Looks like a pile on this week.






UPDATE! Secaucus, N.J. — Joseph Taylor, executive VP/COO of Panasonic Corporation of North America, said Blu-ray has won the HD disc format battle and indicated while the company is still solidly behind plasma, LCD may get more attention.

Those were just two of the issues Taylor discussed in an exclusive one-on-one interview with TWICE, the first since the 25-year Panasonic Industrial Company veteran took on his new job earlier this year.

Concerning Blu-ray and HD DVD, Taylor commented, "I'm giving a very politically incorrect answer. I think the battle is over. I think Blu-ray has won."

He said there are two "determining factor[s] ... Who did the content providers select? At the moment, overwhelmingly, the content providers have selected Blu-ray. What are consumers buying? Since the beginning of the year content [sales have been] almost two to one for Blu-ray."

Taylor added, "There may be some noise for a little while, but in the end I think Blu-ray will be the technology that wins the battle."

With so much of Panasonic's emphasis on plasma in the last few years, when asked if the company is comfortable being the leading plasma TV market share leader, while surveys show a trend towards LCD in flat-panels, Taylor remarked, "We are never comfortable and hope we never become comfortable (with the status quo). Really the marketplace will decide which flat panel they prefer."

He noted, "We are in a unique position because we just don't just provide plasma but LCD. In this unique position we can do what our customers need us to do."

In discussing Panasonic's emphasis on plasma in recent years, Taylor said plasma is the centerpiece of the company’s strategy to drive sales of high definition devices but, "We are not just pushing plasma ... We are saying 'flat panel' because we are also a major manufacturer of LCD products as well."

http://www.twice.com/index.asp?layo...cleID=CA6453379

Of course I agree with him but really, what else is he going to say?

Yawn

Well, he is giving KUDOS to his arch enemy Sony...So..I guess this means no Panasonic for HD DVD. Ever.

Isn't Panasonic on the board of the BDA?

Zzzzzzzzzz

Sony may have initiated the BD push years ago, but don't underestimate what IP Matushita/Panasonic holds in the basic BD itself. I sometimes wonder who has more patents in the BD format, and most of the time, it is difficult to tell.

Panasonic is also the current market share leader for Recordable BD in Japan, but many here seem to think it's all Sony. Given how difficult a new technology like BD is to commercialize, I suspect that without matsushita engineers, Sony would have had a much more difficult time trying to make it work. In the end, who owns a bigger slice of the BD technology IP pie? Does anyone really know?

Well, he is giving KUDOS to his arch enemy Sony...So..I guess this means no Panasonic for HD DVD. Ever.
Huh? He gave Kudos to Sony? Did I miss that part?

I see another BDA company reiterates the "BR won the format war" line. If the war is won, why do they feel the need to talk about it. I think they are trying to convince themselves the war is over. More likely they are trying to convince the huddled masses who are asking "Why do I need to pay them double for that format when this format costs much less and delivers the same?"

If they "pile on" this week what will they have for the masses next week? Same line again?

I see another BDA company reiterates the "BR won the format war" line.
I challenge you to find one other quote where any BDA company has said that. I don't mean sensational articles by authors or bloggers, but actual quotes or press releases from BD companies. I haven't found one until now.

Up until now all I have seen is them say they will EVENTUALLY win. This is the first that I have seen that one of them has actually said the war is over so I think this is big.

BD loses momentum between Q1 and Q2. HD DVD picks up 40% of software sales and 60% of HD set top boxes....and the COO of Panasonic says he is being politically incorrect! I am afraid he knows he is lieing through his teeth :)

Panasonic saying Blu-ray has won the war has as much validity as beatboy saying a 'major announcement' was coming today. What did we get? The promise of "Sleeping Beauty" for 2008 and info on another less-than-AAA movie making its BD debut. thebland, it's a pile-on only when the body slams carry weight behind them; a Panny suit praising BD has as much weight as a feather inside the sinking Titanic. :rolleyes:

BTW, how come Andy Parsons and Bill Hunt haven't weighed in with their "opinions" on the well orchestrated week of media hype Blu-ray's been having? I can't wait for these two to spew BDA propaganda so this week is finally complete.

No matter what Blu-Ray or HD-DVD proponents post or say in articles, it will always be refuted, denied or ignored by followers and fans of the opposite system.

Short of one group announcing that they are folding publicly - commenting on these threads is purely for entertainment and speculation.

BD loses momentum between Q1 and Q2. HD DVD picks up 40% of software sales and 60% of HD set top boxes....and the COO of Panasonic says he is being politically incorrect! I am afraid he knows he is lieing through his teeth :)

When you say 40% of software sales, what is the 40% of? All HD optical disc sales? If so, how is that gaining momentum? If you're referring to something else, please clarify.

Of course HD-DVD fanatics will spew that it means nothing, just like the PS3 will have zero effect, just like the blockbuster news isn't bad new, BD50 is science fiction, etc etc etc.. Keep it coming :p

I challenge you to find one other quote where any BDA company has said that. I don't mean sensational articles by authors or bloggers, but actual quotes or press releases from BD companies. I haven't found one until now.

Up until now all I have seen is them say they will EVENTUALLY win. This is the first that I have seen that one of them has actually said the war is over so I think this is big.

Challenge accepted.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/08/blu-ray-disc-association-declares-victory-over-hd-dvd/


and another ...

http://www.blu-raydisc.com/assets/downloadablefile/Consumers-Overwhelmingly-Choose-_Blu_-13646.pdf

Challenge accepted.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/08/blu-ray-disc-association-declares-victory-over-hd-dvd/
That's actually a sensationalist article written from this press release (http://digital50.com/news/items/BW/2001/07/14/20070108006546/consumers-overwhelmingly-choose-blu.html). But I concede they did say "The Blu-ray Disc Association today declared its victory as the premiere high definition DVD format of choice" so I guess the war is over is pretty close to that.

That's actually a sensationalist article written from this press release (http://digital50.com/news/items/BW/2001/07/14/20070108006546/consumers-overwhelmingly-choose-blu.html). But I concede they did say "The Blu-ray Disc Association today declared its victory as the premiere high definition DVD format of choice" so I guess the war is over is pretty close to that.


They are all sensationalist articles designed to confuse the masses into believing something that is not true.

The format war is over when once side stops producing products.

these kind of posts are rather pointless. When a HD DVD company makes an announcement the BD supporters come and do the same as the HD DVD supporters are doing.

Furthermore, what else can he say.

Here are a couple of clips from HMM on the Format War.

According to Digital Entertainment Group research, there are currently about 300,000 HD DVD players in the U.S. market, split in half between set-top boxes and Xbox 360s. There are 1.5 million Blu-ray players, with only 100,000 set-top boxes being counted among those. The rest are PlayStation 3s.


So, BDs advantage at the current time is largely due to the PS3, and not because consumers have necessarily adopted BD as the HDM of choice. If that were the case, more set top boxes would have been sold.


Also, according to DEG research, consumers have spent $35 million on Blu-ray software thus far in 2007, as opposed to $19 million on HD DVD product.


If the war is over, it was decided based on peanuts. Those figures ought to worry everyone. Roughly $55 million in 6 months is not promising folks, not promising at all. If BD supporters count this as a win, I guess drowning second is winning in a way.

The war is not over and it won't be until one side stops production. A comment like that from a BD suporting manufaturer is a bit silly. He should have said that BD is winning the war and that at this point a victory looks inevitable.

Ok now things starting to become quite clear.

'Cheap' Sony standalone released, BloBust anouncement on a Sunday. Now this pr crap from a panasonic spokesman.

BDA is on a pr offensive.

The BloBust announcement ***IS*** a deal. If this is true it shows the low morality of the BDA by attempting to deny HD DVD supporters from easily available rentals and stepping up the FUD campain.

Counting down to the next BDA bowl movement.

Impressive, Blu-Ray has now won the format war 3 times in less than 6 months. I wonder how many times they can win it in a year? :confused:

To be honest though, I think that Blu-Ray needs to step up their game and start winning the format war at least once a month! :p

Looks like a pile on this week.






UPDATE! Secaucus, N.J. — Joseph Taylor, executive VP/COO of Panasonic Corporation of North America, said Blu-ray has won the HD disc format battle and indicated while the company is still solidly behind plasma, LCD may get more attention.

Those were just two of the issues Taylor discussed in an exclusive one-on-one interview with TWICE, the first since the 25-year Panasonic Industrial Company veteran took on his new job earlier this year.

Concerning Blu-ray and HD DVD, Taylor commented, "I'm giving a very politically incorrect answer. I think the battle is over. I think Blu-ray has won."

He said there are two "determining factor[s] ... Who did the content providers select? At the moment, overwhelmingly, the content providers have selected Blu-ray. What are consumers buying? Since the beginning of the year content [sales have been] almost two to one for Blu-ray."

Taylor added, "There may be some noise for a little while, but in the end I think Blu-ray will be the technology that wins the battle."

With so much of Panasonic's emphasis on plasma in the last few years, when asked if the company is comfortable being the leading plasma TV market share leader, while surveys show a trend towards LCD in flat-panels, Taylor remarked, "We are never comfortable and hope we never become comfortable (with the status quo). Really the marketplace will decide which flat panel they prefer."

He noted, "We are in a unique position because we just don't just provide plasma but LCD. In this unique position we can do what our customers need us to do."

In discussing Panasonic's emphasis on plasma in recent years, Taylor said plasma is the centerpiece of the company’s strategy to drive sales of high definition devices but, "We are not just pushing plasma ... We are saying 'flat panel' because we are also a major manufacturer of LCD products as well."

http://www.twice.com/index.asp?layo...cleID=CA6453379

No way!

I taught the war is over months ago?

If the war is over, it was decided based on peanuts. Those figures ought to worry everyone.
I don't think the war is over. Does any objective person really?

And I certainly don't think HD-DVD is dead. But I think it looks like BD has the momentum and I don't see it changing any time soon.

Repeat the same lie often enough and people begin to believe it....

Personally I think they are "whistling past the graveyard"

a 250 HD player should scare the bejeebers out of the Unholy 3 (Pioneer, Panasonic and Sony)

Rich,

No I dont think the war is over. Not by a long shot.

Personally, no BD does not have any momentum, and neither does HD DVD - neither format does, and the sales figures clearly indicate that.

If there was any momentum, the sales numbers would be much higher - $35 million in 6 months for the "victor" format is pathetic - heck a C grade DVD probably makes that much in 6 months.

All these announcements on both sides of the isle are, as one poster said, nothing more than PR blitzes designed to generate momentum and visibility. Nothing more.

Repeat the same lie often enough and people begin to believe it....

Personally I think they are "whistling past the graveyard"

a 250 HD player should scare the bejeebers out of the Unholy 3 (Pioneer, Panasonic and Sony)


Yep. 250 blockbusters carrying hd-dvd should slap a big pwned sign on the unholy 3's forehead.

The war is not over and it won't be until one side stops production. A comment like that from a BD suporting manufaturer is a bit silly. He should have said that BD is winning the war and that at this point a victory looks inevitable.

Sony continued producing Betamax decks long after that war was over.

BD loses momentum between Q1 and Q2. HD DVD picks up 40% of software sales and 60% of HD set top boxes....and the COO of Panasonic says he is being politically incorrect! I am afraid he knows he is lieing through his teeth :)

Wow, I must have read this statement 10 times already in various threads...

Of course HD-DVD fanatics will spew that it means nothing, just like the PS3 will have zero effect, just like the blockbuster news isn't bad new, BD50 is science fiction, etc etc etc.. Keep it coming :p

You forgot:

Cheap Wal-mart chinese players

TL51GB disc

a 250 HD player should scare the bejeebers out of the Unholy 3 (Pioneer, Panasonic and Sony)

Why. The price spread for standalone hardware is much narrower than it was even a month ago. The XA2 is only $40 or so cheaper than the Samsung 1200. HD-DVDs advantage in standalones will probably disappear now some standalone BD players cost less than the PS3.

And what is so unholy about those three companies.

Yep. 250 blockbusters carrying hd-dvd should slap a big pwned sign on the unholy 3's forehead.



Rent...at a store who does that? grannies?

In my assessment, the war was over before it started. The recent announcements by large corporations and companies to support Blu Ray exclusively is only the beginning. I still fail to see how Toshiba can win an entire format war being the only manufacturer for their own gear and 1 exclusive studio. I am really surprised at those who feel Toshiba ever had any chance to win.

Ok

How many times is Blu-ray going to win the war this year?

LOL! This brings up memories of Fox at CES saying it's all over. And we know what happened to that 'ardent' BDA supporter.

In my assessment, the war was over before it started. The recent announcements by large corporations and companies to support Blu Ray exclusively is only the beginning. I still fail to see how Toshiba can win an entire format war being the only manufacturer for their own gear and 1 exclusive studio. I am really surprised at those who feel Toshiba ever had any chance to win.

To be fair you do own HD DVD players so it would seem you were hoping for co-existence.

IMHO coexistence is a win for HD DVD because the other option is becoming clearer by the day.

I've owned 3 HD DVD players. I'm in it for content. I only prefer Blu ray as I see that Toshiba cannot win - no matter what. The players are getting better. But regardless of whether they retail for $99 at Walmart by years end, the format is still not going to overcome Blu Ray.

Sony continued producing Betamax decks long after that war was over.

Then it wasn't really over at that point.

Looks like a pile on this week.

Sure looks like a pile to me.

I don't think the war is over. Does any objective person really?

And I certainly don't think HD-DVD is dead. But I think it looks like BD has the momentum and I don't see it changing any time soon.

Agree with all of the above.

BD has more studio support, has sold more BD players and is selling more discs. Kind of hard to argue that HD-DVD is winning at this point.

the bland

In my assessment, the war was over before it started. The recent announcements by large corporations and companies to support Blu Ray exclusively is only the beginning. I still fail to see how Toshiba can win an entire format war being the only manufacturer for their own gear and 1 exclusive studio. I am really surprised at those who feel Toshiba ever had any chance to win.

You and alot of other people had the same view. Alot of people thought the Edsel was a winner too.

That is not to say that HD DVD is going to win, but right now, for all intents and purposes it is a stalement, and a draw.

All the BD supporters like to crow that BD outsells HD DVD 2:1, but when that is $70 million vs. $35 million for an entire year, the studios dont even pay attention. DVD is a $24 billion dollar a year industy, do people think decisions about the future of optical media are going to be made over chump change?

the bland



You and alot of other people had the same view. Alot of people thought the Edsel was a winner too.

That is not to say that HD DVD is going to win, but right now, for all intents and purposes it is a stalement, and a draw.

All the BD supporters like to crow that BD outsells HD DVD 2:1, but when that is $70 million vs. $35 million for an entire year, the studios dont even pay attention. DVD is a $24 billion dollar a year industy, do people think decisions about the future of optical media are going to be made over chump change?

No, the consumer didn't think the edsel was a winner which is why it failed.

Kind of like this, no matter what HD DVD supporters want you to think consumers don't think HD DVD is winning.

Then it wasn't really over at that point.

Not for Sony perhaps, but everyone else thought it was. If you host a party and no guests show up, its not much of a party is it.

Is this the big announcement that was supposed to happen today? That Blu-ray won again? Maybe they should start selling hot air-thy have enough of it.
What a joke!
J

It wouldn't matter today if HD DVD was outselling Blu ray in all catagories. Blu Ray has the CE support, studio support, better technology, more disc space, and major retailers all bought and paid for. Toshiba has....a cheap player that no one wants to sell and no one wants to make movies for. Even Blockbuster, who has nothing to gain in this war, doesn't even want to rent to them.

All the BD supporters like to crow that BD outsells HD DVD 2:1, but when that is $70 million vs. $35 million for an entire year, the studios dont even pay attention. DVD is a $24 billion dollar a year industy, do people think decisions about the future of optical media are going to be made over chump change?


In blockbuster's case, they were. In the studios' cases of deciding whether to go exclusive to one side, to go neutral, or not to release at all, they were.

It's "chump change" currently, but the movie studios, the hardware manufacturers, retailers, etc all are trying to make decisions based on long term prospectives. They don't care about fans supporting one side or another. It's about how to become more profitable now & in the future. Period.

Not for Sony perhaps, but everyone else thought it was. If you host a party and no guests show up, its not much of a party is it.

That really depends on what time I started drinking...

the bland



You and alot of other people had the same view. Alot of people thought the Edsel was a winner too.

That is not to say that HD DVD is going to win, but right now, for all intents and purposes it is a stalement, and a draw.

All the BD supporters like to crow that BD outsells HD DVD 2:1, but when that is $70 million vs. $35 million for an entire year, the studios dont even pay attention. DVD is a $24 billion dollar a year industy, do people think decisions about the future of optical media are going to be made over chump change?

I'd guess that they are paying attention just as BB has been and other places...

"Starz to go Blu " (http://www.homemediaretailing.com/news/html/breaking_article.cfm?sec_id=2&&article_ID=10786)

"Exoptron Limited Announces Blu-ray Exclusivity" (http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=269)

That really depends on what time I started drinking...

LOL, now that I can agree with you on :D

In blockbuster's case, they were. In the studios' cases of deciding whether to go exclusive to one side, to go neutral, or not to release at all, they were.

It's "chump change" currently, but the movie studios, the hardware manufacturers, retailers, etc all are trying to make decisions based on long term prospectives. They don't care about fans supporting one side or another. It's about how to become more profitable now & in the future. Period.

Just to reiterate, the point is to end the war now to greatly increase adoption of the new format in the future.

Wheres V for Vendetta, Batman begins, The Matrix, and Constantine for Blu ray? HD DVD has more exclusive studios than BD right now.

Not for Sony perhaps, but everyone else thought it was. If you host a party and no guests show up, its not much of a party is it.

So it's over when everyone thinks it is? If that's the case then the war will never be over.

Folks in Detroit should know that having more models, more dealers and selling more cars does not translate to success. It comes down to efficiency. Sure Ford sells more cars than Honda, but Honda is a lot more efficient...hence has an advantage. Ford can subsidize their product all they want to keep sales high (remember Ford never sold a lot of cars, but a lot of trucks and SUV - which in the US are counted as cars!). The BDA is doing the same, PS3 is like a good selling truck in a car market - sooner or later they will have to make a good car!

HD DVD has sold 60% of set top players and 40% of software. We don't know yet what the margins or subsidies for both formats are at this point. But in my books, HD DVD looks like the more scalable technology and as long as they can stay in the game in the short term, they will win.

Then it wasn't really over at that point.
But it was...

I see another BDA company reiterates the "BR won the format war" line. If the war is won, why do they feel the need to talk about it. I think they are trying to convince themselves the war is over. More likely they are trying to convince the huddled masses who are asking "Why do I need to pay them double for that format when this format costs much less and delivers the same?"

If they "pile on" this week what will they have for the masses next week? Same line again?This argument is reiterated again and again by some people, but what's wrong with repeating that they have won? There's no harm for those who actually won to declare the victory everytime they have a chance to do PR and let customers and stockholders know the current situation, unlike the losing side.

But in my books, HD DVD looks like the more scalable technology and as long as they can stay in the game in the short term, they will win.

The problem with Detroit, is, like Toshiba, the cars are always sold at fire sale discounts, the costs are high, the margins low, and no one is making money. So, even though they sell a lot of cars, each sale represents a loss of profit. Sounds familiar.

Jiffylush,

No, the consumer didn't think the edsel was a winner which is why it failed.

I never said anything about the consumer. i was referring to all the experts.

The Bland

It wouldn't matter today if HD DVD was outselling Blu ray in all catagories. Blu Ray has the CE support, studio support, better technology, more disc space, and major retailers all bought and paid for.


Corporations have tried to force things before, and it hasnt necessarily worked. Think DIVX.

Even Blockbuster, who has nothing to gain in this war, doesn't even want to rent to them.

That is an intellectually dishonest statement. They will continue to rent HD DVDs in the stores where they currently exist. If they didnt want to rent them, Blockbuster would have pulled them.

Brian,

I'd guess that they are paying attention just as BB has been and other places...

"Starz to go Blu "

"Exoptron Limited Announces Blu-ray Exclusivity"

This is irrelevant to the fact that for a format that was supposed to be stillborn, is still around at a draw a year later.

George, well it looks like we'll just disagree on this one. I without a doubt believe the studios are paying attention.

The problem with Detroit, is, like Toshiba, the cars are always sold at fire sale discounts, the costs are high, the margins low, and no one is making money. So, even though they sell a lot of cars, each sale represents a loss of profit. Sounds familiar.

Sounds like the PS3 to me, except for it being cheap. But that isn't the problem, until stand alone sales increase and out do HD DVD the war will continue on. The movies selling now for blu ray are definitely catered towards the PS3 crowd age group. Look at Planet Earth on Amazon. Why do you think the HD DVD version has been selling so well?

Brian,

Ok, maybe "paying attention" wasnt the right word. What I meant is that the studios are not going to switch positions based on the poor showing of both formats.

Blockbuster is trying to force the issue, because they dont want to dedicate the shelf space to 3 formats.

Again, there just isnt any momentum for either format.

BD supporters have to be worried about trying to start a format based pretty exclusively on a game platform, and they have to worry about the relatively low sales volumes.

HD DVD supporters have to wonder why people arent buying discs, even though the players seem to be selling.

Brian,

Ok, maybe "paying attention" wasnt the right word. What I meant is that the studios are not going to switch positions based on the poor showing of both formats.

Blockbuster is trying to force the issue, because they dont want to dedicate the shelf space to 3 formats.

Again, there just isnt any momentum for either format.

BD supporters have to be worried about trying to start a format based pretty exclusively on a game platform, and they have to worry about the relatively low sales volumes.

HD DVD supporters have to wonder why people arent buying discs, even though the players seem to be selling.

While I disagree with your opinion, at least you do recognize that BOTH sides have their strengths & weaknesses, and how well the formats do is a function of MANY variables, not just "OMG hd-dvd has cheap players, blu studios have to go neutral!" or "Blu-ray has the studio support, that's all that matters!" That's more than can be said about a lot of people here IMO.

The war is not over and it won't be until one side stops production. A comment like that from a BD suporting manufaturer is a bit silly. He should have said that BD is winning the war and that at this point a victory looks inevitable.

In situations of this kind there is often a point at which things clearly turn and the fate is settled, but the process grinds on after that. Often, it is only in retrospect when it is understood.

For example, VHS died in 2006, clearly and distinctly. But is was considerably earlier that the future was clear.

And even today, you can continue to buy new VHS machines and new blank tape. Your criterion about being out of production is much too strict.

A very significant point was when Star Wars III was released on DVD but not on VHS. The following year, VHS prerecorded tape production stopped.

But my guess is that at some earlier point, everyone knew it was just a matter of time.

Brian,
there just isnt any momentum for either format.
Yes, exactly. It's ridiculous to declare a winner at this point. Even if Blu-Ray has won (it hasn't), what exactly has it won? A whole lot of nothing. This war isn't over until either J6P starts buying -- or the retailers give up and take it all off the shelves.

In other news, Toshiba announced they were the consumer's choice despite disc sales being against them.

Companies say whatever companies' agendas allow them to say. Nothing more, nothing less. BD is winning and the BDA will never lose any opportunity to remind everyone of that fact.

It is interesting that the first time the BDA did this, a lot of Redcoats came out of the woodwork to decry it as foul play and not accurate at all. "HD DVD is ahead!" they cried "How can it be HD DVD could fall behind so quickly as that? They've got a 4:1 advantage AND they've got way larger Since Inception numbers!" "The BDA spouts nonsense!"

A month and a half later, the BDA was proven correct. Sales had swung in Blu-ray's favor and the "Since Inception" numbers were quickly surpassed by BD.

If they would do it when they were still behind, but gaining ground, does it really surprise anyone they'd do it now when they're ahead after over a month of Toshiba selling their HD DVD players for $300 (almost half the cost of the BD players) and after months of people saying that the PS3 didn't matter (when its arrival seemed to spur BD sales by a large degree)?

Color me totally not surprised. Doesn't make it accurate, but at least it's consistent.

Toshiba has....a cheap player that no one wants to sell and no one wants to make movies for.

Give us a break...

Is this how "public" sees the whole thing? Blu-ray vs HD DVD: game over
http://blogs.zdnet.com/storage/?p=149

i think i'll post this here, and every where I read.

For any format to be accepted by 'J6P' how you guys like to call them one has to die.

Its that simple. The public has in general gotten smarter and does not want to buy a format that can lose. So once a winner is decided it will be easier for a regular joe to buy a player and not worry. Why would he buy a hd-dvd player right now? every thing to him 'looks' like blu-ray is winning. But even with that he wont buy until its very clear.

-----

as for player cost. sure hd-dvd is cheaper, but for how long? its easier to cut costs from a higher cost product then from dirt cheap.

unless toshiba wants to compete with those cheap china machines that are 'coming', oh wait they already do.

opfreak brings up a good point. Would anyone honestly at this point recommend an hddvd player to their relatives over a Blu-ray player?

opfreak brings up a good point. Would anyone honestly at this point recommend an hddvd player to their relatives over a Blu-ray player?

Would you reccommend a br player knowing that specs and features are not matured because of unfinished specs?

Would you reccommend a br player knowing that specs and features are not matured because of unfinished specs?

I'd recommend the PS3 for sure.

Would you reccommend a br player knowing that specs and features are not matured because of unfinished specs?

Yes, if someone's interest is in actually watching movies and not playing with IME features all night.

opfreak brings up a good point. Would anyone honestly at this point recommend an hddvd player to their relatives over a Blu-ray player?

Well, since we're talking about Panasonic, I know most of my relatives don't have $1,299 to plop down on a movie player. That's for starters.

And none of them want to even put down $500 for one.

That's why.

Impressive, Blu-Ray has now won the format war 3 times in less than 6 months. I wonder how many times they can win it in a year? :confused:

To be honest though, I think that Blu-Ray needs to step up their game and start winning the format war at least once a month! :p

And they will probably win another 3 times in the next 6 months. :D

This PR from Panasonic is pretty useless.

Well, since we're talking about Panasonic, I know most of my relatives don't have $1,299 to plop down on a movie player. That's for starters.


Welcome to last month (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=117050&modelNo=Content05112007092938532&surfModel=Content05112007092938532): the BD10A has an MSRP of $599.95.

Well, since we're talking about Panasonic, I know most of my relatives don't have $1,299 to plop down on a movie player. That's for starters.

And none of them want to even put down $500 for one.

That's why.

How many times were your kind told that Blu-ray player prices would come down quickly? They've dropped amazingly, yet you still don't care. The trend WILL continue too.

No way!

I taught the war is over months ago?

Didn't Sony say the war was just beginning last week. I am so confused? :D

Didn't Sony say the war was just beginning last week. I am so confused? :D

Many in the HD DVD camp now believe that it hasn't started until the chinese players come. It can be pretty confusing.

The war has definitely started.

The thing is, neither side's army has made much ground yet.

Meanwhile, the generals have been making press releases announcing their victory.

In situations of this kind there is often a point at which things clearly turn and the fate is settled, but the process grinds on after that. Often, it is only in retrospect when it is understood.

For example, VHS died in 2006, clearly and distinctly. But is was considerably earlier that the future was clear.

And even today, you can continue to buy new VHS machines and new blank tape. Your criterion about being out of production is much too strict.

A very significant point was when Star Wars III was released on DVD but not on VHS. The following year, VHS prerecorded tape production stopped.

But my guess is that at some earlier point, everyone knew it was just a matter of time.

That matter of time is fall of 07

J6P,

Yes of course, both sides have their strengths and weaknesses. Most things are like that. Of course, that also implies that things aren't as simple as they seem, in spite of what some people would like to believe.

Sisko,

What has BD won? Really, I am not being flip. Sales of both formats are meager at best. Both formats are still being made and sold. Indeed, it seems as if there are more people are buying HD DVD players than BD players, so from one perspective you could say that HD DVD won. But then again, HD DVD owners dont seem to be buying that many discs.

Brian,

thank you so much for that compliment. It was kind and gracious, and shows how much class you also have - even when we dont agree. Howzit BTW?

The format war is over when once side stops producing products.

That's a cop out, HD-DVD could claim it's still alive and kicking 5 years from now when a couple obscure movies a month are released!

Going well George, Thanks. Just enjoying the summer when I'm not at work. Swimming, hiking with the family, etc.. Too nice outside to be cramped inside, if only work was oustide;) Of course there is always time for movies at night at least 1-2 times a week (just got Happy Feet and The Prestige (already had watched Prestige) in the mail). :) I'm not too big on tv aside from Discovery (Deadliest Catch, etc) or animal planet.

How about you? I forgot but were you supposed to move again?

That's a cop out, HD-DVD could claim it's still alive and kicking 5 years from now when a couple obscure movies a month are released!

Well can you still buy a Beta player? Very soon even VHS will be extinct.

It wouldn't matter today if HD DVD was outselling Blu ray in all catagories. Blu Ray has the CE support, studio support, better technology, more disc space, and major retailers all bought and paid for. Toshiba has....a cheap player that no one wants to sell and no one wants to make movies for. Even Blockbuster, who has nothing to gain in this war, doesn't even want to rent to them.

Oh come-on, don't hold back! Tell us how you really feel .... ;)

I like the "bought and paid for", instead of for merit

Brian,

sounds like you are having fun.

As to the move, well all the family is now in Hawaii, and we have started construction on the 2nd floor addition for everyone (Ohana housing as it is called), so everything is a mess, but it should be done by the end of Augus.

Yes, summer's are nice - lots of beach time and boogie boarding (in spite of my age), and barbecues.

Take care.

Thanks you too! Perfect, riding the waves to burn off the bbq! Sounds like a blast. :)

Unlike some people from the HD-DVD camp here who resort to sending me PM's with message's "**** you and the horse you rode in on!" or "watch your back", etc. Seriously some people here have no class here whatsoever and just bring the site down.

there's plenty of classless individuals that champion blu ray here as well. It goes both ways. Honestly half of the threads in the blu/hd-dvd forums read like middle school lunch arguments. Like someone else said earlier in the thread, for the most part the general public doesn't even know about this "war" let alone the blockbuster or panasonic announcements. Some of these threads are like trainwrecks though, you can't help but look and it does kill some downtime at work.

In situations of this kind there is often a point at which things clearly turn and the fate is settled, but the process grinds on after that. Often, it is only in retrospect when it is understood.

For example, VHS died in 2006, clearly and distinctly. But is was considerably earlier that the future was clear.

And even today, you can continue to buy new VHS machines and new blank tape. Your criterion about being out of production is much too strict.

A very significant point was when Star Wars III was released on DVD but not on VHS. The following year, VHS prerecorded tape production stopped.

But my guess is that at some earlier point, everyone knew it was just a matter of time.
VHS reached critical mass to sustain some decent business.

Betamax almost did, but in the end they got stuck in professional editing equipment w/o mass volume.

I think if HD DVD hung around with some hope another two years, it would be like Betamax, but if there is no answer to this body slam from Blockbuster, I suspect HD DVD's fate closer to CED (RCA's selectavision with 100,000 dedicated settop players) than LD which at > 1M players arguably had some limited success.

I do hope that if a title is eventually released in BD, the studios have enough foresight to provide either a 50% off rebate or a direct replacement for hd dvd owners.

How many times were your kind told that Blu-ray player prices would come down quickly? They've dropped amazingly, yet you still don't care. The trend WILL continue too.

And exactly why have they dropped already? Gee, maybe to compete with Toshiba?

Give me a break.

Looks like a pile on this week.






UPDATE! Secaucus, N.J. — Joseph Taylor, executive VP/COO of Panasonic Corporation of North America, said Blu-ray has won the HD disc format battle and indicated while the company is still solidly behind plasma, LCD may get more attention.

Those were just two of the issues Taylor discussed in an exclusive one-on-one interview with TWICE, the first since the 25-year Panasonic Industrial Company veteran took on his new job earlier this year.

Concerning Blu-ray and HD DVD, Taylor commented, "I'm giving a very politically incorrect answer. I think the battle is over. I think Blu-ray has won."

He said there are two "determining factor[s] ... Who did the content providers select? At the moment, overwhelmingly, the content providers have selected Blu-ray. What are consumers buying? Since the beginning of the year content [sales have been] almost two to one for Blu-ray."

Taylor added, "There may be some noise for a little while, but in the end I think Blu-ray will be the technology that wins the battle."

With so much of Panasonic's emphasis on plasma in the last few years, when asked if the company is comfortable being the leading plasma TV market share leader, while surveys show a trend towards LCD in flat-panels, Taylor remarked, "We are never comfortable and hope we never become comfortable (with the status quo). Really the marketplace will decide which flat panel they prefer."

He noted, "We are in a unique position because we just don't just provide plasma but LCD. In this unique position we can do what our customers need us to do."

In discussing Panasonic's emphasis on plasma in recent years, Taylor said plasma is the centerpiece of the company’s strategy to drive sales of high definition devices but, "We are not just pushing plasma ... We are saying 'flat panel' because we are also a major manufacturer of LCD products as well."

http://www.twice.com/index.asp?layo...cleID=CA6453379

This is coming from a company that continues to stand behind Plasma, LCD Rear Projection TVs and Solid State Memory Modules for HD Camcorders.

I just laugh.

This is coming from a company that continues to stand behind Plasma, LCD Rear Projection TVs and Solid State Memory Modules for HD Camcorders.

I just laugh.

Nothing wrong with Plasma's

Nothing wrong with Plasma's

Plus they can double as a room heater on cold chilly nights. :)

Wow so someone who works for a company THAT MAKES BLU RAY PLAYERS is saying the format ahs won? WHOA!!!!!! I was expecting him to say something different!

Why was this thread even started? I would love to be inside the brain of members here when they post this stuff thinking it has an ounce of usefulness.

BTW format neutral here so I do not care...just find these types of threads (and useless comments by companies that support whichever format) to be pointless.

I do love how some uh "emotional" blu ray supporters feel there is all this stuff being piled on killing hd dvd this week. Funny to me but hey, I read the same crap in Nov when the PS3 came out and lookie lookie, hd dvd is still kicking.

If Universal goes neutral before any bluray exclusives do THEN you can start "nailing the hd dvd coffin" until then, PLEASE.

http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com/images/07-minister.jpg

The war is over!

HD DVD is committing suicide outside the walls of Sony HQ!

This is coming from a company that continues to stand behind Plasma, LCD Rear Projection TVs and Solid State Memory Modules for HD Camcorders.

I just laugh.

wow-after mudding through this thread of yet again the ongoing (and very tiresome) debate-I now realize my XA-2 is an obsolete POS and also my Panasonic plasma is a joke..give me a break. i'm positive I will be getting many more years of enjoyment out of both units-no doom and gloom for me :D
thetman