Toshiba readies its HD DVD spin

Marketing push begins for Blu-ray rival, with first-generation machines available in March.

The story "Toshiba readies its HD DVD spin" published February 17, 2006 at 5:01 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

Content from Reuters expires after 30 days.

[Earl Benser]

One key step required.....

Resolve the HD-DVD vs Blu-Ray controversy, then talk to me about
buying someone's product.

Until then, all the activity is a waste of time and money - just not
mine.

[Christopher Hall]

Inconceivable!

They've forgotten the sins of the past.

Unlike the video game industry or the personal computer industry, where the market can comfortably sustain multiple standards, the home entertainment industry simply won't have any of this. Competition in this regard is bad, and I'm pretty sure most consumers know this, as none of the people I've talked to regarding this upcoming war is even remotely interested in purchasing either of the technolgies.

[skellener]

Already obsolete

HD disc media is already obsolete. Hard drives/HD DVRs will
win this battle with downloadable content. Consumers will skip
these formats altogether and download HD to their HD DVRs.

I really dig HD content, but I'm not about to blow money on
either format, especially with the DRM schemes these guys
trying to force on us. Besides, most new movies these days suck.
I'll stick with DVD for movies and HD over broadcast and satellite
for now.

[rcrusoe]

You are correct

If the media companies persist in locking up their content with draconian drm software, it won't matter which media format wins. Because their customers will get their content from sources that allow them "fair use" of the product (aka downloads, both legal and otherwise).

Between encrypted peer to peer (and other more stealthy file distribution systems), and a growing number of artists producing and distributing their own content, the RIAA's and the MPAA's busted business plans are doomed to failure.

And when that happens, the winners will be both the media buying public and the artists (who have been getting shafted by the media companies for decades).

[fred dunn]

Great. Hope someone buys it....

Not me in the near future. Let someone else buy the obsolescent equipment and media at a premium price so they can play it on their over-priced HDTV, if it's compatible.

Fred

[DVDnoddy]

Won't play DVD+R or DVD+RW !!

It appears from below that the Toshiba players won't play DVD+R or DVD+RW!!

http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.aspx?NewsId=16314

Also I have read that it won't support the 1080p progressive picture that Blu-Ray / PS3 will but will max out at 1080i and have to de-interlace to get a 1080p picture.

However HD-DVD will be cheaper.

[perfectdvd]

Can't play it on my laptop either :-(

Have you had a Toshiba DVD player! I've had to throw out my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation players all because of DVD player hardware problems. I can't imagine what HD DVD will bring. Can't play it on my laptop either :-(

[mewcomm]

Fear of Multi Formats

Herby... I agree with your comments and skepticism over the movie business being "different". We're still just talking bout "bits". Only the marketing is different.

You ask, "Why do we ask for diversity in other markets" yet not in video. The "answer" is Fear. If you listen to mainstream media (and that would include C-Net in my opinion)....Americans live in Fear. Fear of "outsourcing", Fear of multiple formats, Fear of the onslaught of competition coming like a sunami from Asia.

I for one am pleased to see two formats in next generation DVD. The marketplace is not meant to be neat and without conflict. It is often messy and disorganized, no matter how hard the marketeers try. As one poster in this thread has noted, the DVD format evolution may already be on the way out, before it has even launched--due to DRM and evolving HD DVR's.

The good news is that market place will resolve this issue. Or perhaps they will "cut a deal". But one thing they'll never get rid of, is consumer fear as exhibited by many otherwise smart people.

Cheers,
mike
alatadena, ca