Considering purchasing a HD-DVD add-on player - need opinions!

[tiggerthehun]

So if 10 years from now. One of the HD formats is done with and not releasing movies anymore, the disks I buy now will cease to play at that time? If so, that sucks.

 

That will be the case if we ever end up with another DivX (the media format, not the video codec). Pray that never happens.

 

Haha That was doomed from the start.

I was under the impression that folks figured out a way to play the disks now though.

 

tigger, does your TV have VGA connectors? If so you could snag one of these....

 

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360vgahdcable/

 

That will solve the upscale issue.

Otherwise I think the component cables can only upscale to 480p. I think it's due to some copyright issues or something and for no other reason.

Moycon - thanks for your thoughts and research! I appreciate it! Unfortunately, my TV doesn't have one of those ports either. Its a bummer - but perhaps it is just as well - I've got more than enough to keep me busy here for quite a while. I'm taking it as a pretty big sign to stop, wait, and just enjoy the here and now.

Peace,

Andrew

[moycon]

Money wasted on a format where you have to keep an extra unit around in order to play them. Either that or spend MORE money replacing them with the format that won.

 

So you wasted you $$ on you PS2? It was only around 7 years and is now obsolete.

 

Clearly I don't see your point of view in the least. If you buy into a format, regardless what it is. It doesn't stop working when the product goes away. I personally have an 8mm projector, 16mm projector, VCRs, DVD players, HD DVD players and Blu-Ray players. I can watch movies on any of those formats if I wish. Even though I rarely watch flicks on some, I would never think that I wasted money on them. They all work even though half of them are obsolete. I understand you saying, old equipment takes up space, honestly though. Unless you live in a shoe box, I don't see how 2 square foot is going to kill a person. I've seen people use this argument before discussing backward compatibility, and their distress over having to keep an old system. Never got it. I used to live in a 2 room efficiency apartment (Think glorified hotel room). I had about 15 vintage console around that place, That same 8mm and 16mm projector, VCR's, DVD players... LOL Like I said, I'll never understand the argument.

 

I dunno why you think cash spent today on products you used in the past are wasted if that format goes extinct. Videogamer more then anyone should know that is BS. Our equipment goes obsolete every 5-7 years! But so be it, I guess everyone is different and even though I thought that efficiency apartment was tiny, maybe it's not compared to what other people live in.

 

That's too bad tigger, I actually had the same issue when I bought the Elite. I got it home and realized the two TVs I had didn't have an HDMI port. Since then I've snagged a couple that did. One (40") I just got a about a week ago, Santa came early. Very nice. Luckily the price of HDTVs is coming down rapidly.

Edited November 30, 2007 by moycon

[jsoper]

I dunno why you think cash spent today on products you used in the past are wasted if that format goes extinct. Videogamer more then anyone should know that is BS. Our equipment goes obsolete every 5-7 years!

Just give me an outlet with 120v at 60hz and I'm good to go. And I think those will be around awhile.

Edited November 30, 2007 by jsoper

[Shannon]

Boy moycon I'm glad I have as much money to mindlessly spend as you do, and the free space too boot!

 

Right now alot of my older consoles are sitting in a closet because there is simply no room for them.

 

And people must not be paying attention to the topic here. We are talking about "Blu-Ray" and "HDVD" format, not console systems. Duh!!!! If people want to waste money on a bunch of Blu-Ray or HDVD discs then that is fine. But it still does not invalidate my point. It is money wasted. ESPECIALLY if they turn around and repurchase those same movies in whatever format supercedes those too.

Edited November 30, 2007 by Shannon

[+FujiSkunk]

And people must not be paying attention to the topic here. We are talking about "Blu-Ray" and "HDVD" format, not console systems. Duh!!!!

 

I think the point was that we as a group generally have no problem with formats that others consider dead, orphaned, not commercially viable, etc. Nostalgia has a lot to do with it in most cases, sure, but sometimes we just find something good enough that others passed over. Heck, I still play my SACD's and DVD-A's.

 

If people want to waste money on a bunch of Blu-Ray or HDVD discs then that is fine. But it still does not invalidate my point. It is money wasted. ESPECIALLY if they turn around and repurchase those same movies in whatever format supercedes those too.

 

So is all the money we spent on VHS tapes and all the money we're spending on DVD's now wasted? We just might buy them all again.

 

I think you're forgetting to place a value on the entertainment we get out of what we have until the next format comes out, and that's even assuming we do decide to upgrade. My joking aside, moycon made a very good point: Nothing is going to make Blu-Ray and HD-DVD discs stop playing even when the next format comes along.

Edited November 30, 2007 by skunkworx

[moycon]

Boy moycon I'm glad I have as much money to mindlessly spend as you do, and the free space too boot!

 

When I lived in that 2 room efficiency apartment I made around $250 a week. It certanly was nice to have mounds of cash like that laying around friend...let me tell you. And the space!! Oh don't get me started....ballroom dancing every week-end. It was bliss.

 

We are talking about "Blu-Ray" and "HDVD" format, not console systems.

 

You're missing the point Shannon, the product doesn't matter....I'll stop because it's obviously you're not going to get it no matter how much logic is thrown at you. Just realize that many people don't wait around years and years to see if products become obsolete....because it's going to happen. If you sit ariound waiting for the bigger, better product, you would die without making one purchase. Doesn't matter if we are talking HD DVDs, videogame consoles, or Flarn Flukas.

Edited November 30, 2007 by moycon

[Shannon]

Boy moycon I'm glad I have as much money to mindlessly spend as you do, and the free space too boot!

 

When I lived in that 2 room efficiency apartment I made around $250 a week. It certanly was nice to have mounds of cash like that laying around friend...let me tell you. And the space!! Oh don't get me started....ballroom dancing every week-end. It was bliss.

 

We are talking about "Blu-Ray" and "HDVD" format, not console systems.

 

You're missing the point Shannon, the product doesn't matter....I'll stop because it's obviously you're not going to get it no matter how much logic is thrown at you. Just realize that many people don't wait around years and years to see if products become obsolete....because it's going to happen. If you sit around waiting for the bigger, better product, you would die without making one purchase. Doesn't matter if we are talking HD DVDs, videogame consoles, or Flarn Flukas.

 

One this is a TOPIC about HD-DVD add-on player.

 

Number two, there is a BIG difference between a console system and a DVD disc. So one is not tied down to one specific piece of hardware. If I buy a bunch of DVD's I know full well that I'll be able to use them in any DVD players. I'm not trying to apply this logic to a console system. This topic is not about console systems (except indirectly) it's about HD-DVD players. A console system is a completely different beast. Of course the media for a console system is not going to be playable in other competing consoles (unless it's a 3DO ).

 

Number three. I'm talkng about the money aspect of it. Not the availability factor. Sure I can invest in both formats and spend a bunch of money. But I'm still going to be wasting money in the long run. I'm not arguing whether it is a waste of time or entertainment. I'm saying that ultimately it is a waste of money. Why read more into it?

 

Just think of all of those people who purchased DIVX systems that lasted what, maybe a year and a half? Oh wait a minute, let me guess. You have one and still use it.

 

So is all the money we spent on VHS tapes and all the money we're spending on DVD's now wasted? We just might buy them all again.

 

I think you're forgetting to place a value on the entertainment we get out of what we have until the next format comes out, and that's even assuming we do decide to upgrade.

 

I'm not saying it is money wasted on temporary entertainment value. I am saying yes it is money wasted in the long run. Odds are one of the formats is going to win (rather quickly) or a new one is gonna take place of both of them. But the thing is when one does win those same movies that the losing format had exclusively will undoubtedly come out for the winning format.

 

Consoles and movies are two completely different things. Alot of xbox games are only going to be playable in an Xbox. DVD's and CD's are perfectly playable in multiple devices. I seriously doubt people are putting their Indiana Jones VHS tapes into a tape player for nostalgia reasons. The probably either trashed, gave away, or sold off their copy when they replaced it with the DVD version.

 

Believe me. I understand what you guys are saying. Or else I would not have a 360, a PS3, and a Wii and be like alot of other people on these boards who prefer to play the classics. I prefer to be in the "here and now". But as far as I'm concerned commiting to HDVD or Blu-ray is just a poor choise. That's all.

 

That being said. I know what you guys are saying. I'm just expressing my viewpoint on the situation, more specifically money wise.

Edited December 1, 2007 by Shannon

[StormSurge]

I see both sides of this argument, but when I factored in how much it costs the g/f & I to go out to the movies, compared to an initial investment of the HD-DVD add-on (along with our current Netflix subscription), even if HD-DVD loses the war tomorrow, we'll have received our money's worth after watching a few movies.

[Shannon]

No doubt renting is the way to go. I was mostly referring to purchasing said titles. Oh, and it helps to have a large hi-def TV and surround system (with subwoofer) as well.

[Shaggy the Atarian]

My brother has the add-on while I have a standalone (Toshiba A2). I like both but the add-on is a nice way to get started considering it has a low price and has the 5 free HD-DVD offer along with it. The only disadvantage to the add-on is the audio lacks behind standalones in not being able to output TrueHD. Of course if you don't have a receiver that can handle TrueHD then it doesn't matter anyways and for a lot of people DD+ audio (which any HD player including the add-on can output).

 

And don't worry about sales on one format or the other, its not that big of a deal anyways but a lot of people seem to attach their egos to weekly sales. If Blu-Ray was all that it should be selling much more thanks to all those PS3s out there but despite this massive number of extra players out there it barely holds a 2:1 lead. But none of that matters anyways, both are nothing against DVD in terms of sales. Once they compete with that then we'll have a winner in the format war. Until then HD-DVD is the most affordable way to jump in.

[moycon]

But none of that matters anyways, both are nothing against DVD in terms of sales. Once they compete with that then we'll have a winner in the format war. Until then HD-DVD is the most affordable way to jump in.

 

Indeed.

 

People seem to think in a week or two one of these formats is going to emerge a winner and the choice will be clear where to invest their cash.

I love reading theads on Amazon with topics like "Blu-Ray has won the war" and then they go on to state the lastest news like that Blockbuster has gone Blu-Ray exclusive. Then next week it's "HD DVD has WON!!" and they list how HD DVD has an exclusive contract with Paramount. It's really quite humorous.

It aint going to happen.

 

Just look at history. Betamax the big loser in the videotape "war". It was introduced in the mid 70's, and Sony didn't admit defeat until almost the 90's...they were still producing new players in the year 2000. Like I stated earlier. If someone is waiting for the big winner....They best not hold their breath when they do it. Might be awhile.

 

I recently ordered the standalone Toshiba HD-A30, mainly because they were giving away 10 free HD DVDs with it, but also because the 360 is pretty damn noisy. You really don't notice it when you're in the middle of a flick with a bunch going on, but if it suddently gets quite on-screen. Like in a creepy horror flick when the heroine is sneaking down a darken hallway, it's annoying to hear the hum of the 360. At one point I drilled a small hole through the sheet rock and stuck my 360 in the room beside the entertainment center.

Edited December 1, 2007 by moycon

[Mendon]

Again, just my opinion but I wouldn't jump into buying the HD format for a couple months yet.

 

From everything I've read, the new version HD players will soon be out and priced UNDER $200. That means these stand alone beasties will be priced at the same level as the 360 add-on currently is. When these new under $200 players are released, the 360 add-on should fall in price to remain competitive. Its totally possible that a couple months from now the 360 add-on could be selling at $149, $129, or maybe $99.

 

Considering all aspects, if it were me and I was interested in the HD format, I'd hold out and buy a stand alone HD DVD unit if for no other reason than it would lessen the wear and tear on the 360 console itself and its already fragile life span.

 

 

Mendon

[Lord Helmet]

No doubt renting is the way to go. I was mostly referring to purchasing said titles. Oh, and it helps to have a large hi-def TV and surround system (with subwoofer) as well.

 

I almost exclusively watch movies at home on my 65 inch HDTV (with surround sound of course!)

 

[JB]

Wow! I asked for opinions - and I got em! Thanks for all your imput and thoughts. This has been most informative... and, unfortunately, now a moot point. I wasn't aware of the inability of the players to upscale without the use of a hdmi cable - and I just took a look at my t.v.... Guess what? Nothing but composite imputs - no hdmi to be found.

So, for now, I'll continue to sit on the sidelines, watch and wait...

But thanks again for all your thoughts and ideas. I wish I would have checked my t.v. for an hdmi imput first, but at least it's more information to make an informed purchase later!

Blessings,

Andrew

Wait... if your TV only has composite inputs, it's not even an HDTV. Whether it's upsampling or HD source material, it doesn't matter because it can't display either one.

 

If you mean component, you CAN watch HD-DVDs in HD, you just can't upsample DVDs.

And IMO, upsampling is a moot point.

[Jess Ragan]

Evidently, the price of the HD-DVD unit has dropped to $129. I've thought about getting one, but it's likely that the price will continue to dip as the format continues to take a beating from Blu-Ray.

[Mendon]

I almost jumped on the Toshiba HD-DVD player when Walmart had it on sale at $99 as I was VERY interested in the Star Trek Original Series box set that was being released. But then I saw the $180 price tag on Season One and decided to pass the whole thing up.

 

 

Mendon

Edited December 7, 2007 by Mendon

[tiggerthehun]

Wow! I asked for opinions - and I got em! Thanks for all your imput and thoughts. This has been most informative... and, unfortunately, now a moot point. I wasn't aware of the inability of the players to upscale without the use of a hdmi cable - and I just took a look at my t.v.... Guess what? Nothing but composite imputs - no hdmi to be found.

So, for now, I'll continue to sit on the sidelines, watch and wait...

But thanks again for all your thoughts and ideas. I wish I would have checked my t.v. for an hdmi imput first, but at least it's more information to make an informed purchase later!

Blessings,

Andrew

Wait... if your TV only has composite inputs, it's not even an HDTV. Whether it's upsampling or HD source material, it doesn't matter because it can't display either one.

 

If you mean component, you CAN watch HD-DVDs in HD, you just can't upsample DVDs.

And IMO, upsampling is a moot point.

My bad... I DID mean component... Composite, Component, Potato, Potahto, Tomato, Tomahto... I get a little confused sometimes.

Anyway, thanks for the imput - I didn't know that!

Andrew

[Lord Helmet]

I heard a rumor that the price was going to drop again to $130...so I think I'll hold off.

[moycon]

I heard a rumor that the price was going to drop again to $130...so I think I'll hold off.

 

The problem with holding off is you might not get the extras available now. For instance, You can get 12 free HD DVD off Amazon right now if you buy a player. Thats like over $240 worth of movies (More like $300 if you were to buy in a retail store) You don't know if that deal is going to be available when they drop the price. Sure it would be great to save $40, but where's the savings if you just have to turn around and spend the $$ on flicks? BTW the 360 add on isn't included in the 12 free deal. You can only get 6 with the add on.

[The MilkMan]

I know this going off "Buy HD-DVD add on opinions".....

But after reading the debate of waiting for the format wars to end, got me thinking. I wonder if neither will "win". What got me thinking that, is the new streaming video switchers that are out now. Something like ESPN or CNN or whatever, can shoot footage with multiple cameras, and then cut between cameras from directors cue. This is LIVE, on a streaming internet feed! I know this has nothing to do with watching movies, but it leads me to believe that eventually, all media formats will be watched from the computer. With Apple TV, all the free shows you can watch from the affiliates websites...who knows, this all just got me thinking. Down-loadable movies, TV shows, programming, everything...one media source, one screen for everything.

Edited December 7, 2007 by The MilkMan

[moycon]

I know this going off "Buy HD-DVD add on opinions".....

But after reading the debate of waiting for the format wars to end, got me thinking. I wonder if neither will "win".

 

Personally I don't think either will. I do think they will be around for more than a couple years though, but ultimately nah. You can already download HD flicks on the 360. It just a matter of time.

[+Cobra Kai]

Hello all - and thanks for any thoughts... I've got a few questions and thought I'd come here for some honest answers... (Many of the home theater forums have what appears to be shills on them.)

 

My current DVD player is on its last legs, so I'm considering getting something new. I like the idea of upscaling, and that would save me the HD expense, but does the HD-DVD add-on upscale? Do all HD-DVD players upscale automatically?

 

One other question - how is the picture quality of the HD-DVD add-on versus other players in the same price range?

 

Thanks much!

Andrew

 

Spend a little more and get a stand alone HD DVD player. I had the add-on, but the standalone unit displays better picture quality and color depth/saturation when using the HDMI connection. Honestly the standalone units are not much more in cost, plus they are offering killer free movie promotions. The newer models for example come with Bourne and 300 in the box, plus however many free movies you get in rebate. The add-on might come with King Kong still, plus 5 free movie rebate.

 

I wouldn't concern myself with the issue of upscaling, that is the most overrated technology people are talking about right now.