It's officially official, Toshiba discontinues HD DVD!

[Superhero Hype!]

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=42144

[Dodger]

Dam I feel bad for my friend who bought an HD-DVD player a month ago. lol. Glad I didn't choose a side.

[Lightning Strykez!]

Whoa....

[Speedball]

LOL! I chose the right side...BWAHAHAHA!!!

[04nbod]

*cuddles VHS*

[Manic]

*cuddles VHS*
Beta, damnit!

[Shoemeister]

Beta, damnit!

Agreed.

[JP]

LOL! I chose the right side...BWAHAHAHA!!!

Me too! :woot:

[Jerry!]

Thank god this bull**** is finally over. Man. Now to see Blu Ray slowly fade away...

[November Rain]

there's no way i'm getting rid of all my dvds for any other format.

I'm done with this dribble.

If i want to experience real life colours, i'll just turn the tv off....

now if you bring out a dvd which can store, 20 odd different movies on it, you will then have my attention.

it's always been about quantity rather than quality for me.

[Jerry!]

That's why I think Blu Ray ultimately may share a similar fate. The general population just isn't really going to see the need to upgrade just yet.

[bullets]

well that sucks for anyone who spent money on this crap . I bought the xbox hd-dvd player , anyone wanna buy it?

[Immortalfire]

Excellent, glad I didn't bother with it either way.

[Symbiotic]

That's why I think Blu Ray ultimately may share a similar fate. The general population just isn't really going to see the need to upgrade just yet.Which format do you support?

[Spider-Man Luvr28]

Regular DVDs FTW!

[Rocker22]

The war has been won!

[Darthphere]

Is there a parade?

[Erzengel]

And I already pimped out my winnebago with a HD-DVD player. :csad:

[Mee]

Goood. Gooooood.

[amazingfantasy15]

That's why I think Blu Ray ultimately may share a similar fate. The general population just isn't really going to see the need to upgrade just yet.

That's what I've been saying the whole time. Neither Blu-Ray or HD-DVD is/was going to catch on with the general population like VHS/DVDs did. Blu-Ray will go the way of laserdisc, maybe a little more sucessful because of the PS3, but still it won't be mainstream. The next format is gonna be downloads.

[Erzengel]

I don't know I see DVDs, popular ones going down to under $5.00. It reminds me of VHS when DVDs were coming in.

[Super Kal]

makes me glad I never chose a side

[Immortalfire]

This is my personal preference, babe.

http://www.rewindmuseum.com/images3/laserdisc.gif

Though I wonder why I can't locate Spidey or Batman Begins for it :huh:

[Fran]

I have both :o I'll continue to use my HD-DVD player for my 360. I hate the people that are like, "Well if the war's over, why use the technology :huh:" Like it won't still be okay to use :whatever:

Microsoft won out, IMO... they didn't waste millions investing HD-DVD drives INTO their 360s. Sony spent millions risking it all on Blu-ray, and although they did win the format war, they lost a lot of money that will take a while to recover. Now Microsoft can just release a BR add-on or make BR-drive consoles.

[Ice-man]

well theres two things Sony could do...

since they own the patents for br, they can be all greedy and keep their technology for themselves forcing Microsoft to stick with dvd.

or Sony could have Microsoft pay them millions in investing in their technology.

of course Sonys gonna take the money, but it would be very funny if they stooped down to an immature you cant have it method.

[Krypton Girl]

At least I got the dual player so it didn't matter who won! :D

[Speedball]

At least I got the dual player so it didn't matter who won! :D
LOL!
That was a smart idea.:woot:

[Fran]

I heard the dual players weren't really that good :huh:

[Fran]

well theres two things Sony could do...

since they own the patents for br, they can be all greedy and keep their technology for themselves forcing Microsoft to stick with dvd.

or Sony could have Microsoft pay them millions in investing in their technology.

of course Sonys gonna take the money, but it would be very funny if they stooped down to an immature you cant have it method.

Sony isn't that dumb. Microsoft and Sony may be rivals, but trust me, they've been talking about this for a long time.

Sony needs Windows for its operating systems in its computers, correct? :cwink: It's a two-way street here... if Sony acts up about MS wanting Blu-ray, MS could just say "Stop putting Windows in your computers, we're taking back our contract with you."

If Sony's smart, they'll let MS join in. And it WILL happen.

[kane9321]

glad its over

[Krypton Girl]

I heard the dual players weren't really that good :huh:

There was a hardware upgrade, they're fine. :)

[The Lizard]

makes me glad I never chose a side

Yep, it's going to be a moot point before too long anyway thanks to HD digital downloads on demand.

[Super Kal]

There was a hardware upgrade, they're fine. :)
how much do they go for these days?

[Fran]

The dual players are more expensive since you're getting two formats.

[Bubonic]

Haha, good on me.

[Matt]

I don't know I see DVDs, popular ones going down to under $5.00. It reminds me of VHS when DVDs were coming in.

I don't think so. The technological jump is not big enough to warrant a switch in format, when mainstream DVD fewing is really, less than a decade old. People who have invested in DVD players and countless DVDs aren't going to go out and buy Blu-Ray players and Blu-Ray DVDs for a tiny jump in color. It just isn't worth it to anyone outside of tech junkies, I think.

[StorminNorman]

I have both :o I'll continue to use my HD-DVD player for my 360. I hate the people that are like, "Well if the war's over, why use the technology :huh:" Like it won't still be okay to use :whatever:

Microsoft won out, IMO... they didn't waste millions investing HD-DVD drives INTO their 360s. Sony spent millions risking it all on Blu-ray, and although they did win the format war, they lost a lot of money that will take a while to recover. Now Microsoft can just release a BR add-on or make BR-drive consoles.

No - Sony wins out.

There move was brilliant.

They can afford to take a hit on the PS3 because they not only supported Blu Ray - they ARE Blu Ray.

That is why Microsoft didn't bother putting HD-DVD drives in their 360's. The technology wasn't theres. They didn't really benefit from HD winning out (outside of the whole "enemy of my enemy is my friend" bit).

[Erzengel]

I don't think so. The technological jump is not big enough to warrant a switch in format, when mainstream DVD fewing is really, less than a decade old. People who have invested in DVD players and countless DVDs aren't going to go out and buy Blu-Ray players and Blu-Ray DVDs for a tiny jump in color. It just isn't worth it to anyone outside of tech junkies, I think.

No but DVDs didn't necessarily hit the ground running too.

Just saying that it kinda mimics the late 90s when I saw VHS slowly going down in price.

[amazingfantasy15]

I don't know I see DVDs, popular ones going down to under $5.00. It reminds me of VHS when DVDs were coming in.

DVDs are a lot less expensive to make than VHS. Also it's been like that for awhile, the stores know most people buy these within the first few months they're out, then they discount them big time to get the late comers in the store, hoping they'll buy a bigger ticket item while they're there.

[Fran]

Obviously more than just tech junkies care, because Blu-ray is selling very well. It was kicking HD-DVD's ass basically the whole time.

[StorminNorman]

I don't think so. The technological jump is not big enough to warrant a switch in format, when mainstream DVD fewing is really, less than a decade old. People who have invested in DVD players and countless DVDs aren't going to go out and buy Blu-Ray players and Blu-Ray DVDs for a tiny jump in color. It just isn't worth it to anyone outside of tech junkies, I think.

Yet people are willing to spend thousands of dollars for that same "jump in color" for an HDTV.

Blu Ray isn't trying to appeal (yet) to the universal market. It appeals to anyone that buys an HDTV.

I don't see someone spending a thousand dollar's on an HDTV and passing on a Blu Ray player because they don't care if their DVD's are top quality.

[Fran]

No - Sony wins out.

There move was brilliant.

They can afford to take a hit on the PS3 because they not only supported Blu Ray - they ARE Blu Ray.

That is why Microsoft didn't bother putting HD-DVD drives in their 360's. The technology wasn't theres. They didn't really benefit from HD winning out (outside of the whole "enemy of my enemy is my friend" bit).

Sony wins from the standpoint of format, yes. But monetarily wise, MS saved a bunch, and can USE that saved money to put into Blu-ray.

It wasn't a BRILLIANT move, Norman... that's a bad choice of words.

[KALEL114]

I don't think so. The technological jump is not big enough to warrant a switch in format, when mainstream DVD fewing is really, less than a decade old. People who have invested in DVD players and countless DVDs aren't going to go out and buy Blu-Ray players and Blu-Ray DVDs for a tiny jump in color. It just isn't worth it to anyone outside of tech junkies, I think.

Have you seen a movie in HD on a HDTV? It is more than a change in color. People do not have to get rid of the DVD's if they get a Blu-ray player, because every player upconverts the DVD's you have. I am not saying that it will replace DVD's anytime soon , but it will be right there with DVD's in a couple of years especially with the prices going down on HDTV's.

[StorminNorman]

Also - I think the yet to be tapped potential comes in the disk size.

You can fit 5 DVD's on one Blu Ray.

There have been talks of kiosks in malls, stores, etc. that would allow you to pick 5 movies and then burn them on to a Blu Ray disk for a cheap price. I could see those become huge hits and really expanding the medium.

[Fran]

Regular DVDs play in both HD-DVD and Blu-ray players... you did know that, Matt?

[Matt]

Yet people are willing to spend thousands of dollars for that same "jump in color" for an HDTV.

Blu Ray isn't trying to appeal (yet) to the universal market. It appeals to anyone that buys an HDTV.

I don't see someone spending a thousand dollar's on an HDTV and passing on a Blu Ray player because they don't care if their DVD's are top quality.

The difference between a regular TV and an HDTV was vast. It was pretty much like the jump between DVD and VHS. I bought an HDTV and didn't care about a blu-ray or HD-DVD player.

[StorminNorman]

Sony wins from the standpoint of format, yes. But monetarily wise, MS saved a bunch, and can USE that saved money to put into Blu-ray.

It wasn't a BRILLIANT move, Norman... that's a bad choice of words.

MS saved a bunch because they had no horse in the race. When you don't risk anything, you don't gain anything.

Sony's move WAS brilliant. Because it paid off. By getting Blu Ray into the homes of millions with the PS3, on top of the sales of individual players, created a market than HD DVD could not match.

With Blu-Ray winning the format war, Sony can afford to lose the console war.

[Fran]

Also - I think the yet to be tapped potential comes in the disk size.

You can fit 5 DVD's on one Blu Ray.

There have been talks of kiosks in malls, stores, etc. that would allow you to pick 5 movies and then burn them on to a Blu Ray disk for a cheap price. I could see those become huge hits and really expanding the medium.

Meh, not a big deal to me... it'll be a novelty.

And I never got over people crapping their pants over the Casino Royale BR being 50 GB. Who really cares? :huh: If it was a game, sure.

Also, not brilliant :o A good move, but it was in doubt for a little while.

[Matt]

Regular DVDs play in both HD-DVD and Blu-ray players... you did know that, Matt?

Of course I knew it, I still have absolutely no interest in buying one. The technological advancement isn't big enough for me. If I bought one, I would never bother spending the extra money to buy Blu-rays over regular DVDs because the difference in picture quality just doesn't warrant it for me. Therefore, whats the point?

[Eggyman]

The difference between a regular TV and an HDTV was vast. It was pretty much like the jump between DVD and VHS. I bought an HDTV and didn't care about a blu-ray or HD-DVD player.

Same. I do kinda care, but not enough at the moment :word:

[StorminNorman]

The difference between a regular TV and an HDTV was vast. It was pretty much like the jump between DVD and VHS. I bought an HDTV and didn't care about a blu-ray or HD-DVD player.

I have found the jump from DVD quality to Blu Ray quality on an HDTV to be almost the same jump.

[Matt]

I have found the jump from DVD quality to Blu Ray quality on an HDTV to be almost the same jump.

Really? I've watched bluray on HDTVs and really didn't see it as that big of an improvement.

[Fran]

The BR color's bug me... they don't seem as vibrant as HD-DVDs are.

I hope that they can improve on this since everyone will switch to the technology.

Now I can't wait to see Jurassic Park on Blu-ray :up:

[Fran]

Really? I've watched bluray on HDTVs and really didn't see it as that big of an improvement.

It's not so much just the colors... you get a wider picture than you do with regular DVDs, along with more crisp sound.

[StorminNorman]

Really? I've watched bluray on HDTVs and really didn't see it as that big of an improvement.

I really noticed it when I started watching movies on Blu Ray (Casino Royale, 300, for example) and then started watching them on regular DVD on the same TV.

There was a real downgrade.

[StorminNorman]

Children of Men needs to get on Blu Ray. NOW.

[KALEL114]

I really noticed it when I started watching movies on Blu Ray (Casino Royale, 300, for example) and then started watching them on regular DVD on the same TV.

There was a real downgrade.
Exactly. I was about to say the same thing.

[hippy fascist]

The difference between a regular TV and an HDTV was vast. It was pretty much like the jump between DVD and VHS. I bought an HDTV and didn't care about a blu-ray or HD-DVD player.

Please get a clue what you're talking about

The difference between HDTV and regular TV is vast but Blu-ray vs DVD isn't...

You do realise that your HDTV isn't actually dsiplaying an HD picture without an HD input. Which means that your standard def titles will still be in SD

You can upscale but really it's not the same. Take it from someone who's actually watched around 80 movies in HD

Please, get some experience before making sweeping statements about something you don't understand in future.

Thanks

[hippy fascist]

It's not so much just the colors... you get a wider picture than you do with regular DVDs, along with more crisp sound.

Not only that but fine detail is improved substantially

You also get hi def extras such PiP and Web enabled features (assuming you bought HD DVD or a ps3...)

[amazingfantasy15]

Of course I knew it, I still have absolutely no interest in buying one. The technological advancement isn't big enough for me. If I bought one, I would never bother spending the extra money to buy Blu-rays over regular DVDs because the difference in picture quality just doesn't warrant it for me. Therefore, whats the point?

Exactly how I feel, the jump in quality isn't enough. Plus, a big factor in DVDs becoming the dominate format was besides better picture and sound, was also the special features you started getting, is that going to be improved on as well, I really don't see how it can be. I still say the next mainstream format will be downloads, not Blu-Ray.

[Kipobe]

You guys seriously have no idea how the commercial empire works... do you? As long as there is better out there, someone will buy it despite the cost. Millionaires and celebs will "have" to have it. Their lifestyle is seen by billions of people... and is adored... before long, it's caught on like wildfire. It may not be now, but it will be one day. As the technology gets cheaper, more are on board. And with the PS3 having the format as a standard, millions have already made the switch... so this isn't that big of a shock.

Digital streaming/downloads... well, I don't deny that will make the industry take a hit... but no more than CDs have taken a backseat to music downloads. They're not really even secondary yet, I believe. Ipods and MP3 players make streaming audio more preferable... but the fact is, people still buy CDs. It's like saying e-mail has put the Post Office out of business. Again, it's taken a hit... but it's not done.

People will always want tangible media software, and not always self-produced. As downloads/streaming media increases, they make take a second place, but there will still be somewhat of a market for them, for now and some years to come.

[hippy fascist]

Exactly how I feel, the jump in quality isn't enough. Plus, a big factor in DVDs becoming the dominate format was besides better picture and sound, was also the special features you started getting, is that going to be improved on as well, I really don't see how it can be. I still say the next mainstream format will be downloads, not Blu-Ray.

Yes actually

Blu-ray's feature gimped at the moment

But with HD DVD you've had picture in picture comentaries, web enabled features, community screenings,etc, etc.

[KALEL114]

I still say the next mainstream format will be downloads, not Blu-Ray.

Downloads are at least 7-10 years away from ever being mainstream. If they become mainstream at all. Bandwidth world wide would have to be large enough to support it. And with company's like Time Warner beginning to restrict bandwidth, it doesn't look good.

[hippy fascist]

not to mention how patchy typical broadband providers are

I'm currently paying for a 20gig connection and we clocked it at 3.7gig the other day.

The beauty about physical media is the devices will be the same the world over. The same cannot be said for internet connections. Some people in Japan have 100gig connections while in britian the average is 1-2gig top speed.

You need to have a standard and 2gig certianly ain't enough for HD downloads.

[amazingfantasy15]

You guys seriously have no idea how the commercial empire works... do you? As long as there is better out there, someone will buy it despite the cost. Millionaires and celebs will "have" to have it. Their lifestyle is seen by billions of people... and is adored... before long, it's caught on like wildfire. It may not be now, but it will be one day. As the technology gets cheaper, more are on board. And with the PS3 having the format as a standard, millions have already made the switch... so this isn't that big of a shock.

Digital streaming/downloads... well, I don't deny that will make the industry take a hit... but no more than CDs have taken a backseat to music downloads. They're not really even secondary yet, I believe. Ipods and MP3 players make streaming audio more preferable... but the fact is, people still buy CDs. It's like saying e-mail has put the Post Office out of business. Again, it's taken a hit... but it's not done.

People will always want tangible media software, and not always self-produced. As downloads/streaming media increases, they make take a second place, but there will still be somewhat of a market for them, for now and some years to come.

Try telling that to the makers of Laserdisc...

[Immortalfire]

And I already pimped out my winnebago with a HD-DVD player. :csad:

Road trip! :woot:

[Kipobe]

Try telling that to the makers of Laserdisc...

Laserdisc's demise was due to DVD, not the consumer alone. That's like saying, 'try telling that to the makers of betamax'.

:down

[Shuley]

Regular DVDs FTW!
Once you watch a movie in HD, you don't wanna go back.

[Drakon]

"Ahem, Silent Bob and I would like to annouce that we're offically hanging out in front of these stores again, offically.


Oh, also, Snootch to the Nootch."

[Downhere]

Once you watch a movie in HD, you don't wanna go back.

This is true. :yay: There's just a crispness to it, better details, colors, depth. The more I watch High Definition material the more DVD's look like crap. Now, there are some DVD's that do relatively well upconverted, but they are few and far between.

[BMM]

I think Blu-Ray will be around for a while. Sure, HD downloads may be the future, but that's not going to replace my need to want a tangible version of something I really like and in the best quality available.

[StrainedEyes]

I have an HD DVD player and have watched a bunch of HD DVDs and while on most there is a definite difference, it really isn't thaaat big of a deal.

I am more than happy buying regular DVDs and having them upconverted. There is a difference between DVD and HD, but it's really not something that most people would care about.

But, with HDDVD slowly dyeing I will be more than happy to cash in on the discounted movies. :cwink:

[Krypton Girl]

how much do they go for these days?

I don't remember how much we payed for our dual player. $600? :huh:

[Kipobe]

I think Blu-Ray will be around for a while. Sure, HD downloads may be the future, but that's not going to replace my need to want a tangible version of something I really like and in the best quality available.

I liked this post better when I said it last week.

[Arkady Rossovich]

there's no way i'm getting rid of all my dvds for any other format.

I'm done with this dribble.

If i want to experience real life colours, i'll just turn the tv off.....

In the end,that's what it boils down to. Go outside and see nature for yourself. I personally thought HD would win. This is a huge shock.:wow:

[JohnRico]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDs5ZvJKhhk

[Kipobe]

It seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never knowing who to cling to
When the rain set in
And I would have liked to have known you
But I was just a kid
Your candle burned out long before
Your legend ever did

:(

[bullets]

I have an HD DVD player and have watched a bunch of HD DVDs and while on most there is a definite difference, it really isn't thaaat big of a deal.

I am more than happy buying regular DVDs and having them upconverted. There is a difference between DVD and HD, but it's really not something that most people would care about.

But, with HDDVD slowly dyeing I will be more than happy to cash in on the discounted movies. :cwink:


I plan to buy the hd/dvds for cheap . I think it will be worth it,

[RedIsNotBlue]

Really? I've watched bluray on HDTVs and really didn't see it as that big of an improvement.

Well there are alot of factors to consider. What was the movie? What was the setup? What was the size of the screen? I see people make this statement all the time and I just know something in the experience was off. Another big part of Blu-ray is its uncompressed audio but you need a receiver capable of decoding it. All of you need to come to my house and watch Casino Royale with me on my setup and you WILL see a big improvement trust me.

[Tron5000]

Well there are alot of factors to consider. What was the movie? What was the setup? What was the size of the screen? I see people make this statement all the time and I just know something in the experience was off. Another big part of Blu-ray is its uncompressed audio but you need a receiver capable of decoding it. All of you need to come to my house and watch Casino Royale with me on my setup and you WILL see a big improvement trust me.

Word. :up: Casino Royale was the first Blu-Ray I watched, and I was blown away. Been hooked ever since.

[WorthyStevens]

Really? I've watched bluray on HDTVs and really didn't see it as that big of an improvement.

Watch Shoot 'Em Up on Blu-Ray. The picture and audio are outstanding.