Should I discuss Blu-ray vs. HD on The Real HT Info Podcast

[eugovector]

As discussed in my latest episode, Episode 16

So up to this point, I've purposely avoided discussing most Blu-ray and HD-DVD news, figuring that every other blog and podcast in the world is covering it, and that it's a topic that tend to lower the common level of reason, not increase it. I think that later point stems from the frustration that most consumers feel about being tossed around between two competing formats.

But, I've been wrong before. So please, take my poll or weigh in via email: realhtinfo@gmail.com

[Sonnie]

I would discuss it, but I would try to remain neutral as to not offend one or the other. For those that know about it, which I suspect most of your listeners will, I think it's a pretty hip topic.

[Fred33]

Talk about it... Isn't that what a forum is for? to share opinions? I personally like Blu-ray.

[eugovector]

Fred33 wrote:

Talk about it... Isn't that what a forum is for? to share opinions? I personally like Blu-ray.

No, on the Forum, I agree, put all the topics out there. But what I'm asking is, after listening to an episode of my podcast, do you think my show would benefit from the HD Disc coverage?

[mechman]

Marshall,

I think you need a podcast on DIY screens!

mech

[eugovector]

mechman wrote:

Marshall,

I think you need a podcast on DIY screens!

mech

wbassett said you would be coming. He volunteered you for an interview on the topic, BTW.

[mechman]

Well it should include Bill as he's taught me what little I know!

mech

[wbassett]

Heard the pod cast Marshall... entertaining as always!

Someone said this and I agree... the real 'war' isn't with HD DVD and Bluray, it's High Def vs Standard Def. You did mention that in your cast as well and that really is the big factor in all of this. As long as SDVD is around, most people will just stick with that... especially with the ability to get titles for $5 or less.

[eugovector]

Which I totally agree with, but truth be told, I'm not willing to compromise what I have with SD DVD for the HD quality. When HD Discs land on a single format, have players (plural) below $200, and a regular disc is sold for $20 at most, will be 1/3 of the way there. When every movie, including indies and foriegn, are released on HD, we'll be another 3rd there. And when I can make a copy of an HD disc, even in lower resolution, for the car, a portable media player, or backup, we'll be all the way there. I'm spoiled, I want an SD market with HD quality, and for the most part, I'm not budging. And I'm not the only one.

Movie studios will claim that it's a chicken or the egg...players and content price and availability will be there when the mass market buys in, but the mass market won't buy in until price and content are there. Managed copy, on the otherhand, will never come from the studios (which I, admittedly, resent).

We HT buffs will pay more, and deal with more restrictions, for the AV qualiity. Our non HT buff friends and family won't. HD will remain a novelty until the movie studio and manufacturers provide an SD like experience for the consumer.