At this point is HD-DVD worth getting into?

LeChuck · 01-27-2008, 07:47 PM

I recently upgraded my modest living room with a new TV and PS3 to watch blu-ray stuff. I have been happy to hear about the recent news about Blu-Ray getting an edge over HD because that is what I have. But I still have movies out there that are HD only and with the dropping prices in HD players, I was wondering if it was worth getting an a30 or a35 so I can watch them. Will universal or paramount ever make the switch? Is my money better spent elsewhere? Thanks!

Iguana Man · 01-27-2008, 08:34 PM

I would like to think buying a HD DVD player from Toshiba is justifiable. You just got a stellar upconverting DVD player and get to watch the HD DVD exclusive movies (for now), cheap.

plissken99 · 01-27-2008, 11:26 PM

As a movie fanatic, I perfectly understand why you want to get into HD DVD. And as cheap as players are, why not? In fact I have an A2 thats yours for $75 free shipping.

Only cause I upgraded to the XA2.

Ruined · 01-28-2008, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeChuck

I recently upgraded my modest living room with a new TV and PS3 to watch blu-ray stuff. I have been happy to hear about the recent news about Blu-Ray getting an edge over HD because that is what I have. But I still have movies out there that are HD only and with the dropping prices in HD players, I was wondering if it was worth getting an a30 or a35 so I can watch them. Will universal or paramount ever make the switch? Is my money better spent elsewhere? Thanks!

Depends how patient you are. If Blu-ray really has defeated HD DVD then it is likely you will see the HD DVD movies on Blu-ray within 1-2 years. But, if you don't want to wait the Toshiba HD-A3 is a fantastic player and upconverter, especially now that you can get it for $100 at Circuit City.

MooglePorn · 01-28-2008, 02:02 AM

I think it's important to send a clear signal BD is the new format, so I have stopped all HD DVD purchases. The way I look at it is, the sooner HD DVD dies off completely, the sooner we get all those movies on a longer lasting format.

But, that's me.

zepherman · 01-28-2008, 05:31 AM

I'd say I have to agree with Iggy, pliss, and Ruined. I think if you can get an HD DVD player for a really good price (like plissken's A2

) go for it! And like Iggy said, it also makes one hell of a great up-converting DVD player. And if you can score some HD DVD titles you want for a good price, I'd say do it as a lot of titles will most likely not be available on Blu-ray for some time.

Seth

Derb · 01-28-2008, 03:17 PM

I would only advise at this point to buy a HD DVD player if you watch a lot of DVDs. My Xa2 & others I've tried out have awesome upconversion. If ya want to buy a player for HD movies than I'd advise no.

sub780lime · 01-28-2008, 06:20 PM

If I wasn't already into HD-DVD, but had BD, I would just wait until those HD-DVD titles get released on BD.

LeChuck · 01-29-2008, 12:50 PM

Do the toshiba HD players upconert SD better than the PS3?

plissken99 · 01-29-2008, 03:31 PM

Yes they do. I did a comparison between the A2 and the PS3, the PS3 presented a very unnatural picture. As best I can explain what i saw, the picture seemed more digital somehow, colors had a grid like pattern to them.

***chlngr1970*** · 01-29-2008, 04:13 PM

I don't see why investing in it is a bad idea. Like all those that just had to sell off their equipment, why?!? Is it going to just stop working if it all goes down the drain? No. The player will work for a long time to come...probably years...and the software will continue to play. I said the same thing when, who was it...Moogle?...that sold off all his BDs and went to HD DVD...makes no sence to me. It's not like they are Divx discs that have to call the server to play

j

LeChuck · 01-29-2008, 07:39 PM

If I were to get one, the a3 is tempting, but only does 720p/1080i. Is it worth the extra 50 bucks for the extra p or does 1080i do just as well. Also, what is the difference between the 30 and the 35?

sub780lime · 01-29-2008, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chlngr1970

I don't see why investing in it is a bad idea. Like all those that just had to sell off their equipment, why?!? Is it going to just stop working if it all goes down the drain? No. The player will work for a long time to come...probably years...and the software will continue to play. I said the same thing when, who was it...Moogle?...that sold off all his BDs and went to HD DVD...makes no sence to me. It's not like they are Divx discs that have to call the server to play

j

I see this as a reason not to sell off our existing HD-DVD collection, but if your not in the game yet, why bother going into a dying format. I know they have to support the hardware for a certain amount of time, but what happens if your players ties...Are you going to want to pay to get another one that will only work on the titles you picked up for HD-DVD. Might as well just go all the way blu if you havent entered into either yet.

Jast3r Rogu3 · 01-29-2008, 08:35 PM

Terrible idea, its not like hd dvd has any good exclusive movies in the 1st place, reason why they lost the war its all about content, hd dvd movies or players are a waste even if they are free, its the betamax of the 2000's you know it, eventually any movie from universal and paramount will come to Blu-ray.

**Pirate** · 01-29-2008, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jast3r Rogu3

Terrible idea, its not like hd dvd has any good exclusive movies in the 1st place, reason why they lost the war its all about content, hd dvd movies or players are a waste even if they are free, its the betamax of the 2000's you know it, eventually any movie from universal and paramount will come to Blu-ray.

Well, two things:

1. There are many excellent HD DVD exclusive films. Zodiac, Children of Men and The Bourne trilogy just to name a few.

2. The Toshiba HD DVD players are stellar upconverting players, so if you're thinking about getting a new DVD player, what not get one that also plays HD DVD?

Ruined · 01-29-2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jast3r Rogu3

Terrible idea, its not like hd dvd has any good exclusive movies in the 1st place, reason why they lost the war its all about content, hd dvd movies or players are a waste even if they are free, its the betamax of the 2000's you know it, eventually any movie from universal and paramount will come to Blu-ray.

Troll much?

Frankie · 01-29-2008, 09:56 PM

You know all this talk about how much better the Toshiba is at upconverting got me thinking.

So I convinced my neighbor to bring his over his Toshiba and we did a side by side comparison. A3 and BD30

If there is a difference I can't see it.

Honest to god they both look the same to me.

F

Iguana Man · 01-29-2008, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frankie

You know all this talk about how much better the Toshiba is at upconverting got me thinking.

So I convinced my neighbor to bring his over his Toshiba and we did a side by side comparison. A3 and BD30

If there is a difference I can't see it.

Honest to god they both look the same to me.

F

Really? How did you compare them? Simply swap out (or switch thru a converter box) cables? Same everything to TV/PJ from source?

Tell us MORE!

dugpa · 01-29-2008, 10:09 PM

I know for sure I can tell the difference between my Toshiba A1 and my Sony BDP-S1 on SD upconversion. It's almost like night and day how much better the Toshiba is. I remember the first time I tried watching a dvd on the S1 it looked so bad I stopped watching. These were both my first upconvering players and I thought maybe I just got a disc that had a bad transfer to start with and thus didn't look so good blown up. Until I popped the same disc into the A1 and was amazed at how much better it looks.

Frankie · 01-30-2008, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iguana Man

Really? How did you compare them? Simply swap out (or switch thru a converter box) cables? Same everything to TV/PJ from source?

Tell us MORE!

Iggy, HDMI from both machines into my HK. Output HDMI to my TV

Watching JP

F

LeChuck · 01-30-2008, 07:24 PM

I also just thought of this: they are offering a rebate to get 5 free movies if you buy an HD-DVD player. It comes with 2 so at $20 dollars each that is already $140 worth of movies right there which more than covers the cost of the player. Hmmm.

So to ask again: is there any real reason to get the a30 over the a3? Is progessive worth an extra $25-50?

**Pirate** · 01-30-2008, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeChuck

So to ask again: is there any real reason to get the a30 over the a3? Is progessive worth an extra $25-50?

http://www.hometheatermag.com/gearworks/1106gear/

LeChuck · 01-30-2008, 07:51 PM

Thanks! You would not believe the number of times I have searched google for the differences between i and p and found not much.

Jast3r Rogu3 · 01-30-2008, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeChuck

I also just thought of this: they are offering a rebate to get 5 free movies if you buy an HD-DVD player. It comes with 2 so at $20 dollars each that is already $140 worth of movies right there which more than covers the cost of the player. Hmmm.

So to ask again: is there any real reason to get the a30 over the a3? Is progessive worth an extra $25-50?

Those movies wont be worth more then 5$ months from now, hd dvd is going to die, Blu-ray is the future can people understand that already.

Sony won get over it.

**Pirate** · 01-30-2008, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jast3r Rogu3

Those movies wont be worth more then 5$ months from now, hd dvd is going to die, Blu-ray is the future can people understand that already.

Sony won get over it.

I think he understands that Sony is the clear winner. Thus, there's nothing for him to get over. It will probably be late 2008 before Universal and Paramount start releasing Blu-ray discs, so I think he's asking whether an HD DVD player could still be considered a good investment. And the answer is "yes" if there are enough exclusive films he wants, and if he wants a stellar upconverting player. In that case, it really doesn’t matter what the resale value of the films he enjoys will be worth.

Iguana Man · 01-30-2008, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeChuck

I recently upgraded my modest living room with a new TV and PS3 to watch blu-ray stuff. I have been happy to hear about the recent news about Blu-Ray getting an edge over HD because that is what I have. But I still have movies out there that are HD only and with the dropping prices in HD players, I was wondering if it was worth getting an a30 or a35 so I can watch them. Will universal or paramount ever make the switch? Is my money better spent elsewhere? Thanks!

Just so everyone can relate again to the original question at hand.

(PH...I used "stellar" first damnit!

)

**Pirate** · 01-30-2008, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iguana Man

(PH...I used "stellar" first damnit!

)

I didn't see your name on it . . .

Iguana Man · 01-30-2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pirate

I didn't see your name on it . . .

Read the fine print, Bucko.

01-27-2008, 07:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
LeChuck "Woman Hands" man Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cambridge, MA	At this point is HD-DVD worth getting into? I recently upgraded my modest living room with a new TV and PS3 to watch blu-ray stuff. I have been happy to hear about the recent news about Blu-Ray getting an edge over HD because that is what I have. But I still have movies out there that are HD only and with the dropping prices in HD players, I was wondering if it was worth getting an a30 or a35 so I can watch them. Will universal or paramount ever make the switch? Is my money better spent elsewhere? Thanks!

01-27-2008, 08:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
Iguana Man Ex-BadHumor Man Join Date: May 2002 Location: New Jersey, USA	I would like to think buying a HD DVD player from Toshiba is justifiable. You just got a stellar upconverting DVD player and get to watch the HD DVD exclusive movies (for now), cheap. __________________ Get outside and have fun! Nacho Website Focus Last edited by Iguana Man : 01-30-2008 at 09:34 PM. Reason: This post is copywrited as is the word "stellar" - to me.

01-27-2008, 11:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
plissken99 Actor Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Albuqerque, NM	As a movie fanatic, I perfectly understand why you want to get into HD DVD. And as cheap as players are, why not? In fact I have an A2 thats yours for $75 free shipping. Only cause I upgraded to the XA2. __________________ “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Snake Plissken Plissken's DVD, HD-DVD and Blu Ray collection And Plissken's home theater

01-28-2008, 05:31 AM	#6 (permalink)
zepherman DVDFile HT Award Winner Join Date: Jan 2007	I'd say I have to agree with Iggy, pliss, and Ruined. I think if you can get an HD DVD player for a really good price (like plissken's A2 ) go for it! And like Iggy said, it also makes one hell of a great up-converting DVD player. And if you can score some HD DVD titles you want for a good price, I'd say do it as a lot of titles will most likely not be available on Blu-ray for some time. Seth __________________ My Martin Logan Theater My DVD Collection My CD Collection

01-28-2008, 03:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
Derb Actor Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: canada	I would only advise at this point to buy a HD DVD player if you watch a lot of DVDs. My Xa2 & others I've tried out have awesome upconversion. If ya want to buy a player for HD movies than I'd advise no. __________________ DVD, HD DVD & BD Collection Finished supporting High-Def. Time for Blu to go mainstream.

01-28-2008, 02:02 AM	#5 (permalink)
MooglePorn Actor Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Philadelphia, PA	I think it's important to send a clear signal BD is the new format, so I have stopped all HD DVD purchases. The way I look at it is, the sooner HD DVD dies off completely, the sooner we get all those movies on a longer lasting format. But, that's me.

01-28-2008, 06:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
sub780lime Can't Spell Bilbo Join Date: May 2002 Location: A Galaxy Far Far Away	If I wasn't already into HD-DVD, but had BD, I would just wait until those HD-DVD titles get released on BD. __________________ love comes and goes, but an avatar . . . that's forever. - Pirate

01-29-2008, 12:50 PM	#9 (permalink)
LeChuck "Woman Hands" man Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cambridge, MA	Do the toshiba HD players upconert SD better than the PS3?

01-29-2008, 03:31 PM	#10 (permalink)
plissken99 Actor Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Albuqerque, NM	Yes they do. I did a comparison between the A2 and the PS3, the PS3 presented a very unnatural picture. As best I can explain what i saw, the picture seemed more digital somehow, colors had a grid like pattern to them. __________________ “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Snake Plissken Plissken's DVD, HD-DVD and Blu Ray collection And Plissken's home theater

01-29-2008, 04:13 PM	#11 (permalink)
*chlngr1970* Producer/Admin Tenacious "OB" Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Spanaway Washington	I don't see why investing in it is a bad idea. Like all those that just had to sell off their equipment, why?!? Is it going to just stop working if it all goes down the drain? No. The player will work for a long time to come...probably years...and the software will continue to play. I said the same thing when, who was it...Moogle?...that sold off all his BDs and went to HD DVD...makes no sence to me. It's not like they are Divx discs that have to call the server to play j __________________ "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return" Christian, Moulin Rouge

01-29-2008, 07:39 PM	#12 (permalink)
LeChuck "Woman Hands" man Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cambridge, MA	If I were to get one, the a3 is tempting, but only does 720p/1080i. Is it worth the extra 50 bucks for the extra p or does 1080i do just as well. Also, what is the difference between the 30 and the 35?

01-29-2008, 08:35 PM	#14 (permalink)
Jast3r Rogu3 Banned Join Date: Sep 2007	Terrible idea, its not like hd dvd has any good exclusive movies in the 1st place, reason why they lost the war its all about content, hd dvd movies or players are a waste even if they are free, its the betamax of the 2000's you know it, eventually any movie from universal and paramount will come to Blu-ray.

01-29-2008, 09:56 PM	#17 (permalink)
Frankie DVDFile HT Award Winner Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Western Canada	You know all this talk about how much better the Toshiba is at upconverting got me thinking. So I convinced my neighbor to bring his over his Toshiba and we did a side by side comparison. A3 and BD30 If there is a difference I can't see it. Honest to god they both look the same to me. F __________________ My DVD Collection

01-29-2008, 10:09 PM	#19 (permalink)
dugpa Nothing But the Best Join Date: Sep 2004	I know for sure I can tell the difference between my Toshiba A1 and my Sony BDP-S1 on SD upconversion. It's almost like night and day how much better the Toshiba is. I remember the first time I tried watching a dvd on the S1 it looked so bad I stopped watching. These were both my first upconvering players and I thought maybe I just got a disc that had a bad transfer to start with and thus didn't look so good blown up. Until I popped the same disc into the A1 and was amazed at how much better it looks. __________________ DVD collection LD collection Format war rules: Never let facts get in the way of dogma.

01-30-2008, 07:24 PM	#21 (permalink)
LeChuck "Woman Hands" man Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cambridge, MA	I also just thought of this: they are offering a rebate to get 5 free movies if you buy an HD-DVD player. It comes with 2 so at $20 dollars each that is already $140 worth of movies right there which more than covers the cost of the player. Hmmm. So to ask again: is there any real reason to get the a30 over the a3? Is progessive worth an extra $25-50?

01-30-2008, 07:51 PM	#23 (permalink)
LeChuck "Woman Hands" man Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cambridge, MA	Thanks! You would not believe the number of times I have searched google for the differences between i and p and found not much.