HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

[JB]

Got a DVD set (Planet Earth) for Xmas that is a HDDVD. May be time to upgrade my player.

Some basic questions:

1. Will this HD disk play on a regular player? The label says use only on a HDDVD player.
2. Would my DVD collection play on a HDDVD player?
3. Is there any compatibility between HDDVD and BluRayDVD players?
4. Which (HDDVD or BluRay) is the better technology and which will become the standard?

 

[valkyr]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

See comments below:

1. Will this HD disk play on a regular player? The label says use only on a HDDVD player.
2. Would my DVD collection play on a HDDVD player?
3. Is there any compatibility between HDDVD and BluRayDVD players?
4. Which (HDDVD or BluRay) is the better technology and which will become the standard?

1.) No
2.) Yes
3.) No (see notes below)
4.) Neither is really "better" - Very subjective (see notes below)

Notes:
You can buy a combo player that plays both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray.
Right now I believe the only 2 out are an LG brand and a Samsung brand.
I know the LG combo player sucks apparently from several reviews. (Don't get me wrong, LG is a good brand normally, but their combo player is bad.)
The Samsung is better from what I've been reading, but expensive. Around $800 for the combo player.

Now, you can get a Playstation 3 that plays Blu-Ray and get an HD-DVD player for less than a combo player right now.

For your Planet Earth set you need an HD-DVD player not a Blu-Ray player if you decide to go with 1 specific type.

Now the reason we have such an awful mess with these formats is very lengthy but boils down to this:

1.) Sony comes out with Blu-Ray
2.) Toshiba (and their backers) come out with HD-DVD
3.) Blue-Ray costs more to manufacture but holds more data
4.) Major studios (Paramount, Universal, Warner Brothers, Fox etc) have thrown their muscle in with certain formats thus adding to the stalemate.

There is still no way to determine which will become the standard.

See these articles for more help:

Blu-Ray:
Wiki Blu-Ray

HD-DVD:
Wiki HD-DVD

 

[MikDee]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

So, in other words, what you're saying is, Technology has outsmarted itself!
and what it boils down to, is a Testosterone contest! With the consumer stuck in the middle again, getting screwed as usual.

 

[JB]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

Thanks, valkyr. Makes some sense now, except that the combo players are too #$%^ expensive.

Next question: HDMI vs. Y,Pb,Pr

My TV (Sony Grand Wega, KDF55W655) Has only one HDMI input (currently used by the HD satellite receiver) but 3 sets of Y,Pb,Pr plus audio inputs.

What would I sacrifice if I used Y,Pb,Pr inputs for a combo HDDVD/BluRay player? Would it be better to use the HDMI for the disc player an Y,Pb,Pr for the satellite receiver?

I would ask my grandson, but he isn't here and he would want to hook up his nano iPod to it. Those kids understand all this stuff.

 

[gss036]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

I just read an article in our local newspaper about the question you pose. Conclusion is about what "valkyr" posed above. Thier conclusion is that neither is a winner and most folks are satisfied with what they have at present.
I guess somewhere in 2010 we all have to switch to HD or get a converter box which the US Gov are going to give out coupons starting tomorrow for $40 off on the new switch boxes.
I have 2 fairly new Sony's so I know I will be going to the switch boxes until my TVs break. Definately could be awhile. Normally, if a new TV makes it past a month you can expect many years of service. One of my sets is a rear projection type and now I see Sony is going out of the rear projection business. So if it should, there probably would not be parts availabe to repair it.
Maybe you can exchange your DVD for a regular format???

 

[valkyr]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

Thanks, valkyr. Makes some sense now, except that the combo players are too #$%^ expensive.

Next question: HDMI vs. Y,Pb,Pr

My TV (Sony Grand Wega, KDF55W655) Has only one HDMI input (currently used by the HD satellite receiver) but 3 sets of Y,Pb,Pr plus audio inputs.

What would I sacrifice if I used Y,Pb,Pr inputs for a combo HDDVD/BluRay player? Would it be better to use the HDMI for the disc player an Y,Pb,Pr for the satellite receiver?

I would ask my grandson, but he isn't here and he would want to hook up his nano iPod to it. Those kids understand all this stuff.

Thats a little harder because you're sacrificing visual quality.
There is 'some' noticeable difference between HDMI and the Y,Pb,Pr component cables, just as there is some difference between S-Video and component (Y,Pb,Pr) cables.
HDMI = Digital
Component = Analog

So, do you have a Home Theater Receiver? If you do, then you might consider buying a newer one that has HDMI inputs and HDMI outputs. I bought a Onkyo receiver that I can plug my HDMI cables into and have 1 HDMI cable coming out of into the TV.

The (==>) means HDMI cables.
(DVD HDMI) + (Satellite HDMI) ==> Receiver ==> HDTV

Or you can buy an HDMI HUB (google search for 'HDMI Hub') that you can plug multiple HDMI cables into. I see some listed between $80 and $1800 at Nextag.Com.

I would try to get all pieces connected using HDMI cables. But thats just me.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

So, in other words, what you're saying is, Technology has outsmarted itself!
and what it boils down to, is a Testosterone contest! With the consumer stuck in the middle again, getting screwed as usual.

Such as Betamax and VHS or even worse the video camera media types!!

 

[rogerwa]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

History repeats.. Betamax was a superior format, yet proprietary to Sony. VHS won..

If I had to bet, I would put my money on HDDVD.

 

[JB]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

"So, do you have a Home Theater Receiver? If you do, then you might consider buying a newer one that has HDMI inputs and HDMI outputs. I bought a Onkyo receiver that I can plug my HDMI cables into and have 1 HDMI cable coming out of into the TV."

Home theater receiver? Whazzat? Where can I "shop" some? Is there such a thing as a combo HTR and combo HD disc player?

I don't like the idea of spending big bux on a player that I can't use to its max.

 

[DJ]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

"It's deja vu all over again". Hmmmmm? VHS or Beta?

I think I'll wait till this is settled.

 

[gss036]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

I read another more complete article this morning and it says that those on Dish or Cable will not need the HD box to continue getting the signal. That sure saves a lot of hassle. I am more than happy with my current pictures on all 3 TV's in the house.

 

[JB]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

Same for DirecTV. It can feed an analog signal to the TV.

 

[tschamp20]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

component cables only offer 480i picture clarity where as hdmi is 780-1080p.
dont waste your money on expensive hdmi cables. the $10 cable is more than sufficient for the average joe. the term hdmi is proprietary and in order to use the term hdmi the cable must meet the standard of the company who created it.
oh and a hddvd player will make your old dvds look much better,its termed upconvert.
hope this helps.
GO REDSKINS!!!!!!

 

[valkyr]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

"So, do you have a Home Theater Receiver? If you do, then you might consider buying a newer one that has HDMI inputs and HDMI outputs. I bought a Onkyo receiver that I can plug my HDMI cables into and have 1 HDMI cable coming out of into the TV."

Home theater receiver? Whazzat? Where can I "shop" some? Is there such a thing as a combo HTR and combo HD disc player?

I don't like the idea of spending big bux on a player that I can't use to its max.

No, there's no combo Home Theater Receiver and DVD player.

The receiver is the "piece" that has the surround speakers. You plug your DVD, VCR, TV, PS3, Xbox (whatever) into it.

Simple Example:
DVD player on the back has a Red, White, and Yellow RCA Jack and the word "Out" or "Output" on it.

You would take your Red,White,Yellow RCA jacks and plug them from your DVD player into the Red,White,Yellow jacks on your Receiver where the Receiver has a section labeled "In" or "Input".

So basically, all your components would connect to your Receiver in this way. The example above is an analog connection and would vary based on which components you have and how you connect them.

Here's a picture of a receiver (front and back). Don't be overwhelmed by the picture of the back. Once you have 1 component connected and figured out, its easier to understand.


To learn more about receivers and then do some 'window shopping', you can check out the learning center at Crutchfield:
Crutchfield Learning Center
.
.
.

 

[tommays]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

What they do NOT want to KNOW is that while the HD players work right NOW with the RBG connection


When things get going they have the abilty TO turn DOWN THE HD output unless your useing the HDMI connection with a TV with HDCP


There NOT doing it right NOW because so many TV sets are do NOT have HDCP (HD copy protection)

To get the most use out of the players and features they need an internet connection to use many of the EXTRAS



My cable box DVR has the abilty to transfer shows to a DVD burner (with a built in connection for this ) BUT will NOT do it if your useing the HDMI connector as it breakes the all digital chain


And if you BUY a PC based HD player they are fully protected and require and HDCP video card and monitor


Tommays

 

[valkyr]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

What they do NOT want to KNOW is that while the HD players work right NOW with the RBG connection


When things get going they have the abilty TO turn DOWN THE HD output unless your useing the HDMI connection with a TV with HDCP


There NOT doing it right NOW because so many TV sets are do NOT have HDCP (HD copy protection)

To get the most use out of the players and features they need an internet connection to use many of the EXTRAS



My cable box DVR has the abilty to transfer shows to a DVD burner (with a built in connection for this ) BUT will NOT do it if your useing the HDMI connector as it breakes the all digital chain


And if you BUY a PC based HD player they are fully protected and require and HDCP video card and monitor


Tommays

Tommays, you're really (and I mean REALLY) going to confuse some people now LOL

 

[tommays]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

In a more simple way


The big reason for the new players as well as the switch to digital TV is to STOP copying (There making a LOT of money on those DVD sets of TV shows ,which is why the writers are still on strike )

IMHP it is crazy because about 1/2 of the movies are on each format with a very FEW on both and there is NO way there getting my money right NOW no matter how many FREE movies they want to give me if i buy there brand


There is a daily battel going ON to stop you from useing you TIVO





Tommays

 

[JB]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

Well, Tom didn't confuse me because I read the first line and quit.

I have neither intention nor desire to violate someone's copyright. I just want to be able to play my HDDVDs and get all the resolution possible (1080i) on my TV without having to switch cables.

Found a HDMI switchbox (with remote) on eBay for what seems a reasonable price, but still confused by all the tech talk about the receivers. They seem to sort of crab around whether it has multiple HDMI inputs and one HDMI output to go to the TV. That is, unless they cost about one month's SS check (or more!!).

 

[tommays]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

1. You need to be sure the TV has HDCP which should be in the specs

2. It would be good also if the switch had HDCP

3. They come in 2 x 1 (2 in 1 out ) 3 x 1 ect

If you find one with 4 X 2 it is NOT want you need

# HDMI 1.3v & HDCP Compliant
# Supports DVI devices with an adapter
# Ready to Go

* Includes a 6ft HDMI cable
* Quick and Simple Installation


It is a stock item at Circut City for around 100 dollars


"What is HDCP?
High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) is a copy protection scheme, developed by Intel which prevents the unauthorized duplication of digital signals that are sent via Digital Visual Interface (DVI) or High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connections.

HDCP works because it will not allow a transmitting device to send digital information to a receiving device until it has established a secure connection through the use of an authentication and key exchange procedure. The HDCP specification is proprietary so every manufacturer must become a licensee of the company which administer the keys - Digital Content Protection, LLC.

In simple terms, lets take the example of a DVD player which has been connected to an HDTV with an HDMI cable.

When the two devices are turned on, they each send out their "private" identifier and exchange "keys". Only when the transmitting device (in this case the DVD player) is confident the receiving device (the HDTV) is trustworthy, will it begin sending content. If the authentication procedure fails, then an error message is displayed and no content is sent. The details of how the two devices determine each others trustworthiness is of course a trade secret!

If someone tries to connect a recording device that is not licensed between the DVD Player and HDTV, the verification process will fail.

It is expected that the next generation of high definition HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc players will only output HDTV signals using HDCP. In this case, if the high definition player is connected to a non-HDCP-enabled television set, the player will either output a downsampled 480p signal or nothing at all. "




Tommays

 

[DJ]

Re: HDDVD or BluRay DVD?

I have neither intention nor desire to violate someone's copyright.

JB,

You and I are probably a couple of the very few. Copyrights and contracts mean nothing in todays society. Everybody is out for cheap and free yet they scratch their heads when their job disappears.

This is a major dilema, as eluded to above.

Enough rant, on my part but this issue needs to be solved before we can settle on one system over another. Right now we have competing systems that do not seem to compete.