HD Format Wars = Over!

[Peanut]

Paramount next one to leave the sinking HD-DVD ship (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/dc409afa-bd75-11dc-b7e6-0000779fd2ac,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=htt p%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2Fdc409afa-bd75-11dc-b7e6-0000779fd2ac.html%3Fnclick_check%3D1&_i_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fkotaku.com%2Findex.php%3Fr efId%3D341897&nclick_check=1).

So, Warner leaves and then Paramount jumps, leaving HD-DVD with absolutely no one on their side, making HD-DVD all but a dead format. FINALLY!

I'm so glad this stupid f*cking format war is finally at a close. Not for any care of either format, but because the idiots at Sony have made this a videogame industry thing, and I'm sick and tired of reading about it where games are concerned. Another thing, give it a couple weeks and all the HD-DVD's will be cut to ridiculously low prices, and I'll be able to stock up on the cheap sales!

WEEEEEE!

So, does anyone else even care about this in the slightest? Or am I one of the few who has completely jumped into the HD format generation around these parts?

[GK Punk]

I'm ****ing stoked that its finally over.

[Mecha Cow]

Nice. I don't think DVD has run its course just yet, but the biggest reason I haven't adopted an HD format yet was because of the retarded format war.

Maybe now the ridiculous prices will finally go down too.

[Drtooth]

I'm so glad this stupid f*cking format war is finally at a close. Not for any care of either format, but because the idiots at Sony have made this a videogame industry thing, and I'm sick and tired of reading about it where games are concerned. Another thing, give it a couple weeks and all the HD-DVD's will be cut to ridiculously low prices, and I'll be able to stock up on the cheap sales!



Listen. i'm glad everyone's happy and everything, but I just don't get the big woop about HD/Blue DVD's anyway. I mean, to notice a difference, you need an expensive TV, connected to an expensive Sound System on an expensive DVD player (or expensive Video Game system). I'm stuck watching a Taiwanese produced regular DVD play on a 12" TV I got 8 years ago. And it's in ear blistering mono too.

But that said, does HD/Blu make White Chicks any less sucky a movie?

Anyway, I agree. This "format War" was devised by Sony and Microsoft to try to outsell their stupid video game systems when they first came out (and who wants to buy a video game system when it first comes out? Didn't half of them have faulty wiring at one point?). And aren't regular DVD's outselling those things anyway?

I'm just glad one of the stupid formats is faultering.

[Peanut]

Anyway, I agree. This "format War" was devised by Sony and Microsoft to try to outsell their stupid video game systems when they first came out (and who wants to buy a video game system when it first comes out? Didn't half of them have faulty wiring at one point?). And aren't regular DVD's outselling those things anyway?

LOL! Your ignorance is showing. Gotta love people who talk about things they clearly don't know sh*t about.

[Barkworm]

The amount of ignorance in Drtooth's post is mind-blowing.

But yeah, I'm glad this crap is over. It went on way too long. Isn't this the first time Sony succeeded with a format? I bet they can't believe it themselves.

[Mecha Cow]

I'm pretty sure Sony is partially responsible for the CD.

[Kendamu]

The only reason I haven't jumped to either of the new formats yet is because of the "format wars" and everything that came with them.

I'm glad Bluray one, though, because that puts the USA and Japan in the same region and I'd love to be able to watch Bluray movies from both countries on the same player.

[Jon]

^ Huh?! How would they be in the same Region-code just because of BluRay, when they haven't been before?

[Kendamu]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu-ray_Disc#Region_codes

Apparently there's some sort of profit to be made from grouping the Americas and various parts of Asia into the same region that wasn't there when the original DVD regions were made.

Besides, it's not like Regions were these hardcore laws that Congress made just to mess with us. It's all about the studios producing this stuff.

[Drtooth]

LOL! Your ignorance is showing. Gotta love people who talk about things they clearly don't know sh*t about.

Pardon me for not having rich parents, a decent job or credit cards I want to maxx out and have to spend the rest of my life paying the hell off.


Okay? I'm sick of hearing people complain about having enough damn money to buy all the useless crap they can because they can.

Then of course, waiting fifty years, and find out they have no decent retirement plan.

"Ooh, the picture in Norbit is so much better." may I ask you, who cares? HD doesn't make a crap movie better, much like a high class chef can't make a dish sponge edible.

[Jester]

Can you explain where Doc is wrong, for those of us who are also ignorant.

[Mecha Cow]

Because he grossly exaggerates the costs of an HD setup, assumes the average consumer shares his lack of funds and interest, assumes the format was created as a marketing ploy to sell video game systems and tries to use the quality of the content to discredit the quality of the presentation; all seemingly because of some grudge he bears against the format.

Did I miss anything?

[愛]

You got everything, man. Tooth's post took two years off my lifespan. Thanks! :cry:

[Drtooth]

Because he grossly exaggerates the costs of an HD setup, assumes the average consumer shares his lack of funds and interest, assumes the format was created as a marketing ploy to sell video game systems and tries to use the quality of the content to discredit the quality of the presentation; all seemingly because of some grudge he bears against the format.


Actuall, what I got was thus:

The HD/Blu ray thing was basically a spat between Microsoft and Sony, as they are both fearce competitors in the console wars. Now, this is just my absolute F*** stupidity on this part, but I just came up with the wacky notion that they both wanted to create a way to sell video game machines, and making certain products incompatible with each other so both sides can stake a claim in trying to get profits. hense the whole reason why they need 2 similar formats.

Secondly, I never even understood the point of HD/Blu ray for one reason. Why improve on a medium that's very very close to being obsolete? I mean, Cd's are on their way out, due to MP3's. So it's a safe guess that the DVD, in any form, is going to fall into the same fate, as a lot of studios are actually turning to the internet to combat pirates. So we're seeing more movies and TV shows legally popping up on company websites. Now, I feel that it's a few years before it gets perfected, sure. But even still, the DVD has, what? 5 good years left tops? I mean, the fact that many companies let you download HD movies on your computer pretty much is digging a grave for the DVD itself anyway.

So yeah, you can see my faulty logic. next time, I'll explain why these high tech toys encourage mindless greedy people to max out their credit cards, and not actually save for the future.

[Barkworm]

God, just just up. Seriously.

[ThirdMarioBro]

I'm glad its over. I picked Blu-Ray as the winner, and now me and my PS3 get to reap the rewards.

Actuall, what I got was thus:

The HD/Blu ray thing was basically a spat between Microsoft and Sony, as they are both fearce competitors in the console wars. Now, this is just my absolute F*** stupidity on this part, but I just came up with the wacky notion that they both wanted to create a way to sell video game machines, and making certain products incompatible with each other so both sides can stake a claim in trying to get profits. hense the whole reason why they need 2 similar formats.

Secondly, I never even understood the point of HD/Blu ray for one reason. Why improve on a medium that's very very close to being obsolete? I mean, Cd's are on their way out, due to MP3's. So it's a safe guess that the DVD, in any form, is going to fall into the same fate, as a lot of studios are actually turning to the internet to combat pirates. So we're seeing more movies and TV shows legally popping up on company websites. Now, I feel that it's a few years before it gets perfected, sure. But even still, the DVD has, what? 5 good years left tops? I mean, the fact that many companies let you download HD movies on your computer pretty much is digging a grave for the DVD itself anyway.

So yeah, you can see my faulty logic. next time, I'll explain why these high tech toys encourage mindless greedy people to max out their credit cards, and not actually save for the future.

God, its like hearing a technology report from a local access TV news station. Confident as anything, but clearly doesn't have a ****ing clue.

The market is going to eventually get segmented into two groups, the smaller high-end HD market (Blu-Ray), and the larger mass-market (DVD). I'll be camping in the HD group now that this format war bullsh*t is over.

First purchase, Pirates 1-3 Blu-Ray.

[Mr. Snackpants]

God I love how he used "Norbit" and "White Chicks" as examples. I'm positive nobody has gone around saying how good "Norbit" looks in HD.

[AquaParade]

Really glad to hear this. I've had a Miramax hd tv since last year, and have been endlessly waiting for this war to end. Now I can be more serious about that ps3.

[Dr. Doom]

I'm still fine with DVDs, I guess. I hardly ever watch them anyways. I'd rather play my movies, right guys?

http://www.stealthbear.com/uploaded_images/metalgearbox.png

[愛]

Oh man, for once I laughed at a Doom joke. Kudos.

[Peanut]

Firstly, Doom, that was f*cking hilarious.

And now on to our local doctor. My problems with your initially retarded post are THUS...

Microsoft has absolutely ZERO to do with the HD Format war. Not only do they have NOTHING to do with HD-DVD, which is a Toshiba created format, but the 360 didn't even have any type of HD format solutions UNTIL ALMOST A YEAR after launch. Microsoft has NO STAKE in the format wars, and Bill Gates has even gone on to say that while they're honoring their friendship with Toshiba by backing HD-DVD first, if Blu-Ray becomes the clear winner, Microsoft won't have a problem backing that either. The HD format wars have NOTHING TO DO with the console wars, but because Sony decided to throw it in the PS3, fanboys and ignorant fools alike have decided that it's part of our industry now, which it isn't.

Next, what console had faulty wiring at launch? Are you just pulling sh*t from the sky here? The original Xbox had 3 cases of power bricks smoking, which turned into a huge thing that people still don't understand, but saying people don't buy consoles at first because they have faulty wiring? Where the f*ck does this come from!?

And last but not least are your views on the HD format in general. First, who the f*ck ever said that a movie being in HD made it good? NO ONE! Bad movies are bad, so your examples of White Chicks and Norbit are completely f*cking retarded. However, good movies with terrific HD transfers are made all the better with the superior picture and sound, and trust me, it IS superior.

And exactly how expensive do you think this sh*t is? My mom and myself bought my dad an entire setup for Christmas. This included a 52" Sony Bravia, a huge wireless Pioneer 5.1 surround sound system, and an HD-DVD player, along with all the cables and a year of HD satellite and it cost is around $2,200 CDN. Now, I don't know what kind of town you come from, but where I'm from, $2,200 for an amazing HD setup isn't bank breaking. It's a lot of money, but I can assure you that neither of us will spend the next 5 years paying it off, and neither of our credit cards are maxed out.

Get a clue, or get out.

[Mecha Cow]

I'd rather play my movies, right guys?
Good show, old boy. Good show.

[Jester]

I guess if I watched movies somewhere other than my room, I'd be more inclined to actually upgrade from my tube TV and DVD player to an HD setup.

[Mr. Snackpants]

I put my HD DVD drive and 4 movies on ebay this past weekend. I got almost $150, I'm ok with that. My mom took back a couple HD DVDs she got me for Christmas. So I have about $250 to put towards a PS3 for Blu Ray.

[Mandi-chan]

Yeah, I never got the big deal about High-Def/Blue-Ray.

Personally, I think normal dvds are good enough.

I'll admit, with King Kong there was a more noticeable difference in quality (the High-Def does look a little better...just not enough for me to run out and buy a new player when my regular works just fine)...but the older movies that have been "converted" to High-Def didn't look any different to me at all.

I'm glad to see that the big war is over though, even though I didn't really care about it. I was sick of hearing about it from my mom (she's more into tech stuff than I am).

I'll stick with the regular dvds until they stop making them.

[GK Punk]

Pardon me for not having rich parents, a decent job or credit cards I want to maxx out and have to spend the rest of my life paying the hell off.


You are really exaggerating the cost here. I Don't have rich parents, nor a decent job and credit cards (In fact, no credit cards.) And I have an HD TV. And seriously the difference is large. You may not think it is, but trust me.

[Jester]

GK, do you have this as part of an entertainment center or is it one you have in your bed room?

[GK Punk]

I actually have one in my room. I tend to watch movies more in bed than anywhere else.

[Cure]

Mine is in my room, too. Only about $330.

[Dr. Doom]

I've been wanting to get a really nice monitor to use for gaming, TV, movies and whatever else, as well as computer type stuff. I think I came to the conclusion taht this would be the cheapest and easiest way to have an HD-type setup. I guess that would severely cut down on my multi-tasking though.

[Peanut]

F*ck! (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8555&Itemid=2)

Looks like everyone spoke to soon. Paramount has denied the claims and says they, along with Universal, are still behind HD-DVD. It's going to continue, folks. :cry:

[GK Punk]

It's all a matter of time anyway I think.

[Peanut]

You'd think so, but the longer this drags out the worse it gets. It just needs to be over.

[Leonardo Mystic]

I really don't care one way or another what kind of formats exist as long as I can buy my favorite movie and play it. All I know the difference in is price, and that I have a plain, ordinary DVD player and 19" television.

The kind of money you guys talk about spending for an HD setup? It'd take me three months worth of paychecks to have that kind of money. IF I didn't have something called, oh, bills? Like a car payment, gas to put in that car, insurance, cell phone, food to eat, and just enough to tuck away for emergencies and rainy days, which do happen. And I work hard at my job, lousy as it is, to earn it all.

My family isn't poor by any means, they're middle-class, but they could never afford to buy anything like that on their income. They have to eat and live too.

All I'm getting at is you're being completely unfair and condescending to those who simply don't understand what the big deal is, and don't have the money to invest on these kinds of things like all you lords of the electronic world. That's what Dr. Tooth is saying. More than likely not because he's jealous, but because he has more important things on his agenda than worrying what kind of formatted entertainment system he has in his living room or whether or not it's big enough to see from the front yard window.

[Jester]

This thread is starting to remind me of the Weird Al Song "Frank's 2000' TV."

[GK Punk]

or maybe, because posts like his, and yours, is condescending to those of us who DO care? If your point is that you "Can't afford it and don't care" then why bother posting in the thread? If you don't care, you wouldn't say anything. That's what not caring is.

Yeah buying one new TV last year really means I'm a "Lord of the electronic world" and means I have cash to throw around on whatever I want. Sure. That also explains why the TV I replaced was over 15 years old and out right died so I had to replace it.

Yep, That's me. condescending lord of the electronic world.

[Peanut]

All I'm getting at is you're being completely unfair and condescending to those who simply don't understand what the big deal is, and don't have the money to invest on these kinds of things like all you lords of the electronic world. That's what Dr. Tooth is saying. More than likely not because he's jealous, but because he has more important things on his agenda than worrying what kind of formatted entertainment system he has in his living room or whether or not it's big enough to see from the front yard window.

If you can't afford to spend $2,000 once every 8-10 or even 15 years, you're not middle-class. Sorry, but it's true. It's not like those of us with HD setups are running out and buying a new TV every other year. And Tooth is getting the hate because he came out and balked about something he doesn't understand. If you don't know sh*t, don't say sh*t. Simple as that.

[GK Punk]

I didn't even pay that much... a couple hundred dollars (Closer to 400) over the course of a few months on a debit card.

[Peanut]

Which is exactly my point. I got an entire HD setup for just over $2,000. People act like HDTV's still cost that much ALONE. You can get a great HDTV for beans now.

[GK Punk]

And it really does make all the difference in the world. It's like watching a movie on VHS, then watching the DVD of it. Remember the first time you saw a DVD? And you were blown away by how clear it looked? This is like that, but to a larger extent. (due to the higher level of details you can see in movies. )

[Spitfire]

The second I heard they were making duel players I could careless about the format war.

[Krang]

It's too bad that the news about Paramount didn't turn out to be true, because it would be nice to finally see an end to these format wars. Personally, I haven't begun buying either of the two HD formats since I don't have an HDTV yet, but I'm sure I'll end up buying one sooner or later.

Also, let's please tone down the arguing in this thread. I know that it's impossible to expect everyone to agree, and a little debating is fine, but there's no need for anyone to resort to personal insults.

[Cure]

You can't look down on people for wanting (and being able to afford) nice things. Isn't the whole point to live life to the fullest? If people can afford to do and buy great things, don't hate, congratulate. If you're only motivation is to barely get through the day and try to put people that like these things through guilt trips, where's the fun in that? Just go away and worry about your next meal or whatever.

And again, this sh*t ain't expensive anyway.

[The Shelf]

And again, this sh*t ain't expensive anyway.

The way I see it, anything that costs twice the norm or more for such a small difference in quality is expensive.

The difference between VHS and DVD, is like night and day. The difference between DVD and HD/BluRay is like a cloudy day and a clear day. If you can afford it, then great! More power to you. I won't put you down; in fact, I have friends who are into the whole HD/BluRay thing. But I can think of countless things that money could be better spent on that I would get much more enjoyment/use out of.

HD and/or BluRay aren't going to become mainstream until stores stop carrying regular TVs, and that won't happen until large HD TVs drop drastically in price. Plain ole' DVDs will be around for many years still to come.

Isn't the whole point to live life to the fullest?
I'm not attacking you or anything, but honestly, what's that got to do with owning an HD setup?

[Jon]

[QUOTE=The Shelf;582563]HD and/or BluRay aren't going to become mainstream until stores stop carrying regular TVs, and that won't happen until large HD TVs drop drastically in price. Plain ole' DVDs will be around for many years still to come.

The TV part of this is happening sooner than you have it thought. As, in about a year, analog sets are going to be 'forced into retirement'.

[Cure]

I'm not attacking you or anything, but honestly, what's that got to do with owning an HD setup?

Because that's how you enjoy the movie to the fullest? I thought that was clear.

And before anyone questions it, yes, I enjoy other things as well, like traveling and strip joints.

[Leonardo Mystic]

You can't look down on people for wanting (and being able to afford) nice things. Isn't the whole point to live life to the fullest? If people can afford to do and buy great things, don't hate, congratulate. If you're only motivation is to barely get through the day and try to put people that like these things through guilt trips, where's the fun in that? Just go away and worry about your next meal or whatever.

And again, this sh*t ain't expensive anyway.

Yeah. $2,000 ain't expensive for a TV. :roll: Geez, I could put that as a down payment on a new used car.

I don't look down to those who can afford this stuff. In fact, more power to them, but in turn, don't you look down on those who can't and call them jealous when they say "what's the big deal?" Because to these people they struggle to earn the nice stuff they can get, but they don't completely blow their paychecks for the next six months to have it either because they do need to live too. Even on a good paying income, they'd still struggle to buy something that expensive for the "Oooh, I want the latest and greatest no matter if it costs me my pension" consumer.

People like that wait and they budget. Prices come down, and eventually, it's affordable to them. However, right now it's ridiculous to pay that much for a HD setup. You can live life to the fullest in the living room with your TV, and I could go somewhere in a nice new used car to actually live life.

[Spitfire]

I made $9.80 an hour and I could afford a 1000 dollar TV and a great sound system to match for 100 so really it's not that expensive. Actually I also got an upconvert DVD player*another 100 bucks* and an HDMI cable for it*Another 100*. I know most people make more then I did. I made about 600 every two weeks before taxes*So about 500 or so* if you save just 200 a check in 2 months you can afford a good HDTV. Then if you save up for another month just 200 you can get surround sound and a good player as well. Learning to budget is key.

$2,000 is for a 42 inch or larger TV, most people don't have room for that. Most people have room for a 32 inch and those are around a grand or less depending on sales.

[Cure]

Yeah. $2,000 ain't expensive for a TV. :roll: Geez, I could put that as a down payment on a new used car.

I don't look down to those who can afford this stuff. In fact, more power to them, but in turn, don't you look down on those who can't and call them jealous when they say "what's the big deal?" Because to these people they struggle to earn the nice stuff they can get, but they don't completely blow their paychecks for the next six months to have it either because they do need to live too. Even on a good paying income, they'd still struggle to buy something that expensive for the "Oooh, I want the latest and greatest no matter if it costs me my pension" consumer.

People like that wait and they budget. Prices come down, and eventually, it's affordable to them. However, right now it's ridiculous to pay that much for a HD setup. You can live life to the fullest in the living room with your TV, and I could go somewhere in a nice new used car to actually live life.

Now you're just making it obvious you're not completely comprehending other's posts. It's been said MULTIPLE times most HDTV's aren't $2000 anymore and I also said that I enjoy going out as well, so that used car bit is invalid. Do you just skim over people's posts and reply to the parts you get offended with?

[Peanut]

The way I see it, anything that costs twice the norm or more for such a small difference in quality is expensive.

The difference between VHS and DVD, is like night and day. The difference between DVD and HD/BluRay is like a cloudy day and a clear day.

Uh...no? This makes it perfectly clear you don't have a clue. What you need to do right now is leave this thread, because nothing you say in here matters anymore.

Plain ole' DVDs will be around for many years still to come.

No one is disputing that. You all act like those of us with HDTV's are saying that DVD is dead, when that's quite to the contrary.

Yeah. $2,000 ain't expensive for a TV.

Where in the f*ck are you getting this? Most places, like Best Buy, have deals where you can get a 47" SONY BRAVIA (A very high-end HDTV), along with a very good surround sound system for $1,500.

People who can't afford/don't want an HD setup ALWAYS over exaggerate the price of this stuff way too much. Whether that's due to ignorance, stupidity, or something totally different, I don't know.

It's just like people with sh*t computer systems who over exaggerate the cost of upgrading.

but they don't completely blow their paychecks for the next six months to have it either because they do need to live too.

Once again, GROSS EXAGGERATION! If it would take you half a year to make an extra $2,000, you're working for slave wages, or you work less than part-time.

[Mr. Snackpants]

The way I see it, anything that costs twice the norm or more for such a small difference in quality is expensive.

The difference between VHS and DVD, is like night and day. The difference between DVD and HD/BluRay is like a cloudy day and a clear day. If you can afford it, then great! More power to you. I won't put you down; in fact, I have friends who are into the whole HD/BluRay thing. But I can think of countless things that money could be better spent on that I would get much more enjoyment/use out of.

HD and/or BluRay aren't going to become mainstream until stores stop carrying regular TVs, and that won't happen until large HD TVs drop drastically in price. Plain ole' DVDs will be around for many years still to come.


I'm not attacking you or anything, but honestly, what's that got to do with owning an HD setup?

I don't need to read anything after the bolded remark. You clearly know nothing about HD. Get a good HD tv and put in a regular dvd, then compare to Blu Ray/HD DVD. It's more than a "small difference".

It's not that much for an HDTV. I bought a nice 42" this summer for like $1,200. That's with my other bills car payment($2,000/year), apartment ($3,000), food, gas, other ****, ect. The only I don't pay for is my cell phone and my college classes. The point is, if it's something you're into it's not that hard to pay for. Quit acting like we're stupid and irresponsible for purchasing one.

[Janus Prospero]

My mom and myself bought my dad an entire setup for Christmas. This included a 52" Sony Bravia...

Oh man, good choice!

I was in a Fry's Electronics the other day and a huge crowd of people were gathered around a 52" Bravia (I think it was the XBR4 series). It was playing Transformers in HD, and it looked so...crisp. It was hard to describe. I know this is cliche as hell, but it was like you were actually there (at least moreso than the other HDTVs.) I had to keep looking at the other screens to make sure that they were actually playing the same thing.

It was actually kind of odd to watch and I don't know if I would be able to get over the complete lack of film grain. Either way, it sure was impressive. The guy standing next to me said the picture was "like a making-of video." It made sense at the time. :P

[Spitfire]

Unless you can afford an HD disk player there will still be some grain. I couldn't so I got an upconvert and it looks allot better still but there's still some grain.

Sony is nice, Samsung is the best LCD on the market currently, and Pioneer is god as always. All the TVs look good when their calibrated right, which in stores their not 90% of the time.

[Peanut]

If you're watching things with a proper transfer, and a good TV, there shouldn't be any grain at all. What you should get are artifacts and, especially with animated shows, a lot of tearing.

[Spitfire]

I mostly watch cartoons so yeah that explains that. I think toons look great in HD even if their stretched to widescreen*Which I prefer for some odd reason* the color is just expressed so much more.

[GK Punk]

Yeah. $2,000 ain't expensive for a TV. :roll: Geez, I could put that as a down payment on a new used car.


Except you missed all the posts that said that's not how much a TV costs. Mine wasn't even half that. 350ish bucks for a TV is pretty average last I checked.

[Machias Banshee]

Let's not forget that new federal mandate that is Requiring everyone to get HDTvs in order to get any tv channels in a couple years from now. So basically if you still have an analog TV, youre not going to get anything. What a way to force everyone to buy HD anything... :ohwell:

[GK Punk]

That's not correct. You need a DIGITAL TV Connection. Not an HD TV.

[Jester]

Let's not forget that new federal mandate that is Requiring everyone to get HDTvs in order to get any tv channels in a couple years from now. So basically if you still have an analog TV, youre not going to get anything. What a way to force everyone to buy HD anything... I've heard that that's not entirely the case and that TV's equiped for cable and those who already have cable will be fine....then again it's just what I heard, I may stand corrected.

[Roseangelo]

Let's not forget that new federal mandate that is Requiring everyone to get HDTvs in order to get any tv channels in a couple years from now. So basically if you still have an analog TV, youre not going to get anything. What a way to force everyone to buy HD anything... :ohwell:

This isn't true at all. You don't need an HDTV to get a digital signal, you need a TV with a digital converter, which can be found in newer standard TVs as well.

Also, if you do have an older, analog TV, you can request from the government (http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/) up to two coupons per household worth $40/each to buy the digital converters.

Having a TV with a cable jack doesn't mean you'll be able to get the digital signals. I've lost a handful of cable channels because they've converted to digital while my TV, which has a cable jack, is old and analog.

I've already requested my two coupons, so I can continue to be a cheapskate when it comes to my TV. :tthumbsu: (It's really quite pathetic seeing that my bedroom TV, which is the one I usually watch, is 10+ years old and the screen is turning white.)

[GK Punk]

Hey, I used my old TV until it just completley died.

[The Shelf]

I don't need to read anything after the bolded remark. You clearly know nothing about HD. Get a good HD tv and put in a regular dvd, then compare to Blu Ray/HD DVD. It's more than a "small difference".

On the contrary, I watched Batman Begins and Transformers on my friend's HDDVD player on a projector that was nearly the size of the living room wall. I'm not disputing the fact that HD looks great, but... compared to a normal DVD, the cost isn't worth the boost in quality.

I can buy a good TV and DVD player for $500 or less, whereas a good HDTV and HDDVD player is considerably more than that. So yeah, HD is expensive.

Quit acting like we're stupid and irresponsible for purchasing one.

If you would have actually "read anything beyond the bolded remark" you'd know that I never said anything of the kind. Thanks for putting words in my mouth.

[Mr. Snackpants]

On the contrary, I watched Batman Begins and Transformers on my friend's HDDVD player on a projector that was nearly the size of the living room wall. I'm not disputing the fact that HD looks great, but... compared to a normal DVD, the cost isn't worth the boost in quality.

I can buy a good TV and DVD player for $500 or less, whereas a good HDTV and HDDVD player is considerably more than that. So yeah, HD is expensive.



If you would have actually "read anything beyond the bolded remark" you'd know that I never said anything of the kind. Thanks for putting words in my mouth.

That wasn't directed towards you. That's why it wasn't in the paragraph about your "small difference" remark.

And may I ask what kind of projector your friend has? Because unless it was top of the line, projectors won't look nearly as good as a tv set.

[Spitfire]

They have HD projectors that are pretty damn good. The thing is how good the backdrop is as well, which is easy to get a good one. If you have the space a grand for a projector and a good screen is a better deal then a grand for a 32 inch-42 inch HDTV. But most people don't have the space to make good use of a projector, or a room dark enough. If the room was pitch black with just the projector going on the white screen it would look great but good luck watching stuff without boarding up your windows in the room or something, any outside light kinda screws the picture up.

[愛]

The best place for a projector is definitely the basement, if you have one. It's usually pitch black down there if you turn off the lights. HD projectors are just insane. When I finally have a career and steady income, that's the first thing I want to buy. A home theater setup.

[That Matt Guy]

i still use vhs and a crappy 80s tv. screw that new s***.

[愛]

Did DVDs get to where you live yet, Matt? :lol:

[The Shelf]

The projector is set up in my friend's basement so light is not a factor. In fact, it's a pretty impressive theater room, although it could use better seating. Anyway, I'm not sure if he has an HD projector or not so you may have gotten me there. In any case, I won't be investing in HD until it's as cheap as DVD stuff is right now.

[Peanut]

HD projectors are good, but in no way do they compare to an actual HDTV. If you're watching an HD movie on a projector running in 1080i, (what most of the reasonably priced HD projectors run in) with the screen size around 70" (once again, usually the average size people project at) or higher, you're going to get picture equal in quality to a regular DVD upscaled on a high-end upscaler.

And like others have said, it also relies on what you're using as your surface. There are certain materials that, while made specifically for projectors, actually reflect the light in a strange way that leads to a dulling of the picture.

[jeff the cheff]

A big problem for me with the HD DVD's is the cost of the actual disks. Getting the equipment to play everything is expensive but its a huge upgrade and would be worth it to a lot of people. I'd love an HDTV to watch sports games on, just because it looks so great. However, the DVD's are way too expensive. I'll buy a movie I really like if its around $10, but that same movie would cost about $30 for HD.

I can see myself getting an HD player sometime, but I think most of my movie collection would stay on regular DVD unless its one of those movies that demands top of the line picture and sound quality.

[Machias Banshee]

Thank you for the clarification, Michi and Rose, I was half-remembering some blurb they'd written in my local newspaper sometime last year... :ohwell:

[KROW]

Remember when laser discs were the sh*t?

[Peanut]

Not really. :lol:

The market for those things was even worse than the market for HD-format discs.

[愛]

I have a laserdisc player in my attic. I wish I had the old Star Wars laserdiscs...for basically no reason. I guess to see Han shoot first?

[Jester]

I have a laserdisc player in my attic. I wish I had the old Star Wars laserdiscs...for basically no reason. I guess to see Han shoot first?
That and I think it's worth quite a bit....but you know that matters little.

[AquaParade]

Didn't wanna create a new thread for this, but does anyone know anything about miramax hdtv's? I got one last christmas, and have'nt been able to excersize it as much as I want...so I'm trying to figure out how long it will hold up, and how it compares to others...i can't find it online, but it was being sold in mass amount at target last christmas if that helps...I believe it is 15 inches.

[Peanut]

LOL! Are you serious?

[Brodie]

I have a laserdisc player in my attic. I wish I had the old Star Wars laserdiscs...for basically no reason. I guess to see Han shoot first?

You can get the original cut dvds, like I did, from wal mart. Each is 2 discs, one disc is the theatrical, and the other is the bad version with added effects.

I prefer my Anakin Skywalker to be someone I don't recognize, not Hayden Christiensen.

[愛]

Well, I also have the original VHS's. I just thought it'd be cool to have on laserdisc.

[Leonardo Mystic]

Now you're just making it obvious you're not completely comprehending other's posts. It's been said MULTIPLE times most HDTV's aren't $2000 anymore and I also said that I enjoy going out as well, so that used car bit is invalid. Do you just skim over people's posts and reply to the parts you get offended with?

I read everyone's posts. I don't skim over anything. So $2,000 may be a bit of an exaggerated stretch, but $1,200 or even $400 is no different of the fact that they are far more expensive than I could afford to pay at any one time. That's working 40 hours per week for barely $1.50 over minimum wage.

Yes, I've got a crappy job. I realize that, but I'm doing something about it. I'm trying to get a new job, and hopefully I'll get it with the interview I have tomorrow.

Anyway, for as long as I've been working like that, I've learned to budget and do have some nice things, but they come few and far between in all of the bills and life. I've got no one to help me pay for anything. I work hard to struggle for all I make, but the rewards I eventually receive are twice as loved and enjoyed because I go through so much to earn it. So maybe my opinion of frivolous spending on "expensive" TVs and such is a little jaded based upon that fact.

[Roseangelo]

I prefer my Anakin Skywalker to be someone I don't recognize, not Hayden Christiensen.

Of all the changes Lucas made to SW over the years, that is the one that enraged me the most. But it's a change that's ONLY on the version of the DVD you have.. the previous Special Editions still had Sebastian Shaw.

And to Leonardo Mystic: I think you need to just calm down and try to stop being so easily offended by things that people say. Seriously, if people would just stop being offended by things in general, the amount of fighting and hate in the world would be reduced dramatically.

[Jester]

I think you need to just calm down and try to stop being so easily offended by things that people say. Seriously, if people would just stop being offended by things in general, the amount of fighting and hate in the world would be reduced dramatically.

You know what Rose, I find that offensive. How dare you speak rationally and expect us to stop being so thin skinned. How dare you, lady!

*Jester's comments are meant to be comical and sarcastic and in no way disagree with Roseangelo

[KROW]

*Jester's comments are meant to be comical and sarcastic and in no way disagree with Roseangelo

I find this highly offensive. Why do you need disclaimers in your posts? What the hell is wrong with this: :P ? Huh? What, are you too good for a smiley now? :evil:


:P

[Jester]

I hate you and I hope you die, you scruffy looking Nerf herder!

[KROW]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/BJKROW/han.jpg

Who's scruffy-lookin'?

[Jester]

We're back baby!

[Leonardo Mystic]

And to Leonardo Mystic: I think you need to just calm down and try to stop being so easily offended by things that people say. Seriously, if people would just stop being offended by things in general, the amount of fighting and hate in the world would be reduced dramatically.

Who said I was getting offended? How am I starting a fight? I am perfectly calm here, and I was only explaining how things are on my side of the financial world, with the general shaking of my head of how I don't understand why so much to spend on these kinds of things. But if that seems getting offensive to you... Wow, I'd hate to find out what you'd say if I really was offended.

[Roseangelo]

Wow, I'd hate to find out what you'd say if I really was offended.

Uhhh... sure.

[Jester]

Some one change the title to "HD=Class Warfare" so it's a fair warning...sheesh!

EDIT: I also think it's expensive...for me. I don't care who buys one. If they can afford it more power to them I can't quite afford it and to be frank, for me the resolution difference would be minimal since I only watch movies in my room, and my set up is adequate for my needs. Now that I've said my peace, every one go back to being offended and angry.

[KROW]

We're back baby!

Break out the cheese and let others break out the whine!

[Leonardo Mystic]

Wow, I'd hate to find out what you'd say if I really was offended.Uhhh... sure.

*shrugs* I don't know what you mean by that answer, but I know I can't try to convince someone that doesn't believe. That's really your problem.

As for this thread, I'm done with it. It's gotten way too hostile, and I've said all what I wanted to anyway, so no reason to come back around here anymore.

[KROW]

EDIT: I also think it's expensive...for me. I don't care who buys one. If they can afford it more power to them I can't quite afford it and to be frank, for me the resolution difference would be minimal since I only watch movies in my room, and my set up is adequate for my needs. Now that I've said my peace, every one go back to being offended and angry.

Blu-Ray's pretty pricey for me. I could buy two DVDs for the price of one Blu-Ray. As for HD, I might take a chance on them, since they've gotten closer to a reasonable cost. I've actually been thinking of getting an HDTV and playing the numbers with regular DVDs and experimenting with Hi-Def.

But yeah, if you got the green, go ahead and enjoy yourself.

[Roseangelo]

As much as I'm a cheapskate with my 10+ year-old TV with the screen that's turning white, when it finally bites the dust I'll probably replace it with a small (probably 15") HDTV just for the sake of it not being a huge box that weighs 30 pounds (or whatever it weighs).

[愛]

*shrugs* I don't know what you mean by that answer, but I know I can't try to convince someone that doesn't believe. That's really your problem.

As for this thread, I'm done with it. It's gotten way too hostile, and I've said all what I wanted to anyway, so no reason to come back around here anymore.

Well, you were obviously offended enough to leave the thread, so...

But I agree. Too hostile. Let's calm this junx down.

[AquaParade]

Didn't wanna create a new thread for this, but does anyone know anything about miramax hdtv's? I got one last christmas, and have'nt been able to excersize it as much as I want...so I'm trying to figure out how long it will hold up, and how it compares to others...i can't find it online, but it was being sold in mass amount at target last christmas if that helps...I believe it is 15 inches.

Anyone?:ohwell:

[Peanut]

I said "LOL! Are you serious?" that should give you an indication right there.

[AquaParade]

:roll: do you have an off switch? :lol:

[ThirdMarioBro]

I'm not intending to repurchase many movies on DVD. There are a few I would like to see in HD (some disaster movies, Star Wars, Batman Begins, ect.), but there's something to consider here. Blu-Ray is a format mostly created for future projects. Other than some of the biggest classics with universal appeal, I see few movies released before 1995 getting Blu-Ray releases.

Modern movies are going to be outstanding in high-def, but there are some modern classics from as little as fifteen-twenty years ago that are going to look like ass in high-def. Think of Jurassic Park for example. The original might hold up due to its heavy use of stop-motion, but high-def might let you see all the flaws in the puppets. And the sequels? Nuh-uh. That CGI is going to look terrible in a 720p transfer, let alone full 1080p. Star Wars would be included in that group of movies that wouldn't hold up if George hadn't already gone over it so many times, and there's still a few elements that won't stand up well in that kind of detail, and Episode I probably will completely fall apart at that resolution.

Point is, not that many movies prior to the maturity of CGI animation will be released. DVD is more than enough in most cases, but I want anything new in high-def because new movies were made with the format in mind.

[Krang]

The format wars are now officially over (http://www.reuters.com/article/companyNewsAndPR/idUSL1627196120080216).

[Spitfire]

Cool, it's like saying "F*** you" to everyone who bought an HD-DVD player and HD-DVDs. Totally kick ass, if stores wanted to make any some cash off this they'd offer discounts to people who traded in HD-DVD stuff for discounts on blu-ray.

[Roseangelo]

Cool, it's like saying "F*** you" to everyone who bought an HD-DVD player and HD-DVDs.

It was really unavoidable. To me that's a key reason not to have invested in either format until now. In the 80s my family actually had a Beta player.. no way would I have chanced picking the losing side again (not that the financial investment meant anything to me back then, but it was really annoying to have pretty much seen every single Children's Beta tape available at the video rental store).

[Ra]

Damn...I like my HD DVDs. Oh well. It was only a matter of time, I guess...

[Spitfire]

Well it's not like their worthless. If you have a player since the disks are going out or production you can buy up some clearance HD-DVDs. I'm sure in the coming month they will be selling HD-DVDs for 50% or more off till their gone. You got the gear already might as well make use of it. The quality is just as good as Blu-ray, this way you don't need to re-buy movies.

[Peanut]

If you have a player since the disks are going out or production you can buy up some clearance HD-DVDs.

This is exactly what I'm waiting for. I'm actually kinda glad it was HD-DVD that went down the tubes, because at the moment their selection of movies is a lot more interesting to me. Can't wait for those price-drops!

[Spitfire]

It's tempting to go out and buy an HD player*As I'm sure these will drop as well in price* and grab me a stock load of flicks. Sad to say though I don't have any spare cash at the moment.