Do you plan on upgrading to the new HD formats when they arrive?

[Sir Terrence the Terrible]

What is bothersome here is why manufactures decide to take different routes. Couldn't they all agree with one format and go from there. There are already enough confusion with the current technology

There is huge fee's you get from liscensing the technology to other manufacturers. It is also a revenue stream that last for years(Sony and Philips are still getting paid for the CD as are the makers of the DVD format). Whoever wins, get's that income for years to come. When the enconomy turns sour, this could save your company from ruin, or at least keep you afloat thrrough it.

As I am sure you are well aware, 1080p format doesn't come from the disc, but rather the player (or the TV with internal decoders). So bandwidth might not be an issue here.

But I agree that it probably be a few years before it will be in mass market. Price dropping of HD displays will definitely be in favor of sooner than later. Most tube HDTVs are already selling under $1000

I think BluRay larger pipeline(40mbps) gives it an advantage because it allow more gentle compression to the video, and up to 24/192khz audio in 7.1. This can be nothing but a plus for both audio and video.

[Tarheel_]

First, i disagree with others who say DVD is in it's prime...actually I feel it's past its prime. Quality wise, Superbit is probabaly as far as it'll go. Two disc SE's don't excite me.

Second, i bought one of the first DVD players in 97. So having owned DVDs for 8+ years now...well, i'm excited about new technology and a whole new format.

Three, to prepare for the new format, i recently traded all my DVDs (except my overall faves) to Blockbuster for $8 each. Total sold....around 80 DVDs. Used credit to rent or buy special ed's of my favorites.(star wars,etc.). Stuff i need to get me through.

Four, can't wait to see my favorites in a new format which should surpass in both audio/video/extras over DVD.

Fifth, as a HT lover, it's fun to explore new formats...you know reading, research, comparision shopping...remember when you discovered DVDs? Ah, the joy!

[kexodusc]

DVD past its prime?

Technically I don't think that's accurate...DVD hasn't deteriorated in performance, it's improved...so it's still in it's prime...hell, I suppose VHS is still in it's prime.
There's just better players out there now (no pun intended)