Consumer Problems with Blu-ray and HD-DVD

bart_scriv writes "Business Week looks at the upcoming Blu-ray and HD-DVD product launches and predicts problems and confusion for consumers. In addition to anticipated difficulties in distinguishing between the two formats, some studios will be using copy protection that will intentionally down grade the picture. When combined with Sony's plans to upconvert based on hardware configuration and the fact that most HD TVs aren't capable of displaying either format at full resolution, early adopters may be getting a lot less than they bargained for. As the article suggests, it may be that 'the best bet for either format to gain acceptance now lies with next-generation game consoles.'"

Comments

Re:No more HDDVD Blu Ray Stories Please

[Daniel_Staal]

Just want to say on the 'better quality' argument: in general I can't tell the difference between VHS and DVD quality. (Unless the VHS is very old, of course.) The advantages of DVD are smaller size and random access. (No rewinding, the ablity to jump anywhere in the movie, and no rewinding. Did I mention no rewinding?)

I'm sure there are people who believe they can tell the difference. Most of them probably have their super-high quality flatscreens hooked up incorrectly so that they are are actually getting worse quality on it. But they still believe they can tell the difference. (I'm sure some actually can tell the difference.)

I'm hoping they don't decide to upgrade immediately. I see very little benifit to consumers in this new switch. If it bombs entirely I'll be perfectly happy.

Re:The real key to acceptance: Adult Movies

[Anonymous Coward]

Oh, please. Are you really gonna watch pr0n on a device that phones home and reports your viewing preferences?

Re:The real key to acceptance: Adult Movies

[OldManAndTheC]

I completely agree. Consumers have shown over and over that they will spend ridiculous amounts of money for porn (remember the cost of the first VHS porn tapes?)

And the quality of porn on these high-def formats is going to be incredible! Once guys see their first HD porn they will go apeshit. Stores should advertise porn bundles ("Happy Deals?") consisting of an HD-DVD or Blu-Ray player, five or six porn titles, a lotion dispenser, and a rag.

Re:The real key to acceptance: Adult Movies

[netsavior]

Ever watched a Pr0n DVD on a projector or decent resolution large screen? We did and it was not pretty... Nobody is beautiful naked at 7foot x 480i (extreme close up)

I think I will stick to VHS on a 25 inch TV as far as porn is concerned.

Re:No more HDDVD Blu Ray Stories Please

[HolyCrapSCOsux]

I'm suprised the universe didn't implode when you put "Sony" and "opened up" on the same line without a protective sarcasm field.

Re:The real key to acceptance: Adult Movies

[HolyCrapSCOsux]

just wait for Smell-o-Vision(tm)

*gag*

amazing rez

[mgabrys_sf]

The picture's so good you can see the DRM watermark!

Now THAT'S progress people! Huzzah!

I never recalled Indiana Jones being chased by a boulder with a giant DRM logo emblazoned on it - but the metaphor is so right ya know?