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

I believe his analogy to the hi-res audio format war is all wrong. The public didn't give a hoot about DVD-A or SACD because most people have never heard high-fidelity audio or owned genuine hifi equipment. CD was easily good enough. The analogy breaks down because HD screens are selling big time and the differences are there to be seen. And *critically*, all of the major studios are releasing titles.

I`ve always felt that the DVDA-SACD analogy is relevant, but only to a degree. For me it loses relevance at the point of accepting that high definition is far better established and promoted than high resolution audio ever was. That said, I think it`s relevant in regard to their being two formats, each dividing manufacturers and distributors of content - and I fear it is also relevant in regards to the a great number of the general public perhaps feeling that what they already have in DVD to be ‘good enough.`

Let me elaborate on that last point a little. I think many would be surprised if they had an idea of just how many with HDTVs think they`re watching HD when they watch a DVD on their shiny new sets when using an upscaling DVD player, and I personally think a major attraction boosting sales of HDTVs right now is related to the aesthetic value of flat panels, rather than a buyer`s desire to couple it with a genuine HD source.

One of the things these flat panels often do is brutally reveal the weaknesses in sources and perhaps there is hope therefore that owners will start to seek out better quality sources for their shiny new flat panels.

But unfortunately it's difficult for the average consumer to get good advice - most shop assistants are woeful in this regard and give poor, and very often wrong, advice. But even consumer magazines like Which, rather than informing consumers, are warning people not to buy HD because of the war - this is the flawed "sit on the fence until there is a winner argument" because if people don't buy there will be no winners.

Mark

That was a good article IMHO and it sets out the picture acording to joe sixpack exactly.

Remember, Joe sixpack decides these things!!!

It does not mean that HD DVD and Bluray are not fantastic players and mediums for film, thats a given.

What it means is that Joe sixpack with his 32" LCD could care less about it all, and his misses cares even less still.

DVD is good enough and a bit of upscaleing adds to the mix, for the masses.

Sad but true, Cheers, Chris

True to an extent Chris. The differences this time are (a) that two companies - Sony and Toshiba - have a *lot* to lose (Sony in particular) so they will push the new formats very hard, and (b) the movie houses are on board.

Who knows how this will pan out? I'm just enjoying the movies .

We should be thankful then, that as Joel points out, the companies attempting to foist HD upon as are doing so for non-altruistic reasons. Otherwise they might say, "well, old Joe doesn't care, let's call it a day".

Mark

" I'm just enjoying the movies "

Ditto here . And the fact that the companies and studios are all on board shows why the DVD-A/Sacd analogy doesn't hold up . Neither of those got proper marketing / software support .

I find the 'tabloidisation ' of these internet sites a bit depressing . Anyone with a 32" tv and a receiver can type up a few BIG headlines to signify their own self-importance and make any passing noobs pay attention to their brand of technological evangelism . They also damage BOTH formats by damaging HD in general whether that was their intention or not . What will they be writing about in 5 years time I wonder ? How they used to be anti-hd but they're alright now ??


~M~

~M~

I agree, if youve got the kit, enjoy the movies.

But the trouble is, most people dont know about HD and could care less, as DVD is cheap and good enough. (For them)

Unless DVD is completly superceeded by HD, ie if you want the film, you gotta get a HD Version, then with competing formats of which the enthusiast needs both due to studio rivalry, HD will remain, a perhaps substancial, nich market.

Just the way it is for now, and it would be great if DVD was superceeded, but I reckon that will be a long time, if ever. The back catalouge is just so large.

Perhaps Downloads will side-swipe it all?

We seem to live in interesting times!

Cheers, Chris

I wish they would start releasing all new movies to HD. I can't understand why they wait and just release old movies with a new one every now and then. If new movies were released I think even more people would buy into HD players. I want to watch new movies not the ones I already saw. Although I do watch movies more than once but a lot of people don't care too.

Ron

Ron, I do feel the situation is improving slowly. We are seeing more day and date releases alongside the DVD. It's similar to how DVD started. Things should continue to pick up pace as time passes.

Mark

Hi Mark,

I do rememeber the early days of DVD and they did the same thing. I just think if they want these formats to take over then they should release all new movie releases. I think people would buy into it sooner. I don't understand there thinking with releases. Well maybe so they can double dip and sell it twice.

Ron