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Toshiba confirms dropping of HD DVD
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The following comments relate to this news article:
article published on 19 February, 2008
Toshiba has officially announced that the company will no longer develop, manufacture and market HD DVD players and recorders. After many unofficial announcements by different sources, the company has confirmed in a press release that the development of HD DVD has ended. Toshiba will be reducing the shipments of HD DVD players towards the cessation by the end of March 2008.
First reported ... [ read the full article ]
Please read the original article before posting your comments.
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Ludikhris
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19. February 2008 @ 20:24 |
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1) I had a discussion with some "common consumer" friends about HDDVD and BluRay and though I believed HDDVD a better name due to its assimilation with DVD they overwhelming said BluRay sounds like a new step in technology and more "futuristic" than HDDVD which just sounded like some new twist on the same old thing. I found it interesting.
Hughjars your last comment sounds like a personal attack against nexgen to me. I'd watch out, people are getting in trouble for less than that on these hot topics.
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Ludikhris
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19. February 2008 @ 20:29 |
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Oh yeah and about this whole "HDTV + DVR and Upscaling Vs BluRay or HDDVD" in my super premium taste HDTV is crap right now. Here in Seattle we have a handful of channels available and none of them are very good. Good movies are only on premium channels and even then you selection is what "they" want you to watch that month. Upscaling is a duct tape solution for real HD. If you aren't watching DL HD, BluRay, or HD-DVD then you are "settling". I am not going to settle for second best. Are you?
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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19. February 2008 @ 20:35 |
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Originally posted by Leningrad:
Ever since from the time when it was announced that Warner is dropping HDDVD I knew that inevitably HDDVD will eventually founder. It will not be long before Paramount and Universal will make a response to Toshiba's decision. Simultaneously, we will start seeing Blu-Ray movies replacing the HDDVD boxes at your local retailer. More interesting is the consumer response that will be generated sooner or later, In order to avoid that fury I believe Toshiba should contract its backers to produce HDDVD movies until the production of all HDDVD devices- Player or Recorder- has ceased. This way hopefully to decrease the impact of the consumer anger. But of course, It is Toshiba's problem and not mine. Personally, It was stupit to introduce this format anyway. Blu-Rays victory had its roots not in the PS3 but its technical advantage. Consumers are like guinea pigs (They always want the best), If it was true that Toshiba made matching or better technical specs they wouuld have more of a advantage in the market. But the format war is over (which is good), we will not be seeing dumb articles overflowing our news providers about whose backing and not.
I always knew Blue-Ray would win because its 'better'
Not really despite the cost of it BR/Sony played a better game and bought off more companies and still despiting having nearly 10X more players they only sold 2-3 more films.
BR didn't win they bought the market by force, but thats just part of how its played.
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SamNz
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19. February 2008 @ 22:34 |
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alright, damn this is a long thread.
Blu-ray may be filled with DRM etc, but its more than likely that the average joe consumer wouldn't be too bothered by it, and all those that bitch bout how u cant copy/rip it, are prolly too poor to buy originals.
THANK GOD THE FORMAT WAR ITS OVER FOR THE MOST PART
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19. February 2008 @ 23:19 |
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Originally posted by Ludikhris:
1) I had a discussion with some "common consumer" friends about HDDVD and BluRay and though I believed HDDVD a better name due to its assimilation with DVD they overwhelming said BluRay sounds like a new step in technology and more "futuristic" than HDDVD which just sounded like some new twist on the same old thing. I found it interesting.
Hughjars your last comment sounds like a personal attack against nexgen to me. I'd watch out, people are getting in trouble for less than that on these hot topics.
Yes I actually think HDDVD is a better name than Blu-Ray. Even the name 'blu' is misleading, the laser is violet.
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Junior Member
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19. February 2008 @ 23:29 |
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Quote:
Originally posted by Ludikhris:
1) I had a discussion with some "common consumer" friends about HDDVD and BluRay and though I believed HDDVD a better name due to its assimilation with DVD they overwhelming said BluRay sounds like a new step in technology and more "futuristic" than HDDVD which just sounded like some new twist on the same old thing. I found it interesting.
Hughjars your last comment sounds like a personal attack against nexgen to me. I'd watch out, people are getting in trouble for less than that on these hot topics.
Yes I actually think HDDVD is a better name than Blu-Ray. Even the name 'blu' is misleading, the laser is violet.
405nm (blue laser) laser is blue
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SProdigy
Senior Member
5 product reviews
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19. February 2008 @ 23:29 |
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Originally posted by Ludikhris:
Oh yeah and about this whole "HDTV + DVR and Upscaling Vs BluRay or HDDVD" in my super premium taste HDTV is crap right now. Here in Seattle we have a handful of channels available and none of them are very good. Good movies are only on premium channels and even then you selection is what "they" want you to watch that month. Upscaling is a duct tape solution for real HD. If you aren't watching DL HD, BluRay, or HD-DVD then you are "settling". I am not going to settle for second best. Are you?
I half agree. Good points. I was settling before I got my DirecTV. Because I have a DVR, I am recording what "I" want, and watch it on "my terms, so I wouldn't consider it settling, however, you do make some valid points, and I feel your pain. Like I said, I was with 2 other cable providers in the last 10 months, and never had more than a dozen or so "non-premium" HD channels to watch up until I made the switch a few weeks ago.
I'm not going out on a limb and stating that the selection on DirecTV is perfect either, but at least they are making an effort. It's the networks themselves. Mark Cuban (founder of HDNet) had a blog awhile back about how most of the content on the HD channels are not, in fact, "HD". That's the real kick in the pants, plus some of the OTA channels (ABC for instance) have their programs flip in and out of HD from time to time (has happened while watching Lost quite a few times.)
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Senior Member
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20. February 2008 @ 00:04 |
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Originally posted by eatsushi:
I think this format war has seen different types of personalities on both sides of the fence:
1. The true high-def movie fan/AV enthusiast/early adopter. This is the guy who has invested a good amount of money on his equipment and has built up his home theater to take advantage of every single technical advance out there: 1080p/24fps, Dolby True HD, DTS HD-MA, etc. These guys appreciate a good movie no matter what format its on. Therefore they usually are dual format people and have both HD DVD and BluRay in their racks. They will continue to support whichever format wins.
2. The brand loyalists/format fanatics. Sad to say but these are the ones who would rather see the other side fail than see high-def media succeed. "If we can't win then neither can you." They already know how good high def media can look in their systems yet they would rather go with what are obviously inferior media such as HD DVR's or low bitrate downloads or even upconverted DVD's.
3. Other types such as the undecideds, the format newcomers, and the innocent bystanders.
The loyalists and fanatics are IMO hopeless cases. It's useless to even try to reason with them.
What BluRay has to do now is the try to get those in the 3rd category to join the fold. It won't be easy but I think the BDA may just have the marketing muscle to do it.
im surprised that no one really commented on this post, but then again i probably shouldn't be. interesting breakdown and i'd have to agree with what was said.
i think the BDA may have it a little easier than some think. demand for HDTVs is increasing, prices for HDTVS are decreasing, blu-ray demand is increasing, blu-ray player prices are deceasing, and when you consider the number of American households that don't own an HDTV, well i think you see the larger picture. i guarantee you that every time a retailer sells an HDTV the salesman will be pushing Blu-ray. certainly its fair to say, its quite hard for retailers to sell blu-ray to nonHDTV owners when compared to HDTV owners. so in essence the increasing market demand for HDTVs will help influence/push Blu-ray onto the masses. im not positive but i do not think that the MAJORITY of American HouseHolds own an HDTV which only supports my reasoning. i could be wrong, but i see this market making huge strides in the next year or so. especially if we see some affordable players this holiday season, like we saw with HD-DVD.
there was a news article about an expected 10% increase in ps3 sales simply from the outcome of the format war.
now the only announcement im waiting on is when paramount is going Blu
Quote:
"While Universal values the close partnership we have shared with Toshiba, it is time to turn our focus to releasing new and catalog titles on Blu-ray," said Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
EDIT: AD needs a story on UNIVERSAL'S TRANSITION to BLU-RAY
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 20. February 2008 @ 00:34
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DieMPAA
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20. February 2008 @ 00:53 |
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Finally, we can have some peace and quiet.
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juankerr
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20. February 2008 @ 08:23 |
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juankerr
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20. February 2008 @ 09:03 |
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A no-brainer but here's the announcement from amazon.com. Their stance will be similar to that of Best Buy.
http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/...=20080220005406
Quote:
Amazon.com to Support Blu-ray as the Digital Format of Choice for Customers
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In an effort to help demystify high-definition entertainment for consumers, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced its support for Blu-ray as the digital format of choice for customers. As part of this announcement, Amazon.com will more prominently promote Blu-ray hardware and software products on its website.
?The high-definition landscape is rapidly changing, and consumers are looking for guidance on how to make the best high-definition buying decisions,? said Peter Faricy, vice president of movies and music at Amazon.com. ?Our customers have clearly voiced their support for the Blu-ray format. Blu-ray titles have increased from just over half of our high-definition sales to over three-quarters of our high-definition sales since early January. In order to best serve our customers, Amazon is recommending Blu-ray as the preferred digital format and will continue to carry the ?Earth?s Largest Selection? of Blu-ray products.?
Amazon.com currently carries a wide array of Blu-ray hardware and software products including players, Blu-ray discs, and the Sony PlayStation 3. For the hundreds of thousands of HD DVD owners who may still wish to purchase products for that format, Amazon will continue to carry a wide assortment of HD DVD products, including the broadest selection of HD DVD movie titles.
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error5
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20. February 2008 @ 09:38 |
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Originally posted by hade:
im surprised that no one really commented on this post, but then again i probably shouldn't be. interesting breakdown and i'd have to agree with what was said.
hade: I also agree with what was said.
You have to ask: If the fanatics are now trumpeting HD-DVR's and upconversion, then why did they buy into HD DVD in the first place? Seems quite puzzling, isn't it?
The more open-minded HD DVD supporters that I know are now planning their first BluRay players purchase. They still want physical media and appreciate the technical equivalence of the two formats. Upconversion is simply a no-go for them.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 20. February 2008 @ 09:45
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Icanbe
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20. February 2008 @ 10:27 |
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Originally posted by error5:
The more open-minded HD DVD supporters that I know are now planning their first BluRay players purchase. They still want physical media and appreciate the technical equivalence of the two formats. Upconversion is simply a no-go for them.
Excatly error5
I own a HD-DvD player and purchased a blu-ray player a couple weeks ago, I'm more than happy with the blu-ray player so far(seems to even look a little better than HD-DvD,shhhhhhhh).
I want the physical media, I really don't want to have to go out a buy a new H/D every time I fill one up with movies.
And your right upconversion looks ok, but it just seems to lack the clarity and clean look of HD-DvD and Blu-ray.
But anyway, if people refuse to buy a blu-ray player, I guess it's their loss.
Peace
20 Years ago I saw you yesterday, Youre looking at the picture now.
We Are, What We Are - Sepultura
Say what you want, Time will always tell the truth. |
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Gnawnivek
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20. February 2008 @ 10:40 |
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Error5, yeap yeap, i don't understand those fanatics as well...
Like i said, all of those "upconverting" arguments are pretty much self consolations. And for those arguments like "it's not like the hd-dvds will stop working or something..." Sorry, it's pretty much self consolations as well. Of course they still work, nobody is saying they won't! Like i said, there will be no supports for it and that's the blow where it hurts... What does that mean? Well, there will be no new titles (yeah, stick to what's out there is a really good choice), and no streamlined hd-dvd players down the road (will we ever see a slimmed hd-dvd player?). So what LG still gonna make hd-dvd players? Do you honestly think hd-dvd still has a chance of coming back after all the blows?
As to preferring HD DVRs, sure, that's another way of getting HD contents, no arguments there. However, like i said before, it will not replace BD or hd-dvd (i.e. those formats will not die b/c HD broadcasts availability). If DVR or HD DVR is the preferred way, then DVD is a dying format by now isn't it?
As to the Blu-ray name, i don't find it stupid at all... It has no association to dvd, which serves the intended purpose. Hi-Def is not dvd! Hi-Def contents can be stored on DVD discs (shorter playing time), but in general, dvds are not meant or known for Hi-Def contents.
Now, as to why AD members supporting a format that's harder to hack and what nots... Well, maybe for once, some people don't really want to backup discs anymore? b/c waste of time, but still like to see/hear people can do it? And what about the all for the challenge attitude huh? What about all those talks about "how long do you think BD gonna get cracked?"
I have something to confess... In the past, when i backup my dvds, i actually enjoy the process of being able to backup the disc more than actually watching the contents on the disc. I still remember the jumping boy, good stuffs... However, i have to say, life is too short for something like that :)
Peace!
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eatsushi
Senior Member
3 product reviews
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20. February 2008 @ 12:12 |
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Add another one to the list of Blu hardware makers - OPPO:
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/02/20/opp...blu-ray-player/
Quote:
Oppo next to create a new Blu-ray player
Posted Feb 20th 2008 8:19AM by Richard Lawler
Oppo fans left on the HD format sidelines can rejoice, as word comes that the company will add a Blu-ray player to its well-received line of DVD upscalers. According to the VP of product development, the company is "very early" in their development cycle, and we should expect more details sometime this summer. While sooner would definitely be better than later, we can't argue with a timeline that leads us to expect nothing less than a fully featured BD Live compatible player from a company with a reputation for delivering more bang for the buck.
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BluKiller
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20. February 2008 @ 21:21 |
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well hd-dvd isnt "officialy" dead yet... but i think we all know whos going to win
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Ludikhris
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20. February 2008 @ 21:46 |
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I guess that depends on your definition of "dead". Mine is "discontinued".... so in my world, it's dead.
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vinny13
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20. February 2008 @ 23:20 |
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Originally posted by Ludikhris:
I guess that depends on your definition of "dead". Mine is "discontinued".... so in my world, it's dead.
lol :P
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Senior Member
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21. February 2008 @ 01:59 |
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it is being reported that PARAMOUNT has OFFICIALLY GONE BLU.
Quote:
Paramount Home Entertainment quietly came onboard via a statement sent exclusively to The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday: "We are pleased that the industry is moving to a single high-definition format, as we believe it is in the best interest of the consumer," the statement reads. "As we look to (begin) releasing our titles on Blu-ray, we will monitor consumer adoption and determine our release plans accordingly.
now all 6 major studios are BLU
hopefully they release Transformers on Blu-ray soon.
Also Amazon has announced they too have made Blu-ray their high definition format of choice. surely nothing surprising but those looking for an HD-DVD player may want to pick one up soon. retailers are beginning to dump stock and i personally don't see players lasting too long.
the xbox 360 add-on is being rumored to see yet ANOTHER PRICE CUT, this time dropping all the way down to $50.
also here is an article about BestBuy's revamped site promoting Blu-ray. the heading reads as follows: Quote:
Format War Over: Blu-ray Wins! We've got your Blu-ray needs covered.
link
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 21. February 2008 @ 02:09
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juankerr
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21. February 2008 @ 07:16 |
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Thanks hade.
In anticipation of the increased need for BD replication, CINRAM is adding 15 BD50 capable BluRay replication lines to its Olyphant PA facility. They currently have 2 BD50 lines running at this time and the additional 15 will increase their capacity to an estimated 2.5 million discs per week. It's likely that they'll be getting the Oerlikon lines from Singulus (Germany).
(Insider info from Kosty at avsforums.)
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n3v3rD1e
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21. February 2008 @ 14:28 |
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I do have one very important question that I am wondering if ANYONE TRULY KNOWS A DEFINITIVE ANSWER; that is 'what is going to happen AND WHEN to the movies that were exclusively released on HD-DVD?' Sony will no doubt have to put those as priority and get them manufactured on Blu-ray I would think.
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eatsushi
Senior Member
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21. February 2008 @ 14:36 |
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Originally posted by n3v3rD1e:
I do have one very important question that I am wondering if ANYONE TRULY KNOWS A DEFINITIVE ANSWER; that is 'what is going to happen AND WHEN to the movies that were exclusively released on HD-DVD?' Sony will no doubt have to put those as priority and get them manufactured on Blu-ray I would think.
Sony has no control whatsoever on what and when the other formerly HD DVD studios release. For example the HD DVD exclusive title Transformers was released by Paramount/Dreamworks. It's up to Paramount (and not Sony) to decide if and when they'll release that title on BluRay. It's also up to Paramount to decide what to include in the BluRay release.
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n3v3rD1e
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21. February 2008 @ 14:49 |
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Quote:
Originally posted by n3v3rD1e:
I do have one very important question that I am wondering if ANYONE TRULY KNOWS A DEFINITIVE ANSWER; that is 'what is going to happen AND WHEN to the movies that were exclusively released on HD-DVD?' Sony will no doubt have to put those as priority and get them manufactured on Blu-ray I would think.
Sony has no control whatsoever on what and when the other formerly HD DVD studios release. For example the HD DVD exclusive title Transformers was released by Paramount/Dreamworks. It's up to Paramount (and not Sony) to decide if and when they'll release that title on BluRay. It's also up to Paramount to decide what to include in the BluRay release.
Yeah..........that makes sense now that you clarified it. Thanks! There were a bunch of HD-DVD exclusives I thought (could be wrong though) and it would be appropriate to put those on BD. That would also be very convincing to me to go out and shop for a BD player.
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Gnawnivek
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22. February 2008 @ 12:25 |
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Quote:
Quote:
Originally posted by n3v3rD1e:
I do have one very important question that I am wondering if ANYONE TRULY KNOWS A DEFINITIVE ANSWER; that is 'what is going to happen AND WHEN to the movies that were exclusively released on HD-DVD?' Sony will no doubt have to put those as priority and get them manufactured on Blu-ray I would think.
Sony has no control whatsoever on what and when the other formerly HD DVD studios release. For example the HD DVD exclusive title Transformers was released by Paramount/Dreamworks. It's up to Paramount (and not Sony) to decide if and when they'll release that title on BluRay. It's also up to Paramount to decide what to include in the BluRay release.
Yeah..........that makes sense now that you clarified it. Thanks! There were a bunch of HD-DVD exclusives I thought (could be wrong though) and it would be appropriate to put those on BD. That would also be very convincing to me to go out and shop for a BD player.
yeah, that's why people still hold on to the hd-dvd players, the transition period gonna last for a while... i brought the hd-dvd add-on just b/c of this reason, you don't know how long some of the hd-dvd exclusives gonna hit Blu-ray.
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angfern
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23. February 2008 @ 23:44 |
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I betted on Sony's Betamax, a far superior tape product at its introduction but lost to the folks that wanted a gazillion hours on one tape regardless of quality. Decided then not to bet on Sony again.
Now I bet on Toshiba, purchasing two HD-DVD players that will become paper weights because I guessed wrong again.
Hey, I do the same thing with stock picks...buy high....sell low.
I'll add this to my "I have no idea what I am doing" list.
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