 20-30 years ago not to retain that polished crispness due to film stock and the grainy artifacts.

Case in point...try watching The Thing by Carpenter on HD...although the whites jump in contrast, the grain is still there in each frame...as is even more apparent on an HD display.

I said "as pristine as the master will allow"... ;)

Case in point....2001: A Space Odyssey, which looks absolutely stunning on Blu-ray/HD DVD

[Hanky Panky]

Case in point....2001: A Space Odyssey, which looks absolutely stunning on Blu-ray/HD DVD

Yes, 2001 is quite stunning in picture clarity for a film that is over 40 years old. One has to credit Kubrick himself for being a stickler with using original film negative and cleaning each frame for what was a knockout presentation on laserdisc sometime ago.

It's a shame the same can't be said for his Clockwork Orange.

[Tuckertank]

Anybody interested in a copy of BD Accross the Universe watched once. I'd like to trade for Pans or Man on Fire on Shoot em Up on BD.

[JaylisJayP]

Is it worth it to go out and pick up an A3 if I can find one for cheap just to keep as a backup player? Were there any problems with this player?

[JaylisJayP]

Sorry buddy but Maxpower, an insider on Blu-ray.com already said it's going to be a high bitrate AVC encode with PCM audio. You heard that right, PCM audio. None of that DD Plus crap. :D

http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=37276&page=13

I can't wait to see how many copies Transformers sells on Blu-ray it's first week on sale :D

It'll probably sell something like 1% of what the DVD sold. Maybe less since a lot of formal neutral people already have it on HD DVD.

[JaylisJayP]

How's the A2? I can get one for $70 dlvd on ebay right now used.

[ewto16]

Wow, big news over the weekend. I really didn't think HD-DVD would end so soon. Certainly can't help the sales of American Gangster today. Did that even get put out for sale now? As a PS3 owner only, I'm glad that BR won. I can look forward to getting some HD-DVD exclusive movies on BR now and feel confident in buying BR movies in the future. Are they cancelling Bee Movie or Beowulf?

I saw those same numbers sbrooks did on the total HD-DVD player sales. Only 730,000 worldwide?!?!?! That is insane. There are almost 9 million PS3s worldwide. That was a huge lead for BR.

Also, I saw a TV with that 120MHZ technology yesterday for the first time. I noticed the difference in the picture right away. It is really very strange and freaky looking. I didn't like it at all. It makes everything look very unnatural. I hope you can turn that off on newer TVs.

Finally, has anyone on here heard of/used TVersity? I just started using it this weekend and it is a FANTASTIC media server for your PC. I can stream audio, pictures, and movies right to my PS3 now. Plus, it transcodes things right on the fly, so it enables your PS3 to play all formats of movies. I beleive it also streams to the PSP. I thought this was really fantastic.

[grif32]

How's the A2? I can get one for $70 dlvd on ebay right now used.

Go with the A2 over the A3 due to AQ. Plus the 2nd generation players are alot better for playing bad disc then the 3rd generation players.

Chris

[JaylisJayP]

Thanks Grif....now the only question is $70 dlvd used on ebay from someone with 99% feedback or $92 dlvd new from Circuit City.

[grif32]

Wow, big news over the weekend. I really didn't think HD-DVD would end so soon. Certainly can't help the sales of American Gangster today. Did that even get put out for sale now? As a PS3 owner only, I'm glad that BR won. I can look forward to getting some HD-DVD exclusive movies on BR now and feel confident in buying BR movies in the future. Are they cancelling Bee Movie or Beowulf?

I saw those same numbers sbrooks did on the total HD-DVD player sales. Only 730,000 worldwide?!?!?! That is insane. There are almost 9 million PS3s worldwide. That was a huge lead for BR.

Also, I saw a TV with that 120MHZ technology yesterday for the first time. I noticed the difference in the picture right away. It is really very strange and freaky looking. I didn't like it at all. It makes everything look very unnatural. I hope you can turn that off on newer TVs.

Finally, has anyone on here heard of/used TVersity? I just started using it this weekend and it is a FANTASTIC media server for your PC. I can stream audio, pictures, and movies right to my PS3 now. Plus, it transcodes things right on the fly, so it enables your PS3 to play all formats of movies. I beleive it also streams to the PSP. I thought this was really fantastic.

Well that tells you alot if BR only could hold a 2:1 lead all last year and having 9 million BR players and HD DVD had less then 1 million i think tells you alot.

I know some has to do with the war but cmon they should have sold a boat load more BR movies.

Lets hope they start selling like crazy now.

[grif32]

Thanks Grif....now the only question is $70 dlvd used on ebay from someone with 99% feedback or $92 dlvd new from Circuit City.

Wow tough call. If it were me I would spend the extra $22 and get it from CC. But thats just me.

Chris

[JaylisJayP]

Wow tough call. If it were me I would spend the extra $22 and get it from CC. But thats just me.

Chris

Yeah, I tend to agree.

[SBrooks1]

Wow, big news over the weekend. I really didn't think HD-DVD would end so soon. Certainly can't help the sales of American Gangster today. Did that even get put out for sale now? As a PS3 owner only, I'm glad that BR won. I can look forward to getting some HD-DVD exclusive movies on BR now and feel confident in buying BR movies in the future. Are they cancelling Bee Movie or Beowulf?

American Gangster is on shelves now. I saw it in the warehouse last week at Best Buy. I would imagine Bee Movie/Beowulf will still be released on HD DVD. I forsee Paramount/Dreamworks announcing something similar to what Warner did and cut off HD DVD's on a certain date.

Also, I saw a TV with that 120MHZ technology yesterday for the first time. I noticed the difference in the picture right away. It is really very strange and freaky looking. I didn't like it at all. It makes everything look very unnatural. I hope you can turn that off on newer TVs.

I don't like it either. I might be ok for TV shows but when turned on for movies it takes away the entire mystique of watching a movie. I want to WATCH a movie, not look like I'm filming it in real time.

Finally, has anyone on here heard of/used TVersity? I just started using it this weekend and it is a FANTASTIC media server for your PC. I can stream audio, pictures, and movies right to my PS3 now. Plus, it transcodes things right on the fly, so it enables your PS3 to play all formats of movies. I beleive it also streams to the PSP. I thought this was really fantastic.

I absolutely LOVE TVersity!! I've been using it religiously ever since the PS3 was updated to allow DivX/XviD playback. I bought a 500GB external hard drive and I throw all my downloaded movies on it and share it through TVersity over my wireless network. Works flawlessly 98% of the time! It's really nice thing to have and I recommend it all the time to my customers at Best Buy trying to decide on buying a standalone Blu-ray player or a PS3.

[johnnyknoxsvill]

How is the Hd XA1? I can pick one up for $50

[BrewersFan4Life]

So when does everyone think that there'll be a BD drive for the 360?

[grif32]

How is the Hd XA1? I can pick one up for $50

I own this and its a TANK one of the best built players toshiba has made. It has the older FW on it and it plays everything I throw at it. I have never updated the FW on it because it plays perfect and I didnt want to screw it up.

Load times are slow but I am use to them now.

Its a steal for $50.00 in my mind.

Chris

[SBrooks1]

So when does everyone think that there'll be a BD drive for the 360?

Hopefully never. The 360 only outputs HD DVD's with Dolby Digital 5.1/DTS and doesn't support ANY of the HD audio formats that are used on Blu-ray movies. A Blu-ray add-on for the 360 would be crippled right out of the box.

[moviemaniac4]

I wonder if microsoft will still push the HD-DVD for the 360 or release a blu-ray alternative....

Edit: Ok I just saw the last answer

[johnnyknoxsvill]

Awesome thanks Grif. I wanted to pick up a back up player for my XA2

[Wofford29]

So March/April releases by Paramount. Any chance they can be out on Blu by that time?

[Barry Sanders]

I just got in the hd dvd game about a month ago great time to huh. Well after carefull thinking I'm dumping all hd dvds I picked up over the last month and going blu only. So I figured I'd offer them to you guys first. Here's what I got. I also got a 360 add on with king kong I'd sell for 60 dlvd.

Heroes season 1-25 dlvd
Darkman-10 dlvd
Aeon flux-10 dlvd
Firewall-10 dlvd

All hd dvd's together 50 dlvd w/ 360 add on 100 dlvd. I have all kinds of ebay feedback done trades on here and more. Email me at mystikpymp@tmail.com. To work out something.

[DanGreddy]

I got 3 HD DVD for sale

15 a piece

300
Transformers
Children of Men


40 dlvd for all 3.

[BrewersFan4Life]

I disagree SBrooks. I hope they do, because I'm sure as hell not buying a ps3 or a different blu-ray player. Only way I'm buying one is an addon for 360. I don't have any HD audio stuff and am probably not going to get any, so i'm fine with DD 5.1.

[someguy6000]

microsoft made a mention about "if" HD DVD failed is why they have the digital DL now if that means you can purchase them for keeps at a later date is yet to be forseen

[grif32]

Hopefully never. The 360 only outputs HD DVD's with Dolby Digital 5.1/DTS and doesn't support ANY of the HD audio formats that are used on Blu-ray movies. A Blu-ray add-on for the 360 would be crippled right out of the box.

The PS3 does not support all AQ last time I checked.

Chris

[JaylisJayP]

So March/April releases by Paramount. Any chance they can be out on Blu by that time?

I'd guess yes.

[SBrooks1]

The PS3 does not support all AQ last time I checked.

Oh I know but at the very least it supports uncompressed PCM and Dolby TrueHD which is what most Blu-ray's are encoded with anyway.

[SBrooks1]

Universal is going Blu :D

The statement that Blu-ray fans have been waiting for nearly two years to hear, president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment Craig Kornblau has announced that Universal Studios will begin distributing their films on the Blu-ray format. He commented, "While Universal values the close partnership we have shared with Toshiba, it is time to turn our focus to releasing new and catalog titles on Blu-ray."

He continued, "The path for widespread adoption of the next-generation platform has finally become clear. Universal will continue its aggressive efforts to broaden awareness for hi-def's unparalleled offerings in interactivity and connectivity, at an increasingly affordable price. The emergence of a single, high-definition format is cause for consumers, as well as the entire entertainment industry, to celebrate."

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1007

[Kingpen]

Should someone start a "HD-DVD buy/sell thread"? LOL

[vicnsand]

Also, I saw a TV with that 120MHZ technology yesterday for the first time. I noticed the difference in the picture right away. It is really very strange and freaky looking. I didn't like it at all. It makes everything look very unnatural. I hope you can turn that off on newer TVs.



I have a Sony Bravia with the 120 MHZ technology. I got it mainly for watching sports. Everything looks fine to me. :confused:

[WitchKingOfAngmar]

microsoft made a mention about "if" HD DVD failed is why they have the digital DL now if that means you can purchase them for keeps at a later date is yet to be forseen

Well, they've also mentioned that while nothing is slated for IMMEDIATE future, if Blu ray won, they'd have options in the area...be it MS add on, or one made by a third party.

[PrimeBane]

Sorry buddy but Maxpower, an insider on Blu-ray.com already said it's going to be a high bitrate AVC encode with PCM audio. You heard that right, PCM audio. None of that DD Plus crap. :D

http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=37276&page=13

I can't wait to see how many copies Transformers sells on Blu-ray it's first week on sale :D

And yet Transformer is well knows to have some of the best, if not the best, audio on any HDM to this point... funny how that works eh? :)

[PrimeBane]

Hopefully never. The 360 only outputs HD DVD's with Dolby Digital 5.1/DTS and doesn't support ANY of the HD audio formats that are used on Blu-ray movies. A Blu-ray add-on for the 360 would be crippled right out of the box.

Yet how many people can and actually will take advantage of lossless audio? If HDM is niche, lossless is super niche... that is a complete non factor for most.

A BD 360 addon is a perfect intro unit to get 360 owners (17 million world wide) into the BD game (assuming the don't already own a PS3 or stand alone).

[PrimeBane]

So March/April releases by Paramount. Any chance they can be out on Blu by that time?

Since Paramount does have BD authoring experience it's certainly not out of the question... but my gut says we won't be seeing day and date BDs for new Paramount/DW releases until at least May.

[grif32]

I have a Sony Bravia with the 120 MHZ technology. I got it mainly for watching sports. Everything looks fine to me. :confused:

I watched it last week at CC. After 5 minutes it gave me a headache. Its really strange to watch IMO. I would turn it off if I had a TV with it.

Chris

[PrimeBane]

I have a Sony Bravia with the 120 MHZ technology. I got it mainly for watching sports. Everything looks fine to me. :confused:

I've heard 120Mhz is great for sports... but everytime I see a movie running on one in stores it just doesn't look right.

[vicnsand]

I've heard 120Mhz is great for sports... but everytime I see a movie running on one in stores it just doesn't look right.

Yes, I'll admit that it doesn't look quite right in stores. 120 MHZ store picture displays actually remind me of 'video' rather than film (not sure how else to describe it), but I haven't experienced that with my setup at home.

[PrimeBane]

I have to say I have mixed emotions about the death of HD DVD.

It was my preferred format, mostly due to studio support and extras (not to meantion it wasn't Sony). It was a solid product with completed specs.

On the other hand, it's nice to have a single format. No we can all focus on a single product that will hopefully be embrased by HDtv owners (no, DVD just isn't good enough anymore).

Today I mourn the loss of HD DVD... tomorrow I celebrate the potential of HDM to become mainstream.

And for the record, I will be keeping my HD DVDs and players. :)

[ewto16]

I absolutely LOVE TVersity!! I've been using it religiously ever since the PS3 was updated to allow DivX/XviD playback. I bought a 500GB external hard drive and I throw all my downloaded movies on it and share it through TVersity over my wireless network. Works flawlessly 98% of the time! It's really nice thing to have and I recommend it all the time to my customers at Best Buy trying to decide on buying a standalone Blu-ray player or a PS3.

Got any tips for someone that just started using it? I discovered that I can play a ripped DVD by making a playlist and adding all the VOB files to it, though it does only appear to play them one at a time.

I used to use Nero Home, but the transcoding sucked. I couldn't watch AVI files or anything other than what was already in PS3 format. TVersity transcodes everything flawlessly.

Is there anyway to upconvert through TVersity? The videos I played didn't look that good and I sort of wished I could have upconverted them, like my DVD player does.

[ewto16]

I disagree SBrooks. I hope they do, because I'm sure as hell not buying a ps3 or a different blu-ray player. Only way I'm buying one is an addon for 360. I don't have any HD audio stuff and am probably not going to get any, so i'm fine with DD 5.1.

You would rather pay $179 for a Bluray add-on than another $200 and get a PS3 which will always be a better blu-ray player?

[johnnyknoxsvill]

Should someone start a "HD-DVD buy/sell thread"? LOL

I started one awhile ago,
http://board.spawn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367334

Maybe they can put it up on the first page

[ewto16]

Yes, I'll admit that it doesn't look quite right in stores. 120 MHZ store picture displays actually remind me of 'video' rather than film (not sure how else to describe it), but I haven't experienced that with my setup at home.

Maybe you have it turned off? Maybe it has to do with the signal you are feeding it? No idea, but when I saw it in the store it just doesn't look right. They had a 5 minute Blu-ray loop going and it was just too weird to watch.

[ewto16]

Audio question for everyone.

I have a Kenwood receiver which accepts DD and DTS. What should I have my PS3 set to output to? Bitstream or Linear PCM? It is going over an optical cable, not HDMI.

Thanks!!

[PrimeBane]

You would rather pay $179 for a Bluray add-on than another $200 and get a PS3 which will always be a better blu-ray player?

Who said it would be $179? The current HD DVD addon is $129.99

For those on a budget and only looking to play BD movies, an addon would be a better solution.

[grif32]

Audio question for everyone.

I have a Kenwood receiver which accepts DD and DTS. What should I have my PS3 set to output to? Bitstream or Linear PCM? It is going over an optical cable, not HDMI.

Thanks!!

Linear PCM

Chris

[JaylisJayP]

Who said it would be $179? The current HD DVD addon is $129.99

For those on a budget and only looking to play BD movies, an addon would be a better solution.

I have a PS3 and have been wanting a second blu-ray player for my bedroom for a while....if I could get one for $150 or so as an add-on to the 360, I'd get it and put the PS3 in the bedroom instead...that's be a great solution.

[PrimeBane]

You don't count Jay... you're an addict like the rest of us. :p

[Gooker1]

I just got in the hd dvd game about a month ago great time to huh. Well after carefull thinking I'm dumping all hd dvds I picked up over the last month and going blu only. So I figured I'd offer them to you guys first. Here's what I got. I also got a 360 add on with king kong I'd sell for 60 dlvd.

Heroes season 1-25 dlvd
Alpha dog(new)-13 dlvd
Breakfast club(new)-13 dlvd
Carlitos way rise 2 power(new)-13 dlvd
Darkman-10 dlvd
Aeon flux-10 dlvd
Firewall-10 dlvd

All hd dvd's together 85 dlvd w/ 360 add on 140 dlvd. I have all kinds of ebay feedback done trades on here and more. Email me at mystikpymp@tmail.com. To work out something.

I got 3 HD DVD for sale

15 a piece

300
Transformers
Children of Men


40 dlvd for all 3.

Should someone start a "HD-DVD buy/sell thread"? LOL

LOL - Yes :)

[JaylisJayP]

You don't count Jay... you're an addict like the rest of us. :p

How true.

[jmcc000]

Just posted my HDDVD for sale list on that post.

[johnnyknoxsvill]

I don't know what I'm doing wrong but I cant get TVversity to recognize any of my Media/Music?

[ewto16]

I don't know what I'm doing wrong but I cant get TVversity to recognize any of my Media/Music?

Is it on your PC or on a newtowrk share?

All you should have to do is click Add file, then browse to the file you want to add. Click Open or Add whatever the button says. TVserity will say your media is being added to the service or something like that.

Wait like 5 minutes and you should be good to go. Make sure the service is running on your PC.

You may need to have installed all the codecs that are required for TVserity, which it tries to install during the inital install.

You may have the service or application blocked in your firewall. Make sure you open the port as well.

If you can describe your error/issue in more detail, I'll try to help.

[ewto16]

Who said it would be $179? The current HD DVD addon is $129.99

For those on a budget and only looking to play BD movies, an addon would be a better solution.

Well, the HD-DVD addon was $179 when it first came out for the 360 I beleive, so I assumed that a Blu-ray add-on would be as expensive, given Microsoft's constant overpricing of accessories.

Plus, I expect Sony to rake them over the coals in licensing fees. :p

That being said, I don't think MS will make an add-on anyway. They firmly back HD-DVD because they were invested in it, so it made sense for them to try and grow the format. They have no vested interest in Blu-ray, other than losing a couple bullet points on a sales sheet comparing the PS3 and 360.

[oaktown2000]

Thank you chugga.

Had you recommended the "add-on" instead....I would have killed you.....seriously.....I would have killed you. :)

[PrimeBane]

Plus, I expect Sony to rake them over the coals in licensing fees. :p



LOL :D So very true... but you'd think they'd relish in taking money from MS.

[Chugga]

Universal is going Blu :D

Thats great news I'm wondering how long their turnaround time will be. You'd think they've spent at least a little bit of time researching Blu-ray to get everything ready for an eventual switch. I'm psyched for a ton of their titles. American Gangster, Hulk, King Kong, Inside Man, etc. I wonder what they do for their first title. You'd imagine they'd make a big deal about it and come out with something strong. Maybe the Bourne movies.

[PrimeBane]

Thats great news I'm wondering how long their turnaround time will be. You'd think they've spent at least a little bit of time researching Blu-ray to get everything ready for an eventual switch. I'm psyched for a ton of their titles. American Gangster, Hulk, King Kong, Inside Man, etc. I wonder what they do for their first title. You'd imagine they'd make a big deal about it and come out with something strong. Maybe the Bourne movies.

Considering they use a pretty standard menu system, I imagine they'll be cranking out titles soon, sans special features to start.

[SmartassBoiler]

I know it's been said time and time again....but why not just get a PS3? One of the better players on the market....and it's basically an enitire media hub....it's a remarkable little machine.

Well, I wouldn't use it for games because I already have a 360 that I prefer more for that. I do love the ability the PS3 has to download the latest profiles, but I have a Logitech Harmony 880, and I'd prefer to use only one remote if possible.

Do any of you know if Logitech has a plan to release a BlueTooth-compatible Harmony remote? Given the amount of PS3's sold worldwide, I'd think they're at least considering doing such a thing...

[Chugga]

Thank you chugga.

Had you recommended the "add-on" instead....I would have killed you.....seriously.....I would have killed you. :)

Yeah I know I had figured you'd be pissed off because with your addictive personality I was like "if he gets a high def player he's dropping a grand on it by the end of the year". As much as you said "I'm not going to be like you I'm going to pick and choose I'm going to be selective" I knew that wouldn't stick.

Your welcome

[ewto16]

Linear PCM

Chris

Many thanks. What is the difference anyway?

[oaktown2000]

Yeah I know I had figured you'd be pissed off because with your addictive personality I was like "if he gets a high def player he's dropping a grand on it by the end of the year". As much as you said "I'm not going to be like you I'm going to pick and choose I'm going to be selective" I knew that wouldn't stick.

Your welcome


And 63 Blu Rays later......

[HollandX]

:( I'm never getting my 5 free HD DVDs now, am I...

[ewto16]

Well, I wouldn't use it for games because I already have a 360 that I prefer more for that. I do love the ability the PS3 has to download the latest profiles, but I have a Logitech Harmony 880, and I'd prefer to use only one remote if possible.

Do any of you know if Logitech has a plan to release a BlueTooth-compatible Harmony remote? Given the amount of PS3's sold worldwide, I'd think they're at least considering doing such a thing...

If you haven't played a PS3, then how can you say that you prefer a 360 to a PS3? PS3 has some really good games on it that are exclusive to PS3. You are missing out on some really great stuff, plus you get a great Blu-ray player and a great upconverting DVD player for only $399. Not to mention if you want, it can be a complete media hub for your home theater system. The cheapest Blu-ray player is like $300, so for $100 more you get SM3 and a great game system as a bonus.

As far as the remote goes, there is a Nyko remote that comes with a IR USB dongle. You plg that into the PS3 and program the Harmony to operate it. I think the only thing you can't do is turn it on, but I think there is a way around that too.

[GPWYANKEE]

:( I'm never getting my 5 free HD DVDs now, am I...


I dont think so bro

[ewto16]

:( I'm never getting my 5 free HD DVDs now, am I...

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....that is funny. Sucks for you, but it is funny.

Maybe someone unloading their collection will give you the 5 free ones you ordered. They probably got them free as well.

[HollandX]

:(

[Chugga]

And 63 Blu Rays later......

"I'm only going to buy one here and there, I'll probably get like one of the Pirates movies or something. I'll probably check out Spiderman too but thats about it, I'm taking this slowly"

"hey whats up how you been"

"so yeah I sold like all of my dvd's and I bought like 20 blu-rays....I haven't even watched them yet but I'm going to"

[HollandX]

Did anybody notice that today Paramount announced The Jack Ryan Collection, Sweeney Todd, and There Will Be Blood for March/April HD DVD releases?

Are they still coming?

I guess either the press release was already sent off and/or the discs are already pressed...

[PrimeBane]

I'm pretty sure you'll get your 5 free movies... Tosh just said they're going to quit making and selling, but they'll continue to support.

[Hanky Panky]

It will be interesting to see how they get rid of the existing inventory...either with BOGO or hopefully a vast reduction in prices.

[Chugga]

If you haven't played a PS3, then how can you say that you prefer a 360 to a PS3? PS3 has some really good games on it that are exclusive to PS3. You are missing out on some really great stuff, plus you get a great Blu-ray player and a great upconverting DVD player for only $399. Not to mention if you want, it can be a complete media hub for your home theater system. The cheapest Blu-ray player is like $300, so for $100 more you get SM3 and a great game system as a bonus.

As far as the remote goes, there is a Nyko remote that comes with a IR USB dongle. You plg that into the PS3 and program the Harmony to operate it. I think the only thing you can't do is turn it on, but I think there is a way around that too.

He's owned a PS3 before but took it back. But on the same note this was a long time ago...wasn't it like 10-11 months ago Smartassboiler?

But anyways I'm still a firm believer the PS3 is the way to go. I know it's not an easy sell to the girlfriend but if you show her the facts and lay them out on the table it makes the most sense.

[WitchKingOfAngmar]

Quick question for any PS3 owners who've done this...

How/what is the best way to go about setting up my Harmony remote for the PS3? I got the nyko IR remote (haven't had a chance to open it yet though)...so is it fairly simple?

Do I have to look the code up online, or does it have it in the instruction manual? Did you have any problems labeling the device as PS3 (since when I add it on my Harmony software it says it can't function because PS3 is bluetooth)??

[WitchKingOfAngmar]

I dont think so bro
I dunno...according to Toshiba, they're still going to be supporting consumers who already adapted HD DVD....so maybe they'll still honor their rebates etc. until a certain point.

[BrewersFan4Life]

Yeah, actually I would, cuz I have absolutely no interest in a ps3. The only game for ps3 that interests me at all is mlb08 the show, but i can get that on my psp, and I'm already getting mlb2k8 for probably my Wii and my 360.

[Chugga]

You should still be able to label the PS3 on your Harmony. I have a function on mine that says "Play PS3" and it basically does everything BUT turn the system on. Turns on the receiver, switches it's mode over, turns on the tv, switches the tv's input, and then bam I'm sitting at a blank screen waiting for the PS3 to be turned on. And luckily I have a Playstation controller sitting next to me at all times so I just press the middle button and bam (at least in my opinion) IR problem solved.

[PrimeBane]

Quick question for any PS3 owners who've done this...

How/what is the best way to go about setting up my Harmony remote for the PS3? I got the nyko IR remote (haven't had a chance to open it yet though)...so is it fairly simple?

Do I have to look the code up online, or does it have it in the instruction manual? Did you have any problems labeling the device as PS3 (since when I add it on my Harmony software it says it can't function because PS3 is bluetooth)??

The Nyko Bluwave is actually in the Harmony database... when you're adding new devices, select the Nyko bluwave instead of the PS3 (if PS3 is even in there). It will map the basic buttons, but you'll have to do the rest yourself, but that's pleanty easy. :)

[oaktown2000]

"I'm only going to buy one here and there, I'll probably get like one of the Pirates movies or something. I'll probably check out Spiderman too but thats about it, I'm taking this slowly"

"hey whats up how you been"

"so yeah I sold like all of my dvd's and I bought like 20 blu-rays....I haven't even watched them yet but I'm going to"


Isn't that how it always starts.

[ewto16]

Yeah, actually I would, cuz I have absolutely no interest in a ps3. The only game for ps3 that interests me at all is mlb08 the show, but i can get that on my psp, and I'm already getting mlb2k8 for probably my Wii and my 360.

Pretty sure you aren't getting that for the Wii. 2K isn't making it for the Wii as far as I know.

You are missing out on some really nice games as well as Blu-ray movies by not picking up a PS3.

[ewto16]

You should still be able to label the PS3 on your Harmony. I have a function on mine that says "Play PS3" and it basically does everything BUT turn the system on. Turns on the receiver, switches it's mode over, turns on the tv, switches the tv's input, and then bam I'm sitting at a blank screen waiting for the PS3 to be turned on. And luckily I have a Playstation controller sitting next to me at all times so I just press the middle button and bam (at least in my opinion) IR problem solved.

I have the same setup. I fail to see how this doesn't work for everyone. I guess maybe for watching movies, though I find the controller just fine for that as well.

[Chugga]

Isn't that how it always starts.

With you yes....find a new hobby, sell all the old stuff. With me though even I did the same thing. I sold all of my DVD's aside from the original Star Wars trilogy a long time ago. Right now my DVD collection looks like this: Star Wars Trilogy, Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 1&2, The Wood, empty Big Fish case. Thats it.

And in hindsight it looks like I made the right decision. All of those movies I was worried about never seeing on Blu-ray might just end up coming out afterall. I no longer regret trading in the cinematic masterpiece that is the fast and the furious.

[imaginegrafix]

:( I'm never getting my 5 free HD DVDs now, am I...

I'd be surprised if you didn't - it'll be cheaper for Tosh to fulfill those requests than it would be to face a lawsuit for not fulfilling.

[Chugga]

I have the same setup. I fail to see how this doesn't work for everyone. I guess maybe for watching movies, though I find the controller just fine for that as well.

Well unfortunately the PS3 doesn't have a 200 disk changer so if I'm going to watch a movie I gotta get up and put it in anyways so it's never been an issue for me just picking up a PS3 controller while I go put the movie in. Same for videogames....even if my remote can turn on my PS3 I still need the controller to play the game so I gotta get up and get it. Turning on my Xbox360 with my remote is a pretty cool thing but I still gotta get up and get a damn controller to play the game so I never really saw the "need" for the function.

[WitchKingOfAngmar]

Thanks to Prime and Chugga for the info. :) Sounds easy enough.

So does anyone know if there is a way around the harmony not turning the system on or not? It's no huge deal if I just have to use the controller....but, IF it's possible, I'd prefer to find a way to set the harmony up for it too.

[PrimeBane]

There's no easy way to get the harmony to turn the PS3 on and off at the moment... there's a 3rd party device you can purchase and there's also some sort of remote on trick that can be set up if you pair your PS3 with your PSP.

[ewto16]

Thanks to Prime and Chugga for the info. :) Sounds easy enough.

So does anyone know if there is a way around the harmony not turning the system on or not? It's no huge deal if I just have to use the controller....but, IF it's possible, I'd prefer to find a way to set the harmony up for it too.

There is a different IR receiver that someone posted a link to in here a few weeks ago that works to turn the PS3 off/on and all the other stuff.

You could also use your PSP if you had one.

[PrimeBane]

I have the same setup. I fail to see how this doesn't work for everyone. I guess maybe for watching movies, though I find the controller just fine for that as well.

Because most people didn't spend $100 plus on a harmony remote to use it and a controller because Sony didn't have the forsight to add a cheap IR receiver on the PS3. :p

I want everything to turn on and off with the push of a button dammit! :D

[SmartassBoiler]

If you haven't played a PS3, then how can you say that you prefer a 360 to a PS3? PS3 has some really good games on it that are exclusive to PS3. You are missing out on some really great stuff, plus you get a great Blu-ray player and a great upconverting DVD player for only $399. Not to mention if you want, it can be a complete media hub for your home theater system. The cheapest Blu-ray player is like $300, so for $100 more you get SM3 and a great game system as a bonus.

As far as the remote goes, there is a Nyko remote that comes with a IR USB dongle. You plg that into the PS3 and program the Harmony to operate it. I think the only thing you can't do is turn it on, but I think there is a way around that too.

I owned a PS3 when they first came out, but then sold it to buy the XBox 360 Elite system once that became available. All my friends that play video games ended up getting 360s, so since I play with them online, that's the reason I switched over. In hindsight I should have waited, but I was excited to get a NextGen system, and Xbox's didn't have an HDMI connection yet. So that's why I prefer the 360....being able to play the friends I know online. It has nothing to do with the merits of the system.

I hardly play video games enough to warrant two systems, so I was wondering if people thought that with the format war about to end, if you'd start seeing quality standalone BluRay players drop in price, especially with the newer profile players due out later this year. Like I mentioned before, since I don't care about DVD extras, I just want a reliable player for a good price.

[SmartassBoiler]

Because most people didn't spend $100 plus on a harmony remote to use it and a controller because Sony didn't have the forsight to add a cheap IR receiver on the PS3. :p

I want everything to turn on and off with the push of a button dammit! :D

Haha, exactly my feelings. I don't see why Sony needed to use a different communications protocol from almost everything else out there in A/V land...

[Chugga]

Because most people didn't spend $100 plus on a harmony remote to use it and a controller because Sony didn't have the forsight to add a cheap IR receiver on the PS3. :p

I want everything to turn on and off with the push of a button dammit! :D

Ok so lets say your Harmony lets you turn on your PS3 I understand that, I'm sure it's a great feeling. But heres my question that I've always wondered. You want to watch a movie....how does that happen?

Unless you know something up in Canada where you can use telekenesis to move movies with your mind like professor X and put them into your PS3 then you'll still need to get up put the movie in and unless you're watching your movies in the Madison Square Garden chances are a controller isn't too far away from the movies you'll have to get up to put in anyways.

In all honesty I think the harmony remote is one of the most overrated pieces of CE equipment ever. For some odd reason when I bought one I thought I could be the biggest couch potato ever and never have to get up ever again...but that never worked out.

[jmcc000]

Looking at getting a harmony remote, which one does everyone have?
BTW where is the best place to post my good sellers and buyers from this thread?

[grif32]

If you haven't played a PS3, then how can you say that you prefer a 360 to a PS3? PS3 has some really good games on it that are exclusive to PS3. You are missing out on some really great stuff, plus you get a great Blu-ray player and a great upconverting DVD player for only $399. Not to mention if you want, it can be a complete media hub for your home theater system. The cheapest Blu-ray player is like $300, so for $100 more you get SM3 and a great game system as a bonus.

As far as the remote goes, there is a Nyko remote that comes with a IR USB dongle. You plg that into the PS3 and program the Harmony to operate it. I think the only thing you can't do is turn it on, but I think there is a way around that too.

You dont even need to program it to the 880. You can add it as a device on the harmony webpage.

[ewto16]

I owned a PS3 when they first came out, but then sold it to buy the XBox 360 Elite system once that became available. All my friends that play video games ended up getting 360s, so since I play with them online, that's the reason I switched over. In hindsight I should have waited, but I was excited to get a NextGen system, and Xbox's didn't have an HDMI connection yet. So that's why I prefer the 360....being able to play the friends I know online. It has nothing to do with the merits of the system.

I hardly play video games enough to warrant two systems, so I was wondering if people thought that with the format war about to end, if you'd start seeing quality standalone BluRay players drop in price, especially with the newer profile players due out later this year. Like I mentioned before, since I don't care about DVD extras, I just want a reliable player for a good price.

I think stand alone Blu-ray players will remain the same price for awhile as they take advantage of everyone that will now jump on board.

That being said, I'm pretty sure the PS3 is STILL the only player that is out that is capable of playing the profile 2.0 movies. So if you don't mind your player being obsolete in a few years as more movies move to and require profile 2.0, then I think you could get a standalone.

Though again, I come back to the point that it a standalone player is $299, you might as well spend $100 more and get a PS3. You get SM3 with it and basically get a total video games sytem and media hub for like $70 bucks. Obviously, if prices of stand alone prices come down, that benefit decreases, but right now you really can't beat it.

[PrimeBane]

Ok so lets say your Harmony lets you turn on your PS3 I understand that, I'm sure it's a great feeling. But heres my question that I've always wondered. You want to watch a movie....how does that happen?

That's what kids are for :D


Unless you know something up in Canada where you can use telekenesis to move movies with your mind like professor X and put them into your PS3 then you'll still need to get up put the movie in and unless you're watching your movies in the Madison Square Garden chances are a controller isn't too far away from the movies you'll have to get up to put in anyways.


I'm lazy, what can I say... as for the powers, all in good time...


In all honesty I think the harmony remote is one of the most overrated pieces of CE equipment ever. For some odd reason when I bought one I thought I could be the biggest couch potato ever and never have to get up ever again...but that never worked out.

It's the convenience of have everything set up with the push of a button... equipment on, correct inputs selected. I hate having to use 2-3 remotes.

[Chugga]

I hate having to use 2-3 remotes too. I used to hate needing to turn on the tv switch it's input then turn on the receiver and switch it's device (especially when I was prone to always be missing one of the 2 remotes) but for some odd reason going into it I honestly felt from user reviews and basically how people talked about the remote that my life would be made so much more easier with this one remote. It would deliver food and snack to me while I sat in my chair, it would turn on and manage all of my equipment and if I really wanted it to $50 bills would dispurse from the bottom of the remote if I ever wanted to go out and buy a new movie.

But at the end of the day all it did was turn my 3 remotes into 1 and while thats a nice thing to do it really hasn't helped me all that much outside of that. I'm still getting up just as much now as I was before.

[PrimeBane]

You should send it back then... I think your's is defective ;)

[Chugga]

So it is supposed to get me snacks?

Because that would change my outlook on it completely

[WitchKingOfAngmar]

Because most people didn't spend $100 plus on a harmony remote to use it and a controller because Sony didn't have the forsight to add a cheap IR receiver on the PS3. :p

I want everything to turn on and off with the push of a button dammit! :D

Yea, but if it CAME with an IR receiver...then sony couldn't FORCE you to buy their remote (until something IR based came out later).

[PrimeBane]

So it is supposed to get me snacks?

Because that would change my outlook on it completely

Reach into the couch... I find popcorn, chips and smarties in there all the time. ;)

If it's not the remote doing it, I don't know what is...

[WitchKingOfAngmar]

Ok so lets say your Harmony lets you turn on your PS3 I understand that, I'm sure it's a great feeling. But heres my question that I've always wondered. You want to watch a movie....how does that happen?

Unless you know something up in Canada where you can use telekenesis to move movies with your mind like professor X and put them into your PS3 then you'll still need to get up put the movie in and unless you're watching your movies in the Madison Square Garden chances are a controller isn't too far away from the movies you'll have to get up to put in anyways.

In all honesty I think the harmony remote is one of the most overrated pieces of CE equipment ever. For some odd reason when I bought one I thought I could be the biggest couch potato ever and never have to get up ever again...but that never worked out.
For me it wasn't about not having to get up....for me it was all about having much less clutter, and fewer remotes taking up ****ing space. And most other universal remotes get confusing for me...as my short term memory isn't the best, so I forget to switch the remote over to....whatever device, and somehow end up stopping the movie or fast forwarding when I actually meant to turn up the volume.

For me, the harmony allows me to control everything, without being forgetful and having to switch the remote function every time I need to do something.

[Wardo30]

save me from digging...whats everyone using for a BLU Ray player???

[WitchKingOfAngmar]

Looking at getting a harmony remote, which one does everyone have?
BTW where is the best place to post my good sellers and buyers from this thread?
I got the 360 version when it came out.

[Chugga]

save me from digging...whats everyone using for a BLU Ray player???

PS3

[PrimeBane]

Yea, but if it CAME with an IR receiver...then sony couldn't FORCE you to buy their remote (until something IR based came out later).

Technically, one can get by with the controller... Sony ain't forcing me to buy crap! I mean other than BDs where they get royalties. :o

[Chugga]

Yeah I never bought into the whole "get the sony ps3 blu-ray remote" crap. The controller works perfectly fine in my book.

[WitchKingOfAngmar]

Technically, one can get by with the controller... Sony ain't forcing me to buy crap! I mean other than BDs where they get royalties. :o

Yea, but for me the remote was easier than trying to remember what button does what when it came to BR play back....simpler lay out etc. for me. So, I'm not complaining too much...and honestly...25 bucks for the remote was a lot cheaper than I expected from Sony.

Plus, when I first got it, the only game I even semi cared about was Resistance (which I quickly tired of)....so I wanted something a bit more...sleek while I had the controller hidden away for storage/to save space.

[ewto16]

I have to say I love my Harmony remote. I was pleased with taking 4 remotes and turning them into one. Plus, now the wife can actually turn on the TV herself, as opposed to this being an impossible task before for her.

My couch has a little compartment in the arm rest where I keep my Harmony, my PS3 controller and my Wiimote. Thus I don't have to leave the couch to turn anything on and assuming the game I want to play is still in the system, can begin playing right away.

[PrimeBane]

Looking at getting a harmony remote, which one does everyone have?


Harmony 880... very good remote. :)
Take a look at the new Harmony One remote... very nice :D

I recommend getting a rechargable remote... I hate having to dig out the old remotes when the regular batteries die in my old Harmony 628.

save me from digging...whats everyone using for a BLU Ray player???

PS3

[ewto16]

save me from digging...whats everyone using for a BLU Ray player???

PS3. This is the best option and what everyone will recommend in this thread.

[PrimeBane]

Plus, now the wife can actually turn on the TV herself, as opposed to this being an impossible task before for her.


That's the big plus in our household as well. :)

[ewto16]

Harmony 880... very good remote. :)
Take a look at the new Harmony One remote... very nice :D

I recommend getting a rechargable remote... I hate having to dig out the old remotes when the regular batteries die in my old Harmony 628.


I have the 550. It works pretty well for me. When the batteries die in mine, I don't have to replace my settings or anything like that. I just put in new batteries and I'm good to go.

[SmartassBoiler]

Harmony 880... very good remote. :)
Take a look at the new Harmony One remote... very nice :D

I have the 880 as well. The PC software that comes with is really easy to use. I did a product comparison on Logitech's site between the 880 and the One, and the only difference (by their comparison catagories) was that the One has a touch screen. The 880 is more cost effective, after comparing them on Ebay, unless you really want a touch screen.

[ewto16]

That's the big plus in our household as well. :)

Yep, she actually likes the whole entertainment room a lot better with the Harmony. Previously, she would just get annoyed if she tried to watch TV or a DVD. Now she pushes one button and can watch what she wants. I like the fact that I don't have to use 4 different remotes for stuff.