Video Asylum

Posted by 4season (A) on September 08, 2007 at 20:28:29

In Reply to: RE: So much for it doesn't have enough space argument. posted by Jack G on September 08, 2007 at 07:30:06

Jack, I tend to agree with you more often than not, and I'd say that HD DVD spec is about where it needs to be in terms of offering neat features that really enhance the viewing experience, like picture-in-picture extras.

But I think HD DVD can afford to lose the ethernet jack and interactive/internet-enabled nonsense, because what I've seen so far has either been craptacular (the minigame and web features on the "300" HD DVD, or the minigame on the "Speed" Blu-Ray) or kind of a pain in the butt involving far too much button-pushing just for short snippets of video (popup extras in "40 YO Virgin"--wished I could just turn these on/off and not have to constantly fuss with the remote control)

And if Blu-Ray profile 1.0 seems kind of lacking in terms of the fancy "next-generation" extras it can support, perhaps the updated 1.1 spec will bring up up to snuff. Blu-Ray profile 2.0 (aka BD-I) is basically dead in the water: Anyone notice that the new $1K+ players from Sony and Denon lack an ethernet jack? Except for maybe making firmware updates a bit easier, it won't be missed by anyone.

If the kids need interactivity, why not get them a Nintendo Wii...or a puppy?