Well, hades is apparently experiencing a cold snap .... can a hi-end Dual Format HDM player be far behind:eek::eek:
Seriously though, I wonder when (or if) we will see a hi-end, robustly implemented dual format player from the likes of Denon, Arcam, Meridian, Krell, etc. etc. I suppose with the continuing format conflict and lack of finalized specs (or at least not implemented) any hope for a bow at 2008CES is unlikely.
Anyone have a different sense?
calore,
A better question might be will there be any difference in picture and sound quality and glitchyness in those players versus the lesser brands? Seems that the Denon bluray player /transport isn't as good as the Panny at half the cost.
it's not what I'd call "high-end" but Samsung just released or is releasing a combo HD player that is fully functional for both formats. It's gotten rave reviews.
calore,
A better question might be will there be any difference in picture and sound quality and glitchyness in those players versus the lesser brands? Seems that the Denon bluray player /transport isn't as good as the Panny at half the cost.
Except there isn't a Denon Bluray player :confused:, or at least, not quite yet - do you have one and have you made comparisons to support your claim?
I think hi-end DVD players generally perfom better and last longer than their mass-market counterparts - seems to me this would hold also for HDM players. Time will tell I suppose.
it's not what I'd call "high-end" but Samsung just released or is releasing a combo HD player that is fully functional for both formats. It's gotten rave reviews.
I have this player, and it is nice, but still has playback problems (as reported elsewhere) which is getting REALLY annoying in what are now third generation players.
Agreed.....if they want to sell one to me, they're going to have to make them work right on delivery, not some vague promise about later.
Getting back to your original question, once the quality manufacturers start building these dual format players, it could take two or three generations for them to get those right.(I'm speculating big time) That would be late 2009 or late 2010. That may in part be the holdup. They know that by the time they get one working right that the format war may be over.
Agreed.....if they want to sell one to me, they're going to have to make them work right on delivery, not some vague promise about later.
Getting back to your original question, once the quality manufacturers start building these dual format players, it could take two or three generations for them to get those right.(I'm speculating big time) That would be late 2009 or late 2010. That may in part be the holdup. They know that by the time they get one working right that the format war may be over.
I think that probably once the mass manufacturers get the bugs out of their players, that early gen hi-end players will be OK. But I think you are spot on with your timing estimates - most hi-end companies cannot afford to be wrong in either picking a format or concluding that dual-format is the way to go.
The whole firmware upgrade thing, while generally acceptable to early adopters and tweakers (like me), is a big, fat non-starter for most consumers who want 'plug and play'.