CNET HD-DVD article rebuttal

[Roger]

My in-box is full of HD-DVD related news, which is understandable as the formats launch has caused quite a buzz in the CE press. One particular headline that caught my attention was CNET’s “Ten ways HD-DVD falls short” by David Carnoy. I had to go over and check it out as I’ve been ecstatic with my HD-A1 for over a week now and I was quite curious as to the nature of these short falls.

David states “I've ordered my gripes from mildly bothersome to really irksome. And of course, feel free to add your own peeves”. Ok David I have some peeves, not with HD-DVD but with your “reasons” HD-DVD falls short.

Here are CNET’s ten reasons why HD-DVD falls short, with my rebuttal after each point. For brevity’s sake I haven’t included the entire text of CNET’s article new window just the main points.

1. Initial HD-DVDs are just rehashes of the existing DVDs

HTB: We had what, 3 titles at launch? I’m assuming you had the same amount. Are you basing this off those three titles? Warner Bros. has already stated (In several places) that Batman Begins would be their first title that really showcased HD-DVD’s additional content capabilities. Batman Begins on HD-DVD is slated for a May release.

2. Extra features not in high-def

HTB: Stab in the dark here, they weren’t shot in HD?

3. Player doesn't do enough

HTB: It plays movies in HDTV, maybe I’m being overly simplistic but that’s all I ever wanted out of the format.

4. No 1080p output

HTB: To go with the handful of 1080p capable displays? Let’s be realistic, this is a $500.00 player as compared to Sony's $1000 unit. The discs themselves are 1080p so it’s not as if you’ll have to replace your entire collection, when a 1080p HD-DVD player is introduced.

5. Component video can be flagged

HTB: This is not Toshiba’s requirement, this is a studio requirement.

6. Wacky audio

HTB: While I’ll admit it might not have been explained to the nth degree before launch, the oddities with HD-DVD’s audio playback are due to legacy support. When DTS-HD and Dolby Digital+ receivers make their way into the market, these issues (as minor as they are) will be rectified.

7. HDMI hiccups

HTB: You know I experienced some of these issues myself. That is until I thoroughly read the owners manual and realized I hadn’t actually selected HDMI as my default output.

8. Sluggish performance

HTB: I’m not particularly thrilled with the load time myself, but it’s hardly a deal breaker as far as I’m concerned.

9. The smaller the display, the smaller the difference

HTB: This stands true for HDTV in general, not just HD-DVD.

10. A dearth of discs

HTB: Point out a format that had a multitude of titles at launch, it certainly wasn’t CD or DVD. Even game consoles suffer from this syndrome. The titles are coming, patience grasshopper.

Closing Thoughts:

While the article does give a brief kudos to Toshiba for making an affordable HD-DVD player (especially if you compare it to Sony’s first offering) I have to wonder why all the downbeat nit picking? New formats are notorious for oddities and early adopter headaches. But I have to say as new formats go; I’ve experience significantly less trouble with HD-DVD than others.


Link To Original Article