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Bill Hunt: "HD DVD Format To Beat!"  

post #1 of 94
8/25/06 at 1:27pm
Thread Starter 
DigitalFreak likes to call www.thedigitalbits.com the "blu bits". I think that can stop right now.

Hey, we were ALL dazzled by Sony's initial PR campaign. We all thought HD DVD was a desperate swipe at power by an inferior format. We ALL thought it was a pale shadow for BD.

But then the veil was lifted and we all saw THE TRUTH. Sure there are still a couple of Sony's attack dogs out there, rabidly defending the indefensible, but Bill Hunt has been very pragmatic about this whole thing and I think it's pretty unfair to lable him and his excellent website as Blu-ray whores. That has NEVER been the case.

After praising the TruHD 5.1 update today, Bill went on to say the following:

"I'm somewhat surprised to find myself saying this, but HD-DVD is quietly making Blu-ray Disc look pretty silly. Motivated as I've been by a desire to see this format war end quickly, I was quick to sing the potential praises of Blu-ray Disc early on, simply because it seemed to have the clear advantages of better technology and much broader studio support, plus the potential market-share dominance of the forthcoming PS3 game system. And to be honest, my very early experiences with HD-DVD were disappointing. Since that time, however, an interesting this has happened... the early Blu-ray experience has turned out to be pretty lackluster too. Discs have looked bad, the Samsung player is a disaster and Sony's over-priced the PS3 right out of the market (you'll be able to buy both an Xbox 360 AND a Nintendo Wii for the price of a PS3). Sony and their BD camp allies are just not delivering on the promise of their format - period. Meanwhile, HD-DVD software and Toshiba's hardware (via these firmware updates) just keeps getting better and better. And get this: Sony STILL can't get their 50GB dual-layered Blu-ray Discs to work right on the existing and prototype players. The current Samsung player, as shipped, will not play them. How do you like them apples? Ouch.

If the BD camp doesn't do something dramatic and fast... they will have lost the hearts and minds of the early adopters to HD-DVD. To my thinking at least, HD-DVD is looking better and better all the time... and it seems to me it's now the format to beat."

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post #2 of 94
8/25/06 at 1:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fettastic
If the BD camp doesn't do something dramatic and fast... they will have lost the hearts and minds of the early adopters to HD-DVD. To my thinking at least, HD-DVD is looking better and better all the time... and it seems to me it's now the format to beat."
They already have lost many of us. :D
post #3 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fettastic
DigitalFreak likes to call www.thedigitalbits.com the "blu bits". I think that can stop right now.

Hey, we were ALL dazzled by Sony's initial PR campaign. We all thought HD DVD was a desperate swipe at power by an inferior format. We ALL thought it was a pale shadow for BD.

But then the veil was lifted and we all saw THE TRUTH. Sure there are still a couple of Sony's attack dogs out there, rabidly defending the indefensible, but Bill Hunt has been very pragmatic about this whole thing and I think it's pretty unfair to lable him and his excellent website as Blu-ray whores. That has NEVER been the case.

After praising the TruHD 5.1 update today, Bill went on to say the following:

"I'm somewhat surprised to find myself saying this, but HD-DVD is quietly making Blu-ray Disc look pretty silly. Motivated as I've been by a desire to see this format war end quickly, I was quick to sing the potential praises of Blu-ray Disc early on, simply because it seemed to have the clear advantages of better technology and much broader studio support, plus the potential market-share dominance of the forthcoming PS3 game system. And to be honest, my very early experiences with HD-DVD were disappointing. Since that time, however, an interesting this has happened... the early Blu-ray experience has turned out to be pretty lackluster too. Discs have looked bad, the Samsung player is a disaster and Sony's over-priced the PS3 right out of the market (you'll be able to buy both an Xbox 360 AND a Nintendo Wii for the price of a PS3). Sony and their BD camp allies are just not delivering on the promise of their format - period. Meanwhile, HD-DVD software and Toshiba's hardware (via these firmware updates) just keeps getting better and better. And get this: Sony STILL can't get their 50GB dual-layered Blu-ray Discs to work right on the existing and prototype players. The current Samsung player, as shipped, will not play them. How do you like them apples? Ouch.

If the BD camp doesn't do something dramatic and fast... they will have lost the hearts and minds of the early adopters to HD-DVD. To my thinking at least, HD-DVD is looking better and better all the time... and it seems to me it's now the format to beat."
I was going to support both formats from the start myself. But seeing the problems with the Sammy, I decided to wait and see...well,now, I am an HD DVD believer. ;)
post #4 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fettastic
... And get this: Sony STILL can't get their 50GB dual-layered Blu-ray Discs to work right on the existing and prototype players. The current Samsung player, as shipped, will not play them. How do you like them apples? Ouch.
If this is indeed true and I spent $1000 on a Blew Ray player I woud be incredibly Pissed off

Jorge
post #5 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Hunt
"I'm somewhat surprised to find myself saying this, but HD-DVD is quietly making Blu-ray Disc look pretty silly. Motivated as I've been by a desire to see this format war end quickly, I was quick to sing the potential praises of Blu-ray Disc early on, simply because it seemed to have the clear advantages of better technology and much broader studio support, plus the potential market-share dominance of the forthcoming PS3 game system. And to be honest, my very early experiences with HD-DVD were disappointing. Since that time, however, an interesting this has happened... the early Blu-ray experience has turned out to be pretty lackluster too. Discs have looked bad, the Samsung player is a disaster and Sony's over-priced the PS3 right out of the market (you'll be able to buy both an Xbox 360 AND a Nintendo Wii for the price of a PS3). Sony and their BD camp allies are just not delivering on the promise of their format - period. Meanwhile, HD-DVD software and Toshiba's hardware (via these firmware updates) just keeps getting better and better. And get this: Sony STILL can't get their 50GB dual-layered Blu-ray Discs to work right on the existing and prototype players. The current Samsung player, as shipped, will not play them. How do you like them apples? Ouch.

If the BD camp doesn't do something dramatic and fast... they will have lost the hearts and minds of the early adopters to HD-DVD. To my thinking at least, HD-DVD is looking better and better all the time... and it seems to me it's now the format to beat."
Exactly right.
post #6 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by oshodi
I was going to support both formats from the start myself. But seeing the problems with the Sammy, I decided to wait and see...well,now, I am an HD DVD believer. ;)
That's pretty much how I am. I was going to get both, didn't buy my HD DVD player till the Samsung came out and was instantly getting bad reviews on these boards. Now I really don't want any part of Blu-Ray.
post #7 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:13pm
Quote:
And get this: Sony STILL can't get their 50GB dual-layered Blu-ray Discs to work right on the existing and prototype players. The current Samsung player, as shipped, will not play them. How do you like them apples? Ouch.
Any confirmation on this? Obviously there aren't any DL discs out right now to test with (same with BD-J), but I have never seen this comment before.
post #8 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:19pm
I would not buy a Sony BR even if they did ended up winning the format war, which they want. Sony has lied to the consumer time and time again about their precious BR system knowing that it is crap. I own the Toshiba HD-A1, and have not had one minutes worth of trouble out of it and the PQ is Gorgeous. Long live HD DVD, I simply love it!!!!
post #9 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:23pm
Very interesting coming from Bill Hunt. And also very true! It's good to see that quality is number one with him and all HD-DVD supporters. I bought into the BR hype at first as well. I owned one for two weeks before I finally gave up on the format. HD-DVD will win this "war" because of the formats high quality and reasonable pricing, as it should. Simple as that!

I can now go back to visiting his site!
post #10 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Enigma
Any confirmation on this? Obviously there aren't any DL discs out right now to test with (same with BD-J), but I have never seen this comment before.
I second that question.

That said, I agree with Bill's comments with the one caveat: his comment that "HD-DVD software and Toshiba's hardware (via these firmware updates) just keeps getting better and better" may be technically accurate, but there are many of us that still wish that we would get these occassional skipping/synch issues resolved. This is the only thing that prevents me from being 100% happy with my A1.

As I, and others have said previously, Bill speaks his mind and says exactly what he thinks. I'm sure Blu-ray fanboys will call him biased now, just as HD-DVD fanboys were calling him biased before. :rolleyes:
post #11 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:28pm
While I don't think the format war is even close to over, it is interesting to see how it has progressed so far. At the end of the day, I would be more than happy to invest in both just to get great HD material to watch. Hell, even if I bought the Toshiba AND one of the new BD players I would still be looking at half of what my standard DVD player costs. So money isn't that much of an issue. The problem I have with BD is, none of the players are supporting advanced features (advanced audio decoding specifically) and the software is not mastered well. I would rather wait until they got their ducks in line. HD DVD on the other hand has just been getting better and better. The hardware has worked out the majority of the quirks (don't remember the last time I had an issue with the player!!) except the sluggish start up time and the software continues to wow me over and over again. CEDIA may be interesting as I am sure we will see what is coming from other manufacturers in terms of hardware support for the formats and also possibly news on software.
post #12 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:29pm
I never thought BD would domintae hd-dvd, bought into its hype, thought hd-dvd was some "desperate swipe at power by an inferior format" or some pale shadow of hd-dvd. I looked at things logically and realized some simple things:

-same codecs
-same resolution

and from that realized they should perform the same and then wondered wtf bluray players cost twice as much and wondered wtf I would buy into that right away.

Basically, I NEVER was a disc capacity whore like some may have been.:) Bluray may well end up being superior to hd-dvd but I don't think that if it does, it will be some huge difference to justify the price.

Sorry but not everyone was wooed by Sony's specs/PR so please, dont assume "we ALL" were.
post #13 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:31pm
<sarcasm>Watch out, folks! Sony plans on having two-count 'em, TWO!-BD-50 titles due by the end of the year </sarcasm>.

Article
post #14 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by spf781
<sarcasm>Watch out, folks! Sony plans on having two-count 'em, TWO!-BD-50 titles due by the end of the year </sarcasm>.

Article

It's a start though. ;)
post #15 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:39pm
Or in denial! =)
post #16 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jorgerod
If this is indeed true and I spent $1000 on a Blew Ray player I woud be incredibly Pissed off

Jorge
Or in denail!
post #17 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by spf781
<sarcasm>Watch out, folks! Sony plans on having two-count 'em, TWO!-BD-50 titles due by the end of the year </sarcasm>.

Article
That's been the word since CES in January. Proof, not words, dang it!
post #18 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by spf781
Quote:
"We've been conservative [with the Blu-ray titles so far], focusing on pictures and sound more than anything else," said Eklund. (Sony Pictures executive VP of advanced technology)
They've been focusing on picture and sound quality? Wow... :eek:
post #19 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:42pm
I think Bill Hunt's commentary is an excellent summation of where we are at in the hi-def DVD war to date. It should be required reading for all big box sales drones who are peddling either HD-DVD or Blu-Ray.

On the otherhand I also agree with Kris Deering's statement that the format war is not over by a long shot. After a number of failed formats $ony has a lot riding on the success of BD. They will not go quietly into the night.
post #20 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:45pm
I apologise for actually laughing at this news, but can you blame me?

This format is becoming more and more of a singing joke as the days go by.
post #21 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:51pm
Oh boy..

''We've been conservative [with the Blu-ray titles so far], focusing on pictures and sound more than anything else," said Eklund. ''

Lalalallalaa Mr Eklund seem to live in a world of the Rabbits, Little Colored Rainbows and houses made of Candy... just like Marge Simpsons LOL
post #22 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:53pm
Sony had a few words to say about the 50gb disc and why the media critics are not praising there Blu-Ray releases. Mr Bill Hunt be prepared for a phone call from Sony since they think media critics need to be educated on how best to view the format.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6365717.html

Here is just some of the comments from the article released today, pay attention to the last paragraph Bill Hunt because they want to ensure that media critics fully understand how best to view the format: :rolleyes:

Sony executives gave some explanations for why some titles might look better than others on Blu-ray.

“RV happens to be a very recent title,†Eklund said, referring to the Robin Williams comedy release on standard DVD and Blu-ray this month. “The quality of the film masters is variable. It’s going to depend how the film was shot, with some having more film grain and some having a sharper image.â€

Typically, footage shot in high-def will transition easier to a high-def format than from straight film stock.

At the DisplaySearch event, retailers said a Samsung demo disc performed better in the Samsung Blu-ray player than many available Blu-ray films. Nickerson contends this is an apples to oranges comparison.

“When you take a high-def camera and shoot nature scenes, that is different than a title that was made ‘X’ years ago,†he said.

Filmmakers also have been making creative decisions that may not please every consumer, explained Sony’s Feingold.

“[Color] might look oversaturated, but ultimately, we allow the filmmaker significant latitude in that process,†Feingold said. “In the end, it’s their creative work.â€

Additionally, some Blu-ray titles have been mastered on display monitors differently from ones consumers use for TV viewing.

“We’re going to be doing some work in the fall with filmmakers and post-production, looking at how authoring works in what consumer monitors are like today,†Feingold said, noting the influence of quickly evolving flat-panel and plasma TVs.

On the whole, Blu-ray title reviews appear to be improving. Sony partly credits its work reaching out to media critics to ensure they fully understand how best to view the format.
post #23 of 94
8/25/06 at 2:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jorgerod
If this is indeed true and I spent $1000 on a Blew Ray player I woud be incredibly Pissed off

Jorge
The Samsung had better play BD50 when they become available...


PS Hunt is exactly right.
post #24 of 94
8/25/06 at 3:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by grant7311
Sony had a few words to say about the 50gb disc and why the media critics are not praising there Blu-Ray releases. Mr Bill Hunt be prepared for a phone call from Sony since they think media critics need to be educated on how best to view the format.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6365717.html

Here is just some of the comments from the article released today, pay attention to the last paragraph Bill Hunt because they want to ensure that media critics fully understand how best to view the format: :rolleyes:

Sony executives gave some explanations for why some titles might look better than others on Blu-ray.

“RV happens to be a very recent title,†Eklund said, referring to the Robin Williams comedy release on standard DVD and Blu-ray this month. “The quality of the film masters is variable. It’s going to depend how the film was shot, with some having more film grain and some having a sharper image.â€

Typically, footage shot in high-def will transition easier to a high-def format than from straight film stock.

At the DisplaySearch event, retailers said a Samsung demo disc performed better in the Samsung Blu-ray player than many available Blu-ray films. Nickerson contends this is an apples to oranges comparison.

“When you take a high-def camera and shoot nature scenes, that is different than a title that was made ‘X’ years ago,†he said.

Filmmakers also have been making creative decisions that may not please every consumer, explained Sony’s Feingold.

“[Color] might look oversaturated, but ultimately, we allow the filmmaker significant latitude in that process,†Feingold said. “In the end, it’s their creative work.â€

Additionally, some Blu-ray titles have been mastered on display monitors differently from ones consumers use for TV viewing.

“We’re going to be doing some work in the fall with filmmakers and post-production, looking at how authoring works in what consumer monitors are like today,†Feingold said, noting the influence of quickly evolving flat-panel and plasma TVs.

On the whole, Blu-ray title reviews appear to be improving. Sony partly credits its work reaching out to media critics to ensure they fully understand how best to view the format.

What a bunch of B.S.! Unbeleivable!
post #25 of 94
8/25/06 at 3:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Larryad
What a bunch of B.S.! Unbeleivable!
Nah it's damage control, Sony is the master of Damage control. Look at E3, it was very ambarrasing for them, but the press overlooked it...
post #26 of 94
8/25/06 at 3:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by grant7311
Sony had a few words to say about the 50gb disc and why the media critics are not praising there Blu-Ray releases. Mr Bill Hunt be prepared for a phone call from Sony since they think media critics need to be educated on how best to view the format.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6365717.html

Here is just some of the comments from the article released today, pay attention to the last paragraph Bill Hunt because they want to ensure that media critics fully understand how best to view the format: :rolleyes:

Sony executives gave some explanations for why some titles might look better than others on Blu-ray.

“RV happens to be a very recent title,†Eklund said, referring to the Robin Williams comedy release on standard DVD and Blu-ray this month. “The quality of the film masters is variable. It’s going to depend how the film was shot, with some having more film grain and some having a sharper image.â€

Typically, footage shot in high-def will transition easier to a high-def format than from straight film stock.

At the DisplaySearch event, retailers said a Samsung demo disc performed better in the Samsung Blu-ray player than many available Blu-ray films. Nickerson contends this is an apples to oranges comparison.

“When you take a high-def camera and shoot nature scenes, that is different than a title that was made ‘X’ years ago,†he said.

Filmmakers also have been making creative decisions that may not please every consumer, explained Sony’s Feingold.

“[Color] might look oversaturated, but ultimately, we allow the filmmaker significant latitude in that process,†Feingold said. “In the end, it’s their creative work.â€

Additionally, some Blu-ray titles have been mastered on display monitors differently from ones consumers use for TV viewing.

“We’re going to be doing some work in the fall with filmmakers and post-production, looking at how authoring works in what consumer monitors are like today,†Feingold said, noting the influence of quickly evolving flat-panel and plasma TVs.

On the whole, Blu-ray title reviews appear to be improving. Sony partly credits its work reaching out to media critics to ensure they fully understand how best to view the format.
They can make all of the excuses they want, I am still not gonna buy it.
post #27 of 94
8/25/06 at 3:17pm
Well I shall never call Bill Hunt a shill again. He laid it out on the table and took responsibility for his actions.

I'm frankly amazed. I figured that Toshiba would execute but I didn't not realize they would execute so deftly. Blu-Ray is looking pretty flat footed right now. The battle is far from over but Toshiba is looking better and better.

What I'd like to see now is recognition of this and see Universal, BA/Disney, Lionsgate and Fox stop screwing their fans over and support both. Let the format that wins..do it on it's own merit.

Bravo Bill Hunt.
post #28 of 94
8/25/06 at 3:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Davin_Felth
That's pretty much how I am. I was going to get both, didn't buy my HD DVD player till the Samsung came out and was instantly getting bad reviews on these boards. Now I really don't want any part of Blu-Ray.
++
HD-DVD 4TWN!
post #29 of 94
8/25/06 at 3:42pm
Who is Bill Hunt?
post #30 of 94
8/25/06 at 3:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by srowe
Who is Bill Hunt?


He's the inventor of Hunt's Tomatoe Paste. In his sparetime, he runs an influential DVD review site:

www.thedigitalbits.com
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