HD-DVD is dead?

Saw this news over at a videogame forum earlier on today.
Seems like it might have implications for this generation of consoles.

www.reuters.com...

So if HD-DVD is dead as a format could this mean that Sony was right all along to include Blu-Ray in its Playstation 3's even though it meant a substantial increase in the cost of the PS3 for consumers?

Could this also mean that Microsoft might consider making a Blu-Ray add-on akin to the HD-DVD drive for the 360 or better yet, release a new SKU with Blu-Ray functionality added in?

It'll be interesting to see if sales of the PS3 shoot up in coming months with consumers looking at it as a cheap Blu-Ray player with the added functionality of being able to play games in wake of this news.

Any thoughts?

There are two studios still making HD DVD movies, and one of them is switching in March! HD DVD lost, why?

Capacity
HD DVD-8gigs
BR-25gigs one layer, 50gigs for a 2 layer, and some up to 200gigs being planned

Availability
HD DVD Again 2 studios, and one leaving in March
BR has all but one studio, and has already made a 100+titles, compared to HD DVD -50

Durability
HD DVD Pretty much same as a DVD
BR has an extra tough surface that resists scratches, dust, and fingerprints

Recording
HD DVD NONE!
BR Computers have been coming out with these for awhile now and you can burn BR discs that are playable on BR Players

Detail
HD DVD 1080i max, but most 720p
BR 1080p on majority, also 7.1 Surround sound(Compared to Dolby 5.1) And lossless Audio, most don't know but DVD loses sound when played

So, no wonder HD DVD lost. Also, BR has the boost of the PS3(400) while HD DVD is an "attachment that costs extra" for the 360(520 in end) which of course break 34% of the time.

Hey, guess what?

biz.yahoo.com...

Japanese electronics maker Toshiba might withdraw its HD DVD next-generation video format, Kyodo News agency reported Saturday.
The report cited unidentified individuals from the industry as saying Toshiba Corp. is reviewing its operations, with the timing of the withdrawal to be decided later, depending on U.S. demand for its HD DVD products and other factors.



So it looks like another nail in HD DVD coffin.

Edit... ANOTHER NAIL!!
news.yahoo.com...;_ylt=AvVyT3cUAC2oTeaCMZ0y0Rlk24cA
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has picked Blu-ray over HD DVD in the market battle for the format of high-definition video.

ADVERTISEMENT

The nation's largest retailer said Friday it has decided to sell only Blu-ray DVDs and hardware in its 4,000 U.S. stores and no longer carry rival HD DVD offerings.



[edit on 17-2-2008 by HHH Is King]

reply to post by HHH Is King


Very informative post
We have both the 360 and PS3 so I guess we lucked out in the HD Vs BR war as I don't plan on buying either separate players for movies.

Want to know how they lost? Because of the porn industry have decided to back blu-ray.

www.crunchgear.com...

That's how the VHS won the war last time.

This reminds me so much of the old VHS/Betamax war that it's ridiculous. I can't believe that such a thing is happening again.

Ahh well, all in the spirit of competition, right?

TheBorg

Geez, I like my betamax edit rig... laser-disc Star Wars is hip too, ever seen 108RPM vinyl? Or a vittrola? B&W TV rocks. I still have software that I use from 5.25" floppy and some LS-120 and zip drives. LOL. When the media gets cheap I'll get a super-multi LG combo and a BR burner. I have some backups to run... on 250MB Colorado tape drives and a Ciprico M-O. LOL. HD-DVD? Is that new or something? LOL. Poor Toshiba... stock could really take a hit now...

Cheers,

Vic

reply to post by TheBorg


Yep. I guess.

I wouldn't go so far as to say I am technologically illiterate but I don't know much on the whole Boo-Ray Vs HD thing. I just don't see what the hype is about and wasn't too thrilled at the introduction of either.
Yeah, I want a HDTV and cool picture quality for my gaming and movies but isn't this all a bit much ? I'm not rushing out to buy either/or because I hate to be a sucker and all I can think when I do pay attention to all this is that we're just being suckered in ... again.

Why fix what ain't broke ?


I must be an old 28 year old lol

No one gets porn on DVD any more... I mean really do you?

Nah! I didn't think so!

The Toshiba back down has more to do kick backs, I'm sure of it... I'll bet my wing nuts (That's ears people) that they have got much better rates on the boo ray tech and maybe a few other bits and pieces from the mighty sony.

After all, they are both Japanese companies and the war was basically holding back sales as most peeps didn't want to be left with another betamax (which was a sony product!!)

MonKey



ImJaded - You is not 28!

I'm pretty sure it has more to do with better quality, more space, cheaper, more studios, so forth. Betamax was good but... A tape could be dropped and stuff without being damaged while a betamax couldn't. A tape could be recorded on easily at home with very little expertise while I understand that wasn't possible with a betamax. Tapes were smaller and could hold more from what I understand also. Although I think the Betamax had better quality picture.

But still. BR to HD

BR-25gigs minimum, some up to 200gigs
HD-8gigs

BR- all but one studio
HD- has one studio left

BR- Tougher cover resists scratches, dust, and finger prints
HD- Same as a regular dvd

BR- Recording is easy and is available on most new computers
HD- Uh... no recording available

BR- 1080p
HD-720p

It is like asking why an ipod sells better then a walkman.

Just thought I'd add in something quickly to this thread that I came across on another games forum.

The rumour that Microsoft may be considering a Blu-Ray add on has picked up a little steam:

www.smarthouse.com.au...

Interesting to say the least, but it's really only a rumour at this point and the article itself doesn't quote Microsoft directly, but goes for the ol' 'insiders' angle instead.

Could it make sense for Microsoft to release a Blu Ray add on?
Given that there's already a decent sized Blu Ray userbase with the PS3 and what looks to be a growing market for High Definition content (now with less confusion for the average consumer if HD-DVD is calling it a day) it could be worthwhile.
Whether it's something Microsoft would want to do in the middle of the 360's life or save it for the next generation with Blu Ray built in is another matter.Heck, by next generation Microsoft could have developed their own proprietary format or decided to go for a digital distribution model.

Not to mention that it's really only a rumour. No real solid evidence to say Blu Ray is on Microsoft's agenda apart from the article posted.

boy am I happy that my wife bought an HD-DVD player last year....

SO basically it was a waste of money?