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[Oni Jazar]

Ok, so if you're right, then we have:
-Toshiba
-LG
-Samsung
-Venturer

And re-branded players for
-Onkyo/Integra
-RCA
-Microsoft

Happy now?

Technically Samsung and LG also belong as a seperate group since they only have combo HD DVD players. Samsung exec recently stated @ IFA:

BERLIN: Samsung has not seen enough global consumer demand to lead it to produce a home entertainment system using the high-definition HD DVD video format developed by Toshiba, NEC and Microsoft, a senior Samsung executive said Thursday.

"If the market demands such a system, then we will produce one," Seung Soo Park, a vice president in Samsung's audio video division, said before the Friday opening of the Internationale Funkausstellung, the largest consumer electronics convention in Europe. "But at this time, we have no plans to do so."

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/30/business/dvd.php

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

Since the initial point was that people would think twice upon seeing few brands, that relabelling issue is moot.

Never said I never did anythign for you Van, even if I can't read your posts anymore.

 

[VanMardigan]

Well the LG and the samsung are dual format if you want to get technical, so really you have:

-Toshiba
-Venturer

So, if they're dual format, why do they NOT count as HD DVD players??

Technically Samsung and LG also belong as a seperate group since they only have combo HD DVD players. Samsung exec recently stated @ IFA:

You know Samsung was using that exact quote earlier this year, before they unveiled their dual format player. Now that they have experience in HD DVD CE, and the fact that the format war is likely to be extended due to Paramount, don't be shocked if they announce a standalone HD DVD only device.

 

[VanMardigan]

It seems the HD DVD conference was a snoozer. I'll keep checking, but the only thing I saw of value was the mention of:

Acer, HP, Samsung, Asus, Rock, LG, Gateway, Alpine, Onkyo. All companies who are working with HD-DVD.

 

[Oni Jazar]

Full Liveblog of the Toshiba/HD DVD conference is here:

http://techdigest.tv/2007/08/ifa_2007_hddvd.html

Biggest news is the Venturer HD7000 will sell for 300 euros.

 

[SRG01]

I thought Hitachi was supposed to make an annoucement today? Isn't it already like... Friday evening over there?

 

[Oni Jazar]

I thought Hitachi was supposed to make an annoucement today? Isn't it already like... Friday evening over there?

There are suspissions that the "big announcement" was the Blu-ray camcorder that was leaked a few weeks back. We'll see.

 

[Luckyman]

Biggest news is the Venturer HD7000 will sell for 300 euros.

300 euros.. wtf?

 

[Maxwell House]

Update on the rumored Funai BD player this fall, from IFA this morning:

I was at the Funai area at IFA about 10 minutes ago, and saw their prototype BD player. It looks far from complete, as it runs off what looks like a PC power supply.

I asked the rep when it'd be coming out and at what price. He said that there's still nothing solid, because it wasn't clear which format would win. I asked him, "So Funai will only jump in when it's clear that one format has won?" - to which he said yes.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=900349

Looks like there might not be any cheap BD players this Christmas.

 

[Maxwell House]

Biggest news is the Venturer HD7000 will sell for 300 euros.

That part doesn't make any sense. It would make their player substanitally more expensive than the Toshibas, which defeats their entire purpose.

3-4 people from AVSforum emailed Venturer about the US/Canadian pricing and they were all told $199.99 MSRP for US and $179.99 MSRP for Canada. Why would it be so much more expensive in Europe?

 

[SRG01]

There are suspissions that the "big announcement" was the Blu-ray camcorder that was leaked a few weeks back. We'll see.

WTF.

I would be more impressed if they put a slot-loading BD player in an HD-TV or something.

 

[Mrbob]

So is there any talk of bringing software prices down from either manufacturer?

I see plenty of Blu Ray movies at $24.99 in stores now, which is getting better. But they need to get to $19.99 or less to make a big impact.

HD DVD movies are more expensive due to those stupid combo discs. This is going to hold the format back. It is all nice that HD DVD group plans to have $199.99 players, but when one movie is nearly 1/6 the cost of the player (30 to 35 dollars is the average for most HD DVD movies in stores) that will hold people back from buying a player.

All the talk is about hardware costs, but that is only half the battle. What does a consumer think when they see a DVD in the store for $14.99, and the HD DVD version is $29.99 or $34.99? Not getting bought.

 

[Maxwell House]

I was told that 300 euros would make the Venturer the cheapest HD player in Europe. I guess the prices of BD and HD-DVD players over there are jacked up?

 

[Xater]

I was told that 300 euros would make the Venturer the cheapest HD player in Europe. I guess the prices of BD and HD-DVD players over there are jacked up?

Yes they are. I would already have a HDDVD player if a decent one would't cost 400-500€. Oh and we do not get free movies with our purchase.

I will stay with my PS3 as Blu-ray player. That seems to be the case for alot of people.

 

[VanMardigan]

So Funai being there was just another smokescreen from the BDA?? :lol

So is there any talk of bringing software prices down from either manufacturer?

Software prices are one of the reasons the studios want HD disc media to succeed. The margins on DVD are getting way too small. I'm sure they'll continue to have high prices on HD discs for as long as they can.

I would already have a HDDVD player if a decent one would't cost 400-500€. Oh and we do not get free movies with our purchase.

Both of your concerns are going to be addressed this fall. You'll get both cheap HD DVD players and the 5 free movie deal is being extended to Europe as per this morning's conference.

 

[Oni Jazar]

Lost: The Third Season specs:

As previously reported, the studio ended months of speculation when it finally confirmed that 'Lost: The Complete Third Season -- The Unexplored Experience' would make its Blu-ray bow on December 11.

Now, the studio has released specs for the seven-disc box set, which is sure to please fans with a wealth of bonus feature.

Among the supplements are audio commentaries with cast & crew on select episodes, a "Lost on Location" documentary going behind the scenes of ten episodes, a "Lost in a Day" video diary, two featurettes ("World of the the Others" and "The Lost Book Club"), deleted and alternate scenes, a blooper reel, and additional "Lost Flashbacks" offering ever-before-seen glimpses of the castaways' past lives.

In addition, the Blu-ray edition will exclusively include an as yet unnamed, BD-Java-enhanced interactive feature which Disney promises will allow fans to "..rethink what they know about Lost and change the way they watch the show -- viewers will decipher truth from conjecture through an interactive control panel unlocking the mysterious world of Lost."

Tech specs include 1080p transfers and uncompressed PCM 5.1 Surround audio on all 22 episodes.

Retail price for the box set is a suggested $124.98. :eek

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/s...ve_Extras_for_Lost:_Third_Season_Blu-ray_/917

 

[Costanza]

Lost: The Third Season specs:

As previously reported, the studio ended months of speculation when it finally confirmed that 'Lost: The Complete Third Season -- The Unexplored Experience' would make its Blu-ray bow on December 11.

Now, the studio has released specs for the seven-disc box set, which is sure to please fans with a wealth of bonus feature.

Among the supplements are audio commentaries with cast & crew on select episodes, a "Lost on Location" documentary going behind the scenes of ten episodes, a "Lost in a Day" video diary, two featurettes ("World of the the Others" and "The Lost Book Club"), deleted and alternate scenes, a blooper reel, and additional "Lost Flashbacks" offering ever-before-seen glimpses of the castaways' past lives.

In addition, the Blu-ray edition will exclusively include an as yet unnamed, BD-Java-enhanced interactive feature which Disney promises will allow fans to "..rethink what they know about Lost and change the way they watch the show -- viewers will decipher truth from conjecture through an interactive control panel unlocking the mysterious world of Lost."

Tech specs include 1080p transfers and uncompressed PCM 5.1 Surround audio on all 22 episodes.

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/s...ve_Extras_for_Lost:_Third_Season_Blu-ray_/917

Sounds interesting. Depending on what that feature is, I may end up buying the set.

 

[Xater]

Both of your concerns are going to be addressed this fall. You'll get both cheap HD DVD players and the 5 free movie deal is being extended to Europe as per this morning's conference.

Are you sure? Decent for me is 1080p/24. I don#t follow all this stuff so I don't know if the cheap ones will do that.

 

[nubbe]

Well, When DVD's first came around the prices were around €32 or so while nowadays they gor for €18-20.

Prices should get a bit lower over time thanks to backlog and other kinds of budget brand releases.

But I would guess the price on HDDVD/Bluray hardware is still 2 years or so away from hitting a price point where it will have a larger market appeal. oh well.

 

[VanMardigan]

Are you sure? Decent for me is 1080p/24. I don#t follow all this stuff so I don't know if the cheap ones will do that.

I was referring to the Toshiba's dropping in price by the fall, not the venturer. btw, does the Ps3 do 1080p/24?

 

[Xater]

I was referring to the Toshiba's dropping in price by the fall, not the venturer. btw, does the Ps3 do 1080p/24?

Yes it does.

 

[Flo_Evans]

I was referring to the Toshiba's dropping in price by the fall, not the venturer. btw, does the Ps3 do 1080p/24?

yes of course.

edit: doh!

One thing I would love for the PS3 is a analog 5.1 breakout cable. I think I am going to need a new receiver soon though as my TVs 2 HDMI ports are already stuffed.

 

[StoOgE]

Are you sure? Decent for me is 1080p/24. I don#t follow all this stuff so I don't know if the cheap ones will do that.

The EP30 (the new mid level Tosh player) is 1080p/24 for 350 euros with 5 free movies.

 

[Xater]

The EP30 (the new mid level Tosh player) is 1080p/24 for 350 euros with 5 free movies.

With 5 movies it is reasonable but will I be able to choose my movies? How does it work in the US?

 

[VanMardigan]

With 5 movies it is reasonable but will I be able to choose my movies? How does it work in the US?

The same way it works for the Blu-Ray offer. You pick one movie from five different brackets. Google "HD DVD 5 free offer" to see the listing.

 

[Xater]

The same way it works for the Blu-Ray offer. You pick one movie from five different brackets. Google "HD DVD 5 free offer" to see the listing.

How would I know how it works for Blu-rays? This offer also doesn't exist over here.

I looked it up. Hopefully some devent movies will be available. Otherwise there always is the option to sell them. But I will still not got out and buy one Day 1. So far Blu-ray is still outselling HD-DVD 2:1 here in Germany and I just read the Universum and Studio Canal are now also in the Blu-ray camp.

 

[VanMardigan]

How would I know how it works for Blu-rays? This offer also doesn't exist over here.

I looked it up. Hopefully some devent movies will be available. Otherwise there always is the option to sell them. But I will still not got out and buy one Day 1. So far Blu-ray is still outselling HD-DVD 2:1 here in Germany and I just read the Universum and Studio Canal are now also in the Blu-ray camp.

No, I meant that the way the offer is executed (with the brackets) is the same as Blu Ray. I explained how it the offer worked in my post, didn't I?

Also, I don't care when/if you pick up HD DVD, I was just referring to your arguments against picking one up and addressing those. The final say (and money) is yours, just don't make up reasons while you're at it.

Finally, as far as Germany:

HD DVD made a comeback in Germany and apparently there's a split market there now

 

[Xater]

Something must be wrong with the text you read then. On the german news sites there is only mentioned that the hardware sold in June almost 1:1.

In software lu-ray is still outselling HDDVD.

I don't make up reasons. I just like movies in HD that's why the possibillity of me buying a player is there if all the right factors come together. I still not convinced of HDDVD winning this "war".

 

[Oni Jazar]

New Weekly numbers:

68:32 Week
67:33 Year
61:39 SI

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/questex/hom090207/

Can't wait till next week!

 

[Raistlin]

yes of course.

edit: doh!

One thing I would love for the PS3 is a analog 5.1 breakout cable. I think I am going to need a new receiver soon though as my TVs 2 HDMI ports are already stuffed.

A break out cable isn't possible, since the PS3 doesn't have DAC's for anything but stereo.

 

[Blablurn]

New Weekly numbers:

68:32 Week
67:33 Year
61:39 SI

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/questex/hom090207/

Can't wait till next week!

still very good for blu ray

 

[Laurent]

New Weekly numbers:

68:32 Week
67:33 Year
61:39 SI

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/questex/hom090207/

Can't wait till next week!

I'm lazy, where's the comparasion with last week?

 

[Forsete]

I'm lazy, where's the comparasion with last week?

Week

Blu-Ray: 71%
HD-DVD: 29%

YTD

Blu-Ray: 67%
HD-DVD: 33%

SI

Blu-Ray: 61%
HD-DVD: 39%

 

[DarkJediKnight]

Top 20 Top 20 Blu-Ray YTD Through 8/5/2007

1. 300 ...................................... 134,000 - Has surpassed 200k by now.
2. Casino Royale ......................... 107,000
3. The Departed ......................... 73,300
4. Pirates of the Carribean: DMC.... 54,500
5. Pirates of the Carribean: CotBP.. 47,600
6. Apocalypto............................. 45,900
7. Ghost Rider............................. 45,200
8. Planet Earth............................ 44,700
9. The Prestige............................ 40,100
10. Night at the Meseum.............. 37,900
11. Deja Vu................................ 33,200
12. Happy Feet............................. 32,000
13. Crank................................... 29,100
14. Black Hawk Down..................... 28,600
15. Superman Returns.................... 27,800
16. The Fifth Element.................... 26,800
17. Underworld: Evolution............... 24,400
18t. Eragon................................. 21,700
18t. Saw III............................... 21,700
20. X-Men: The Last Stand............. 21,600

Interesting hard sales figures up to Aug 5th 07. Blu-ray Only. Waiting for HD DVD numbers.

 

[heavy liquid]

Retail price for the box set is a suggested $124.98. :eek

Pricing for TV on Blu ray and HD DVD pisses me off.

Heroes and Battlestar is bad enough ($60 MSRP on DVD vs. $100 MSRP on HD DVD), but LOST takes the cake at just over TWICE as expensive on Blu ray. $60 MSRP on DVD vs. $125 MSRP on Blu ray. Yes, it can be purchased at a discounted price, you'll still pay 2X as much as the regular DVD set.

In contrast, the MSRPs are the same for 300 and Pirates on both Blu ray and DVD (2 disc SE) and many other discs.

 

[DarkJediKnight]

 

[Laurent]

Thanks Forsete!

It would have been cool to see Paramount releases in the Top Blu-ray sales of this week... :lol

 

[ChrisJames]

Man, there's so much injustice in those HD sales charts.... Only 18,000 for Children of Men makes me cry

 

[VanMardigan]

Where's Paramount on the Blu Ray list? And only one title on the HD DVD list?

It seems Paramount needs to release more titles, but I think Transformers alone will turn the HD DVD charts inside out.

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

A friend of mine has decided to pull the trigger on a PS3. What is the best deal? Amazon only? And how does one get it?

If he wants to get it right away (aka Bricks and Mortar) what's the best deal?

 

[The Main Event]

From IFA:

Venturer

Onkyo

EDIT:

Some more:

Venturer SHD7000

Toshiba HD-EP35

Toshiba HD-EP30

Onkyo DVD-HD805

 

[NekoFever]

Is that screen really small or is that Venturer really fucking huge?

 

[Mrbob]

I wonder if Casino Royale will eventually pass 300 on Blu Ray.

I know 300 had a huge opening start and still continues to sell decently on Blu Ray, but Casino Royale has been steady ever since it came out.

 

[SRG01]

Is that screen really small or is that Venturer really fucking huge?

I estimate that the HDMI logo is about an inch in length.


Yeah, it's huge.

 

[StoOgE]

Is that screen really small or is that Venturer really fucking huge?

Its a combo of both.. that is a really small screen, but the Venturer apears to be HDA1 size (i.e. huge).

 

[DarkJediKnight]

From IFA:

Onkyo

MINE MINE MINE!! Perfect match for my receiver!!!

 

[theBishop]

I'm definitely buying Lost Season3 on Blu-Ray. Those episodes looked glorious on cable, and Java interactivity is a huge feature.

 

[Oni Jazar]

I'm definitely buying Lost Season3 on Blu-Ray. Those episodes looked glorious on cable, and Java interactivity is a huge feature.

I'll get it only if there is a really good deal somewhere. Amazon has it for $86 but I'm wouldn't bite for more then $60.

 

[neojubei]

I'm definitely buying Lost Season3 on Blu-Ray. Those episodes looked glorious on cable, and Java interactivity is a huge feature.

Same here, the season 3 ender was awesome. It owned all the doubters including me.

 

[thaivo]

Report on HD DVD press conference, most important part to me is bolded

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=65757

....
15:19: A pot shot at Blu-ray. "BD is more suitable at encoding high def movies... they're offering 50gb max". He says that many BD discs are in fact 25gb ....
15:35: "PCs are becoming the next-generation nerve centres for home theatres". This is why Toshiba is pushing HD DVD in PCs so much. "HD DVD leads the PC market in next gen optical disc drives".
....
Starting Q4, the majority of Toshiba notebooks will be equipped with HD DVD technology. DVD is now mandatory in notebooks - now HD DVD is the next step.

15:42: HD DVD Press Conference begins.
Ken Graffeo, executive VP at Universal, and chairman of the EU HD DVD PRG, takes the stage. He mentions an "ever growing list of worldwide supporters". Mentions "Paramount, and most recently, Dreamworks Animation".

75% of independent EU studios releasing titles on HD DVD.
Additional 90 titles promised by the end of 2007.
HD DVD is affordable. Players half the cost of BD players.
HD DVD also has a much higher attach rate: 4 discs per player, 7 times that of BD.
New slide: "Europe's HD format".
....
He asks, what's important to studios? Standalone players, not game machines. The jury is still out on whether gamers will still buy movies in favor of games. Universal don't think so. According to GFK, for every 2 PS3s, 1 movie is sold, compared to HD DVD, where 4 movies are bought for every player.

"While HD DVD gives the same outstanding picture and sound quality as Blu-ray, we're taking the interactivity to a new level"
....
A new slide - what makes HD DVD the better format?" Ken talks about mandatory features and the additional features they can provide, and mentions how everyone will be able to use them. "Sadly, that's not the case with Blu-ray. Many Blu-ray owners will only get advanced features if they buy the next-generation players".
....
Mentions the reduced cost of duplication - HD DVD offers a far better business case, and claims it is better for independents. Says affordability is important. HD DVD has 70% of current standalone player sales. Claims that price is a bigger factor than the format battle in keeping people away.

VENTURA player will be "300 euros or less". It makes HD DVD the true mass-market format. Apparently this happpened in record time. It took more than 4 years for comparable price drops to occur in Europe. HD DVD players at every price point.

15:56: Talking about Paramount and Dreamworks Animation. Chris Saito from Paramount takes the stand. He says that Paramount's decision based on 1 year's worth of evaluation, best value for consumers, best value for Paramount in terms of replication. Key catalog titles coming as well as Shrek and Transformers. He says they'll have more to announce in the near future.

Paramount and DWA will work within the HD DVD Promotion Group. "We will take things to new heights. Thank you very much".
....
The free movies bundle promotion is coming to Europe! 5 free movies free with each player. The titles are still being chosen - but MIGHT include Miami Vice, Batman Begins, King Kong, Chronicles of Riddick, and Troy.
....
Talks about replication: a lot of places in Europe can press HD DVDs. Says this competition is good for consumers, drives down the cost.
....
16:18: Talking about France: Studio Canal releasing new titles soon. (The BDA yesterday claimed they were exclusive - they are not). MK2 are now releasing on HD DVD, as are SND.
....
Terminator 2 is being totally redone for Germany: new master, new interactive features.

ALL titles from the companies shown on the slide will have interactive features and be online enabled.
A T2 video plays. The transfer looks MUCH better than the old one and the disc is LOADED with interactive features (I'll add more detail later).
....
16:28: Dr Jordi Ribas, General Manager, HD DVD, from Microsoft in the USA, is here.

16:29: Microsoft Investment in HD DVD. "Why is MS so eager to support in HD DVD?" Mentions HDi, says that Terminator 2 is an example of it but it's just "scratching the surface".

Mentions Microsoft VC-1, and mentions how important it is: "with excellent compression like VC-1 and AVC, you can put 3-4 hours of very high definition content and tons of bonus features, and there's plenty of space left on an HD DVD disc".

Why do they believe in HD DVD so much? We have to look at 3 areas:
One is VALUE. Says HD players are half the price of BD players. "Not only are they cheaper, but they're better" because they all guarantee interactivity and ethernet connectivity.

They'll be offering 5 free discs with HD DVD drive in Europe. Says the promotion in the US had "outstanding" results and caused the player to jump in sales by 7 times!

"As reality sinks in, more and more studios are coming on board".
....

16:31: he mentions that he stepped by the BDA booth here at IFA, and picked up a brochure. "I had fun with it, it says 'we're the best, etc'". He mentions that the brochure mentioned that BD had great interactivity, but he mentions that it also had a footnote that said "Product-dependant feature". He talks about how HD DVD has Interactivity as standard in every player.

"Microsoft may not understand many things - but we understand software!" He says that people are becoming less skeptical about the value of interactivity.

16:37: things wrap up with a trailer of BOURNE ULTIMATUM, which looks excellent. "Coming soon to HD DVD. Bourne comes home."