Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems The one of MANY HD-DVD threads (No bashing Blu-Ray)

Yes, I would have set enhanced black to OFF if that isn't the default.

Mark

Thanks Mark. Enjoyed Dune last night. Previously I'd only watched it on a small TV or via the terrible letterboxed transfer on DVD. The HD DVD is far from pristine, but the detail and lack of compression artifacts is great.

Not long now until the HD1!

Some more detail on Universal's planning for Hd-DVD future here :

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/showthread.php?t=250887


~M~

And on International releases here :

http://hdworld.iforumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=223&mforum=hdworld


~M~

And on possible Spielberg movies on Hd-DVD here :

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Universal/Steven_Spielberg/Disc_Announcements/HD_DVD_Promotions_Group_Touts_Spielberg_Classics_Jaws,_Jurassic,_E.T._/454


~M~

If those turn out to be HD-DVD exclusive (likely as they are Universal); that would be an important boost for the format; Compelling content is what they need to battle BD, IMO...

thanks for the link Manus..
ken

The infuriating thing is that Promotions Group list of forthcoming titles has, in the past year, proved itself to be an unreliable resource. It essentially culls titles named by studios over the past two years, even those named on a whim, and adds them. I don`t know why it`s that curiously maintained given it is produced by such an official source, but it`s difficult to take some of the titles on there as any indication of what might be coming soon since they`ve listed Lord of the Rings since last spring, along with Band of Brothers, and a batch of New Line titles all of which actually date back as far as CES 2005.

They`ve still not even amended the fact they`ve had The Aviator listed as a Universal title for goodness knows how long (it`s Warner).

It`d be nice to see some Spielberg biggies soon. The format could sure do with some exclusives like that without a doubt, but until Universal date such titles in dedicated press releases I have to treat their inclusion on that list with great caution given it`s shaky history. E.T is 25 this year, so whether that will prompt a release I am not sure. It's Amblin's call, not Universal's to give the green light to Spielberg content.

So how many HD DVDS + BRDs have been sold since the formats inception?

Disney alone has sold 1.3 million movies via the itunes store. These are comparatively low res- they're not even anamorphic- and lack extras...

http://www.ipodobserver.com/story/30198

best regards,
Jerry

There is clearly a market for both and one format doesn't automatically sound the death knell for the other. While there is demand for HD and some profit to be made the format(s) will survive.

Personally I despair that people would even consider watching such crappy versions of a film let alone pay for the privilege.

Mark

I think much of it involves a different application and certainly a different market favoring convenience and access;
If your flying on a plane and want a selection of favorite movies to watch on your iPod or small laptop, this is a perfect solution. In fact, for that use, these versions aren't crappy at all. On my 2" iPod screen, I can't tell 1080 from 480; I'm not sure I can see the difference on my 15" laptop screen - but it wouldn't matter if I could;

Now when I get home on the big screen - a whole different story; But most of the available market doesn't even have big screens at home - although that's changing; but as it does I think the download resolutions will go up starting with 720p next...

ken

Ken, I agree that there is undeniably a market for this stuff, but for me film is an art form and as such cannot be appreciated on a 2" screen and I personally would never use such a format.

If I am unfortunate enough to be stuck on a plane I'll take a book, a game, a friend, or some other form of entertainment which isn't compromised by the delivery format. Failing that, wake me up when we land

Mark

Well I can understand that point of view for sure. And maybe that view is shared by most. Your words make me think about the content that's really there. Many of the downloads are video TV shows etc. Further, the movies tend to be people-story oriented - I don't see a lot of the 'cinematography' or classics or others than really describe the artform.

And those are the ones I typically save for the best format myself. In addition, I think you have a good point in that with such a tiny screen, the movie is less compelling and so competes with other forms of activity. I find myself reading while listening to iPod music a lot (Other than wife, I don't have any friends.. )

All in all, I think you make an excellent point; Maybe it doesn't really effect the big-screen, high-definition, art form at all; It's just an additional market than can be addressed. In some of Disney's Iger speeches recently, that's what he is saying. He sees it as way to get certain content to those that want it, but it doesn't replace the other venues - just as we still have radio around, even more now with satellite radio; One venue can actually feed the other -

I guess Disney is expert at this with the theme park integration, etc. Anyway, I like the points you made...

ken