So how's it going with HD DVD?

FIRST of all, LASERDISCS RULE!
I have over 40 CONCERT LD`s that are NOT on
DVD, and problably WON`T EVER see the light of day on DVD!
SECOND, Laserdiscs DON`T HAVE MACROVISION on them!
ALL the more reason to buy Laserdisc`s!
Granted, DVD IS SMALLER than Laserdiscs, and have
Menu`s, that`s it!
QUESTION:
What did WE GIVE UP by going with a Smaller disc?
ANSWER: Macrovision FREE Data!
Fast Forward to now, Why buy a HD DVD PLAYER that
outputs at 1080i, when Blu-Ray can output at
1080p? MOST tv`s up-convert to 1080i ANYWAY!
And WHY play for a piece of gear that is
LOADED with COPY GUARD PROTECTION CRAP?
I`M SICK OF HOLLYWOOD AND MACROVISION GETTING THEIR
WAY! THE REASON WHY NOBODY`S BUYING THEM,
IS BECAUSE NOBODY WANTS TO SUPPORT THEIR
RUSSIAN TACTICS OF NOT BEING ABLE TO RECORD OR COPY!

Early adopters are sick of this mess. Sacd dvd-A is fresh in our minds and dvd video looks pretty good. Dvd was the most successful format in electronics history yes but dont undersetimate the publics memory. Universal players will help but a shakeout will be needed before I jump in . Blue Ray ... all they way as far as i am concerned.

OK, I will offer the other side of the coin...

I got my first Toshiba HD XA1 two days ago, it was unable to play HD DVD's but would regular disks, so the new one came today. Did I need it?? No. I also don't need the various universal/SACD/DVD-Audio players that seem to be in systems, and some on the breakfast table as I just redid both my main systems, but being a nerd, like the new stuff, so I bought one as soon as I saw Blazing Saddles was out in HD.

I hate to say it, but I will likely buy a Blu Ray player (The format I feel is better) once they come out too.

As far as Best Buy, my local BB took down the display as the players are backordered and they were getting so many questions about them they decided it was easier to wait to redisplay the player until more units came in.

Will one or both survive?? I don't know, but for the $700 this player costs, I plan to enjoy it while I can.

You know part of the problem has to be lack of public awareness do to ADVERTISING!!!...or, lack there-of! Has anyone even seen an advertisement for HD DVD on anything main steam, other than audio mags? I haven't.
I certainly see Bose's ad's on everything from People Magazine to Mother's Day!

You can find more at avsforum.com

I have two HD sets at home and the difference between ordinary TV and HD is significant, however, normal DVD and HD is not such a big improvement.

Sports is where HD excels...

Well I hang at avs and just about everybody is delighted with the PQ improvement over standard dvds.--All this with just a small handfull of titles,so far. Netflix and others do have and rent these HD titles. Anybody just a little bit cautious might want to wait for the combo player-(if and when it gets here). BD doesn't arrive till Nov. but I've seen mention of its coming in ads for upcoming titles. Then there is the audio side of these players.It seems the new audio to go with; seems to be lagging in the first titles.

I understand HD DVD is having some growing pains. There have been complaints about HDMI issues.

I just got to watch my first HD DVD movie last night, and the difference between it and the regular DVD is incredible, the video is so clear!!! As for HDMI issues, I have had none. I do find the player to be slow, to load, access, etc. but this is a first generation unit so I am not surprised.

so, I take it the Toshiba is the only unit still?

Yes, Toshiba has the only unit out right now...

I have had the Toshiba player for about a month now and to be honest, I've watched it maybe three times. I have every movie out right now, but you can only watch Apollo 13 so many times before you start having nightmares.

My personal opinion... HD-DVD is awesome. As more players and movies hit the market, people will start to pick them up. Will they replace standard DVD players in the next two years? Absolutely not!!! Only people like us will adopt them into our systems. With that said, some movie companies are starting to release dual format discs. HD-DVD on one side and regular DVD on the other. That is awesome! I have four DVD players in my house and only one is HD-DVD.

I think the big kicker for HD-DVD is gonna be the adoption of players in the PC world. Any opinions?

I was very impressed by Sony's demo of Blue Ray at the LA Home Entertainment show yesterday. The Picture quality was outstanding! I will wait for the fallout, so won't be an early adopter, but I look forward to Blue Ray HD-DVD.

db