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COMMENTARY: Battle of next-generation DVD players heats up(Comtex Business Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) TUSCALOOSA, Ala., Aug 24, 2006 (The Crimson White, U-WIRE via COMTEX) --There are two new ways to watch movies in high definition, but neither is cheap enough to be worth it yet. Blu-Ray Discs and HD DVDs will be warring with each other over the next few years for one format to be declared the better future of digital movies and data storage. There are two possibilities in the face of the ugly format war looming ahead. Either both laser-carve their own little niche of the market and co-exist peacefully, or one format wins, while the other goes the way of the Betamax. Both formats have about the same quality of picture, but HD DVD's playtime is about four hours, while Blu-Ray's is seven. The HD DVD discs have a capacity of 15 gigabytes in a single layer, whereas Blu-Ray's discs have 25. Before plunking down a hefty amount on these new players, it should be kept in mind that to take advantage of this format, consumers must already have a high-definition TV, which are still quite large and confusing purchases by themselves. At the moment HD DVD looks to be ahead out of the gate with more movies and cheaper players out. Prices for the three HD DVD players available are around $500 to $800, while the lone Blu-Ray disc player model is going for around $1,000. Some HD DVDs come in a dual-sided version and can be watched on regular DVD players, unlike Blu-Ray, which will only work in a Blu-Ray player. Both players can play regular DVDs. HD DVD looks to have the better computer deal, being supported by giants Microsoft and Intel, while Blu-Ray has the better movie deal, with exclusive support from Sony, Columbia, Fox, MGM and Disney. Universal is the lone HD DVD-exclusive supporter. Most other studios haven't chosen a side and are making movies in both formats. Blu-Ray will probably pull into the lead around the Christmas season, when rabid gamer fandom will put Blu-Ray players into consumer households for a meager $600. On Nov. 17, the PlayStation 3 goes on sale with Blu-Ray disc players integrated right out of the box. An HD DVD player add-on is being sold for the Xbox 360 this Christmas season, but no price has been announced. Prices for both formats' DVDs hover around $20 to $30 online, while in stores such as Circuit City, prices can be as high as $40. Each has its merits, but the best bet is on Blu-Ray as the most survivable format. All PS3 games are being made using Blu-Ray Discs, so Blu-Ray technology will at the very least continue to exist in PS3 games. HD DVD does not have that kind of security at the moment. My suggestion to get the most out of either preferred format is to wait. As with all new technologies, prices right now are inflated and bound to come down to more reasonable prices in a few months. HDTVs are still dropping in price, and you'll want one of those before bothering to pick up either player. In the meantime, start saving for that pretty 52-inch plasma, and don't buy so many DVDs. Copyright (C) 2006 The Crimson White via U-WIRE |