The New York Times checks back in on the Blu-ray vs. HD DVD clash today. The article asks the question: "What if nobody wins the high-definition DVD format wars?"
Major update: Warner goes Blu-ray.
The two camps (Blu-ray and HD DVD) are victims of their own earlier success with DVD. The standard DVDs offered a quantum leap in quality from the picture and sound of VHS videotape, and for many that was more than adequate.In addition, DVD players that can convert images to near high-definition quality can be found for under $100, hundreds less than a true high-definition DVD player, further reducing the urgency to upgrade to one of the new formats.
An NPD study of high-def formats (reported here a few months ago) is cited as proof that most consumers are sitting this one out. "This may emerge as a premium, luxury item, not a successor to DVD," said Ross Rubin, director for industry analysis at NPD.
The Times article won't be news to those who've been following this nonsensical format war, but it's a good read.
My advice for those ready to buy remains: Look at which studios are using which format. Go look at your DVDs and see if any studios stand out. Or think about which film franchises you might like to collect. For example, Disney is solidly Blu-ray. If you enjoy classic animation or have kids, go Blu. If your interests are in older TV shows, consider HD DVD, with Paramount and Universal cranking out the sitcoms.
Either format's players will do a great job of up-converting your DVDs -- or you can buy an Oppo player --ensuring you'll still have better images for movies not available in your HD format.
Don't worry. Be happy. As in happy new year.
I think I fall into the Blu-Ray camp, but that doesn't change the fact that I just don't have the money to convert my entire collection. It'll take years for people to adjust, and I honestly hope that high-def, of any brand, doesn't become the new standard.
Posted by: Liz | January 01, 2008 at 08:41 PM
That sentiment is spot on. As a movie buff and technology geek, I am on the fence waiting until this is over, or for the next big thing. Hell, I'm already on my second HDTV now and I still watch regular DVD.
Posted by: DVD Dweeb | January 03, 2008 at 12:07 PM
You're right when you say that they're a victim of their earlier success. The majority of people are more than happy with the picture quality of a DVD on a standard definition TV. With upscaling DVD players and HDTVs making their way into most households, and with the affordability of DVDs now, where is the incentive to buy Blu-Ray? I have a Panasonic Viera 32" and have watched a few Blu-Ray movies on my PS3. I can categorically say that I see no discernible difference between an upscaled DVD and a Blu-Ray disc. So what's the point?
Posted by: Lawrence Newman | July 02, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Lawrence: I agree to an extent. Certainly I have watched movies on Blu-ray that are no great shakes and then run the standard def DVD upconverted and seen no real difference.
But a great HD movie can take your breath away, such as "The Other Boleyn Girl," which was shot in HD. Plus, Blu-ray gives the studio a reason to revisit their earlier work and improve it, regardless of format.
Some Blu-ray jobs certainly seem indifferent, much like the first swarm of catalog CDs back in the '80s. Upconverters are the great undiscovered (cheap) product out there. My Blu-ray machine upconverts like magic. Thanks for the comment, look forward to your next one.
Posted by: Glenn Abel | July 02, 2008 at 03:20 PM