• Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.

Hi-Def Media Lovefest: The war is over and we can all go home.

Status
Not open for further replies.

Matrix

LeBron loves his girlfriend. There is no other woman in the world he’d rather have. The problem is, Dwyane’s not a woman.
Yea I just read more info about the discs.I'm just saying some people have had issues with them cause of them being flippers.

Just warning you,hopefully you have no problems.
 

SUPREME1

Banned
I picked up both The Bourne Supremacy and Excalibur for HD DVD and watched them both over the weekend.


I didn't expect much from Excalibur, though I did expect an improvement visually.. and there is one. It's one of my all-time favs and so it was going to be mine no matter what. It was a decent choice.

Bourne was pretty sweet visually and sounded hella nice (yeah, I said hella) and I'm glad I picked it up.

Was going to pick up Riddick, but I JUST saw it on TNT HD and will get it eventually.



Somewhat off-topic.. Has anyone heard anything about the rumored HDMI cable to be released for the 360?

As nice as my Elite Pro-FHD1 looks, it only outputs 1080i from the HD DVD add-on for the 360 using the component cables. I also have the HD-VGA cable for the 360 but my TV but my monitor does not support VGA, only DVI. *sad face*
 

mollipen

Member
Gary Whitta said:
I don't know what kind of bullshit this is, but I don't remember any of these kinds of problems when DVD first came out, and I bought one of the very first players.

I jumped in at pretty much the beginning of DVD as well, and I remember ALL KINDS of compatibility and disc quality issues. I remember reading DVD Town and The Digital Bits, and it seemed like every other day there was a new announcement of disc/player issues.
 

ManaByte

Gold Member
Big-E said:
Is the new and improved Fifth Element out yet? And if it is, how do you tell which is the good version?

The covers are identical, but the "Beyond High Definition" is silver foil on the new one.
 

ManaByte

Gold Member
Saw remastered 5th Element at Fry's tonight and the cover is easy to spot with the shiny foil.

Also updated my HD-DVD shelf:
hd-dvdlibrary.jpg
 

VanMardigan

has calmed down a bit.
ManaByte said:
The movie discs in the Ultimate box are 100% identical to the ones in the trilogy box.

No, that's not true. The movie discs on the trilogy (which I own) are not double sided. They have the cover art for the movies on top. The Ultimate discs don't have any cover art, they're double sided.
 

ManaByte

Gold Member
VanMardigan said:
No, that's not true. The movie discs on the trilogy (which I own) are not double sided. They have the cover art for the movies on top. The Ultimate discs don't have any cover art, they're double sided.

Do the Trilogy discs have the same features as the movie discs on the Ultimate?
 

VanMardigan

has calmed down a bit.
ManaByte said:
Do the Trilogy discs have the same features as the movie discs on the Ultimate?

They have special features on them, but they're on the same side as the movie. I don't know if they're as extensive as the special features on the flip side of the ultimate discs, but I'd imagine not. I haven't seen most of the special features, but there's plenty there.

Edit:

I just took this with my phone, this is the special features screen on Revolutions:
IMAGE_014.jpg
 

Crisis

Banned
ManaByte said:
Saw remastered 5th Element at Fry's tonight and the cover is easy to spot with the shiny foil.

Also updated my HD-DVD shelf:
hd-dvdlibrary.jpg

I like that a lot. Can I ask where you got that rack from?
 
VanMardigan said:
They have special features on them, but they're on the same side as the movie. I don't know if they're as extensive as the special features on the flip side of the ultimate discs, but I'd imagine not. I haven't seen most of the special features, but there's plenty there.

Edit:

I just took this with my phone, this is the special features screen on Revolutions:
IMAGE_014.jpg
Can't wait to check out the feature on the moribund Matrix Online!
 
VanMardigan said:
No, that's not true. The movie discs on the trilogy (which I own) are not double sided. They have the cover art for the movies on top. The Ultimate discs don't have any cover art, they're double sided.

Bingo. That's why I bought the Trilogy. Cheaper and no stupid combo. Who the hell wants Matrix on a combo? I think anyone who bought it has it on DVD already.
 

ManaByte

Gold Member
DarkJediKnight said:
Bingo. That's why I bought the Trilogy. Cheaper and no stupid combo. Who the hell wants Matrix on a combo? I think anyone who bought it has it on DVD already.

It. Does. Not. Include. The. Movie. In. SD.
 

ManaByte

Gold Member
DarkJediKnight said:
Wait, I thought the Ultimate pack had the discs as Combos? What's the on other side then?

Extras. The movies have the two hour Revisited documentaries on the other side.
 
Extras are boring. Never watch extras if you can spend that same time watching any true classic film (AFI 100, etc.) that you have never seen.
 

ManaByte

Gold Member
Bourne Identity Review:
http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/bourneidentity.html

Happily, Universal has put together a great HD DVD for this one. The transfer and soundtrack are four-stars all the way, and the studio has culled every major extra from all the various standard-def DVD releases into one nifty package. Following the already-released (and highly rated) HD DVD edition of 'Bourne Supremacy,' Universal is batting two for two with Jason Bourne.
 

ManaByte

Gold Member
Crayon Shinchan said:
SD features need to be taken out the back and shot.

It's such a damn bummer to see that kinda crap; both formats are guilty of it... and I'd give up IME stuff 10 times over to have consistent HD special features over SD ones.

That's why Paramount/Dreamworks does two-disc sets so they can do mostly HD extras.
 

Alcibiades

Member
I just ordered an HD-A2, so I'm finally upgrading to a 2nd gen. player. Value Electronics is doing a special deal for Home Theater Forum members:

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/showthread.php?t=246929&page=3

$199 HD-A2 (plus free shipping & HDMI cable)

I wasn't planning on upgrading but the deal seemed to good to let go.

As far as the Matrix sets are concerned, the Ultimate Collection dual-sided discs do have more features. Both sets contain only the movies in HD, but in order to fit all the special features of the ultimate collection, Warner had to put the "revisited" features on the second side of each movie disc. I bought the Matrix Trilogy during the Circuit City $20 price mistake, but I do like disc art (though I do like combo discs that contain the movie on both sides)...
 

StoOgE

First tragedy, then farce.
The reason we get SD features is because the studios allready have them made and they are just slapping them in the HDDVD/BRD. Its not so much a space thing at all (see 300 which has all HD features)
 

VanMardigan

has calmed down a bit.
Crayon Shinchan said:
Of course, ideally, I'd have a single format with IME, HD features and all studios supporting.

Me too, but it seems like you're equating the lack of HD extras with iME, which doesn't make any sense.
 

StoOgE

First tragedy, then farce.
Also, I laugh at HDD review of Bourne.

Its an action movie so it has to have True HD? :lol

I swear if they told them it was True HD they wouldnt have complained.

Riddick is still the best sounding High Def film Ive heard. Guess what kind of soundtrack it has?
 

ManaByte

Gold Member
StoOgE said:
Also, I laugh at HDD review of Bourne.

Its an action movie so it has to have True HD? :lol

I swear if they told them it was True HD they wouldnt have complained.

Riddick is still the best sounding High Def film Ive heard. Guess what kind of soundtrack it has?

The DD Plus on Dragonheart is also great.
 

StoOgE

First tragedy, then farce.
ManaByte said:
The DD Plus on Dragonheart is also great.

I know.. there have been multiple great DD+ soundtracks.

Hell, Pixar and Lucas DD5.1 soundtracks are better than 90% of whats out on HDDVD and BRD.

just because something is lossless doesnt mean it was done well to begin with.

source > format
 

Alcibiades

Member
Don't be surprised if Dreamworks Home Entertainment gets a big surge this year, and may even overtake sister company Paramount in marketshare. Warner will no doubt be #1, but Paramount haven't had a really big hit recently, while Dreamworks will have Transformers, Blades of Glory, and Disturbia.
 
StoOgE said:
I know.. there have been multiple great DD+ soundtracks.

Hell, Pixar and Lucas DD5.1 soundtracks are better than 90% of whats out on HDDVD and BRD.

just because something is lossless doesnt mean it was done well to begin with.

source > format

That's crap and you know it. My advice to anyone who is argues otherwise is to pick up The Perfect Storm on HD DVD. This disc has some of the best surround work and pinpoint imaging ever in its mix. My girlfriend can tell the difference between the True HD and the DD + 1.5mbps track, let alone me.

You don't know what you're missing until you compare the source track in various forms of compression.

Will it matter for most people? Hell no. But on good equipment, True HD, PCM, beats DD+ anyday and it's quite noticable.

This is why I was pissed at Universal for not including a True HD track with Bourne because I know how good the mix is, and how much the 1.5mbps is missing from the 48/24 master.
 
Denon_Blu-ray.jpg

Today in Jersey City, Denon unveiled its flagship DVD player, the DVD-3800BDCI, coming out this fall. It will be among the first to sport the BD-ROM version 1.1, which means it will have dual audio/video decoders to take advantage of picture-in-picture content, and has an SD card slot, so that you can download web content. It does not have an Ethernet jack, however, so you will have to use a PC to download content to SD. It's also, according to Denon, the world's first high-def disc player to use the Realta HQV video processor for super-badass video cleanup. The processor will clean up Blu-ray discs, if that tells you anything.

DENON TO INTRODUCE GROUNDBREAKING BD-ROM PROFILE 1 version 1.1
BLU-RAY DISC PLAYER AND TRANSPORT

• New Products Represent the Pinnacle of High-Definition DVD Video and Audio Performance; Offer Exciting Interactive Capabilities -

Mahwah, NJ - July 24, 2007 -- Denon Electronics, a world leader in high-performance home entertainment products, today announced the upcoming introduction of two groundbreaking DVD products, the new reference-standard DVD-3800BDCI BD-ROM Profile 1 version 1.1
Blu-ray Disc Player and the DVD-2500BTC BD-ROM Profile 1 version 1.1 Blu-ray Disc Transport. The DVD-3800BDCI (SRP: $1,999) is the world's first BD-ROM Profile 1 version 1.1 Blu-ray Disc Player from a Blu-Ray Disc Association member featuring the acclaimed 10-bit Silicon Optix Realta chipset. It provides users with the highest resolution high-definition video available today via HDMI™ connection, as well as the ultimate in audio performance, including high-definition audio decoding and DDSC-HD audio output. The DVD-2500BTCI outputs audio and video signals and requires a connected audio/video receiver to do the decoding. Both BD-ROM Profile 1 version 1.1 Blu-ray units are slated to ship this fall.

In addition to its Blu-ray Disc introductions, Denon is updating its advanced lineup of DVD players and changers with six additional models, including the DVD-1940CI (SRP: $349) and DVD-1740 (SRP: $169), as well as the new DVM-1845 (SRP: $269) 5-disc DVD changer. With the new additions, Denon's current line of DVD players now feature advanced HDMI output capability for the ultimate in audio and video performance. Three new models in the company's Retail Home Theater DVD lineup have also been added, including the DVD-758 (SRP: $349) and DVD-558 (SRP: $169) DVD players, as well as the new DVM-745 (SRP: $269) 5-disc changer.

Joe Stinziano, Denon's Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, noted: "Denon is committed to providing our discriminating customers with a no-compromise high-end solution for enjoying next-generation high resolution media. Our new products exemplify the highest level of home theater quality. As a member of the Blu-ray Disc Association, we brought all of our design and engineering expertise to bear in the creation of these groundbreaking Blu-ray products, setting new performance standards for the format. Denon remains committed to offering our customers the most options in ultimate-quality home entertainment products and to this end, our future plans do not preclude the introduction of high-definition products in other formats."

Reference-Standard DVD-3800BDCI: "Boundless" Home Entertainment
Denon's new DVD-3800BDCI BD-ROM Profile 1 version 1.1 Blu-ray Disc Player sets new standards in high-performance, interactive DVD playback. In addition to delivering the pinnacle of high-quality audio and video performance, both the DVD-3800BDCI and DVD-2500BTCI feature SD card readers that offer users a new level of full interactivity with multiple opportunities for content providers to add enhanced content such as movie trailers, games and more.

The Ultimate in Video Performance...
In addition to being in the forefront of BD-ROM Profile 1 version 1.1 Blu-ray Disc Player technology, Denon's DVD-3800BDCI is also the world's first to feature the acclaimed 10-bit Silicon Optix Realta chipset, providing enhanced video performance with upconversion and IP scaling to 1080p. The pixel-by-pixel and Digital Noise Reduction feature afforded by this technology allows the player to remove image-degrading artifacts, resulting in astoundingly clear, high-resolution image quality.

The Ultimate in Audio Performance...
Denon's new DVD-3800BDCI also utilizes a variety of the world's most advanced audio technologies, including Advanced AL24 processing, to deliver the ultimate in audio performance. The player offers HD Audio and DDSC-HD, with decoding of Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio and is capable of outputting both 7.1-channel analog signals and PCM audio via HDMI output.

DVD-2500BTCI Blu-ray Transport: High-Performance Connection to A/V Receivers
The DVD-2500BTCI is a leading edge Blu-ray Disc Transport that allows owners of advanced A/V receivers to add Blu-ray capability to their system and enjoy high definition video. The DVD-2500BTCI will natively output an HD audio bit-stream to a connected receiver via HDMI. Once this signal is accepted in the receiver, it can then be decoded into its native format including Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio.

Secondary Video and Audio Decoders
In keeping with the guidelines mandated by the Blu-ray Association for BD-ROM Profile 1 version 1.1 players, both Denon Models DVD-3800BDCI and DVD-2500BTCI incorporate a secondary audio and video decoder. This allows for simultaneous playback of a secondary audio and video track which may be used for interactive audio and commentary and for picture-in-picture capability (respectively). Additional information (subtitles, audio streams, camera angles, trailers, games, etc.) can be downloaded from the Internet via computer and stored on a SD card that either player will accept. This content can be played with the original content of Blu-ray Discs.

Denon's DVD Lineup offers More Models with HDMI Output
In addition to the new Blu-ray Disc products, Denon has significantly upgraded its DVD player line. Denon's new DVD-1940CI and DVD-1740 DVD players, for example, output video at stunning 1080p resolution via HDMI, making them ideal for use with the advanced digital display devices of today (and tomorrow). The superior image quality of the DVD-1940CI is achieved through the use of the advanced Faroudja FLi2301 DCDi chipset, providing an improved Film Mode, 3:2 pulldown detection and de-interlacing, as well as five Progressive Mode memory settings that enable viewers to fine-tune picture quality to their particular preference. The result is remarkably clear, high-resolution image quality, free from picture artifacts. Additional audio/video enhancements in the DVD-1940CI include HDMI 1.1 output compatibility, SACD / DVD-Audio playback, discrete interlaced and progressive video D/A converters. For enhanced audio playback, both the DVD-1940CI and DVD-1740 use discrete high performance Burr
Brown Audio DACs - models PCM-1738 and PCM-1756 respectively. The DVD-1940CI and
DVD-1740 will also interchangeably convert video standards; NTSC and PAL and the DVD-1940CI will now support the popular DivX Ultra standard.

The DVD-1740 and the DVD-1940CI are both currently available.

NEW 5-Disc DVD-Changer Added to Lineup
To provide additional flexibility, Denon is also introducing a new 5-disc DVD changer, with HDMI 1.0 and selectable scaling output to 1080p. Model, DVM-1845 is a progressive scan changer with DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD and CD-R/RW playback compatibility, Kodak Picture, FujiColor, and JPEG Photo File Viewer for total convenience and utility. For enhanced image quality, the DVM-1845 also includes an advanced 12-Bit Video DAC (108MHz, 480i/480p) and 3:2 Pull-Down detection. The DVM-1845 is currently available.

In addition to the new models announced today, Denon's DVD line includes: the flagship DVD-5910CI (SRP: $3,800), DVD-3930CI (SRP: $1,499) and DVD-2930CI (SRP: $849).

New Retail Home Theater Series Models: High-Value, High-Performance
Denon's new Retail Home Theater Series line of advanced DVD players, includes the DVD-758, DVD-558 and DVM-745 5-disc changer, and offers many of the same high-quality features found in Denon's companion models. Features include HDMI output with upscaling to 1080p, Burr Brown 24/192 Audio DACs, playback of CDs and DVDs with MP3 and WMA 9 audio files as well as CD-R/CD-RW, DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW. Additionally, the DVD-758 will play discs encoded with DivX Ultra. All three models are currently available.

Denon's New Blu-ray player! JAVA 1.1 compliant! Realta Chip! Looks stunning!
http://gizmodo.com/photogallery/DenonReceivers07/2229846

IT'S MINE! IT'S MINE!
 

VanMardigan

has calmed down a bit.
Yeah, that is insane pricing. Premium priced products are aimed at a very niche group of super-spenders. The type that spent thousands on upscaling dvd players, when now a $238 player can great upscaling and play HD discs.
 
djkimothy said:
That thing is $2000?
It's aimed at the audiophiles. Notice that it REPLACED Denon's Flagship DVD player. So technically, those who would've bought the new Flagship get a free Blu-ray (and the best one) player built in as well. It's really a bargain to them.

Realta HQV chip (Absolute best scaler on the planet)
7.1 Analog out
BDJava 1.1 PIP
SACD
DVD Audio
True HD and DTS MA decoders (also sends out bitstream).
 

djkimothy

Member
DarkJediKnight said:
It's aimed at the audiophiles. Notice that it REPLACED Denon's Flagship DVD player. So technically, those who would've bought the new Flagship get a free Blu-ray (and the best one) player built in as well. It's really a bargain to them.

Realta HQV chip (Absolute best scaler on the planet)
7.1 Analog out
BDJava 1.1 PIP
SACD
DVD Audio
True HD and DTS MA decoders (also sends out bitstream).

That's hardcore... :eek:

I'll stick with my PS3. ;)
 

StoOgE

First tragedy, then farce.
That thing is absolutely nuts. Im not sure you need the realta cleaning up the BRD signal though. Should scale DVD's very well however.
 

Crayon Shinchan

Aquafina Fanboy
VanMardigan said:
and I'd give up IME stuff 10 times over to have consistent HD special features over SD ones.

Sure I was.

...

Again, you're still reading too much into it. The only thing you should infer from that is that I value HD special features more than I do IME, even though I like the idea of IME.
 

Matrix

LeBron loves his girlfriend. There is no other woman in the world he’d rather have. The problem is, Dwyane’s not a woman.
VanMardigan said:


I believe you have to sign up and become a member of the HTF forums *which is free* to get it at that price,but damn that's a great deal.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top Bottom