Blu-Ray or HD-DVD?

Imperial · « **on:** 8 Mar 2007, 01:32 pm »

If one has been paying attention lately it is known that LG has made a hybrid machine
The LG BH100. It can play both types of mediadisk.
I know that is has also been reported that this player would not be set into production.

It has just been tested by a Swedish internet testing magazine called "Prylportalen"
http://www.prylportalen.mkf.se/
Loosely translated that means "gizmo central".

And, it will be available in Sweden in just one month from now.

Cool!

Imperial

PhilNYC · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 Mar 2007, 01:55 pm »

Quote from: Imperial on 8 Mar 2007, 01:32 pm

For those of you that Don't know.
LG = Philips = holder of the redbook patent. (It's a bit more complicated but wikipedia if you need to know the details)

Is this right? I thought LG was a Korean company known more originally for its kitchen appliances and industrial products...?

Imperial · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 Mar 2007, 02:48 pm »

Right you are.

edit: LG and Philips and Hitachi sort of make the parts in common that make up their products.
branding you know...

Imperial

mjosef · « **Reply #3 on:** 9 Mar 2007, 05:38 am »

I think the two company formed a partnership to make LCDs some 5-6 years ago. Or maybe Philips bought LG, not sure. But LG has been putting out a lot of consumer products... I see LG a/c units, LCDs, microwaves, dvd players....
It will take an outsider company to develop such a dual player, all the big names are stuck in their respective camps.
I think Oppo should jump in and steal the show with their own dual player.

tubepudz · « **Reply #4 on:** 9 Mar 2007, 08:52 am »

LG = Lucky Goldstar. They make LCD TV's, cell phones, washer/dryer, DVD, ect. They are a Korean company. They use to have a semiconductor memory business, DRAM. They spun out the DRAM business which is now called Hynix.

Levi · « **Reply #5 on:** 21 Mar 2007, 02:49 pm »

It looks like LG won the format battle with it's "Super Blu player".

http://us.lge.com/superblu/

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #6 on:** 21 Mar 2007, 09:07 pm »

I just read the review in Sound & Vision, apparently it's a decent player except it won't display the menu screen on an HD-DVD.

Woodsea · « **Reply #7 on:** 21 Mar 2007, 09:48 pm »

I second the Oppo. I have been thinking that for a year now!!!!

byteme · « **Reply #8 on:** 21 Mar 2007, 10:16 pm »

Until they develop a critical mass of software I just can't see spending the $1k it's gonna take to do this. I've seen Batman Begins on HD-DVD and it's awesome. But, there are so many limiting factors, the format war being only the first. Second is lack of software and having to buy stuff I've already bought (in rare cases for the 3rd time - VHS/DVD/HD DVD) especially at a premium price. Third - in order to get the true effect from lossless audio you're going to need a receiver that does HDMI input/switching and doesn't have a conflict with the interface.

So that's $1k for the player
450+ DVDs only a portion of which would be repurchased
$500+ in a new receiver and cables

With all the other options on the horizon - FiOS or whatever their calling fiber to your house for on demand HD movie watching, or available currently - HBO / Starz / Showtime offering movies on their HD channels and HD DVR ability to record them - I've got other things I'd rather do with $2k.

nicksgem10s · « **Reply #9 on:** 21 Mar 2007, 10:48 pm »

I haven't seen HD DVD other than at the big box stores and thought it looked great for being in the store.

I had already decided that I was going to go the PS3 route until things worked themselves out and one format is decided upon. I am a fan of films first and love HD content regardless of the disc it is on. Having said that I really hope Bluray catches on with the public because I watch a SD dvd on my Oppo (which is the best deal I have ever seen) and it is a major step backwards compared to Bluray movies. I am enjoying movies more and the sad thing is going to the movie theater to watch a movie is a letdown as far as the quality of playback goes. My wife and I love to watch movies together when time allows (both work full time and go to school).

I am sold on Bluray and truly hope the prices come down like all new technologies so everyone can enjoy the benefits it has to offer. I am not against HD DVD like some people who are in one camp or another I just know I can't believe how great the PS3 is as a movie player for $499 or $599. These are good times to be a audio/video fan. I finally caved and subscribed to Netflix to have a neverending stream of bluray movies for $19/month instead of buying them at a premium. I hope the cost of the actual discs come down so there isn't a big difference between between SD & Bluray.

The HDMI compatible receiver is not an absolute necessity to enjoy the high resolution video so that is an optional expense in my mind. I have been running a 2.1 home theater with my Red Wine Audio Signature 70s monoblocks and am currently borrowing a really nice Pioneer Elite that was pre HDMI and having incredible results with both.

Nick

byteme · « **Reply #10 on:** 22 Mar 2007, 07:37 pm »

Quote from: nicksgem10s on 21 Mar 2007, 10:48 pm

The HDMI compatible receiver is not an absolute necessity to enjoy the high resolution video so that is an optional expense in my mind. I have been running a 2.1 home theater with my Red Wine Audio Signature 70s monoblocks and am currently borrowing a really nice Pioneer Elite that was pre HDMI and having incredible results with both.

Nick

While I agree it's not a necessity to enjoy the video there is no way I'm paying $1k + software just for better video!

I've heard people before say similar things like a center channel isn't necessary, etc. To me, I don't care HOW well your speakers image, there is no replacing a center channel in a home theater, it is an absolute must. And if you're running 2.1 it's really not home theater, it's stereo with a sub - and I'm sure it does sound really good because that's gonna blow the doors off your TV's speakers! But it's still a compromise, just like a surround bar, bose 321, etc.

As for not taking advantage of the lossless DD and DTS codecs available now that again to me is one of the major reasons for going to HD-DVD or Blu Ray. THE MOST IMPORTANT part of a home theater is the sound.

drcruz · « **Reply #11 on:** 23 Mar 2007, 06:38 pm »

Does anybody out there know if HD-DVD or Blu-Ray discs have more audio information? I read some where that standard DVD's have less audio bit rate than CD's.

Thanks...

nicksgem10s · « **Reply #12 on:** 23 Mar 2007, 10:09 pm »

Quote

While I agree it's not a necessity to enjoy the video there is no way I'm paying $1k + software just for better video!

I've heard people before say similar things like a center channel isn't necessary, etc. To me, I don't care HOW well your speakers image, there is no replacing a center channel in a home theater, it is an absolute must. And if you're running 2.1 it's really not home theater, it's stereo with a sub - and I'm sure it does sound really good because that's gonna blow the doors off your TV's speakers! But it's still a compromise, just like a surround bar, bose 321, etc.

As for not taking advantage of the lossless DD and DTS codecs available now that again to me is one of the major reasons for going to HD-DVD or Blu Ray. THE MOST IMPORTANT part of a home theater is the sound.

I have had a B&W HTM center channel in the past and liked it but didn't feel it was necessary especially not with my current speakers and room. Call it stereo with a sub but it is absolutely incredible and I abslolutely feel the money for the PS3 & Blu-Ray movies is worth it for the increase in resolution. It is definitely not a surround bar or Bose anything. I am projecting via Mitsubishi HC3000U onto a 106" Da-lite fixed frame screen so I am not worried about my Tv's speakers. I honestly do not feel it is any type of compromise. If I was rich I would have a theater built but I am not so I work with what I have.

I agree sound is very important. If you have a chance to see Blu-Ray done right on a big screen you may agree with me about the video being a very substantial upgrade. If HDMI 1.3 gets everything to work well and integrate with displays and processors I will probably pick up a nice receiver and some additional (maybe even center). speakers. I don't have rows of seats so the people watching the movie are pretty much always in a sweet spot for video and sound. It is all about enjoyment and I am getting more enjoyment with my family watching movies & sports than I ever thought I would in a home setting. Have fun!

drcruz · « **Reply #13 on:** 24 Mar 2007, 02:08 am »

The Center channel is NOT an absolute must, BUT...

...what a center does do is better represent the intent of the movie Sound Engineer. Also the Phantom Center automatically kicks in Dynamic Range Control (even if the Reciever is set to DRC OFF) which is signaled and tested by the same Sound Engineer. (do a google search for '"phantom center" debate' - then click to the AVSForum)

I went from using a Hard Center to running Phantom Center ONLY for about a year because I liked the sound better. But after doing the search above and reading the posts and white papers off the Dolby Digital website, the thought of the auto DRC and not reproducing the Engineers intent just kept bothering me. This bugged me so much so that I went back to running Hard center all the time.

Just because I currently run hard center, I know that a Center Channel is NOT a must, especially if you get decent stereo imaging. For me, only a GOOD well placed center is worth the trouble and that I felt my purchased a pair of good quality subs was a better investment. (But this is just me)

Ears · « **Reply #14 on:** 13 May 2007, 02:26 pm »

Quote from: drcruz on 23 Mar 2007, 06:38 pm

Does anybody out there know if HD-DVD or Blu-Ray discs have more audio information? I read some where that standard DVD's have less audio bit rate than CD's.

Thanks...

There are 3 forms of audio on these formats that will equal or possibly surpass cd sound.

Blu Ray has 16 and 24 bit audio on every Sony and Disney title via uncompressed PCM audio.
Blu Ray has DTS-master audio up to 24/96 on every Fox Title....but only the PS3 will pass the stream so far to a compatible receiver...which will be released very soon from both Onkyo and Pioneer with the Onkyo 605 being around 600.00
Blu ray has a few titles from Lions Gate with up to 7.1 channels of PCM uncompressed audio.
Warner has just a couple of Blu rays with uncompressed PCM.
The Fifth Element is being re-released in about 6 weeks with both PCM uncompressed and DD THD lossless audio because the first rushed copy of this movie was from a crappy master and this one will be from the best master.
Sony is going to have PCM as well as DDTHD on their upcoming blockbusters with PCM on all titles from the beginning.

hd dvd has DDTHD on some of the Warner titles and a higher bit rate dd5.1 on Universal titles.

When it comes to hi res audio...Blu ray is dominating by a landslide as you can plainly see.
There also selling around 3-1 movies over hd dvd.
With the upcoming POTC and Spiderman movies...this margin will be growing.

IMO...if either wins it will be Blu ray...and a combo player is IMO not the way to go at this time.

Ears · « **Reply #15 on:** 13 May 2007, 02:33 pm »

BTW...I tried several players from both formats and all BD players function far better than all hd dvd players.
With the PS3..I use one hdmi cable outputting 1080p video and up to 5.1 channels of uncompressed PCM audio.

Soon enough..high end IC cable companies are going to be doing a lot of this.

PeteG · « **Reply #16 on:** 13 May 2007, 03:05 pm »

So far watching both HD DVD and Blu-ray I prefer HD DVD so far.
HD DVD also has Dolby TrueHD and it sounds very good too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolby_TrueHD

Bigfish · « **Reply #17 on:** 13 May 2007, 03:41 pm »

A couple of months ago I visited the local Tweeter Store and struck up a conversation with a salesman concerning Blue Ray and HD Players. He advised me to sit tight as LG had developed a player that would play both formats. Furthermore, he told me LG was involved with legal battles that was holding-up the release of the player. The salesman also said Samsung and other manufactures we watching the LG legal battle as they would quickly follow with dual format players if LG was successful in going to the market.

My son tells me he can rent Blue Ray Discs from Net Flix. When Blockbuster has Blue Ray and/or HD discs for rent in quantity the market for the players will explode. I stepped-up to a Pioneer Plasma TV last year and I love HD Movies and Sports Broadcasts. I certainly look forward to having a higher quality DVDs available. There is no way I would ever visit the movies again!

boead · « **Reply #18 on:** 13 May 2007, 04:35 pm »

I read a comparison done somewhere (can’t seem to find it) where they compared component-output to HDMI to a HiDef TV and the component won in overall quality.
I’ve also come across people online that have made the same claims.

HDMI caries more then video but if you don’t need it to then what’s the point in using it? Although I have read that some makers have chosen to only include certain options like upsampling for the HDMI output but that’s a choice made by them not an absolute.

BTW: NEC/Mitsubishi also developed a hybrid BluRay/HDDVD decoder.

PeteG · « **Reply #19 on:** 13 May 2007, 05:01 pm »

Quote from: Bigfish on 13 May 2007, 03:41 pm

My son tells me he can rent Blue Ray Discs from Net Flix. When Blockbuster has Blue Ray and/or HD discs for rent in quantity the market for the players will explode. I stepped-up to a Pioneer Plasma TV last year and I love HD Movies and Sports Broadcasts. I certainly look forward to having a higher quality DVDs available. There is no way I would ever visit the movies again!

You can rent both HD DVD & Blu-ray from Netflixs with no problem.