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In Reply to: Format war needed to end; we didn't need a repeat of SACD vs. DVD-A posted by oscar on January 7, 2008 at 17:19:55:
>>> "Format war needed to end; we didn't need a repeat of SACD vs. DVD-A" <<<
Apples and orangutans. No offense oscar, but comparing the audio and video format wars is a bit ridiculous because the needs of the consumer are entirely different in both instances. There never was anywhere near as much interest, much less demand, for high definition audio as there already is for high definition video delivery.
Note: It's arguable that the real audio war was between both higher definition formats (SACD & DVD-A) in conjunction with redbook CD versus file sharing (originally Napster) and other downloaded music delivery systems in a super convenient form; redbook CD had already been on decline for several years.
The video 'battlefield' is completely different because large scale appreciation of high definition is really just getting under way due in part to the rapid introduction of inexpensive wide-screen televisions that support high resolutions; bigger screens and higher resolution is the name of the game here, where it wasn't that clear cut for audio. High definition appreciation has grown steadily over the past 5 or 6 years, but even with all of this growth, technically, it's still a niche market.
That all changes with the mandated analog/digital changeover next January. I suspect that most folks transitioning now from analog to digital are moving up from 480P to 720P & 1080I (with 1080P starting to kick in as an interest in larger flat screen sets as prices come down). There'll have to be programming which can match those higher resolutions, not only over the air, but in some sort of easy to set-up storage device already familiar to consumers.
That's where HD-DVD & Blu-ray fitted in, and unlike high resolution audio there will likely be strong consumer interest in a collectible high definition format as long as disc prices are in the same ballpark as current DVD prices.
Yes, the format war needed to end and it would've been nice if there had only been one format from the outset, but once the competition was fully under way there were other considerations, such as pricing, movie selection and consumer trust issues. While my viewpoint is probably in the minority, I believe that there is still room for both formats, but not on B&M retailer's shelves (which is the real reason that continuing the format war jeopardized future sales, at least from the B&M retailer perspective).
Nevertheless, the basic problem with Warner opting out now is bad timing. If Warner wanted to end the war they could've dropped HD-DVD last summer and fewer folks would've felt like they were being stabbed in the back after their joyous holiday purchases, but by Warner's CEO waiting to announce the Studio's decision until many thousands of units were sold in competitive holiday fire sales they've alienated a lot of folks which they will now seek as Blu-ray customers and which will be dearly needed during the coming months.
Another sad aspect of the format war that hasn't been discussed is that had the competition lasted long enough for dual format players to drop in price the 'battlefield' may very well have changed for the better. Also, if B&M stores couldn't find shelf space to carry two formats (which was a very real long term concern), then internet discounters would probably have been glad to fill the void.
In fact, in many cases it might be easier to find new releases from both formats on-line! I suspect that internet discount vendors, such as Deep Discount, who currently offer free shipping and big discount deals would have no difficulty taking up the slack if brick and mortar retailers were unable or unwilling to carry one or both formats.
Warner's delay in dropping of HD-DVD may have actually benefited local retailers' bottom lines in the short term, but not if lots of folks demand refunds after reeling from Warner's sucker punch of leaving an orphan on their doorstep as a very special after-holiday present.
The reality is that many folks probably won't take their new HD-DVD players back, hoping that there will be enough HD titles issued to justify their purchases. Of course these are great up-converting players as well, but if they're that good then keeping them for upscaling purposes might be seen by the wary consumer as a justification for NOT purchasing the more expensive Blu-ray technology. Food for thought.
At any rate, I'm satisfied with my HD-DVD player in the near term (having purchased mine last summer) and don't require another format. Sooner or later I'll either purchase a dual format player (which will cover my existing HD titles with back-up for a long time) or an up-to-date Blu-ray unit, but in the meantime, I'm not in any rush.
AuPh
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Follow Ups
- Folks who heavily invested in HD may not be so quick to invest in Blu-ray. - Audiophilander 00:20:54 01/08/08 (0)
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