A couple weeks ago, I found an open-box Toshiba HD-A35 (1080p/24fps) with a 2 year protection plan for $150 out the door. It came with 7 free HD DVD's (most of which are pretty lame).

Yesterday, I read a thread about Sears on the East Coast offering some Samsung BDP-1200's (1080p/24fps) for under $100. I called every Sears in the Los Angeles area until I found one.

Both of these players exhibit stunning picture and sound. But now I am torn. Since my TV has 2 HDMI inputs, it isn't a problem to have both players. I know Blu-Ray is leaps and bounds ahead of HD DVD in terms of the 'format war.' But should I return the HD DVD player? Stores are offering HD DVD's for less than half of what Blu-Ray's are selling for in anticipation of HD DVD being phased out.

Should I return the HD DVD player (which basically means I MADE $50 to buy the Blu-Ray player) or keep them both and swoop up a bunch of cheap HD DVD's? In essence, I have a dual-format player (retail for a dual-format is about $700) for about $250.

Until they resolve the HD DVD vs. Blu-Ray battle, for the cost you might as well hold onto both. Its like the beta/VHS war of years ago, except the current one has more meaning. As long as certain movies are only available in certain formats, there will be no "right" answer.

One word of caution, these are basically each manufacturers entry level units. These have been improved on greatly, in use, function and quality. These early models had many issues. Go to cnet.com for a lot a great information.

quote:

Originally posted by inky:
Until they resolve the HD DVD vs. Blu-Ray battle, for the cost you might as well hold onto both. Its like the beta/VHS war of years ago, except the current one has more meaning. As long as certain movies are only available in certain formats, there will be no "right" answer.

One word of caution, these are basically each manufacturers entry level units. These have been improved on greatly, in use, function and quality. These early models had many issues. Go to cnet.com for a lot a great information.

Inky,

I have researched these players a lot. They are early players (Samsung's 2nd gen BD and Toshiba's 2nd gen 1080p HD DVD). I left out an important detail...I have until March 6 to return the Toshiba...so the clock is ticking.

Thanks!

I would take back the HD DVD if you don't like the movies and use the money to buy some Blu Rays you like. Looks more everyday like Blu Ray will win.

to be honest
until both formats are under 15$, I'd doubt either technology would win out.

30$ for a movie is very unreasonable.

esp since upconverting is pretty good and regular dvds are 10$

that being said, I do have both blu ray and hd dvd... but I get tired of the same 5 movies for blu ray and 5 movies for hd dvd =)

quote:

Originally posted by inky:
Until they resolve the HD DVD vs. Blu-Ray battle, for the cost you might as well hold onto both. Its like the beta/VHS war of years ago, except the current one has more meaning. As long as certain movies are only available in certain formats, there will be no "right" answer.

One word of caution, these are basically each manufacturers entry level units. These have been improved on greatly, in use, function and quality. These early models had many issues. Go to cnet.com for a lot a great information.

It is resolved. Blu-Ray is the winner. I returned my HD-DVD player to Costco. I will wait until the phase two BR's come out later this year.

quote:

Originally posted by Mr Cabernet:

quote:

Originally posted by inky:
Until they resolve the HD DVD vs. Blu-Ray battle, for the cost you might as well hold onto both. Its like the beta/VHS war of years ago, except the current one has more meaning. As long as certain movies are only available in certain formats, there will be no "right" answer.

One word of caution, these are basically each manufacturers entry level units. These have been improved on greatly, in use, function and quality. These early models had many issues. Go to cnet.com for a lot a great information.

It is resolved. Blu-Ray is the winner. I returned my HD-DVD player to Costco. I will wait until the phase two BR's come out later this year.

I agree in only one aspect, that it seems Blu-Ray players quality seems to be slightly higher. But I don't agree overall because there will be no winner until one format carries all titles. Fo now, the following are still only available on HD DVD format: Paramount, Universal, Warner (until end of May 2008), DreamWorks Animation

Until one format carries all movies, the war won't be over and there will be no winner.

quote:

Originally posted by inky:

quote:

Originally posted by Mr Cabernet:

quote:

Originally posted by inky:
Until they resolve the HD DVD vs. Blu-Ray battle, for the cost you might as well hold onto both. Its like the beta/VHS war of years ago, except the current one has more meaning. As long as certain movies are only available in certain formats, there will be no "right" answer.

One word of caution, these are basically each manufacturers entry level units. These have been improved on greatly, in use, function and quality. These early models had many issues. Go to cnet.com for a lot a great information.

It is resolved. Blu-Ray is the winner. I returned my HD-DVD player to Costco. I will wait until the phase two BR's come out later this year.

I agree in only one aspect, that it seems Blu-Ray players quality seems to be slightly higher. But I don't agree overall because there will be no winner until one format carries all titles. Fo now, the following are still only available on HD DVD format: Paramount, Universal, Warner (until end of May 2008), DreamWorks Animation

Until one format carries all movies, the war won't be over and there will be no winner.

Blu Ray only at BB & Netflix. Toshiba dumping the players at almost half off, Best Buy is going to promote Blu Ray, though continuing--temporarily to carry both. Stick fork in it, smell coffee, game over.

quote:

Originally posted by Mr Cabernet:

quote:

Originally posted by inky:

quote:

Originally posted by Mr Cabernet:

quote:

Originally posted by inky:
Until they resolve the HD DVD vs. Blu-Ray battle, for the cost you might as well hold onto both. Its like the beta/VHS war of years ago, except the current one has more meaning. As long as certain movies are only available in certain formats, there will be no "right" answer.

One word of caution, these are basically each manufacturers entry level units. These have been improved on greatly, in use, function and quality. These early models had many issues. Go to cnet.com for a lot a great information.

It is resolved. Blu-Ray is the winner. I returned my HD-DVD player to Costco. I will wait until the phase two BR's come out later this year.

I agree in only one aspect, that it seems Blu-Ray players quality seems to be slightly higher. But I don't agree overall because there will be no winner until one format carries all titles. Fo now, the following are still only available on HD DVD format: Paramount, Universal, Warner (until end of May 2008), DreamWorks Animation

Until one format carries all movies, the war won't be over and there will be no winner.

Blu Ray only at BB & Netflix. Toshiba dumping the players at almost half off, Best Buy is going to promote Blu Ray, though continuing--temporarily to carry both. Stick fork in it, smell coffee, game over.

Thats all fine and dandy but until I am able to choose any movie I want from one format, its not over. Many good movies under the Paramount, Universal, Warner, DreamWorks Animation labels that arent available on Blu-Ray.

So what? The vast majority of movies aren't available in either HiDef format. HDDVD isn't dead, but it was coughing up blood a few minutes ago.

The future for HDDVD is in hybrid players that can handle both HDDVD and BluRay disks. I considered buying a $100 HDDVD player at Christmas, but I passed and will wait until I can afford a good BluRay player.

Mr Cab is right, BR has won the war. Pretty much all the movie companies are signing deals with BR. I would not recommend to buy an HD DVD player.
And he's double right when saying to wait for the generation 2 players.

Heck, I went BlueRay only, but bought a PS3. Great gaming, great BluRay player that's not an add-on unit.

Forgive the novice-like innocence of this question, but is either HD DVD really worth it? I've got dozens and dozens of regular DVDs - all my favorite films.

Would it really be worth it to buy a new HD player and then spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars to buy all my favorite films once again, only on a HD format?

Are we talking about a significant increase in quality, or are we talking about a quality increase that only a true afficionado would really care about?

quote:

Originally posted by Rothko:
Forgive the novice-like innocence of this question, but is either HD DVD really worth it? I've got dozens and dozens of regular DVDs - all my favorite films.

Would it really be worth it to buy a new HD player and then spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars to buy all my favorite films once again, only on a HD format?

Are we talking about a significant increase in quality, or are we talking about a quality increase that only a true afficionado would really care about?

The increase in quality is too profound to describe...even hdtv programming is inferior when compared to Blu-Ray and HD DVD. My TV is 50 inches, and while not huge, the difference between regular (even upconverted) DVD's and 1080p is enormous.

Rothko,

Depends. Only you can decide. Some folks are cool with a bicycle you can get at Target, some folks want a $5000 carbon fiber bike. Some folks are cool with YTR. . .you get the idea.

Go to a good A/V store to see for yourself. Me, I'm not replacing anything, but will buy a few new titles that will sing in the high def version, and only on sale. I'd rather spend my money on wine, or travel.

quote:

Originally posted by indybob:
Heck, I went BlueRay only, but bought a PS3. Great gaming, great BluRay player that's not an add-on unit.

Bob (aka Chereth Cutestory),

I was considering a ps3 as a blu-ray player, but (sadly) I don't play too many games, and the blu-rays play at 1080p/60 fps. It slightly diminished the progressive scan aspect of the player when watching films intended to be viewed at 24fps.

The ps3, however, is the most recommended bd player on the market due to its' compatibility for firmware upgrades. The experts label it as the only player today which is future-proof.

danny,

I hear you. I don't game as much as I used to, but my fiancee likes the Dance Dance Revolution type games, and I play a few FPS (first person shooters) now and then. So, for me, it's worth having the extra capability, even at a $500 price tag (80Gig version, plus extras $$$). As far as the fps quandry, heck, at some point, I said to myself, how much more detail do I need. Heck, maybe I'm old school, but I have no problem whipping out an old VHS and watching those, especially with older movies that were not digitally mastered.

-Pirate Lawyer

quote:

Originally posted by indybob:
danny,

Heck, maybe I'm old school, but I have no problem whipping out an old VHS and watching those, especially with older movies that were not digitally mastered.

-Pirate Lawyer

What's VHS?

P.S. Don't forget to check out the Bob Loblaw Law Blog...

quote:

Originally posted by dannyk8232:
P.S. Don't forget to check out the Bob Loblaw Law Blog...

You sir, are a mouthful.

Looks like Toshiba may be ready to throw in the towel.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/14/toshiba-gearing-up-to-drop-hd-dvd/

The battle is over!!

Walmart will not sell HDDVD any more.
NetFlix is a no=no

Looks as though Blue Ray won

YESSSS!!!!!

Looks like I'm returning the HD DVD player...

I'm the first analyst/therapist. Here's my new business card:

Tobias Funke: Analrapist