I just returned from and I am glad that it was an truly exciting show this year. The writing is on the wall that standard definition is on its way out and that high definition will invade everyone's homes before long in countless incarnations and applications. between HD-DVD and Blu-Ray and seems to be . Both camps are digging in their heels and are trying to ride this out. , but as we all know, that is more . Both formats are going strong at this point and it is impossible to predict any winners at this time because both of them have strong things going for them. with the DVD brand certainly helps the format. The format now has backing of additional partners, including among many others the hardware manufacturer who is known for . That means that HD-DVD hardware will soon become even more affordable and available than it already is. all of which are committed to impressive release line-up's in the coming months, making it attractive - though still way too pricey for Joe Average. Once Blu-Ray sheds its elitist image things may change but for now they still come across as a bit aloof. However, the puts it ahead of HD-DVD in sales by now, though it is still dubious if these gamers really will use the console to view movies. Blu-Ray's research indicates they will, but I say, let's wait and see. In the meanwhile to play either format, trying to put an end to the war that way, and frankly I think it's the most sensible solution of all. With combo players consumers can decide what suits them best or what's available without having to worry about technical specs of either format. Will bring you more info in the next days in our annual CES report, of course, where we will cover the many announcements and developments we have seen at the show. It sure is exciting.
Stephen
I suspect the format war is far from over, but near my home, personal observation seems to indicate that Blu-Ray should win. First, Disney is behind Blu-Ray, and my kids know all about Blu-Ray from recent Disney DVD's, and are asking me when are we getting "Blu." What about HD-DVD I ask. "Who?" Second, at my local Best Buy, the Blu-Ray titles are starting to crowd out the HD-DVD titles. Also, I am happy to report (for high definition) that on nearly every visit since Christmas I see people buying Blu-Ray discs (and handfuls at that). I haven't seen anyone buy an HD-DVD disc, though statistics indicate they are selling. This is no doubt due to Sony's PS3. At this point, it seems that all Blu-Ray need to do to end the war is get some of the non-PS3 players down below $500 (and soon) to end Toshiba's dominance in that area.
1/22/2007 9:33:59 AM
CES FAN!!!
Another point to add about CES.... I think CES highlighted that the marketplace is vastly different from the 1980s...that perhaps...yes perhaps...TWO FORMATS can co-exist at the SAME TIME....in another words compared to the VHS-Betamax war of the 80s the number of users (the pie) is larger..much larger than people realize...one that can handle two formats co-existing.....One point i overheard consistently at CES was many ps3 users reluctant to buy a large number of BD titles until the format war is over but again this could have been the media over-hyping this issue.
Lastly...my perception at the show was the media was really making this format war much more of a pressing issue than it really is....over-hyping.......
1/12/2007 10:33:28 AM
Mav
I think it's best to buy both the HD-DVD and Blu-ray player, then you will have the best of both worlds!
1/11/2007 10:04:44 PM
CES FAN!!!
I agree CES was awesome this year...one of the better shows!! My perception was that there was a slight edge to HD-DVD vendors, distributors, and manufacturers at the show HOWEVER everywhere i went Sony kept claiming they won the BD war. That BD player sales were outpacing sales of HDDVD players especially in print materials handed out at the show.
What i thought was especially exciting was all the BD and HD-DVD recorders/burners. Again my perception was that there seemed to be more "working" HD-DVD burners set to hit stores rather than BD...there was even more HD-DVD video editing software demos............ I dont know all the answers, but perhaps HD-DVD is an easier format to work with?????
1/11/2007 6:16:12 PM
Leon
The major studios supporting Blu-ray exclusively are the same studios that are UNDER Sony's command, such as, Disney and Columbia Tri-star. These studios are not supporting HD-DVD because Sony will not allow them to, you know full well that they are aware of the revenue that they will lose by not supporting HD-DVD, so why would they chose to lose this opportunity to generate this extra CASH. This is simply Sony's attempt at "cornering" the market for Hi-def ! ! !
1/11/2007 4:04:26 PM
Eddie
Based on early reports the combo player was a Blu-Ray player that LG then decided to add HD-DVD compabilities too. Because of this it has no problem with BD-JAVA but does have a problem with iHD on HD-DVD, which means the interactive features of HD-DVD will not work in the machine, it will just play the movie. It will be interesting to see how LG comments on this. A true combo machine should be able to play all features of both formats. To me the Warner Total HD discs seem the best option for everyone.
1/11/2007 1:25:24 PM
Shaun Rowland
Trouble is the combo player from LG appears to be even more expensive than a stand-alone Blu-Ray Player. And when I tell you that the Panasonic Blu-Ray player just launched in the UK costs £1300 (about $2500) you'll understand how attractive an option that is !
