Comment on Forthcoming Blu-Ray, HD-DVD

Video Asylum

TVs, VCRs, DVD players, Home Theater systems and more.

4.15.0.210

Read an interesting article over web from NY Times web site.
The writer said--obvious to all us--the difference between DVD and VHS was dramatic (except for my wife), but the difference between DVD and the forthcoming "hi-rez" DVD formats isn't that dramatic.
Got me to thinking. Do we videophiles really want the cost of upgrading our hardware AND software for incremental improvements? Software would probably be the greatest cost, for those of you who own 100+ movies.
Let at it this way. We thought 480i was a nice improvement over VHS. Then came 480p, anothe nice improvement. Now with these Bravo and Samsung DVD players, we are getting the picture upconverted from 480p to 720p (or so?). We're getting close to 1080, folks.
The obvious analogy here is with hi-rez audio formats: DVD-A and SACD. (I spend most of my time over there). I bought a universal player at considerable expense (1,500), and found few SACD & even fewer DVD-A titles that I like (< 10 so far), only listen to music in stereo, and I don't think the upgraded sound is overwhelming. I still don't regret my purchase, but if I were to conduct blind listening tests, I'm not sure I could distinguish either hi-rez format from a well (re-)mastered redbook CD. Now if you love listening to music in MCH, that's another matter altogether. But as one asylum writer pointed out, remastering 30-year recordings in MCH (Elton John's GBYBR) doesn't necessarily produce a listenable MCH mix.
Just wondering how others are viewing the forthcoming hi-rez DVD. I'm really not trying to stir up trouble, just discussion featuring different perspectives. Thanking you in advance for your input.
regards, townsend

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The Cable Cooker

Topic - Comment on Forthcoming Blu-Ray, HD-DVD - townsend 17:44:53 05/01/04 (6)

Re: Comment on Forthcoming Blu-Ray, HD-DVD - paul 15:59:09 06/14/04 (0)

What's with this business about - Jon L 17:09:26 05/07/04 (1)

Re: What's with this business about - Some Guy 07:27:33 05/10/04 (0)

cataracts inhibit viewing capability - Joe Murphy Jr 20:58:39 05/01/04 (2)

We'll see - Jack G 10:30:59 05/05/04 (1)

New blue laser players will play today's DVDs. - Joe Murphy Jr 23:41:10 05/05/04 (0)

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