HD-DVD vs Blue-Ray HD disc format.

[Ryanm]

Only 1 question, are either of the 2 formats backward compatible with current dvd technology? I would assume blue ray is since all it is, is a blue laser instead of a red, hence making the beam smaller, similar to the way dvd was to cd, i.e. a cd can be played in a dvd player but a dvd can't be played in a cd player.

[Smokey]

From what I have gathered (isn't Google awesome ), Blue ray will not be backward compatible since it is entirely different technology-and as you said, it uses blue laser instead of red which current DVD player use.

But HD-DVD will be backward compatible: you won't be able to play HD discs on your existing DVD player, but you will be able to play your DVDs on your new HD-DVD player.

From the look of it, HD-DVD might win the first battle of this HD format war. It is cheaper to make, and backward compatible.
But blue ray format have an ace in hole with its larger storage capability (up to 200 GB).

[Ryanm]

I dunno, I'm not ready to just drop my current collection of DVD's some of which I've gotten for the sole purpose of showing off my surround sound system.

[Smokey]

I dunno, I'm not ready to just drop my current collection of DVD's

If you think about it, you may eventually have to once HD DVD discs hit the market. Does what happened to VHS tapes ring any bells

[Geoffcin]

If you think about it, you may eventually have to once HD DVD discs hit the market. Does what happened to VHS tapes ring any bells

SACD to regular CD. It looks like SACD is not going to replace CD anytime soon, and my money is on DVD sticking around for a good decade or more with little chance of change.


The fact of the matter is that DVD's 480p is good enough for most people, as is CD. Guys like me will probably get HD-DVD as soon as the price breaks a bit, but I'm not your average Joe-video guy. Only if and when most people have big screens capable of 1080i, and are used to mostly HD broadcast will the HD-DVD take off, IMHO.

[Smokey]

Geoffcin

I see what you are saying. But I think the price of disc might be a major factor also. If DVD-HD disc piece are almost same as regular DVD disc, wouldn't you buy a HD disc instead of regular disc? And the fact that more people are into video than audio might put it in different category as the way CD vs SACD is going as of now.

But as you said, having a HD TV would be the deciding factor.

.....and by the way, marry Christmas

[Geoffcin]

Geoffcin

I see what you are saying. But I think the price of disc might be a major factor also. If DVD-HD disc piece are almost same as regular DVD disc, wouldn't you buy a HD disc instead of regular disc? And the fact that more people are into video than audio might put it in different category as the way CD vs SACD is going as of now.

But as you said, having a HD TV would be the deciding factor.

.....and by the way, marry Christmas

You know that they are going to ask a premium for these disks. In my opinion that's the real reason that SACD & DVD-Audio are/will never catch on in this current market. Consumers are not as stupid as the marketing geniuses think. They know that SACD, and DVD-Audio cost the same as CD/DVD to make a disk. They also know that the artists get the same royalties. The fact that SACD/DVD-Audio cost on average 50% more for the same recording is something that most people won't pay.

So we absolutly agree that if they charge the same for a better product then people will switch to the better product.