So, what is your opinion?
Was the move to exclusivity good or bad for HDM, or doesn't it matter?

No it will speed up adoption.

Uh, no. A single format with $1000+ players and lousy mpeg2 encodes would have made it still born.

More support for the lower priced format probably speeds adoption.

More support for the lower priced format probably speeds adoption.


sigh.......

Speeds adoption?

I honestly didn't think I would hear this argument from anyone, much less a few people.

Argue that it will not change adoption and I will disagree, but I will still respect your argument.

But to argue that it speeds it up? I can't even begin............

Hdm = Hd-dvd?

Yep, it's the kiss of death for someone weak! :rolleyes:

http://www.godfatherfilms.com/films_images/mike-fredo-kiss.jpg

The poll is missing the "faster" choice
More support for the lower priced format probably speeds adoption.
Hmm...yes, I forgot about that option.
Since I can't edit the poll-options, perhaps anyone who feels this way can put their vote on "normal" speed for now?

I voted no change, but I think that things will accelerate in the long-term. I am already dual format, but have been a little uncomfortable investing in a lot of HD DVD titles. I now feel comfortable purchasing either format. However, I do believe that in the short-term adoption will be slowed. The huge installed base of PS3 users will not be purchasing Paramount titles and now most rational people will wait for a combo player before getting into HDM. The overall adoption of HDM is going to hinge on how quickly combo players reach attractive price points.

Hdm = Hd-dvd?
HDM = HD Media (in general, both HD DVD and Blu-ray).

hopefully this will supercharge a ce manufacturer(s) to get more dual player units on the market and prices drop due to heavy competition.


fantastic!!!!!

this hd war is great for consumers.

Glad to see so far 62.50% have some sense. This may hurt sales in the very, very short term...that is until Christmas season. Once that hits, and the prices drop for Black Friday and all the sales - most will forget this ever happened and buy whatever sounds like a good deal.

If they want HD media to really catch on this Xmas, drop movies about $5 across the board.

I voted No change,but things are beginning to even along the play field..

DJoel

Glad to see so far 62.50% have some sense. This may hurt sales in the very, very short term...that is until Christmas season. Once that hits, and the prices drop for Black Friday and all the sales - most will forget this ever happened and buy whatever sounds like a good deal.

If they want HD media to really catch on this Xmas, drop movies about $5 across the board.

Thats what I was thinking. I expect to see a $5-$9 drop in media overall. You also may see a more level media price across the board from all studios.

hopefully this will supercharge a ce manufacturer(s) to get more dual player units on the market and prices drop due to heavy competition.




fantastic!!!!!

this hd war is great for consumers.

It "was" great IMO. Not sure how requiring people to buy 2 machines that do the exact same thing is "great" for me.

I didn't vote, because honestly I'm not sure yet. The war really could have ended in the next 6 months, and now it probably won't. That will hurt HDM, but other factors (including how long the war drags on) will ultimately effect the rollout of HDM.

Maybe there should have been a fourth option: Paramount's decision will hurt HDM, but it may not kill it?

Glad to see so far 62.50% have some sense. This may hurt sales in the very, very short term...that is until Christmas season. Once that hits, and the prices drop for Black Friday and all the sales - most will forget this ever happened and buy whatever sounds like a good deal.

If they want HD media to really catch on this Xmas, drop movies about $5 across the board.


I disagree, if they really want it to catch on, they need more HDTV's in consumers homes. Hoping HDM is adopted as well or as quickly (in the end) as DVD is a very tall order. Considering the difference can only be seen on an HDTV.

Paramounts move cutting off the vast majority of early adopters has led to Michael Bay not wanting to do Transformers 2. That really freaking sucks as Transforms rocked.

More support for the lower priced format probably speeds adoption.

Agree! BD had the upper hand because of studio support. Now with cheaper players and Paramount/Dreamworks switching to HD-DVD exclusivity J6P will be more likely to support HD-DVD.

Did Paramount give HDM the Kiss of Death? - No. In fact it probably saved it. I always disliked that fact that blu-ray was propped up by a game console and so many Sony fanbois and retailers were singing it's praises instead of pressuring the BDA to get a final set of specs and quality players on the market. It's been over a year and their players still haven't caught up to HD-DVD yet.

Now, I'm pretty sure that both formats will survive. After combo players become the norm, nobody is even going to notice what type of disc they're buying. Just like before this mess, I rarely knew which studio distributed the movie I was loading into my player.

On a side note, I think it's a big plus if it gets Bay off the Transformers sequel. While the special effects were great, the story was weak and I felt no emotional involvement for any of the autobots.

I voted prolong.

Before this announcement I thought Blu-ray was in a position to put HD-DVD out of its misery over the holiday season. A clear winner would've opened up HDM to more wide spread adoption. Now I think we'll need to wait until dual format players hit the sub-$300 price point to see that happen. But eventually it will be HDM and downloads.

It will take longer for Blu-Ray to prevail, and it will take HD DVD a shorter time frame to prevail. The effect is neutral for HDM as a whole with each side getting a leg up or smack across the face.

shouldn't there be a 4th option, "No, HDM will prevail more quickly"? this poll looks flawed.

shouldn't there be a 4th option, "No, HDM will prevail more quickly"? this poll looks flawed.

How anyone can think this speeds up the process of HDM acceptance is beyond me. Now, people will be more confused than ever - I think this basically sealed the deal. HDM (on disc) will never reach anywhere near the popularity of DVD. It will at best be a reasonably successful run as niche formats. Then M$ will get their will and sway everyone that cares less about quality to download all their stuff from the web.

That said, I'll live with this and have both formats, but I'm not J6P by any means... (my interest is far above what most people have when it comes to PQ and movies in general)

Paramounts move cutting off the vast majority of early adopters has led to Michael Bay not wanting to do Transformers 2. That really freaking sucks as Transforms rocked.
Works out okay, he wasn't going to be asked to do it anyway.

Some of you blu people are so damn funny. When BD gets a good PR saying that Blockbuster is going to only carry 1 format in stores none of you (or the HD DVD people) screamed it would slow or kill adoption!

When Target was supposedly BD exclusive it wasn't going to slow or kill adoption! Hell, most of the hardcore fanboys wanted Best Buy to go exclusive as well. Circuit City too.

I also love the "HD DVD gained nothing from this, they already had that studio support." Well, why the hell couldn't that SAME ARGUMENT been used for the Blockbuster or Target announcements? Why? Because it was a blow to the other side, and let's face it folks, that counts.

It is a huge win for HD DVD in regards to momentum and will clear the air for MANY consumers that were afraid to buy into the format based on other FUD PRs.

So here is what could happen now that HD DVD has a solid foothold:

J6P wanted to buy into a format but was unclear if HD DVD was going to stick around. This J6P customer thinks that $500 is too much to spend on a player right now, but lo and behold, there's an HD DVD player for just over $225! Now that J6P knows that there are 2 studios exclusively backing the format, he can make his purchase without fear of being obsolete in 6 months.

Now couple this example with some hardcore promotions during the holiday season and you will see MANY consumers jump on the HD DVD bandwagon due to price AND piece of mind that came from this recent news.

This holiday season is going to be very good for HD DVD.

J6P wanted to buy into a format but was unclear if HD DVD was going to stick around. This J6P customer thinks that $500 is too much to spend on a player right now, but lo and behold, there's an HD DVD player for just over $225! Now that J6P knows that there are 2 studios exclusively backing the format, he can make his purchase without fear of being obsolete in 6 months.

This holiday season is going to be very good for HD DVD.

NO NO NO. You guys aren't getting it. Now J6P sees he absolutely has to buy a $225 player AND a $450 player (BD) to get all the movies he wants. J6P does not buy in because the format war scares him and buying two players that do the exact same thing is completely ludicrous to him. He does NOT have two video game systems either (if any), so please don't bring that up.

This killed HDM because it guaranteed J6P will not jump in. Everybody is missing sight of this based on whether it was "good" or "bad" for "their" side. This isn't the point when we're talking HDM. Somebody explain how almost perfectly evenly splitting all content across two formats is going to encourage anybody who wasn't already in the game to buy HDM. It won't.

Works out okay, he wasn't going to be asked to do it anyway.

Proof?

Only if you were a BD only supporter who foolishly believed the "war" was a done deal.

Sorry but all the wine from the week of 08/20/07 is going to be completely undrinkable ;)

I didn't vote, because honestly I'm not sure yet. The war really could have ended in the next 6 months, and now it probably won't. That will hurt HDM, but other factors (including how long the war drags on) will ultimately effect the rollout of HDM.

Maybe there should have been a fourth option: Paramount's decision will hurt HDM, but it may not kill it?


Indeed. This move (taking away previously announced content) only hurts home theater enthusiast and fans of Transformers as well.

IF and thats a big IF, HDM eventually replaces DVD, it will be a long process due to the requirements for HD in general, so a few allegiances changing hands over the years won't hurt. I do believe we are heading towards a dual-format future though and I think next year will see many new dual players hit the market.

i think the kiss of death happened when the BDA decided they wanted to keep as many studios as possible exclusive to themselves.

I never chime in on this "war", but this definitely helps me pick HD-DVD. I don't own either currently, but with the cost HD-DVD players down in the $200s and with Paramount/Dreamworks being added, I think this will be the nail on the coffin. It will not cause J6P to buy both formats. If anything it will allow them (cost wise) to buy HD-DVD, enjoy the benefits of it and not worry about what titles they won't have on BD. Most will probably figure that they're satisfied wtih HD-DVD and then just buy the SD DVD for the titles they must have which would get upconverted by the HD-DVD player.

Also, what good is a BD player if the spec isn't even finalized yet?

Just my 2Cents.

i think the kiss of death happened when the BDA decided they wanted to keep as many studios as possible exclusive to themselves.

Indeed.

NO NO NO. You guys aren't getting it. Now J6P sees he absolutely has to buy a $225 player AND a $450 player (BD) to get all the movies he wants. J6P does not buy in because the format war scares him and buying two players that do the exact same thing is completely ludicrous to him. He does NOT have two video game systems either (if any), so please don't bring that up.

This killed HDM because it guaranteed J6P will not jump in. Everybody is missing sight of this based on whether it was "good" or "bad" for "their" side. This isn't the point when we're talking HDM. Somebody explain how almost perfectly evenly splitting all content across two formats is going to encourage anybody who wasn't already in the game to buy HDM. It won't.

I totally disagree. As far as needing 2 players to play ALL movies, nothing has changed. People will still be buying these players despite not having ALL movies to choose from.

I've done this myself, and I know many others who feel the same way that are considered J6P. Sure, I'd prefer to get all movies in my chosen format, but I can't. That means I needed to make a decision, just like J6P will.

I totally disagree. As far as needing 2 players to play ALL movies, nothing has changed. People will still be buying these players despite not having ALL movies to choose from
Agree - I don't get the "all" part. I haven't missed a movie yet :confused:

Especially given the avg consumer thinks HDM is a "tweak" at best - why would they feel like they're missing out?

Likely -

Q - does it play regular DVDs?
A - yes, it plays all DVDs and XYZ format

= I'll take it.

More support for the lower priced format probably speeds adoption.

Can't say I don't agree. I think there is another announcement looking from the HDDVD group.

I never chime in on this "war", but this definitely helps me pick HD-DVD. I don't own either currently, but with the cost HD-DVD players down in the $200s and with Paramount/Dreamworks being added, I think this will be the nail on the coffin. It will not cause J6P to buy both formats. If anything it will allow them (cost wise) to buy HD-DVD, enjoy the benefits of it and not worry about what titles they won't have on BD. Most will probably figure that they're satisfied wtih HD-DVD and then just buy the SD DVD for the titles they must have which would get upconverted by the HD-DVD player.

Also, what good is a BD player if the spec isn't even finalized yet?

Just my 2Cents.

I like your thinking. If Paramount abandons Blu-ray after 1 year, it just made it easier for the average consumer .... not that you are average. You figured out this ahead of most people.

The BDA has done more to limit adoption with its 1k players, unfinished specs, and piss poor 25gb transfers than Paramount could do in a lifetime.

NO NO NO. You guys aren't getting it. Now J6P sees he absolutely has to buy a $225 player AND a $450 player (BD) to get all the movies he wants. J6P does not buy in because the format war scares him and buying two players that do the exact same thing is completely ludicrous to him. He does NOT have two video game systems either (if any), so please don't bring that up.

This killed HDM because it guaranteed J6P will not jump in. Everybody is missing sight of this based on whether it was "good" or "bad" for "their" side. This isn't the point when we're talking HDM. Somebody explain how almost perfectly evenly splitting all content across two formats is going to encourage anybody who wasn't already in the game to buy HDM. It won't.


While I don't agree this will "kill" HDM, I believe that it will relegate it to a niche status. (it may have been headed there anyway, but i digress)

This poster is correct though, people are missing the point. They will not buy either, because niether plays all movies, like their DVD player does. Not too complicated.

Agree - I don't get the "all" part. I haven't missed a movie yet :confused:

Especially given the avg consumer thinks HDM is a "tweak" at best - why would they feel like they're missing out?

Likely -

Q - does it play regular DVDs?
A - yes, it plays all DVDs and XYZ format

= I'll take it.


When they can get a regular DVD player for $30.................

NO NO NO. You guys aren't getting it. Now J6P sees he absolutely has to buy a $225 player AND a $450 player (BD) to get all the movies he wants. J6P does not buy in because the format war scares him and buying two players that do the exact same thing is completely ludicrous to him. He does NOT have two video game systems either (if any), so please don't bring that up.

This killed HDM because it guaranteed J6P will not jump in. Everybody is missing sight of this based on whether it was "good" or "bad" for "their" side. This isn't the point when we're talking HDM. Somebody explain how almost perfectly evenly splitting all content across two formats is going to encourage anybody who wasn't already in the game to buy HDM. It won't.

NO, NO, NO. J6P can now buy an HDM player for $200 (less at xmas), and be sure that his format will still be around. Since all HDM players play SD DVDs, he knows that he is not throwing $ away.

This is the big difference between BR and HDDVD. Sony says that BR is menat to replace DVD in 3 years which is total BS considering that most TVs are still SD and most people still have a couple SD players they are not going to part with. HD DVD says it's purpose is to compliment SD. You will still have an SD player on that 13 inch TV in the bedroom and another one in the Minivan, but you will also have an HD player on your large HDTV. This is why factories that produce SD DVDs with minor upgraded be made to crank out both SD and HD.

HDM will be the laserdisc of the next 15 years unless the war ends quickly.

NO, NO, NO. J6P can now buy an HDM player for $200 (less at xmas), and be sure that his format will still be around. Since all HDM players play SD DVDs, he knows that he is not throwing $ away.

This is the big difference between BR and HDDVD. Sony says that BR is menat to replace DVD in 3 years which is total BS considering that most TVs are still SD and most people still have a couple SD players they are not going to part with. HD DVD says it's purpose is to compliment SD. You will still have an SD player on that 13 inch TV in the bedroom and another one in the Minivan, but you will also have an HD player on your large HDTV. This is why factories that produce SD DVDs with minor upgraded be made to crank out both SD and HD.



If you honestly believe that HD DVD would not love to replace DVD as the most popular optical format eventually, I don't know what to tell you.

HDM will be the laserdisc of the next 15 years unless the war ends quickly.

I agree. We officially have another SACD/DVD-Audio on our hands.

It will prolong the format war, but given that Paramount wasn't very prolific, I don't see it having a major effect except to possibly win the week Transformers comes out. Possibly.

Paramounts move cutting off the vast majority of early adopters has led to Michael Bay not wanting to do Transformers 2.
Is that supposed to make me feel bad? I hated that he did the first one. I never could believe that Bay thought giant robots weren't enough to make the movie entertaining and had to use all of the awkward teenager crap to try and sell it.

And of course, you have made many more successful movies than Michael Bay... oh wait... :o

I agree. We officially have another SACD/DVD-Audio on our hands.

No, the music studios never cared for those formats, they didn't release jack. With both Blu Ray and HD DVD we are getting a good mixture of new movies and catalogue titles. The studio support is already miles ahead.

Indeed. This move (taking away previously announced content) only hurts PS3 fanboys.

fixed.

HDM will be the laserdisc of the next 15 years unless the war ends quickly.

So you're good with Sony buying retailers, rental companies, studios, and forcing their shoddy format on consumers with the PS3.... but not with HD DVD doing the same with Paramount? LOL.

No, the music studios never cared for those formats, they didn't release jack. With both Blu Ray and HD DVD we are getting a good mixture of new movies and catalogue titles. The studio support is already miles ahead.


We never saw what they would be willing to release because they were not interested in a "war". IMO

So you're good with Sony buying retailers, rental companies, studios, and forcing their shoddy format on consumers with the PS3.... but not with HD DVD doing the same with Paramount? LOL.


Did he say anything about Sony?

Wow man relax.

Oh, look! What's that in the sky?? Its...Its...the Chinese HD DVD Players headed straight for Wal-Mart!

Blu Ray is over when this happens! Period! Well, only if blu-ray manufacturers take their heads out of their a$$e$ and start really lowering the prices of their players then that would help. Oh wait, that would only prolong the "format war." Nooooo! Die, Blu Ray! Die!

Oh, look! What's that in the sky?? Its...Its...the Chinese HD DVD Players headed straight for Wal-Mart!

Blu Ray is over when this happens!


Ughhhh. What are you talking about?

I think this will speed up adoption (sadly it wasn't an option; biased poll).

It only slows adoption if you are still under the assumption that BluRay already won.

People really need to realize HD DVD still has a fighting chance. It's anybody's game.

It harmed Blu-ray's adoption, but will cause HD DVD's adoption to excel. There are already MANY BD owners talking about going neutral, and fence sitters now planning on buying HD DVD players.

Uh, no. A single format with $1000+ players and lousy mpeg2 encodes would have made it still born.

Welcome to last year.

We never saw what they would be willing to release because they were not interested in a "war". IMO

There is no war now, DVD Audio is pretty much dead. There are millions of new SACD players out there now.

Uh, no. A single format with $1000+ players and lousy mpeg2 encodes would have made it still born.

Hilarious. My vote hands down for "Post of the day".

what about HD may now take off because more consumers may buy HD DVD?

Dude you had more slots in the poll to use, how about having a space for peolpe to say HD DVD might win?

I don't see a response on the poll to say that HDM adoption might be faster now. :D

but it seems most responders think this will not slow down HD adoption, only keep the same of faster

It harmed Blu-ray's adoption, but will cause HD DVD's adoption to excel. There are already MANY BD owners talking about going neutral, and fence sitters now planning on buying HD DVD players.


And you don't think slowing BR adoption is effecting overall HDM adoption?

And how is people who already own 1 format and buying another increasing HDM adoption? /shakes head

I think this will speed up adoption (sadly it wasn't an option; biased poll).

It only slows adoption if you are still under the assumption that BluRay already won.

People really need to realize HD DVD still has a fighting chance. It's anybody's game.


It sure is, all but j6p anyway.

And you don't think slowing BR adoption is effecting overall HDM adoption?

And how is people who already own 1 format and buying another increasing HDM adoption? /shakes head

Slowing BD adoption is the best thing that could possibly happen. Sony is more monopolistic than Microsoft and is forcing an incomplete, half baked format on the masses.

Slowing BD adoption is the best thing that could possibly happen. Sony is more monopolistic than Microsoft and is forcing an incomplete, half baked format on the masses.


/yawn Long Live the format war!!

/yawn Long Live the format war!!

So you preferred the sub par solution, as long as the war was over?

So you preferred the sub par solution, as long as the war was over?

It is OBVIOUSLY your opinion that BR is the sub-par solution.

but..............YES! End the war ffs, this is ridiculous.

It is OBVIOUSLY your opinion that BR is the sub-par solution.

but..............YES! End the war ffs, this is ridiculous.


I'd rather have nothing than another subpar Sony format.

Welcome to last year.


Heh, welcome to May 2007. That deal was well over before November, much less December on. Even so, I still dream for an ultra high Superbit-style MPEG2 / PCM Blu-ray variant BD50 after Toshiba and Universal throw up the white flag (long after Paramount has finished their win-win by spending all of the $150M filthy lucre and gone back to selling 2x+ discs on Blu-ray). ;)

Heh, welcome to May 2007. That deal was well over before November, much less December on. Even so, I still dream for an ultra high Superbit-style MPEG2 / PCM Blu-ray variant BD50 after Toshiba and Universal throw up the white flag (long after Paramount has finished their win-win by spending all of the $150M filthy lucre and gone back to selling 2x+ discs on Blu-ray). ;)


Keep dreaming.

I'd rather have nothing than another subpar Sony format.


Of course you would.

Does anyone here remember DIVX??? This was some studio's Bastard son version of DVD that LOVED to tell people how they could/should watch there movies. This decision by Paramount may help level the playing Field and help bring on universal players with will inturn Hopefully bring more people to release neutral or favorer the better selling of the two formates ;-}

What a biased set of questions!

I believe that it will speed up adoption of hi-def media. Why wasn't that one of the choices?

The BDA has done more to limit adoption with its 1k players, unfinished specs, and piss poor 25gb transfers than Paramount could do in a lifetime.

*golf clap*

Uh, no. A single format with $1000+ players and lousy mpeg2 encodes would have made it still born.


It's a good thing there was no format like that. Last I recall, Blu-ray was always to have AVC encodes and were forced into using mpeg2 encodes when the AVC encoders weren't ready for when BD was forced to release due to the premature release of HD DVD funded mostly by Microsoft's free development of both the VC1 encoder and HDi spec for HD DVD. And the PS3 was always to be $500 and $600. So $1k+ players were always to be undercut by the PS3. The PS3 did not come out of nowhere.

Sorry. Try again. ;)

It's a good thing there was no format like that. Last I recall, Blu-ray was always to have AVC encodes and were forced into using mpeg2 encodes when the AVC encoders weren't ready for when BD was forced to release due to the premature release of HD DVD funded mostly by Microsoft's free development of both the VC1 encoder and HDi spec for HD DVD. And the PS3 was always to be $500 and $600. So $1k+ players were always to be undercut by the PS3. The PS3 did not come out of nowhere.

Sorry. Try again. ;)


HD DVD was not premature. It was COMPLETE as launched. BD is the only thing prematurely launched, as was the PS3. Sony uses VC-1 as well so you can't chalk that up to "MS helping Toshiba.

Sorry. Try again. ;)

what about HD may now take off because more consumers may buy HD DVD?

Dude you had more slots in the poll to use, how about having a space for peolpe to say HD DVD might win?


Perhaps he's edited the poll, but it looks like he did offer the, "HDM will prevail but slowly" option. I'd say HD DVD may drag itself out of the hole it's dug for itself over the last 8+ months, but does anyone think Transformers and Shrek'll do it?

Especially when it's Transformers and Shrek 3 (the worst one yet) vs POTC3, Spiderman 1-3, Fantastic Four 2, every Die Hard movie, and Robocop(!)

Die Hard 1-4 > The Jack Ryan Collection. "Welcome to the party, pal!"
Spiderman 3, POTC3, and FF2 > Transformers "One shall stand. One... shall fall." Two others will kick 'em while they're down.
Cars and Ratatouille > Shrek 3. "Ker-chow."


Here's hoping Paramount is now forced in the spirit of competition to pull a Universal and begin releasing titles like mad. But something tells me... they won't. Paramount has always been slow on the new formats and their production of discs to date have done nothing but reinforce this notion.

I still remember their releasing MI3 (and the set) and then releasing nothing new for a quite a while.

Combo players people. Affordable combo players.

I can't believe the fanboyism. You guys are worse than Democrats and Republicans. Everybody wants to WIIIIIINNNNNNN!!!!!!

Please...:rolleyes:

When there is a evolutionary product like HDM, the adoption rate will always be slower versus a revolutionary product like DVD.

When there is a format war you have 3 choices:

1. Buy 1 player a support a side losing out on the other format's releases

2. Buy 2 players, one of each and enjoy both (DF player falls in here)

3. Buy neither and enjoy HD from HD CBL, HD SAT and HD OTA.

Nothing has changed with the P/DW announcement. You needed #2 before it . . . you still need it today . . the day after the announcement. The ONLY thing that has changed is that there will be more exclusive movies for HD DVD and less for BD. (see 3 choices above to alievate situation;))

I'm thinking this whole paramount deal and comments like the ones coming out of the ever affable Micheal Bay just scare off the average Joe from buying either format... And lets face it, until the average Joe crowd buys up big neither format will be a clear winner as these guys have bigger numbers than the AV enthusiast crowd, those guys matter more to this fight than we do I think just based on the sheer numbers.

Sad state of affairs really... Looks like DVD + Upscale player for me for a while longer :(

Best
24_FpS
www.stfunplay.com

Paramounts move cutting off the vast majority of early adopters has led to Michael Bay not wanting to do Transformers 2. That really freaking sucks as Transforms rocked.

He recanted.

I voted for the Nothing will change. HDM will be adopted at "normal" speed. option, but you really are missing a response.

HDM will now be adopted at a faster rate.

Competition is good.

I'm thinking this whole paramount deal and comments like the ones coming out of the ever affable Micheal Bay just scare off the average Joe from buying either format... And lets face it, until the average Joe crowd buys up big neither format will be a clear winner as these guys have bigger numbers than the AV enthusiast crowd, those guys matter more to this fight than we do I think just based on the sheer numbers.

Sad state of affairs really... Looks like DVD + Upscale player for me for a while longer :(

Best
24_FpS
www.stfunplay.com


Ditto, and it sucks. /shrug

My choice would have been: This will speed up the adoption rate of HD media as more poeple switch to HD DVD only status and BD becomes UMD2.

My choice would have been: This will speed up the adoption rate of HD media as more poeple switch to HD DVD only status and BD becomes UMD2.


So 7/8 studio support couldn't "win the war" but 5/8 will?


/sigh

I don't see mass adoption as long as there is two formats without any clear direction which way to go. The studios are heading toward a stalemate, combo players cost much more than buying one for each format, and the average consumer does not want or have space for two players. To make matters worst we have a good number of entusiast supporting one format and another good number supporing the other fighting amongst themselves. How do you think that looks to someone outside looking in? Add to this that in general that J6P thinks DVD is great qualilty and sees little or no added value to either format, we have SACD vs DVD-A all over again. This will end up an enthusiast nitche at best unless something changes.

So 7/8 studio support couldn't "win the war" but 5/8 will?


/sigh

Low prices will "win the war" not a higher % of studio support. The choice for most people is to either buy a < $200 player or nothing, not a choice between a $250 player or a $500 player. The < $200 player will always upscale and play the DVD version.

Where is the option that says this will speed up adoption of HD media? Why wasn't that one listed?

I hate these opinionated statements veiled as 'poll' threads... as if there is no possible way Paramount's actions could do anything but harm HD media adoption.

Watch what happens the rest of this year. The Blu Ray side cracked first. It's a sign of weakness and that will send a very clear message to a lot of potential customers, as well as other studios.

I believe this will speed up adoption because HD DVD is simply, right now and for a while, the ONLY viable format. The studios are looking at it from a far broader perspective than AVS enthusiasts, who only care about PQ and AQ. The studios clearly know that they need an economic viability. At this point, BD replication is problematic, incomplete specs is problematic, missing features is problematic, potentially outdated players is problematic, the PS3 losses and replication subsidies is problematic, the relatively mediocre PS3 movie-sales-generation is problematic, and too-expensive players is problematic. Paramount looked at this situation, one year after launch, without a forseeable conclusion, then looked at HD DVD which is complete and viable RIGHT NOW, and made a business decision. Give us a 150MM, really small potatoes, and you got us. Now let's win this thing.

I believe this will speed up adoption because HD DVD is simply, right now and for a while, the ONLY viable format. The studios are looking at it from a far broader perspective than AVS enthusiasts, who only care about PQ and AQ. The studios clearly know that they need an economic viability. At this point, BD replication is problematic, incomplete specs is problematic, missing features is problematic, potentially outdated players is problematic, the PS3 losses and replication subsidies is problematic, the relatively mediocre PS3 movie-sales-generation is problematic, and too-expensive players is problematic. Paramount looked at this situation, one year after launch, without a forseeable conclusion, then looked at HD DVD which is complete and viable RIGHT NOW, and made a business decision. Give us a 150MM, really small potatoes, and you got us. Now let's win this thing.

The only viable format? Fanboy FUD

Low prices will "win the war" not a higher % of studio support. The choice for most people is to either buy a < $200 player or nothing, not a choice between a $250 player or a $500 player. The < $200 player will always upscale and play the DVD version.


Lower prices havent won "the war" so far, they will not win it from here on out either.

People can buy an upscaling player for under $100. Or if they don't have an HDTV (majority), they can buy a normal player for $40.

The only viable format? Fanboy FUD

Well, if 20 million people suddenly adopted BD players and were hungry to fill their shelves with discs, would the BDA infrastructure be able to meet that kind of demand... today? (because what happens tomorrow is anyone’s guess.)

Instead of guesses and "what you believe" how about actually talking to real people out there. Ever since this announcement every one of my friends who don't already own one of the formats said this is just going to make them wait even longer before they buy one. And these people include both average joes and serious HD/video/Home Theater enthusiasts.

I've talked to plenty of co-workers and friends. Some AV enthusiasts, some J6Ps. They all agree the format war is still going on, and would have anyway.


Three days ago, neither format was going away. Today, neither format is going away.

Three days ago, you had to buy two players (or a hybrid) to get all the content. Today, you have to buy two players (or a hybrid) to get all the content.

Three days ago, people could do research on the internet, find out which studios supported which format, find the prices, and make a decision. Today, people can do research on the internet, find out which studios support which format, find the prices, and make a decision.

This ridiculous "HD is now dead" is getting annoying.

Well, if 20 million people suddenly adopted BD players and were hungry to fill their shelves with discs, would the BDA infrastructure be able to meet that kind of demand... today? (because what happens tomorrow is anyone’s guess.)

If Godzilla hit Tokyo tomorrow, it would be just as fantastically irrelevent. Yeah, I suppose it's possible either format suddently gets 20 million new players (despite the fact that we're an order of magntitude less), but I wouldn't seriously consider it.

Well, if 20 million people suddenly adopted BD players and were hungry to fill their shelves with discs, would the BDA infrastructure be able to meet that kind of demand... today? (because what happens tomorrow is anyone’s guess.)


I am not sure that anyone could meet that demand. But to say BR isn't a "viable" product is crazy.

It'll speed it up. More popular movies combined with reasonably priced HD DVD players will put consumers at ease about their choice and overall will result in more impulse purchases of HD media players and software.

Well, if 20 million people suddenly adopted BD players and were hungry to fill their shelves with discs, would the BDA infrastructure be able to meet that kind of demand... today? (because what happens tomorrow is anyone’s guess.)

Shortages due to overwhelming demand is usually a positive that just generates more interest. See the Wii.

For crying out loud. Don't confuse HDM with Blu-Ray. Both Blu-Ray and HD DVD are HDM. How can Paramount's recent announcement be good for HD DVD but bad for HDM?

I didn't vote because Paramount gave Sony the Kiss of Death not HDM.

jer

Lower prices havent won "the war" so far, they will not win it from here on out either.

People can buy an upscaling player for under $100. Or if they don't have an HDTV (majority), they can buy a normal player for $40.

Because even at $250 player prices are too high and it is still WAY too early.