LETTER TO THE EDITOR: HD DVD vs. Blu-ray
By Steve Bliss -- Video Business,01/11/2008
JAN. 11 | I was a little surprised by Warner’s decision to abandon HD DVD in favor of Blu-ray Disc, but there is no question about its motives.
Ten years ago, WHV led the charge to launch the DVD format, advancing an aggressive release schedule while its other major studio counterparts were dragging their heels and hedging their bets.
Fast-forward to 2007, and it’s the same story, as Warner is releasing the most titles on both Blu-ray and HD DVD while its competition once again shuffles its feet and spends most of its time bickering in the trade press.
WHV even went so far as to begin development on a “Total HD” format that would work on all players, in the process so horrifying boosters in both high-def DVD camps that they convinced major retailers to shun this notion.
Finally, Warner threw up its hands and said OK, we’ll go exclusive with Blu-ray if that’s what it takes to keep both formats from becoming the next laserdisc.
So let’s review the history of this “format war”:
1. HD DVD players have been cheaper than Blu-ray players since launch, by a wide margin until recently.
2. All HD DVD discs have worked on all HD DVD players since launch, in stark contrast to a dismal record of bugginess and incompatibility with Blu-ray discs.
3. Only HD DVD offers the benefit of HD DVD on one side of a disc and standard DVD on the other side, meaning consumers can play the same DVD on different DVD players in their homes without having to purchase the same movie twice.
4. HD DVD has offered picture-in-picture special features and Web-enabled special features since launch, while Blu-ray owners who wish to enjoy these features on future Blu-ray discs will have to scrap the player they already own and buy a new one.
5. HD DVD is far less expensive to produce than Blu-ray, making it economically feasible for smaller and independent labels to release on HD DVD and ensuring a wider variety and selection of titles.
Gosh, it seems pretty obvious that the big winner for consumers is . . . BLU-RAY???
Our industry better be careful about ignoring the needs of its consumers.
That can get to be a bad habit.
We might want to ask our friends in the recorded music industry how that worked out for them.
Steve Bliss
Microcinema DVD, Albuquerque, N.M.
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| Submitted by: | Doug Tomas 2/17/2008 7:51:01 PM PT |
Ever since Warner went Blu, I have not and will not support either format.
The studios should have remained neutral and let the consumer decide.
I will do everything possible now to keep the studios from getting my money. Record rentals when it becomes available.
| Submitted by: | Douglas Redding (dougr@libertyhall.net) 1/17/2008 6:21:50 PM PT |
| Location: | Lawrence, Kansas |
| Occupation: | Video/Box-Office |
Death to Both HD Formats!
I have a more involved/verbose comment, but apparentley it won't be accepted through the spam-filter.
Would you like to know more? I would like to write a short note to the editor.
| Submitted by: | Devin Hamilton (dvdvp@yahoo.com) 1/14/2008 10:49:28 AM PT |
| Location: | Los Angeles, CA |
| Occupation: | Consultant |
Having had both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD for over a year, I would say that the original comments are inaccurate.
I have had more problems with HD-DVD''s locking up or not even playing without a (30 minute process) firmware update. As recently as "Chuck and Larry" and "Bourne Ultimatum" i had to update an HD-30 machine just to watch the movie.
At the same time, the slightest piece of dust on HD-DVD will cause a skip or lock-up on playback. About 10-1 versus Blu-Ray. So, as a consumer who has over 300 combined BR and HD discs, that''s my avid user opinion.
| Submitted by: | Joel 1/13/2008 1:10:34 PM PT |
| Location: | NJ |
I always find myself bemused by those who claim BR has better PQ/AQ on its side...it doesn't. In fact, in most side-by-side comparisons (most recently HARRY POTTER), the HD-DVD discs are sharper and more detailed. Having 50GB discs do nothing to contribute to AQ...that's already evident. And,in case anyone's forgotten, those initial BR disc releases were abominable! Regarding sales, BR outsells HD-DVD software due to the PS3 gaming console. However, for dedicated movie players, HD-DVD outsold BR with approx 1 million units sold this past year, compared to BR's approx. 750,000 - 800,000. THAT is why the Warner policy is considered anti-consumer. As for me, Warner's move, plus their rather slimy announced policy of holding back any new HD-DVDs, releasing them WEEKS after the Standard and BR releases, show that they are intentionally hoping to bury the HD-DVD format. Right now, I own neither format. I was planning on jumping in next month. However, the current developments have made me decide to not even bother. I'm certainly not going to pay hundreds more for a BR format that is barely ready for market. I get a greater movie selection via cable and HD OnDemand. And I hear other options are pending as well. So thanks Warners...you've convinced me! And also ensured that BR will become nothing more than a niche format. (Gaming consoles notwithstanding.)
| Submitted by: | Jason (JasonAtThrity@gmail.com) 1/12/2008 3:49:25 PM PT |
| Location: | NYC |
| Occupation: | DVD Author |
As an independent film maker and DVD Author, I was very excited to move into the next HD format. However after looking into the "costs" associated with producing a Blu-Ray disc for replication I found the starting cost was $26,500. This number includes the following:
$5.00 USD Per disc Replication fee (min: 2,500 )
$1,500 USD AACS fee.
Now, I understand the costs will come down but at the rate the industry is moving, I move to ON-DEMAND before I can afford the Blu route. There are more and more new ON-DEMAND distribution outlets coming on-line that are more affordable then $26,500 USD.
Blu-Ray you might have killed the next generation format all together. Form here on out I tell everyone buy an upcoverter and save some money. Most people can''''t tell anyhow.
-Jason
| Submitted by: | Len Feldman 1/12/2008 12:07:07 AM PT |
| Location: | San Jose, CA |
| Occupation: | Industry Analyst |
From day one, the whole blue-laser business had nothing to do with consumers. It was driven by CE companies that were looking for a replacement for DVD player revenues and margins lost to Chinese manufacturers, and by studios looking for a way to stop wholesale pirating. In my opinion, at this point it doesn't matter which format "wins"--they've both lost.
| Submitted by: | Steve Kuehl (skuehl34@aol.com) 1/11/2008 8:32:52 PM PT |
| Location: | Ben Lomond, CA |
| Occupation: | DVD store owner |
From a rental POV, this is a no-brainer and I cannot understand why I do not see more posts about it. I have carried HD & Blu (for rent) from the beginning and HD is by far a horrible technology per cost for the rental industry. As any store owner knows the life expectancy of double sided discs vs. single sided (and in BD's case - a better material) HD has been a train wreck.
| Submitted by: | Bryan Fouquet 1/11/2008 5:59:08 PM PT |
| Location: | Austin, TX |
| Occupation: | Retail |
I can see your point with regards to the fact that HD-DVD has had everything in line from day one regarding its specifications. However, I think you are looking past the fact that consumers are helping to make this choice. Week in and week out since January of last year, Blu-Ray has outsold HD-DVD. So how exactly is Warner, or the movie business in general for that matter, going against what the consumer wants when the consumer keeps picking Blu-Ray?
| Submitted by: | Adam Davis 1/11/2008 5:41:57 PM PT |
| Location: | Los Angeles |
| Occupation: | Producer |
The Toshiba A30 supports 1080p and at $178 on Amazon is still cheaper than the cheapest BD player that I am aware of.
| Submitted by: | Jon Smithe 1/11/2008 4:39:51 PM PT |
| Location: | USA |
| Occupation: | Engineer |
It's easy to make one side look way better then the other when you "cherry pick" and don't include all the facts.
1. True, but cheapest Toshiba only does 1080i and not 1080p. Plus the only CE making HD DVD only players is Toshiba, not much choice. (The Onkyo, RCA, and Ventura players were found to be rebranded Toshibas.
2. Not all HD DVDs have worked correctly in players.
3. It's would actually be cheaper to include a DVD in the case then to use the combo disc and less buggy.
4. Special features aren't as important as Print Quality and Audio Quality, which Blu-ray can do better due it the additional space and bandwidth.
5. Costs will go down. So far Blu-ray discs have actually been cheaper on the average. So this has not affected the consumer.
Ignoring consumers? Blu-ray owners far exceed HD DVD owners..
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