Those that got an A2 or A3 this weekend - Blu-ray Forum

Intamin · 11-06-2007, 02:42 AM

What are your thoughts on it? Me, I'm thoroughly UNIMPRESSED. I used to be hardcore blu ray was better without actually ever really comparing the two side by side, but now having both, it's hands down no comparison. I'm watching Bourne Identity, horrible artifacting in some scenes, the colors are not sharp, the detail is dismal, and I feel like I'm watching a slightly better version of a dvd-granted the same can be said for several Blus I'm sure, however, this is supposed to be a flagship title for dud, and as such, the picture is lackluster at best. As far as Transformers goes, it was good, but nothing impressive. I felt Spider-man 3 had a far better picture. I showed my roommate two still frames between the two formats, and he could see a difference in the two, Blu being better. Also, I'm aware that it is a 1080i player vs a 1080p player, however, the tv I'm using is only in 1080i for the sake of argument and comparison. Also, I don't feel anything special about HD dud, I just feel like I got another dvd. When I get a new blu, it's like an exciting new experience or something. HD does nothing for me. As far as IME goes, it's way overrated, and retarded to use and completely not useful. I always fully supported Blu being the technically superior technology, now I have a direct comparison of the two and can confidently say Blu is superior. So for those that picked up a player due to the deal, what are your thoughts? Did you have a similar experience, or do you enjoy your player? I do enjoy having some movies I missed in hi def, but other than that, I hope to God this is not the winning format.

SamInNorthCakalakey · 11-06-2007, 02:49 AM

This was a very necessary post. Thanks for your input.

supersix4 · 11-06-2007, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamInNorthCakalakey

This was a very necessary post. Thanks for your input.

- the thanks for your input... remember this is blu-ray.com

javabear · 11-06-2007, 02:58 AM

My friend has also bought the HD-A2 player and he showed me Transformers on it. He has a 47" vizio TV that looks very nice. I don't know what it was, but Transformer HD did NOT wow me as I thought it might have. The picture seems to not be as crisp or high-res as my blu-ray movies. And, of course, the sound quality of dolby digital plus did NOT move me as much as my blu-ray uncompressed sounds. I do see that the HD-DVD set up is better than standard DVD setup. But, having experienced and owned a BLU-RAY setup, there is no comparison. BLU-RAY is the way to go.

I am so glad that I made the right choice and NOT settle for "just good enough". Because if you really are open minded about BLU-RAY and give it a try, you will see that BLU-RAY is way better than anything out there now. You should NOT want to settle for anything less.

SpikesBluBlooded · 11-06-2007, 03:02 AM

I have to admit, I came to this thread a little wary that it was going to be another in defense of purple, but clearly it is not, and it has been done in a professional, non-condescending manner, which impresses me even more. Here's to the hopes that it remains that way, even after some (which will be inevitable) will post that they are just as happy with their HD DVD player as they are with their blu-ray player. Let's keep it civil, folks!

funkybudda · 11-06-2007, 03:03 AM

another "supporter" bought into the cheap HD DVD player, keep it up and format war will never end. Once you bought one you are not blu-ray supporter any more.

Intamin · 11-06-2007, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkybudda

another "supporter" bought into the cheap HD DVD player, keep it up and format war will never end. Once you bought one you are not blu-ray supporter any more.

lol, because I still don't spend 100ish a week on software for blu do I? Oh wait, I do. Comments like these make me laugh, but to each his own I guess. Ps, this in the hands of an educated consumer who isn't going to buy any hd software, or in the hands of j6p who might buy some? You can take your pick, but I'd rather have it in my hands knowing that I just took $200 worth of movies from DuD and won't be investing anything further in their format.

Rike255 · 11-06-2007, 03:05 AM

Very good read, I liked it. I have no interest in HD DVD at all, I've seen lots of demos in store and to be frank I agree with you. I mean it looked nice and all, but nowhere near Blu-Ray quality in my opinion.

Plus, I can't afford to support both formats right now anyways.

damandan05 · 11-06-2007, 03:11 AM

wow people are sheep, buy me buy me. OK. Seriously, we know you support blu-ray but now you helped support HD, this war will never cease at this rate. All for what a handful of movies. for shame, for shame.

Hussla · 11-06-2007, 03:11 AM

Look a 1080p HD-DVD player with the right material can look EXTREMELY good and hard to discern from Blu-ray thats a well known fact.

However I don't support HD-DVD mainly because I view it's specifications as inferior and leaving little room to room as the technologies mature, nor do I like the fact that it is offered the least CE manufacturer and studio support. I don't believe Toshiba CE makes good products, plain and simple (based on past experiences) and finally I don't like the future prospects of mandatory ethernet connectivity it just opens certain doors that I'd rather not open.

Mote · 11-06-2007, 03:13 AM

I wouldn't take an A2 even if someone gave it to me.
And now that you've got it the verdict is: Mediocre.

Congrats on purchasing an inferior piece of hardware, buying into a second rate next-gen media and prolonging an unnecessary and unwanted format war.

Intamin · 11-06-2007, 03:16 AM

You guys do realize that A) One person will not prolong the format war, B) They lose all software sales from anyone who would have purchased this other than me b/c I will not buy any software, C) It's my own money, I enjoy movies, and I'm impatient, D) Toshiba lost money on selling me this, case in point, no software sales plus the thread stating they lose 500ish per sale during the sale.

Mote · 11-06-2007, 03:22 AM

Quote:

A) One person will not prolong the format war

You and the thousands of people who think like you will prolong a format war.

Quote:

D) Toshiba lost money on selling me this, case in point, no software sales plus the thread stating they lose 500ish per sale during the sale.

Regardless their product got into the hands of one more consumer. You've given them the upper-hand whether you want to believe it or not.

Intamin · 11-06-2007, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mote

You and the thousands of people who think like you will prolong a format war.

Regardless their product got into the hands of one more consumer. You've given them the upper-hand whether you want to believe it or not.

The product was going to be sold one way or the other, hence they are sold out at all area best buys and wal-mart, so again I ask, hands of someone who isn't buying any software, or someone who will?

blu2 · 11-06-2007, 03:24 AM

Quote:

The product was going to be sold one way or the other, hence they are sold out at all area best buys and wal-mart, so again I ask, hands of someone who isn't buying any software, or someone who will?

So with all that you've told us, what exactly are you going to be doing with this paperweight?

You really intend to buy no more HD DVDs?

oscar_in_fw · 11-06-2007, 03:29 AM

Well, HD DVD is "good enough" for the masses. To me, you need a very large screen and/or good display generator to appreciate the minute PQ differences especially since there are very few examples of movies on both formats which maximize the available storage/bandwidth for both. You also need a sound system which can demonstrate the differences between uncompressed PCM and lossy soundtracks. 90-95% of today's J6P systems will not be "differentiating enough", so HD DVD will be "good enough". And it doesn't help that you have actual and apparently well-respected reviewers (e.g. High def digest) who don't have the systems to truly appreciate the differences.

I note the differences and desperately want blu-ray to win because of the differences. But I have to be a realist; J6P cares more about price than the subtle differences arguably only appreciated by those with top-notch HT systems.

For a $98 bucks, it's a decent backup insurance policy in case my dual format player ever craps out. I expect to pay a lot more for a quality Standalone Blu-ray player when the time comes.

Intamin · 11-06-2007, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blu2

So with all that you've told us, what exactly are you going to be doing with this paperweight?

You really intend to buy no more HD DVDs?

That is the truth. I have the 5 free that came with it at time of purchase, plus 5 in mail. Searching through Amazon there is not one title that I would put my money on, nada. Besides, between Die Hard Box, Aviator, Cars, Rat, Ocean's Box, Simpsons, Superbad, Harry Box, Pirates, Mr. Mrs Smith, Rush Hour 3, plus some catalogs I don't have yet, I don't want to/need to spend money on Red anyways.

Edit: I'll be using my paperweight to watch transformers, and show anyone who comes by my room why not to get an hd player when I turn on the blu ray player

Sling · 11-06-2007, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intamin

You guys do realize that A) One person will not prolong the format war, B) They lose all software sales from anyone who would have purchased this other than me b/c I will not buy any software, C) It's my own money, I enjoy movies, and I'm impatient, D) Toshiba lost money on selling me this, case in point, no software sales plus the thread stating they lose 500ish per sale during the sale.

Thanks for letting potential hd-dud buyers that frequent are forums know what they would be getting with the inferior Hd-dud format
Blu-ray is the better choice f,sure.

Mote · 11-06-2007, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intamin

The product was going to be sold one way or the other, hence they are sold out at all area best buys and wal-mart, so again I ask, hands of someone who isn't buying any software, or someone who will?

Intamin, Toshibas hardware sales numbers are probably their only saving grace in this format war. The bottom line is you've increased that number regardless if you continue to buy HD DVD movies or not.

jcs913 · 11-06-2007, 03:40 AM

Honestly, we should be happy that an 'educated' HD consumer bought the HDDVD player. At least he knows what both formats are, unlike the thousands of others that know nothing of the format war and bought the player because it was a good deal. The 'prolonging the format war' propoganda makes no sense to a person that already supports BD. Think about what you are implying. If he was not aware of BD and his curiousity spurned him on to but one of those players, then that is a valid argument for 'prolonging the format war.' But because he is already a BD supporter, he will help to end the format war quicker by getting one of those players out of an uneducated consumers hands. I say 'Bravo' to your curiousity. His purchase may actually help end the war quicker.

11-06-2007, 02:42 AM	#1
Intamin Power Member Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Houston Home Theater Gallery:38 Blu-ray collection:318	Those that got an A2 or A3 this weekend What are your thoughts on it? Me, I'm thoroughly UNIMPRESSED. I used to be hardcore blu ray was better without actually ever really comparing the two side by side, but now having both, it's hands down no comparison. I'm watching Bourne Identity, horrible artifacting in some scenes, the colors are not sharp, the detail is dismal, and I feel like I'm watching a slightly better version of a dvd-granted the same can be said for several Blus I'm sure, however, this is supposed to be a flagship title for dud, and as such, the picture is lackluster at best. As far as Transformers goes, it was good, but nothing impressive. I felt Spider-man 3 had a far better picture. I showed my roommate two still frames between the two formats, and he could see a difference in the two, Blu being better. Also, I'm aware that it is a 1080i player vs a 1080p player, however, the tv I'm using is only in 1080i for the sake of argument and comparison. Also, I don't feel anything special about HD dud, I just feel like I got another dvd. When I get a new blu, it's like an exciting new experience or something. HD does nothing for me. As far as IME goes, it's way overrated, and retarded to use and completely not useful. I always fully supported Blu being the technically superior technology, now I have a direct comparison of the two and can confidently say Blu is superior. So for those that picked up a player due to the deal, what are your thoughts? Did you have a similar experience, or do you enjoy your player? I do enjoy having some movies I missed in hi def, but other than that, I hope to God this is not the winning format. Last edited by Intamin; 11-06-2007 at 02:46 AM.

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11-06-2007, 02:49 AM	#2
SamInNorthCakalakey Active Member Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Raleigh/Durham, NC area Blu-ray reviews:19	This was a very necessary post. Thanks for your input.

11-06-2007, 02:58 AM	#4
javabear Senior Member Member since:Jul 2007 4K collection:- Blu-ray collection:- Digital collection:- iTunes collection:- Blu-ray reviews:8 Trading Score:319	My friend has also bought the HD-A2 player and he showed me Transformers on it. He has a 47" vizio TV that looks very nice. I don't know what it was, but Transformer HD did NOT wow me as I thought it might have. The picture seems to not be as crisp or high-res as my blu-ray movies. And, of course, the sound quality of dolby digital plus did NOT move me as much as my blu-ray uncompressed sounds. I do see that the HD-DVD set up is better than standard DVD setup. But, having experienced and owned a BLU-RAY setup, there is no comparison. BLU-RAY is the way to go. I am so glad that I made the right choice and NOT settle for "just good enough". Because if you really are open minded about BLU-RAY and give it a try, you will see that BLU-RAY is way better than anything out there now. You should NOT want to settle for anything less.

11-06-2007, 03:02 AM	#5
SpikesBluBlooded Special Member Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Orlando, FL Blu-ray collection:719 Trading Score:1	I have to admit, I came to this thread a little wary that it was going to be another in defense of purple, but clearly it is not, and it has been done in a professional, non-condescending manner, which impresses me even more. Here's to the hopes that it remains that way, even after some (which will be inevitable) will post that they are just as happy with their HD DVD player as they are with their blu-ray player. Let's keep it civil, folks!

11-06-2007, 03:03 AM	#6
funkybudda Active Member Member since:Jan 2007	another "supporter" bought into the cheap HD DVD player, keep it up and format war will never end. Once you bought one you are not blu-ray supporter any more.

11-06-2007, 03:05 AM	#8
Rike255 Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:AB, Canada PSNetwork: Rike255 Home Theater Gallery:44 Blu-ray collection:57	Very good read, I liked it. I have no interest in HD DVD at all, I've seen lots of demos in store and to be frank I agree with you. I mean it looked nice and all, but nowhere near Blu-Ray quality in my opinion. Plus, I can't afford to support both formats right now anyways.

11-06-2007, 03:11 AM	#9
damandan05 Active Member Member since:Apr 2007	wow people are sheep, buy me buy me. OK. Seriously, we know you support blu-ray but now you helped support HD, this war will never cease at this rate. All for what a handful of movies. for shame, for shame.

11-06-2007, 03:11 AM	#10
Hussla Active Member Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Geelong, Victoria, Australia	Look a 1080p HD-DVD player with the right material can look EXTREMELY good and hard to discern from Blu-ray thats a well known fact. However I don't support HD-DVD mainly because I view it's specifications as inferior and leaving little room to room as the technologies mature, nor do I like the fact that it is offered the least CE manufacturer and studio support. I don't believe Toshiba CE makes good products, plain and simple (based on past experiences) and finally I don't like the future prospects of mandatory ethernet connectivity it just opens certain doors that I'd rather not open.

11-06-2007, 03:13 AM	#11
Mote Active Member Member since:Jun 2007 Location:Playa Del Rey, CA. Blu-ray reviews:2	I wouldn't take an A2 even if someone gave it to me. And now that you've got it the verdict is: Mediocre. Congrats on purchasing an inferior piece of hardware, buying into a second rate next-gen media and prolonging an unnecessary and unwanted format war.

11-06-2007, 03:16 AM	#12
Intamin Power Member Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Houston Home Theater Gallery:38 Blu-ray collection:318	You guys do realize that A) One person will not prolong the format war, B) They lose all software sales from anyone who would have purchased this other than me b/c I will not buy any software, C) It's my own money, I enjoy movies, and I'm impatient, D) Toshiba lost money on selling me this, case in point, no software sales plus the thread stating they lose 500ish per sale during the sale.

11-06-2007, 03:29 AM	#16
oscar_in_fw Member Member since:Sep 2007	Well, HD DVD is "good enough" for the masses. To me, you need a very large screen and/or good display generator to appreciate the minute PQ differences especially since there are very few examples of movies on both formats which maximize the available storage/bandwidth for both. You also need a sound system which can demonstrate the differences between uncompressed PCM and lossy soundtracks. 90-95% of today's J6P systems will not be "differentiating enough", so HD DVD will be "good enough". And it doesn't help that you have actual and apparently well-respected reviewers (e.g. High def digest) who don't have the systems to truly appreciate the differences. I note the differences and desperately want blu-ray to win because of the differences. But I have to be a realist; J6P cares more about price than the subtle differences arguably only appreciated by those with top-notch HT systems. For a $98 bucks, it's a decent backup insurance policy in case my dual format player ever craps out. I expect to pay a lot more for a quality Standalone Blu-ray player when the time comes.

11-06-2007, 03:40 AM	#20
jcs913 Blu-ray Champion Member since:Apr 2007 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:576	Honestly, we should be happy that an 'educated' HD consumer bought the HDDVD player. At least he knows what both formats are, unlike the thousands of others that know nothing of the format war and bought the player because it was a good deal. The 'prolonging the format war' propoganda makes no sense to a person that already supports BD. Think about what you are implying. If he was not aware of BD and his curiousity spurned him on to but one of those players, then that is a valid argument for 'prolonging the format war.' But because he is already a BD supporter, he will help to end the format war quicker by getting one of those players out of an uneducated consumers hands. I say 'Bravo' to your curiousity. His purchase may actually help end the war quicker.

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