Login:
Password:
Lost Password?
Print this article  |  E-mail this article  |  Comment on this article

Universal: We're staying with HD DVD

By Scott M. Fulton, III and Nate Mook, BetaNews

January 10, 2008, 5:00 PM

Update ribbon (small)

5:00 pm ET January 10, 2008 -- Universal Studios has officially dispelled the rumors from Variety that it will drop HD DVD and switch to Blu-ray.

"Contrary to unsubstantiated rumors from unnamed sources, Universal's current plan is to continue to support the HD DVD format," said Ken Graffeo, executive vice president of HD strategic marketing for Universal Studios Home Entertainment and also co-president of the HD DVD Promotional Group.

The response would have come sooner, but many HD DVD executives were on flights home from CES when the story from Variety broke.

2:00 pm ET January 10, 2008 -- The HD DVD Promotional Group is expected to release a statement this afternoon refuting claims that Universal is jumping ship to Blu-ray.

While it's not clear what the statement will say, HD DVD indicated at CES that it still had full support from Paramount and Universal -- the last two major Hollywood studios to be backing the format exclusively.

However, without actual exclusive contracts in place, Universal could still decide to switch allegiances in the future.

It's not clear what led to the Variety claims, but they follow similar rumors reported by the Financial Times -- and later disputed by the studio -- that Paramount would go Blu-ray only.

Sources close to the matter say that neither Variety or the Financial Times bothered to contact HD DVD for confirmation before publishing the rumors.

Posted at 9:23am ET:

The entertainment industry publication Daily Variety is reporting this morning that Universal -- the only HD DVD stalwart we haven't talked that much about during CES week -- is preparing to gracefully back out of its commitment to that format.

The studio would first fulfill its remaining promotional commitments to HD DVD, which is what Warner Bros. has also committed to do through May. Variety also confirmed what had been stated as rumor yesterday that Paramount, the other HD DVD backer, does have a clause in its contract with the HD DVD Promotions Group to back out should Warner Bros. also back out.

BetaNews is on the floor of the final day of CES throughout the day, and will gauge reaction to this news.

Add a Comment (461 Comments)

BetaNews reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic. Foul language and personal attacks will not be tolerated.

Name (required):

E-mail (required):

Enter Your Comment:

By labomba

posted Feb 19, 2008 - 1:30 PM

What? Is that so? I think that Uni is now switching fast after Tosh's announcement.

I TOLD YOU SO!

Score: 0

By labomba

edited Jan 31, 2008 - 12:11 PM

Uh oh. National Geographic just took the BLU pill. It's the domino effect:

http://www.highdefdigest...lu-ray_Exclusivity/1417

Enough said.

Score: 0

By nt300

edited Jan 29, 2008 - 1:31 PM

• A little Bird told me if the reduced HD DVD player prices don't catch people’s attention, than Toshiba's final Massive Marketing Plan will be something like "$59 HD DVD/1080p SD DVD up-converting players - w/ 8 HD DVD (Hi Def Movies) in the BOX with a $200 off Coupon toward a selection of HDTV's - We are to expect Wal-Mart & BB to promote such a thing along with Amazon doing their own style of promoting. Don't you just love the DVD Forum when their back is against the WALL.

This is something the BDA "CANNOT MATCH".

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 30, 2008 - 12:26 AM

I just hope that your little Bird does deliver. It sounds like a very long shot but hey, if they can pull it, good. But by then, BDA will definitely have something to counter with. That is an interesting news.

If you think of it, remember when DVD players cost three digits on its first years? Now you can pick one up in the low two digits. It seems that DUD players are going to the two digit price sooner than I thought.

Score: 0

By nt300

posted Jan 29, 2008 - 12:49 AM

Hi, Nicole Lawler

I love your article on TOSHIBA DEPLOYS NEW HD DVD MARKETING INITIATIVES BASED ON STRONG FOURTH QUARTER UNIT SALES.

I am really hoping this is not too little too late. I completely support & defend HD DVD everywhere I go and on forums etc. I believe the consumer has the “RIGHT” to choose which Hi Def Format they want to purchase. In my most honest opinion, Price is KING period. But there is a problem I am sure you are aware of, and that is false Blu-Ray advertisements & HD DVD negativity via bad propaganda & rumours etc.

Can anything be done about all these misleading article, review sites & news media with their opinionated articles, non-factual and baseless rumours along with spineless propaganda to further cut the legs from under HD DVD?

I really think Toshiba and Microsoft both together should completely purchase a Hollywood Studio just as Sony has in the past. (We all know Sony wants to rule the world right). This should really give HD DVD the back bone it needs to defeat all these false rumours going around which is starting to drive me and many others nuts.

I refuse to buy an expensive obsolete profile plagued Blu-Ray player when HD DVD offers full specifications at an extremely affordable price.

I am sure Toshiba has an extremely smart marketing team working away to Help promote HD DVD, but I am afraid they are going to have to start playing dirty, just as the Blu-Ray Disc Association has been doing ever since the Blu-Ray release. Reason is there method of advertising & aggression is actually getting them something in return and that is retailers & studios support etc. Warner Bros. Clearly made the wrong choice and we need to prove it to them.

I am not one to ramble but here my advice along with 10,000’s of others which I’ve been reading up on all over forums, news groups & co-workers etc.. To beat out Blu-Ray completely this is should be done:

1) You “MUST 100%” Secure Universal/Paramount/DreamWorks/The Weinstein Company. Convince The Weinstein Company by incentives to start releasing Catalogue & new titles on HD DVD. (I read that this studio should not be included as an HD DVD backed studio because they don’t release movies on HD DVD anymore. Let’s change that ASAP. We need them BAD.)
2) Try to convince 1) Disney & even 2) First Look Studios to go HD DVD exclusive by any means possible to make it happen regardless of how much it will cost. (WE NEED ANOTHER MAJOR STUDIO ASAP) We need them to help even out the odds. Disney is strong with great family titles (HD DVD & Disney = The Right Demographic of people that will purchase the cheaper priced HD DVD players etc.) and First Look Studios should be an easy catch and would give HD DVD a little more much needed momentum. They have great titles, I’ve seen them.
3) Try and SECURE 1) Wal-Mart USA & CANADA & 2) Best Buy USA & Canada. If you have to Pay BIG $$$ Money $$$ because they can either make HD DVD win regardless of studio support or they can break HD DVD. Try to get an exclusive contract with them and aggressively tell them why HD DVD is the better valued Hi Def format. This is a MUST. And if you secure Disney, it would really help out a lot.
4) TLTwin (Triple Layer Twin) HD DVD/SD DVD on one side. This should truly prevent Retailers from reducing HD DVD stock and from others that will no longer stock HD DVD movies which is happening as I write this. One of these TLTwin discs sell and Blu-Ray can kiss their average goodbye. Though you must keep prices extremely competitive. Woolworth dropped HD DVD in favour of Blu-Ray due to the Warner announcement etc.
5) TL51GB (Triple Layer 51GB) HD DVD’s – We need these discs ASAP – Right Now - ASAP (Let’s get rid of this Blu-Ray has more storage BS so it’s better nonsense, because people believe it in an aggressive way even though it’s not true. I’ve seen 15GB Resident Evil HD DVD vs. 50GB Resident Evil Blu-Ray and both were 90% identical in Picture Quality & 100% identical in Sound Quality.)
6) HD DVD movie prices should be competitive vs. SD DVD not Blu-Ray. I know it’s going to costs a lot of money, but if and when HD DVD beats out Blu-Ray it would have greatly paid off in a big way. If you have to compensate studios for the extra cost, then so be it, do it ASAP. I’ve heard people defend HD DVD by saying that HD DVD is cheaper to produce, then why aren’t the HD DVD movies showing that cheaper price tag?
7) Microsoft needs to help Toshiba & HD DVD more aggressively. It would be nice if the two bought 1 or 2 Hollywood studios, just to put Sony it their place and certify HD DVD’s success.
8) Last but not least, bundle an HD DVD player with every Toshiba HDTV sold. Make this a mandatory commitment. Try to even get other HDTV manufactures to bundle HD DVD players with their brands of HDTV’s. Wal-Mart would be a great place to start HD DVD & HDTV bundles due to the much cheaper HDTV prices. This IMO is a WIN WIN situation and can give HD DVD a much needed boost.

Some of this is my advice and the majority is from various people 1,000’s upon 1,000’s which I’ve broken down. There are a lot of HD DVD owners that are leaving HD DVD for Blu-Ray, and we need to stop them ASAP.

Hope you greatly consider the above.
Thank You For Your Time & Patience

I speak for all HD DVD supporting people in the world.

Score: 0

By labomba

edited Jan 30, 2008 - 1:14 AM

First of all, I'm hoping that you did not plagiarize this from highdefforum.com. If so, I hope that is you as well. If not, that is soo weak of plagiarizing someone else's post over here without giving that person a credit. I hope you have your intentions correct. Second, "The Look and Sound Of Perfect" does sound more like "The Look and Sound Of Trouble" or "The Look and Sound Of Desperate". Based on the advice, your camp IS really now on a desperate need to survive this year. At least you all have realized that the writing is on the wall as I have previously mentioned here before. I do agree that Tosh, Uni or whoever is left in your camp need to spend all the cash they got left and see if they can buyout a major studio. If they can't buy one out, then it is definitely a checkmate. I just wish your camp good luck, you all need it....VERY VERY BADLY. :-)

Score: 0

By nt300

posted Feb 4, 2008 - 5:24 PM

I personally received permission to post such a thing from the original poster.

The Format in trouble is the Blu-Ray disc format. People don’t realise right now, but in a few weeks you will see what I mean. I’ve already stated that 2 Major Blu-Ray backed studios will join HD DVD exclusively. All I can say at this point is wait and see, my source stands correct so far.

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Feb 21, 2008 - 2:15 PM

I don't think your source is going to stick with HD DUD anymore. HD DUD is already dead.

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Feb 6, 2008 - 1:55 PM

That'll be interesting. I can't wait for that announcement, whoever those two are. Can you give me a much closer timeframe? Will it be before summer? Next month? 2 months from now?

Score: 0

By labomba

edited Jan 26, 2008 - 7:23 PM

Interesting articles today from CNET Reviews and EngadgetHD.

http://reviews.cnet.com/...2088-1.html?tag=bubbl_1

http://www.engadgethd.com/category/hd-dvd/

Score: 0

By Setian^Stalker

posted Jan 28, 2008 - 9:58 PM

Nothing ever interesting from CNET. They have had the same view since day 1.

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 30, 2008 - 12:45 AM

Spoken like a true DUD.

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 26, 2008 - 7:06 PM

DVDEmpire.com's weekly sales figures:

http://www.dvdempire.com...p;userid=99366122568277

Enough said.

Score: 0

By linuxdude

posted Jan 25, 2008 - 11:43 PM

UH OH!
http://hardware.slashdot...mp;sid=08/01/25/1615208

Score: 0

By pmtrsft

edited Jan 21, 2008 - 12:05 PM

Cast Away (2000) Distributors:
Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation (2000) (USA)
>>> DreamWorks Distribution (2000) (non-USA)

Score: 0

By Godisart

edited Jan 21, 2008 - 11:35 AM

So Paramount/Dreamworks is going to release Cast Away on HD-DVD?

LOL. Fox recently released it on Blu-Ray.

Guess your "studio source" hasn't got a clue has he?

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 21, 2008 - 12:13 PM

Apparently he does, since there are already numerous supposed "Blu-ray exclusives" that are available on HD DVD in regions besides the U.S.

Yep, gotta love the lack of region coding on all HD DVD players.

Score: 0

By nt300

posted Jan 21, 2008 - 2:04 AM

Is This The End For Blu-Ray?
http://www.scientificblo...ray_high_definition_dvd

Interesting perspective. Well worth reading.

Score: 0

By nt300

edited Jan 21, 2008 - 2:05 AM

Recent Insider INFO – My Source speaks out to me via phone call – Jan 21, 1008

HD DVD will come back with a Vengeance. The DVD Forum is not stupid enough to let Sony's Blu-Ray format succeed SD DVD nor HD DVD. But keep dreaming everybody if you think Blu-Ray will win in the end. You can all expect 2 Major BD Studios shifting their allegiance with HD DVD exclusively between Q2 to Q3 2008. And one of them is not Warner Bros. Though I am sure they will soon follow within the Q4 2008 time frame.
The DVD Forum has had enough of this War and enough of the Blu-Ray manipulative business tactics. Expect a law suit by the DVD Forum against the Blu-Ray Disc Association because of their use of “DVD”.

Two major contributing factors for the 2 major studio shifts are going to be 1)Extremely well HD DVD player sales after Q1 2008 due to HD DVD promotional Groups extremely aggressive advertising which we’ve not even seen just yet and 2)The introduction of the TL51 discs with the TLTwin following about a month or so later due to the nature of the new triple layer twin discs replicating processes that will take a little longer than usual. Expect most of the TLTwin based films to be based on catalogue titles which should easily fit on the 4.7GB SD DVD layers.

Score: 0

By Setian^Stalker

posted Jan 23, 2008 - 6:27 PM

That's a lot of speculation still.

It happens when it happens.

Score: 0

By linuxdude

posted Jan 19, 2008 - 11:10 AM

Well guys it was a pleasure reading your posts accept for scorpions and labomba AKA scorpion. But I will be moving back overseas soon to do a job in Iraq for bechtel corp. Wont be back for about a year. At that time we will see where things are at.

Score: 0

By Setian^Stalker

posted Jan 23, 2008 - 6:19 PM

Stay safe in Iraq :)

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 22, 2008 - 11:14 AM

For the trooper in you, I respect that, good luck out there and be careful.

But for the HD DUD in you, so long. :-)

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 19, 2008 - 1:44 PM

Have fun, good luck, and be safe. We'll hold the fort down for ya. :)

Score: 0

By nt300

posted Jan 19, 2008 - 12:17 AM

Hi Def media sales are peanuts compared to SD DVD sales. Numbers will start showing promis with HD DVD once they get enough players into peoples homes.

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 8:08 PM

HD Sales Data by Week:

http://www.dvdempire.com...p;userid=99365955196957

It looks like BD is really dominating sales.

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 19, 2008 - 3:21 AM

Have you been banned enough to behave with others yet?

Score: 0

By linuxdude

posted Jan 19, 2008 - 10:08 AM

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 21, 2008 - 11:02 PM

Whose laughing now that the numbers shows that BD are selling way more the DUD? Show me links that DUDs sells more than BD. I CALL ON ALL OF YOU to show me proof.

I'm waiting....

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 22, 2008 - 8:39 AM

Weak, as usual. At least you're consistent.

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 22, 2008 - 11:19 AM

I'm still waiting....tick tock tick tock... :-)

Score: 0

By yountmj

edited Jan 22, 2008 - 3:14 PM

That was never an issue with anyone else, but instead one that you threw out there and pretended that others were disputing it.

Right after I say "You're right, Blu-ray does outsell HD DVD titles, no contest", it should be my turn to say that the sky is blue... show me links proving otherwise.

Sales figures alone do not determine the superiority of one format over another, as history has shown.

As I said... weak. :)

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 23, 2008 - 1:07 PM

What do you mean? Sales figures basically shows what the majority of the consumers want. That is one of the reasons why Warner took the blu pill is becuase of sales figures.

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't it that during the Betamax vs. VHS wars was also decided due to the majority of the consumer choice? If so, then "history repeats itself".

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 24, 2008 - 6:50 PM

I believe it is happening in a way that is the opposite of what you describe, exactly how it happened with Betamax and VHS.

One format gained a larger following with the major studios, and the consumers followed shortly behind... but I could be wrong as well. The first format I vividly remember jumping on in the beginning was Laserdisc. :)

Score: 0

By linuxdude

posted Jan 23, 2008 - 6:31 PM

Not leaving for Iraq until Monday now :(
Here is what killed beta.

Beta despite having a better picture and despite being superior to vhs in every aspect lost because of 2 main reasons.
1. Sony would not allow porn to be produced on there precious beta tapes.
2. Vhs was cheaper and would allow the pr0n on there tapes.

Now we can see sony has went in a good direction by allowing porn on there blue media. But with the price drops in HD-DVD we will see that cheaper and just as good if not better then blu because of features and compatability issues blue is having. Its not over yet my fine little smurf. And as I have said again and again Online content will win in the end.

Score: 0

By Setian^Stalker

posted Jan 23, 2008 - 6:20 PM

"Sales figures basically shows what the majority of the consumers want."

oh god not another one.....

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 23, 2008 - 7:16 PM

Hey! I'm just saying what the others are saying. That's what I get on online sites that sells both formats like dvdempire.com, zdnet, CNN, etc. I just need to know on where you guys get your facts, that is all I'm trying to say here. I do agree in some of you here about HD DUDs' marketing, technology specs, etc. What I don't get is a straight answer contradicting to the sales figures I presented and you know what, it may be sad to some of you to admit but consumer role does play a big decision on the war.

Score: 0

By Setian^Stalker

posted Jan 28, 2008 - 10:02 PM

I dont disagree with sales figures
I STRONGLY disagree with 'Majority of Consumers'
I cant possibly see how anyone breathing can think that.

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 24, 2008 - 6:58 PM

And as I said, no one is contradicting sales figures. There is no need, and is futile to do so. Why even bother trying to get someone to dispute something that they cannot? Is it simply to be able to say that you were right about something? If so, it's my turn: All carbon-based lifeforms require oxygen to survive. Prove me wrong. You can't? Haha, I win!

I'm guessing you didn't fare so well in debate class... or have you reached that stage yet? :)

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 26, 2008 - 6:52 PM

"No one is contradicting sales figures". Liar. I could count on several replies and posts in here that you guys are in denial of the sales figures, etc. Don't even go there. It's funny on how you would retract your statements in the past. What a cheap escape goat you got there. B_A_A_A_A_A :-)

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 30, 2008 - 7:24 PM

Well, I've gone there... now what?

Score: 0

By Setian^Stalker

posted Jan 28, 2008 - 10:12 PM

Starting showing us where we are in denial of sales figures then

I could just as well say you have a strange fetish involving frogs and a sheeps skull. Of course I cant prove that.

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 30, 2008 - 1:27 AM

Start reading some of yountmj's replies above. And some got deleted by this stupid site. Better start reading.

That's right, I'm SuperFreak...and you are my pet. Master says, "Sit down!" :-)

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 30, 2008 - 7:23 PM

I assure you, to the best of my knowledge none of my posts have ever been deleted due to the content of my replies, for I have given the moderators no reason to do so. You on the other hand... not so much. If any of my posts were removed, they fell within the hierarchy of one of your numerous deleted posts.

I would love for you to show me where I have ever disputed the fact that Blu-ray disc sales have been greater than HD DVD's.

If you happen to find anything remotely similar to what you consider to be contradiction, then you have obviously taken something out of context, or have quite simply fabricated problems where none existed. If you happen to be referring to my comments considering your earlier responses to be weak, it was in regards to your feeble attempts to try to get others to disprove that which cannot be disputed.

You brought my name into this... time to back up your claims.

Score: 0

By labomba

edited Jan 18, 2008 - 8:03 PM

ZDNet: HD Downloads Not Really HD

http://www.tvpredictions.com/zdnet011808.htm

If you're too lazy to click on the link above, here's the article:

Washington, D.C. (January 18, 2008) -- From Microsoft to Apple, companies are launching new services that purport to offer High-Definition movies and TV shows via high-speed Internet downloads.

However, ZDNet technical director George Ou says the picture quality on the HD downloads is not as good as the PQ on a DVD 1080p upconverter player.

In a column just posted at ZDNet, Ou writes that high-def downloads has become an industry "big lie," meaning they really don't offer HD-quality images.

Apple's Net TV device now offers HD downloads.

He contends that HD downloads must be compressed so that the bit rate used in the transmission is typically just 1.5 to 4 mbps for 720p H.264.

In layman's terms, that means that the signal strength -- and picture quality -- is far lower than what you'll see on a Blu-ray or HD DVD high-def disc. It's even lower than what's offered by cable and satellite operators and a good DVD upconverter player.

"There’s just one minor little problem (with HD downoads), it’s not HD," Ou says. "These so-called HD movies use very low bit-rates compared to even standard definition DVDs let alone something like HD DVD or Blu-ray DVD."

Microsoft is now offering high-def downloads via its XBox 360 gaming console while Apple just added them to its Apple TV device. Additionally, Netflix and several other companies are planning to offer HD download services.

But ZDNet's technical director says the companies are just using "marketing" techniques to make it sound like the downloads are really HD.

"Marketing will push the nicer sounding “720p” aspect of the video but they don’t tell you it’s way too compressed to offer good video fidelity. Blu-ray has a maximum bit-rate of 40 mbps while HD DVD offers 28 mbps. Over the air broadcasts can be up to 24 mbps though they’re typically between 16 to 20 mbps," he says.
Ou adds: "Under most normal circumstances, the low bit-rate 720p so-called 'HD' video will be inferior though many companies are betting that consumers won’t know any better. So the bottom line is that so-called “HD” video from Microsoft’s XBOX360 HD download service and Apple’s new Apple TV service or any other web download service is simply not HD by any respectable definition."

Score: 0

By labomba

edited Jan 18, 2008 - 8:07 PM

HD download? Bleh....better think twice. It doesn't come close to HD disc quality when it comes to both audio and picture performance. It's not full 1080P. It doesn't do lossless or uncompress audio. It does not have special features, commentaries and extra stuff that you can find on HD media movies. Mine as well do VOD just like what we're doing now! Apple is wrong on this one. I guarantee that this is NOT the future of HD.

If you ask me, it's Blu-Ray all the way.

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 20, 2008 - 12:07 PM

"I guarantee that this is NOT the future of HD."

Neither is Blu-ray (or HD DVD), in my opinion. They were both good starts, but they are still lacking in a few areas.

So, you wish to have a civil debate on the facts? Okay then, let's see if you can hold up your end. Let's take just one of your points:

"It doesn't come close to HD disc quality when it comes to both audio and picture performance."

You repeatedly state that Blu-ray is superior due to sales figures of software titles alone, and offer little more than that to support your claim of its superior status. The public, by a large margin, do not care about the quality differences between disc-based media and digital downloads. This is evidenced by the fact that digital music downloaded via services such as iTunes Store eclipse music CD sales. Surely you are not suggesting that digital music downloads (MP3, AAC, etc) offer greater quality or are superior to Compact Discs (regardless of the fact that the dynamic range and overall mixing and mastering quality of most of today's music pales in comparison to that of more than a decade ago).

So what exactly is so great about supposed "HD audio performance" currently?

All these buzzwords: Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, uncompressed PCM. Audiophiles are clamoring for DTS-HD MA (more players and receivers capable of handling raw bitstream tranport, etc), yet soundtracks on existing titles that incorporate and utilize that format to anywhere near the fullest extent are extremely rare, instead offering "cleaner" versions of what we are already accustomed to. Uncompressed PCM is no different... actually it is, because of its space-wasting qualities. Also, if lossless formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD are converted to PCM anyway to satisfy backward compatibility concerns, why include PCM on the disc in the first place?

Lossless matters little, uncompressed even less, especially when the majority of the audio on Blu-ray titles essentially offer nothing more than multi-channel uncompressed PCM versions of the same 16-bit 48,000 Hz Dolby Digital AC3 soundtracks found on almost all DVD releases. That is not high-definition, I'm sorry to inform you. High-definition does not stop at video, but pertains to audio as well. It is the whole package. You squabble over the differences in video quality at various resolutions and compression rates, yet settle for the same mediocre audio resolution that has existed for more than a decade on DVD. As long as it is not at least 24-bit 96,000 Hz, I couldn't care less if it is uncompressed or not. It is quite simply inferior to what is now available no matter how it is encoded, and is essentially a 'dumbed down' version of what was originally recorded.

You cannot magically add missing lines of resolution when upconverting a DVD. The same applies for audio. You could have the best, most expensive display in the world... but it is ultra-realistic multi-channel surround audio that places you in the middle of it all and makes it feel real.

If the music industry records at 24-bit resolution for archival master recordings, what makes you think it is any different for the film industry? Most theatrical releases are filmed and mastered at 1080p/24, and many people demand the same video quality and resolution when played back in their home theaters. Audio is definitely not recorded at 16-bit at the professional level, yet it ends up that way on "high-definition" media that is supposed to be clearly superior to DVD. There is no excuse for that kind of mediocrity on a next-generation format. Even amateur concert bootleggers record and master at 24-bit resolution.

You want to brag about the increased superior storage capacity of Blu-ray discs? As soon as they start utilizing it effectively and efficiently, I will be impressed. So far, they have not... and thus, I remain unconvinced that it is vastly superior in every way.

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 22, 2008 - 11:17 AM

You got your point there, I am not arguing with that. It's just the fact of the matter is, digital HD streaming still has a lot of grounds to cover. It's never near any HD DUD or BD quality....yet. Plus, alot of consumers would like collecting movies (not to mention the special features, commentaries, etc.). If HD streaming/downloading comes as equal or greater than what both HD formats does now, then that is a different story.

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 22, 2008 - 3:06 PM

I agree wholeheartedly on all points. :)

Score: 0

By linuxdude

posted Jan 19, 2008 - 10:14 AM

ZDnet LOL

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 17, 2008 - 6:59 PM

How to complain to competition and consumer protection watchdogs regarding Warner's actions:

http://www.campaignhd.com/WATCHDOG.html

Score: 0

By nt300

posted Jan 17, 2008 - 4:06 PM

Sony caught buying Blu-Ray movies in the 10,s of 1,000's for all of 2007 to sway the numbers in Blu-Ray's favor.

I am hoping my source for this information comes out with an article soon about this monstrosity.
The BDA are up to no good trying to control the movie content we pay for to watch.

Score: 0

By jugganutz

posted Jan 17, 2008 - 6:22 PM

this would rock you should tell your souce to do it. Thats one thing hd-dvd needs is to paint the BDA in a bad light like they have been doing to them since before this has started. Also it would be good to know that the performance contract with warner would be null void for all the titles they bought.

Score: 0

By nt300

posted Jan 17, 2008 - 3:12 PM

When will people realize that Warner is not going to support Blu-Ray after 2008? When? It's not going to happen. The next studio in line to join HD DVD exclusively is Disney.

Once HD DVD hits the top 10+ million sold mark at the end of 2008, Blu-Ray is finished.

- HD DVD leads in HD DVD enabled notebooks 5+ million to be sold in 2008.
- HD DVD leads in HD DVD SAL player sales. More than 2+ million will sell in 2008 alone.
- HD DVD leads in more PC based drives and are expected to sell more than 1.5+ million more in 2008
- XBOX 360 HD DVD player add-on is going to go down in price by 25%. Should make it's first 1+ million sold mark by Q3 2008 and selling another 1/2 million by the end of 2008.
- HD DVD "Exclusive" studios - Universal, Paramount, DreamWorks & The Weinstein Company. All with their subsidiaries including Focus Features, Rogue Pictures, Nickelodeon Movies, MTV Films, Dimension Films.
They also have a lot of support from other studios which also support BD.

Is HD DVD dead, hell no, they are working to re-build their momentum which the BDA worked hard to destroy with their false advertising & non-factual & bias information. The BDA was even caught paying off reviewers & article writers to spread HD DVD negativity. This information should be coming out soon, so you all can also read about it.

Score: 0

By jugganutz

posted Jan 17, 2008 - 6:23 PM

Apart of project hydra right?

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 17, 2008 - 7:01 PM

That was appalling... to think that the format war would probably be won due to the actions of immature children.

I weep for the future.

Score: 0

By linuxdude

posted Jan 17, 2008 - 4:00 PM

I seen many articles where there were pay offs involved. Bottom line is blue ray is inferior against hd dvd. But still like I said in the end apple tv and other online providers will offer online/on demand.

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 8:10 PM

Inferior? Not when sales figurs shows that BD is dominating HD. Check this link out and weep:

http://www.dvdempire.com...p;userid=99365955196957

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 19, 2008 - 3:38 PM

You seem to consistently believe that sales figures alone determine superiority, as evidenced by your continued link spamming under yet another newly-created alias. Misguided doesn't begin to describe it...

Score: 0

By linuxdude

edited Jan 17, 2008 - 1:21 PM

ALSO FYI

Online content will be the way of the future. As soon as google wins the bid for the C band which is 100 megs over wireless online content will be mainstream. Google is allready setting up data centers all over the USA to facilitate. Shiny spinning disks are a thing of the past. Apple is allready in talks with google over the C band. in a few years dsl and cable internet providers will even suffer from the availability of C band. My company has a promotional apple tv unit and they are SWEET! I just watched Hot Rod "funny movie" in 1080i/p via streaming over my 15 meg cox line. Looked just as good as either the blue ray or the hd dvd copy of which I went and bought both to compare with. Even if blue ray wins it wont be on top for even a year at best.

Looks like scorpion got banned again. I dont think he can get a clue. At least the good people at beta news deleted all of his posts this time. Mayby if they keep doing it he will get a clue?

Score: 0

By linuxdude

edited Jan 18, 2008 - 10:03 AM

obviously you didnt go to the mac conference in cali. I did. You probly have never left your house. And its obvious you know nothing about upcomming technology. The apple tv is new which is why there arent many movies. But to start off with 1000 available out of the box that sayes alot. And the fact that its supported by all the studios sayes another thing. I watched hot rod in 1080p works in i as well just fine. So im not sure where your getting your miss information. For a product thats only been on the shelf for a few weeks id say its doing well and will be the chosen player in the end. I mean the 360 only has around 300 movies and the apple tv has more and only has been out for a few weeks. As for the sound hmm lets see the kingdom was running in 7.1 on the set of pioneer cs 905's running those on the front channel outs from my pioneer thx receiver into a yamaha m-80 which is running at a 4 ohm load peaks out around 1200 watts. Then for my 2 side speakers which are a set of bose acustamass cubes and the 3 rear speakers the same. And for the sub 2 klipsch 15" positioned in each corner of my basement which is about 1200 sqf. Bullets were flying around the room to each speakers in series with the video which was playing on a 120" widescreen by screen inovations interlaces with glass fibers. Oh and the projector a Sanyo PLVHD100 True High Definition (1920 X 1080) 16:9 Home Theater Projector which sells for about 30 grand. Now unless your running a setup like this you truly cant experience Hi Defination. So sit there with your POS3 and watch resident evil on a shotty tv.

If some of you are as warped as I am and liked freddy got fingered you really should watch hot rod. I was laughing all the way through it.

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 26, 2008 - 11:24 PM

Mac sucks....period. Its not worth leaving a house for. I rather go HD DUD than go with Mac but that's a different debate/argument.

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 11:25 AM

That sounds like a really nice setup you have there. I'm jealous. :)

Score: 0

By linuxdude

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 1:10 PM

Ya i posted that for our pos3 fanboy ogscorpion but they deleted his post I was quoting. Hopefuly this time around he will get the point.

I kinda went overboard on the projector the bulbs for the thing cost about $600 thus far I have not had to replace one. BTW that projector is what alot of theaters use. If I ever get time ill post some pics on my site. Ive got a guy right now building me a ticket booth at the front door into the movie room. The room is also being total enclosed with walls with sound deadening material so if visitors are watching a movie it dont disturb the others playing pool or just hanging out in the basement. When its done it will look pretty cool I think. I currently have seating for 20 all recliners on a stair step configuration with cupholders. I actualy got the seats from a defunct porn theater in my area. Had them recovered with black leather :)

Score: 0

By Setian^Stalker

posted Jan 23, 2008 - 6:25 PM

One of ogscorpion's post got deleted?
Good to finally see some moderation in place :)
Mindless blabber and nonsence should be kept at blu-ray.com's forums

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 26, 2008 - 7:03 PM

Mindless blabber? Is that a quote from the loosing camp? Oh, have you checked these weeks HD DUDs fire sales? i bet you can get an HD DUD player for a buck fifty. That's how much its worth anyways. LOL!

Score: 0

By Setian^Stalker

edited Jan 28, 2008 - 10:05 PM

"Is that a quote from the loosing camp?"

Since you obviously dont know me you must be new here. Welcome to the forum and please dont turn into another drone who can only post links to other articles because they lack the skill to actually construct a decent argument.
I am in the one and only winning camp fyi :) Just bought another two DVD's over the weekend.

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 30, 2008 - 1:30 AM

DVD the winning camp? Your nuts. We're talking HD camps here, not SD camp. There is only one SD camp (duh) and yes, I'm also in it but not for long as BD keeps up with its list of movies as much as DVDs. When that happens, bye bye DVD!

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 24, 2008 - 7:02 PM

Several, actually... and has been banned at least twice. He now graces us with his presence as 'labomba'. :)

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 2:13 PM

"Had them recovered with black leather :)"

A wise decision, to be sure. :)

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 26, 2008 - 7:01 PM

You guys are soo funny. It's so amazing that it takes only ONE BD guy like me to ruin and disrupt all you HD DUDs. Imagine what the rest of us can do. And BTW, linuxdude, I am running on a 65" 1080p plasma HDTV, THX Denon 7.1 amplifier with 7 (yes seven) JBL theatre speakers and a 12" JBL sub. All pushing 150 watts of power on each speaker. Enough to shake my block on the ricter scale. It's a nice touch for my PS3.

Score: 0

By Setian^Stalker

edited Jan 28, 2008 - 10:09 PM

Only takes one BD guy like you to completely fail at comprehending people here to know that you’re arguing with format neutral people mostly NOT hd-dvd fans.

Congratulations on your nice setup, it puts you in the minority of the niche market.
Why not invest in a premium standalone sony blu-ray player instead of the ps3?

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 30, 2008 - 1:39 AM

"Fail"? "Format neutral?" HAH! Who are you fooling? Have you woken up on the wrong side of the bed again? Is that you Setian? What have you done with him? I, speak for both neutral and DUD fans. Why? So I can lure and educate the neutrals to BD and for the DUDs to shove on their wounds the salt of BD.

Why buy a standalone when I can get my hands on a multifunction device which is as good as standalone, with more functionality. Not that I don't like standalone, I have a standalone Sony DVD player and standalone Toshiba HD DUD player (which sucks @ss).

Score: 0

By linuxdude

edited Jan 17, 2008 - 9:46 AM

Read on cnn's website. All studios have endorsed apple tv. In the end that will be what is chosen. On demand content no matter which way its delivered will be the choice. Both HD DVD and Blue will be sitting beside peoples laser disks in a year. Apple tv will sell for around $200 and allready has 1000 movies. It is slated for launch in Feb.

Even Microsoft knows the way of the future is in Online Content. Thats why Microsoft and a few others dont really care about HD DVD or Blueray. I use www.newzbin.com and a good news provider and can download any new movie in Hi Def. I can stream it from my pc to my xbox or my xbox 360. The way of the future is Online/On Demand.

Score: 0

By linuxdude

posted Jan 17, 2008 - 1:14 PM

"hows that a big of a deal" LOL Again with the poor use of grammer.

VOD is just now becomming popular and with the speed increases viable. And streaming apple tv through an internet connection is exactly what people will be doing and want. Apple is the pioneer of current technologies when it comes to online content. They have pioneered online music and they will do it with video as well. Both camps know this and the fact that all studios are supporting it it must not be that bad eh? Shiny disks are a thing of the past. Its obsolete technology no matter what kind of laser is reading it. As soon as google is granted use of the C band which im sure you know nothing about being your a kid with a POS3 Its a new form of wireless that will offer 100 gigs up and down over wireless. Google is setting up data centers all over the USA to facilitate it. They have the highest bid for the C band and they will be granted its use by the FCC. as soon as that happens EVERYTHING will be going to online content. DSL and Cable internet providers will be a thing of the past in a few years. Go do some research kid and figure it out.

Score: 0

By nt300

edited Jan 16, 2008 - 10:14 AM

Here is an e-mail I received by a fellow studio writer & a great friend. One studio to another studio.
-----------------------------------------------
Paramount/DreamWorks Home Entertainment - Classified Information.
Proposed list for 1st Quarter 2008 to 2nd Quarter 2008 HD DVD / More to come:

Titanic TLT
Braveheart TLT
Gladiator TLT
Deep Impact HD
The Prince of Egypt HD
Saving Private Ryan HD
Small Soldiers American Beauty HD
Cast Away TLT
Shrek 1 & 2 (Also Trilogy BOX Set w/P3) TLT
The Last Castle HD
A.I.: Artificial Intelligence HD
A Beautiful Mind HD
The Curse of the Jade Scorpion HD
The Time Machine HD
The Tuxedo HD
Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas TL51
Shark Tale HD

Nothing is written in stone, but this is what I found out within the studio.
You owe me a beer lol,
-----------------------------------------------
I will let you figure out what the terms "HD", "TLT" & "TL51" mean.

Score: 0

By BG AR

edited Jan 21, 2008 - 11:47 AM

Cast Away is a Fox title and it has been released on Blu-Ray already... Check with your friend again...

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Jan 21, 2008 - 3:13 PM

Nah, just need to add one more to a long list of supposed "Blu-ray exclusives" that are also available on HD DVD in other regions through other distribution channels.

Score: 0

By jugganutz

posted Jan 17, 2008 - 6:24 PM

When are these titles supposed to be announced?

Score: 0

By linuxdude

posted Jan 17, 2008 - 1:23 PM

Good stuff.

Score: 0

By nt300

edited Jan 16, 2008 - 1:33 AM

Once HD DVD player sales reach about 5_ million in 2008 Warner will be singing a different tune. I call it RED.

FOX was going to join HD DVD voluntarily. That must say something about the HD DVD format & its superiorities over Blu-Ray.

Sony buying them off is plain wrong, just screws the consumer.

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 8:13 PM

It's not going to happen. BD has been winning on sales so why would that happen? Most consumers are buying BD movies.

Hey, business is business. There is nothing wrong with that. Sony can buy whoever they want as long as they can afford it. It's not illegal. You go and tell that to MS, Tosh, Uni and Par, they may learn something about this business.

Score: 0

By Setian^Stalker

edited Jan 16, 2008 - 1:31 AM

http://gizmodo.com/34468...son-warner-went-blu+ray

Only confirms what those with ears already heard elseware. More sources say the same thing.
Yep blu camp should be very happy they got a uneasy warner on their side :)
Those that think the consumer won, or ever wins for that matter are delusional. The corporate thugs always think about themselves. The moment you spend $1, you lost.

Score: 0

By nt300

edited Jan 15, 2008 - 11:29 PM

BBC to comtinue to back HD DVD and are not going to follow New Line & HBO. Warner will continue to back HD DVD up until June 2008 unless HD DVD can sell a lot of HD DVD players by that time. This contract won't last past June 2008 IMO.
-----------
Quote:
Dave Vaughan:

Max,

I have been told that there are performance clauses in the contract with Warner (and the same for Paramount with HD DVD). If these aren't met, the contract can become void.

David

Quote:
Maxpower1987:

You see, as a journalist you have much more freedom to talk about this stuff, I on the other hand have my hands tied behind my back.

Now that somebody else has mentioned it though - Blu-ray has to meet certain criteria in disc sales and player sales, but the targets are pretty low and Blu is way ahead of the game in both respects. So I don't see a realistic move to be made on this front.
----------------
BBC Will NOT Follow Warner Bros since "HD DVD sales are much better"
http://www.tvshowsondvd....e-Hi-Def-Decisions/8765

Score: 0

By labomba

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 8:14 PM

Give it a few months. BBC WILL follow suit. The chicks ALWAYS follows the mother hen.

Score: 0

By Talisman

edited Jan 15, 2008 - 12:45 PM

Now this is just an opinion.. Take out the Xbox 360 and take out the PS3's of the picture, and to just evaluate the players. The reason I choose HD-DVD over Blue-Ray was
1. the coating is thicker on the HD-DVD. (I have kids so more protection means less skips and rebuys)
2. Ethernet Mandatory (I think its BS to release a product and be forced to wait for a dvd firmware update instead i can just download it)
3. Price for the player was reasonable compared to blue-ray player.
4. Dual format i can play my HD DVD movie on a standard DVD player.
5 Size capabilities (blue-ray wins at this time) but none of the Blue-ray movies or HD-DVD movies use the full capabilities of the DVD yet?
Tell me I am wrong i wanna hear your input about why you choose Blue-ray or HD-dvd

Score: 0

By ogscorpion

posted Jan 15, 2008 - 9:10 PM

Respectable reasons there. No further comment.

Score: 0

By nt300

posted Jan 15, 2008 - 1:35 PM

HD DVD & SD DVD do not have a hard coating, only Blu-Ray discs have that mandatory hard coating due to the fact the first layer of 25GB is right bellow that hard coating. This coating costs a lot of money and there are several cases where it's starting to ROT out. SD DVD has a proven disc design, and HD DVD follows that design. The memory on the DVD & HD DVD is deep within the disc itself, where it is safe.

Disc rot rears its head on Blu-Ray format (The Prestige, The Departed, more)
http://www.rage3d.com/bo...owthread.php?t=33892780

Blu-Ray Discs Rotting!
http://community.eu.play...showthread.php?t=189751

One more reason not to choose Blu-Ray unless you don't mind the discs self destructing after a few years time LOL

Score: 0

By ogscorpion69

posted Jan 16, 2008 - 7:31 PM

Bleh! Techno urban legend. Rotting discs? Watch out, it's organic and alive! LOL. Basing your statement on a first liner in a forum is pointless. Read the entire thing on that link.

Score: 0

By Steve Austin

posted Jan 15, 2008 - 6:57 PM

LOL, nic digging there. Long since discredited as HD DVD fanboy FUD..

I would be more worried about Toshiba desperately trying to clear their inventory of HD DVD players at knock down prices, before Universal and Paramount announce going format neutral in a couple of week time.

Score: 0

By ogscorpion

edited Jan 15, 2008 - 12:35 AM

This just came from Home Media Magazine. Read and weep HD DUDs. As I quoted HMM and as I previously said over and over again, "the writing is on the wall."

http://www.homemediamaga...le.cfm?article_id=11875

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=859

Yes I found this from Blu-ray.com. You can hate it all you want, at least we back up our statements with hard proof and reputable third-party sites statements/articles such as HMM above.

What's yours? Imaginary crystal balls?

Score: 0

By nt300

posted Jan 15, 2008 - 9:58 AM

It's great to see Blu-Ray fanboys threatend by HD DVD. This is good news for all HDM overall. The faster Blu-Ray can die off the better overall. Good Find.

Score: 0

By ogscorpion

posted Jan 15, 2008 - 11:07 AM

Threatened!? HAHAHA. LOL! You meant the other way around kid. Don't you see, another reputable tech site has