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The battle between HD-DVD and Blu-ray players is a hot button issue
with electronics consumers as it should be. It's not really fair that
consumers would have to buy both players in order to have a full choice
of the latest movies available. Many cannot afford an HD-DVD and a
blu-ray player and others know that eventually one or both of these
players will become obsolete.
So, are we any closer to one format winning over the other? According to a recent article in the Consumer Reports blog, the answer is no.
Studio support is now split about evenly between Blu-ray
and HD DVD, thanks to a recent decision by Paramount and DreamWorks to
release movies only in the HD DVD format.
Most consumers have decided to wait out the format war on the
sideline. According to a recent survey, 66% of respondents said they
would not or where unlikely to purchase either format within the next 6
months. 23% where sitting on the fence when it comes to purchasing
either an HD-DVD or a Blu-ray player. Only 11% stated that they where
likely to buy one of these players.
The survey also asked current owners what the deciding factor was.
Blu-ray owners cited the high quality picture and sound technology,
while HD-DVD owners said a cheaper price was the reason for their
purchase. It's important to mention that owners of both players where
very satisfied with their purchase. Complaints where not about the
players themselves, but about the lack of movie titles.
The debate continues:
The topic of interactivity and the ability to connect to
the Internet was debated, during a panel discussion that included
executives from Microsoft, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, Paramount,
Disney and Pioneer. Not surprisingly, backers of HD DVD—which makes
these features mandatory in all players—saw this capability as a major
advantage, while Blu-ray backers said high-def picture quality and
high-resolution audio quality were more compelling reasons for buying a
high-def player.
Members of both camps agree that one day downloadable or digitally
delivered content will surpass packaged content in the form of a DVD,
but that day is still a ways off. So, why buy either format? Why not
just wait to see which format or delivery method wins out?
Manufacturers contend that Blu-ray and HD-DVD players are great
learning tools for a new and what can be a complicated technology.
Next-gen gamers are the most fortunate thus far. The Playstation 3
console already comes with an integrated Blu-ray drive and Sony has
announced an upgrade an upgrade that will enable features such as
Internet connectivity and picture-in-picture, something no current
Blu-ray players can do. The Xbox 360 has an available add-on for
playing High-def DVD's.
Whatever happens, it looks like the Blu-ray vs HD-DVD war will benefit High-def consumers in the end.
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