What format is going to win? Blu-Ray or HD-DVD?

[jon13009]

I am wondering if any of you out there have decided which Hi-Def DVD format you are backing: Blu-Ray or HD DVD.

I am pondering buying a PS-3 which can play Blu-Ray, or an Xbox 360 which you can buy an HD-DVD as a $180 add-on.

Note: It is unlikely the Xbox (microsoft) will ever play blue ray disks or the PS-3 plays HD-DVD, because they are in direct competition - until the matter is fully settled.

Both technologies have great resolution, but one format is bound to overtake the other in the consumer battlefield. (see VHS versus Betamax (Sony) - and Betamax lost.) I want to see which will win out, but am itching to get one or the other player so I can watch a high def movie on my Hi-Def TV.

This is a Sony/Apple (Blu-Ray) v. Microsoft/Intel (HD DVD) battle that may take awhile to settle.

I am leaning to Blu-Ray, but don't want to commit just yet. Blu-Ray players seem to average $300 and above. I haven't priced an HD-DVD player except the Xbox 360 add on.

Any advice or predictions?

[onlooker]

I am backing Blu-Ray.

I had both, but took the HDDVD player back. Because of all the skipping problems. Do a search on google. Once the straight all that out, I will buy a good dual player. That does both. Because some movie productions only use one of them. Like Paramount, they are exclusively HD-DVD. I think Disney is Blu-Ray.

Here was a thread I did on the HD DVD Player.

http://forum.sbrforum.com/players-talk/48097-off-topic-who-owns-hd-dvd-player.html?highlight=HD+DVD

[JBC77]

Couldn't they just decide on one version industry wide? Hard to invest in either if you suspect one is going to die off.

[DrunkenLullaby]

Definitely Betamax.

[VegasDave]

Neither... they will both stick around. You'll just have to get a combo player or one of each players to compensate for it.

[jon13009]

I am backing Blu-Ray.

I had both, but took the HDDVD player back. Because of all the skipping problems. Do a search on google. Once the straight all that out, I will buy a good dual player. That does both. Because some movie productions only use one of them. Like Paramount, they are exclusively HD-DVD. I think Disney is Blu-Ray.

Here was a thread I did on the HD DVD Player.
http://forum.sbrforum.com/players-ta...ghlight=HD+DVD

Thank onlooker, a dual player would be the best solution, but I am guessing they are quite expensive.

Studio alliances are another thing that makes this format war a bitch because if you choose one or the other, you will be limited in your library selection.

If you own a high-def TV, and have seen the quality of the blu-ray or HD-DVD disks you can understand why waiting is a hard thing to do right now.

Blockbuster is going Blu-Ray (for now), and I wish they would rent the player as well.

[manitobashadow]

I bought the HD DVD player from toshiba...2 weeks ago. Its awesome, no complaints at all. No skipping and wow for the visuals. Purchased PLANET EARTH to really show it off..

Paid 299 in Canada for it, comes with 2 free hd dvd s and 5 more free ones you have to mail in.

I did a lot of research on which one to go with, HD was the hands down winner. Might be different if i was a video gamer.

[Illusion]

In the long run HD-DVD will win. It's a catchy and simple name. Everybody knows what hd is and everybody knows what a dvd is. Blu-Ray sounds like a tuna brand.

[McBa1n]

I heard a year ago that the pr0n industry was going to support HD DVD. That to me = win, much like how VHS did.

[ShamsWoof10]

NEITHER!!! Blue-Ray's days are numbered... I believe a universal formatt will not be used until LED's have taken over the market COMPLETELY... If I had to make a guess I would say that will be about 2015, but the CEO's about major companies seem to be more optimistic then I am.... They are guessing LED's will be dominate in a few short years...

[paul Mordeeb]

I would say HD-DVD over Blue Ray. Can't wait to upgrade my Beta to HD-DVD!!!!

[Louisvillekid1]

It's dumb that different movie producers are signing contracts to exclusively be either HD - DVD or Blu - Ray

[jon13009]

I heard a year ago that the pr0n industry was going to support HD DVD. That to me = win, much like how VHS did.

Looks like you may have hit the nail on the head McBa1n.

These are two sites that say Porn is heading to HD DVD due to lower costs and Sony's insistence that porn is not welcome on Blu-Ray.

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070112-8602.html

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,245638,00.html

[jon13009]

Looks like Blu-Ray is currently winning the HD format war:

Sony's Blu-ray DVD format could prevail

By YURI KAGEYAMA, AP Business Writer Mon Feb 18, 8:01 AM ET

TOKYO - Sony's Blu-ray technology is emerging as the likely winner in the format battle for the next generation of DVD players after Toshiba appeared ready to ditch its HD DVD business.

Such a move would help consumers know which system to invest in and would likely boost sales in Blu-ray gadgets, analysts say. But it will disappoint the 1 million people around the world estimated by Toshiba who have already bought HD DVD players.

Source:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080218/ap_on_hi_te/toshiba_dvd

[Poker_Beast]

I'm going with Blu-Ray. Sony has more money!

Although I am upset regarding the porn issue.

[treece]

How Big Will Toshiba's HD DVD Loss Be?

Toshiba has quickly denied reports that spread over the Internet on Wednesday that it would report a loss of more than $1 billion for 2007 due to the collapse of its HD DVD business. According to Daily Variety the Japanese electronics company is now saying that its operating loss, to be officially reported after March 31, will be about $655.5 million. The report conflicts with several others, including one appearing in today's (Thursday) London Financial Times, saying that Toshiba expects to lose $1.1 billion as a result of HD DVD's defeat at the hands of Sony's Blu-ray system.

[Red_Sux]

finally, the format with better technology wins

glad i have that ps3