Close on the heels of Warner announcing (http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/01/04/Warner-Bros-dumps-HD-DVD-Blu-ray-exclusive_1.html) it was going to stop supporting HD in favor of Blu Ray, it looks like Paramount is about to do the same thing. (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/01/08/paramount_poised_to_drop_hd_dvd/)

Good news for PS3 owners and anyone who decided to wait and see which way the fight was going to tilt. As far as I could tell, Blu Ray was the better of the two formats anyway. It was also the more expensive to produce but I doubt that'll be an issue for very long.

Basically all this effects is which DVD player to buy, right? I mean for a person that has only a standard DVD player, this means nothing (except what system to upgrade to eventually).

Am I way off base? I really haven't paid much attention to this battle at all.

^^nah, that's pretty much spot on. This is what HDTV owners will want to upgrade to from DVD.

Is this considered "Tech Talk"?

^^nah, that's pretty much spot on. This is what HDTV owners will want to upgrade to from DVD.

But this doesn't effect me looking to buy a new TV does it? I've got my eye on two 46 inch LCD models. I'd love to get the Sony KDL-46XBR4 (top rated LCD tv), but it's about 2800 bucks. The Samsung LN-T4665F (4th highest rated LCD) is probably going to be my purchase because it's 1500-1800 bucks.

But this doesn't effect me looking to buy a new TV does it? I've got my eye on two 46 inch LCD models. I'd love to get the Sony KDL-46XBR4 (top rated LCD tv), but it's about 2800 bucks. The Samsung LN-T4665F (4th highest rated LCD) is probably going to be my purchase because it's 1500-1800 bucks.

Correct. You won't care about HD DVD vs Blu Ray until you go to buy a next gen dvd player to hook up to your new TV.

^^What gee said. It won't affect your TV purchase in any way.

That being said, it looks like Blu Ray may indeed win soon. With Warner's move and rumors of Paramount switching as well, HD-DVD may very well be dead.

But this doesn't effect me looking to buy a new TV does it? I've got my eye on two 46 inch LCD models. I'd love to get the Sony KDL-46XBR4 (top rated LCD tv), but it's about 2800 bucks. The Samsung LN-T4665F (4th highest rated LCD) is probably going to be my purchase because it's 1500-1800 bucks.
That Samsung is fucking awesome. We got them at work earlier this year. I wanted to go with one of the cheaper brands but my boss insisted on the Samsung and they seriously blow you away. Awesome picture. I find mysellf just stopping and staring at them if I'm walking by and there's good HD on.

That Samsung is fucking awesome. We got them at work earlier this year. I wanted to go with one of the cheaper brands but my boss insisted on the Samsung and they seriously blow you away. Awesome picture. I find mysellf just stopping and staring at them if I'm walking by and there's good HD on.

They said the only drawback is some motion blur. I wonder if that is just on standard cable and not HD. It can't be a huge thing for it to be rated as one of the best LCD's on the market. There are two Samsungs rated higher, but they are in the Sony price range (2800-3500) and I don't want to spend that much.

The sweet thing is we have a credit card we only use for gas and grocieries (which earns 5 points per dollar for those two purchases, and 1 point for others). Last year we bought a $350 digital camera with free best buy cards from that. Now we have $500 in best buy cards this year (got a boost from charging our moving expenses that were paid for by my wife's work). So, we get the 500 bucks, find the cheapest price for Best Buy to match (right now I can find it for 1600), use my reward zone coupon (%10 off) and get the reward zone points too.

So for about 1000 bucks I can get a top 5 LCD tv and another 30-50 bucks in reward certificates to buy shit later. Sounds good to me.

Someone said there are big discounts after the superbowl, so I might wait to see if the price drops after that.

Yeah, I would wait until the super bowl.

I think I would spend the extra $700 on a tv. The last thing you want is to regret your purchase a year down the line.

Well, if there is a sale bringing the Sony down to the 2000 range i might do that. We'll see.

EDIT- I've been reading some more about it and the Sony XBR4 seems to have the best 120Hz system. Since I'm a big sports fan it's probably worth the extra money to eliminate any motion blur. I'll just have to keep checking the prices to get a good deal.

Does Best Buy match online prices at all? What about stores that are not local? I thought it was just local stores, but just checking.

Marcus (Farmington Hills) - Dear Keith, how much does a typical Blu Ray player cost? Where can I buy one?

Hahaa

why go Blu Ray when you can go 3D

http://stb.msn.com/i/9A/7569EB59C177136AFE4D2CE8E35E.jpg

but if you just want the regular 2D of viewing, make sure to get 150" plasma

http://stb.msn.com/i/68/167FCEBABE2CA33183D65C6AB965B4.jpg

^^^^^wow

welp, as a ps3 owner, its good to see i made one of many...good choices in life

LB2e7pfZmGA

the tipping point? What does the H in H-DVD really stand for?

HAHA, where did you find that? That's hilarious

HAHA, where did you find that? That's hilarious
found it posted on some HD forum. Pretty good editing.

I went to Best Buy yesterday to compare the Sony XBR4 and the Samsung 4665F. That glossy finish on the Samsungs is terrible. It reflects everything. Does anybody else have one of these? I assume you get less glare at home without the gymnasium lights, but it still seems like glare would be a big issue unless you have the thing in your basement.

My parents have one with a glossy finish and I honestly don't ever notice it. It looks nice when the TV is off, and when you're actually watching something you completely forget about it.

I have one more option...plasma. The Panasonic 42PX75U is rated very high and it's only 1,000 bucks and Circuit City and Best Buy. It would be half the cost of the Sony or Samsung LCD's I was loooking at, and have a better picture during motion for sure.

My only concern is the altitude (I'm at 6,000 ft here). I've been reading that the Panisonics are rated to 7,500 feet, but I don't know if that's an operating level, or an operating level without drawbacks. At high altitudes the set can operate at a higher temp, causing a slight buzz and possibly reducing the life span. I want to know if those will be present at 6,000 feet, or if the altitude rating means those conditions will not happen.

Anybody know?

They say to go to the stores, put your hand on it vs the LCD's and see if it's operating at a high temp. Also, they say to get close and listen for the buzz. That's the best way to check it I guess.

I used a lot of info from this and its cousin LCD site:

http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatv/plasmatv-altitude.html

Plasma TVs at Altitude Reviewer: Phil Connor
Copyright © 2007 PlasmaTVBuyingGuide.com (http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/). All Rights Reserved.
NEC is left as the only provider of "high-altitude" plasma TVs and displays though Pioneer now states 7500 feet and Panasonic states 7800 feet for their plasma TVs. NEC has implemented their altitude freindly technology in all of their current plasma displays which are rated to 9180 feet. From my experience with these, they have worked perfectly at altitude with no side effects and no noise complaints.
Altitude has long been a factor affecting the performance of plasma TV. The display elements of plasma units actually consist of rare natural gases (like xenon, neon, and argon), which have been compressed inside hundred of thousands of tiny glass envelopes. Ideally, the pressure these gases are under should match the pressure of the gases (N2 and O2, mostly) outside the walls of those glass envelopes. At sea level or thereabout, these two pressures are more or less equivalent, for this is the atmospheric pressure level at which most plasma televisions have been calibrated. The thinner air at higher elevations causes an air-pressure differential-an imbalance between inner and outer air pressures-and the pressure of the gases inside the plasma display panel (PDP) increases as the outside air pressure decreases. Hence, most Plasma TVs (at least those not specifically designed for use at or above 5500 feet) emit a slight buzzing noise under such conditions. This noise is the result of the PDP's increased power consumption and the corresponding increase in its cooling needs and, hence, its fan usage.
What are the symptoms of "altitude sickness" in plasma display panels operating at or above 6000 feet?
There is very little difference in visible picture quality. The chief high altitude symptom you'll detect will involve your plasma televisions' operational noise levels. Because of the increased pressure on the gases contained in its glass substrate, the unit must work harder to cool this display element. So, if your plasma TV set has fans (42 inchers don't have fans), the fans will be significantly louder because they're running harder. If your Plasma TV utilizes a convection cooling system (one without fans), then you'll notice something akin to a buzzing sound emanating from its rear panel. Another thing to consider with respect to altitude and plasma TV is longevity: Since PDPs work harder at higher elevations, they will not last as long up high as they do down low.
So, what does all this mean for someone living in Denver, CO, for example?
At 5295 feet, Denver lies well under our new recommended limit of around 6500 feet. Pioneer states maximum altitude of 7500 feet. Panasonic now states maximum altitude at 7800 feet. NEC's plasma TVs are rated to a maximum of 9180 feet. With Sony's exit from the plasma TV market, NEC is left as the only provider of "high-altitude" plasma TVs and displays. They have implemented their altitude friendly technology in all of their current models. From my experience with these, they have worked perfectly at altitude with no side effects and no noise complaints.
Also, you might also note the fact that atmospheric pressure seems to differ geographically. We have anecdotal evidence of this bizarre-but-true claim in the form of telephone conversions we have had with plasma TV owners nationwide. The same TVs seem to be affected differently by different altitudes. So, for example, one person reported a considerable noise coming from his TV at 5500 feet, while another person with the same model TV reported hers working just fine at 6500 feet. Air pressure is influenced by variables other than just altitude
If you live above 6500 feet, you might want to visit a local AV store to determine whether or not they have had any problems - and which models are performing best.
LCD and DLP display technogolies do not contain high altitude quirks, so keep them in mind if you need alternatives to plasma.

I bought a Panasonic Plasma about ... jeez four years ago. I spent about 3 months researching the tv, HD tech., signal providers, and then another month or two waiting for the right sale and whatnot. I've never had an issue with it (happily) and have been completely satisfied with the purchase. I'm actually kind of proud of the purchase if that makes sense, as I planned it with future audio/video purchases in mind down the road and weighing what I thought I would find usefull and discounting features/tech I didn't think I'd get use out of and its all pretty much gone to plan. 42 inches is a good size IMO. Its big enough to enjoy but doesn't dominate the room, nor even contrast with room decor while on the wall. That was actually a real concern with me, I wanted to keep my "living room" not turn it into a "tv" room.

Yeah, that's the same article I read. Are you at a high altitude as well?

No sir.

hmm, that doesn't help my main issue. Thanks for the feedback on the brand though.

What's your main issue?

Whether the thing is going to buzz or stop working sooner than it should at normal altitudes.

Also, can I get some feedback on the screen reflectiveness? It says the newer model has a glare reducer. The only ones I noticed with a significatant glare was about half the Samsungs. But, I wasn't looking at Panasonics or Plasmas at the time.

Being that I live in Colorado where it's sunny 300+ days a year, the glare is a factor.

I don't get why checking at the store wouldn't work. The buzzing isn't from decay so if it doesn't buzz at the store it shouldn't in your home. As for what their "good to X elevation" means, I would assume it means that their product life estimates include use up to whatever elevation they claim is safe usage, otherwise they'd have to state that the tv's is ok to use to X altitude but that their estimates only include Y altitude.

I went to Best Buy and checked them out. No buzzing, heat level about the same as the LCD's. In fact, they were all rated to 9100 feet. I'm definately getting one. This is my list:

1) Panasonic 42PZ77U - $1500 - antiglare film and 1080p
2) Panasonic 42PX75U - $1000 - no antiglare or 1080p
3) Panasonic 42PZ700U - $1700 - 1080p, no antiglare

Unfortunately I have $500 in Circuit City cards coming and they do not have the 42PZ77U at all (not even online). I may have to get the 50 inch model (which is $2200). I don't want to spend that much though, so I may just go with the non-1080p set for half the price. Since I won't have a blue ray player for years anyway, I can always get the 1080p set later when the prices are lower and technology improved even more. Every site I've seen says you have to get extremely close to notice the 720-1080 difference anyway on those sets.

Well, I bought the 42PZ77U at Circuit City for 1500 bucks. Can't wait to watch the superbowl in HD on it.

I also can't wait to play Halo and Battlefront on it (despite it not being HD from my Xbox). The days of split screens on a 27 inch TV are over.

Cangrats man. Its a big purchase (for something not a home or car). I hope it works out. Are you mounting it or using the stand?

gonna mount it above my fireplace (the fireplace is low and has a mantel to protect from heat, so it's ideal location).

I have a question for any HD experts. I don't have HD now and I'm going to get Dish Network or Direct TV. I had Dish Network before, and liked it. Both have decent prices and packages, I sorted all that out already. My question is about the receiver setup. I have the Plasma TV, and 1 additional standard def TV to hook up.

Dish Network has one that controls two TV's indepentantly (i had the standard def on before and it worked good). My question is, does it lose signal quality? Here are the specs on it:

ViP222 (http://www.sadoun.com/Sat/Products/Dishnetwork/Receivers/Dish-ViP222-HDTV-Satellite-receiver.htm)

Direct TV only does 1 receiver per TV, and it's 5 bucks more a month to rent the 2nd one. They claim since you are splitting the signal you lose quality, is that true with that receiver above?

Also, Direct TV said if you buy a receiver, you still have to pay the 5 bucks a month. Is that the same for Dish Network if you buy a 2nd receiver (or have one)?

My parents have theirs over the fire place and mantle, it looks great but if you mount it too high it starts to be a strain on the neck. Be careful with that. Congrats on the TV though, I wouldn't want to go much bigger than the size you got, so I like your choice.

The house we are building is pretty flexable. We get 10 custom design changes before getting charged. That's 10 things that are not normally design center options. One of them will be spent on lowering the mantle and making sure it's the correct depth.

Interesting bit of gossip... (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/02/15/tosh_hd_dvd_death_claim/)

Mole claims Toshiba to terminate HD DVD



Is Toshiba about to fall on its sword and announce the demise of HD DVD? That's certainly what one report citing an unnamed mole within the HD DVD camp is claiming, even though Toshiba itself is having none of it.

The source mentioned by US Home Media Magazine claims that Toshiba could declare HD DVD dead in "a matter of weeks".


The mag also spoke to a senior Toshiba staffer - Jodi Sally, VP of marketing for Toshiba America Consumer Products - who re-iterated the company's belief that HD DVD "is the best format for consumers".


However, she did admit that Toshiba is monitoring the market. "Toshiba will continue to study the market impact and the value proposition for consumers, particularly in light of our recent price reductions on all HD DVD players."


Reading between the lines, that could imply that Toshiba has envisaged the possibility that its favoured format will cease to offer value to buyers, almost certainly because of overwhelming momentum behind the rival format, Blu-ray Disc.

HD-DVD is done, as far as I'm concerned.

"Blu-ray" is a much cooler name than HD DVD, so it will win.

e-ray, are you related in some way?

KWAMAY BROWN

You lost me.

"Blu-ray" is a much cooler name than HD DVD, so it will win.

e-ray, are you related in some way?
Actually to me its M$ dropping the ball on making HD-DVD standard with 360. That move tied hD-DVD's hands from the jump no matter how much money they spent trying to lock up studios. To me thats a lack of dedicated yourself to the format or trusting in it for the long run. With as many 360's as they sold, thats alot of potential hd-dvd owners they missed out on.

You lost me.
making fun od Stephen A Smith I think.

Stephen's middle name is actually Anthony and NOT Asshole.

I'm surprised.

Yes, I am related to Blu-ray. Cuzzins.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b8/Mike_46350/bluray.jpg

LMAO

O-fish-all:

http://www.i4u.com/article14888.html

Good hopefully they can get Transformers out on blu ray soon.

Slap it up. flip it, rub it down OH NOOOOOOOOO

If you bought an HD-DVD player: ha ha

I found this from last year, any of you gaming experts know what the status on a 360 blu ray add on is?


Although the eventuality has been hinted at before, Xbox UK head Neil Thompson has stated again that if the Blu-ray format becomes significantly more successful than the HD-DVD format then the company will support it with the Xbox 360.

Speaking to the BBC, Thompson is quoted as saying: “Whatever format wins it is highly likely we will offer a solution. The only debate is if you want to watch Blu-ray movies and pay the extra money for that feature. We prefer to offer the consumer choice."

It is only a rumor at this point, although I would have to guess it will come eventually.

I found this from last year, any of you gaming experts know what the status on a 360 blu ray add on is?
Many issues with that. cost and quality being two off the top. But its possible. Status is dont hold your breath anytime soon.

I've seen reports from both sides. The big wigs have said they would develop whatever the consumer demands (blu ray vs HD DVD). I've also seen comments from them saying they still support HD DVD.

I've seen reports from both sides. The big wigs have said they would develop whatever the consumer demands (blu ray vs HD DVD). I've also seen comments from them saying they still support HD DVD.
Comments arent to be trusted at the moment. Common sense says that if they can do it in a cost effective manner, then Microsoft would put together blu ray add on to hold off people until they unveil their digital download plans. Which means imo that they'd probably try not to put much money into the add on.

Apparently, Sony learned their lesson from the BetaMax fiasco years ago.

Sweet revenge!!!

Comments arent to be trusted at the moment. Common sense says that if they can do it in a cost effective manner, then Microsoft would put together blu ray add on to hold off people until they unveil their digital download plans. Which means imo that they'd probably try not to put much money into the add on.

That's spot on.

So has anybody grabbed that Batman Begins Blu Ray with the Dark Knight Prologue in it? The Prologue has me a lil' bit :hyper to see the movie.

Anybody ever been to this website?

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/reviews_video.html

They give pretty good reviews on the Quality of Blu Ray titles and so HD-DVD titles.