Should You Jump to High-Def DVD This Holiday Season?
Tue Oct 24, 2006 7:10PM EDT
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High-definition DVD formats will get their first big test this holiday season, as consumer electronics makers hope to get you to shell out some big bucks for the latest generation of hardware. Should you do it? Is it worth spending $400 to $1,000 for the absolute best video quality you can get? Don't pull the trigger just yet. Here are a few things to think about before you plunk down your Visa.
- The Picture's Killer - Everyone who's used a high-def player has raved about the video. If the special someone on your gift list has eagle eyes, he may really appreciate the added detail and clarity that Blu-ray and HD-DVD offer. (Tragically, this is pretty much the only positive of note, so get ready for some drawbacks...)
- You Need an HDTV - There's no point getting a Blu-ray or HD-DVD player unless you've got the rest of the setup, which means an HDTV with an HDMI connection if you want the absolute highest-quality picture.
- You Need a Lot of Cash - The cheapest HD-DVD player still runs about $500 ($400 if you're willing to go with a less reputable seller). The only Blu-ray player on the market runs $800 to $1,000, and Sony's (delayed) player will cost about the same.
- You Need a Lot of Patience - Early reviews of high-def players have been lukewarm at best. There are also major concerns over the DRM schemes in both HD-DVD and Blu-ray players, and you might find your gear crippled down the line if you try to play "unsanctioned" films on it.
- High-Def Movies Cost More - Expect to pay an extra two bucks or so per disc. Also note that "extras" like interviews and featurettes will almost always still be in regular resolution. This may be moot, however. Right now there are only a few dozen discs available for either format. This should get better by December, though.
- The Game Console Factor - If you've got a gamer in the family, remember that the upcoming PS3 will include a Blu-ray drive and Microsoft will soon be releasing an add-on for the Xbox 360 that will play HD-DVD discs. This might be a much less expensive way (the PS3 will be $500 or $600 depending on configuration) to dabble in high-def content and you won't have to wait long to get one.
- That Format War Issue - Like it or not, one of these formats is probably going to go away in a couple of years. Problem is, no one can say which one. Who wants to get stuck with an expensive boat anchor? Not me.
So, should you buy one? That's a decision only you can make for yourself, but I'll tell you one thing: I'm personally sticking with good old DVD for 2007.
Need more of a primer on Blu-ray and HD-DVD? Click the link and read all about it.
Comments on Should You Jump to High-Def DVD This Holiday Season?
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2 Posted by blackout2k2 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:08PM EDT Report Abuse
The fact is, both of these are just a waste of money at this point. Rushing out to buy either is a mistake, because the prices will drop significantly within the next year or so. Why purchase something so expensive, when you can continue using the DVD player you have currently just as well? I would only suggest upgrading to one of these if your player breaks down and you're going to replace the player anyway.
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3 Posted by vengefulsith on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:33PM EDT Report Abuse
i agree.
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4 Posted by will_terlop on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:47PM EDT Report Abuse
ok first of all.. Beta WAS the better format. But due to the demand beta couldnt handle, VHS won that war. Now the main thing is the TV (as mentioned above) your tv has to be 1080p, i just wanted to clarify that because technically 720p, which is your progressive scan picture from DVDs, is high def. I work in the industry, so i wanted to clarify that for everyone. Another thing is that HDMI cable. Combining both video and audio in one cable, is great. But it confuses alot of people. Just because u use an HDMI cable doesnt mean that you can cant use a home theater system. Like the Bose Lifestyle systems. Even tho u cant plug a HDMI cable in there, that doesnt mean you cant enjoy both Hi Def Video and audio. Companys that are including HDMI in there systems are taking a big risk. (in my opinion) Beacuse its a semi new technology, and if they decide to add another pin on that cable...then there goes ur money goes down the drain. Now im not saying thats going to happen, but i personally wouldnt want to take the risk. I hope you all found this info helpful. Any questions or comments can go to: will_terlop@yahoo.com
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5 Posted by jamesgameslapierre on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:28PM EDT Report Abuse
I personaly think we should just use dvd players because what they dont tell you is that blue-ray and hd-dvds are only slighty improved. So stick to your dvd players. james
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6 Posted by evergreendm on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:56PM EDT Report Abuse
Beta lost out quickly because it turned down overtures by the Adult Industry for Adult In-Home movies because its leadership was too righteous. As a result Adult films were only made in VHS format and more men went out and bought themselves VHS VCR's instead for their families so they only bought VHS movies. That's what ruined Betamax, not Sony. I think it's always good policy to never buy the first 2 'runs' of any product. The first 2 years of cars, electronics, and such tend to overpriced and full of problems. It takes time to iron out kinds in production and for the technology to become cost effective. Almost never has a first run audio receiver, speaker set, auto model, etc. been better than its predecessor 2-3 years down the line. Sure you may get HD-DVD now. But you'll be likely buying a product with problem spots and you'll be overpaying. In 3 years the same device will be out for $300 without the problems, more HD-DVDs available, and more features.
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7 Posted by brownoseman on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:14PM EDT Report Abuse
Have you seen a regular DVD on a High Def TV? It looks remarkably good. Tests with Blue-ray and HD-DVD are only marginally better side by side. I'll let the dust settle and price come down to earth before making this very questionable investment.
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8 Posted by bamblkwdr on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:01PM EDT Report Abuse
All of my tvs are old but work ok.I get my signal from an outside antenna and a convential satalite dish( no hd). In 2009 all television will be hd. What changes will I have to make to watch tv. Will my antenna work and will I have to get a new dish and receiver?
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9 Posted by frevelcason on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:03PM EDT Report Abuse
Not unless they drop the price of the players. I've seen the cost of the Blue-Ray disc, crazy. You can purchase two new movies for the cost of one. And to be honest a person isn't going to get more pleasure out of a movie because it has better quality. So does the Blue-Ray disk make Gigli better because it's clearer? I don't think I'll ever say, you know what that movie was terrible, but it looked really clear, so I really like it.
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10 Posted by jodieevanskr on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:38PM EDT Report Abuse
I have just one question, can you play a HD-DVD on a regular DVD player?
1 Posted by gtangjr on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:14PM EDT Report Abuse
I bet you personally didn't buy yourself (or your kid) (unless you're just...just weird) a Playstation 1 or 2 for the very same reason. But, whoops, Sony went ahead and won that battle. That said, while they certainly are going to fight an uphill battle with the PS3, almost overnight Blu-ray will have an installed user-base above and beyond that of HD-DVD. So, whether you like it or not, Blu-ray will certainly be a contender. This is NOT your daddy's Beta/VHS war, bud.