Toshiba Quits DVD Talks With Sony

[Zanzibar]

According to this article (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050823/ap_on_hi_te/japan_next_generation_dvd;_ylt=AnNISUISrrT7iNWVIOq TE5is0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3cjE0b2MwBHNlYwM3Mzg-) from Yahoo, (http://www.yahoo.com) Toshiba has given up on talks with Sony over a unified next-gen DVD format:

Toshiba Corp. leads a group of companies that support the HD DVD format and has been in talks with a Sony-led bloc, which backs the Blu-ray format.

"It is regrettable but unavoidable that two formats will remain (on the market)," Kyodo News agency quoted an unnamed Toshiba official as saying.

Pretty sure this was unavoidable.

[bapenguin]

I'm pretty sure next generation media is a disaster waiting to happen.

[Zanzibar]

I'm pretty sure next generation media is a disaster waiting to happen.

Bring back Betamax!

I had debated on the obligatory 'Well, Sony knows a whole lot about prerendered movies, so maybe they know what they're talking about.' </rimshot>, but figured there's enough flamebait as it is.

[Grimgrock]

Is this fairly comparable to the VHS vs. Beta battle of the late 70s and 80s? In the end, VHS won because it was "cheaper" but Beta is the higher quality tape format.

It is unfortunate how this has developed but I am in agreement with bapenguin. It is possible, however, that the same situation that occured with VHS vs. Beta will happen this time as well. The market will decide which they want to buy. When the market makes its decision, you'll have your winner. And your standard.

[Borys]

*) I can't wait for BR games for the PS3. GT4 takes up the whole DVD-9 disc, I'm pretty sure GT5 and other games will make a good use of BR.

*) I can't wait for BR-RWs for the PC to come down to $200 price. One BR-RW (25 GB) is like a small hard-drive!

*) I couldn't care less about BR movies, though.

There's no such thing as "too much space". CD -> DVD -> BR. Tech Evolution. Dual Layer BR disc gives 10 times the capacity of a single DVD. I guess in 2006-07 the BR burners will finally come down in price.

I'll be happy.

[ÜberJumper]

BR is a better technology correct? But HD-DVD is cheaper?

[solinari6]

Is this fairly comparable to the VHS vs. Beta battle of the late 70s and 80s? In the end, VHS won because it was "cheaper" but Beta is the higher quality tape format.

Actually, I think VHS won because beta wouldn't let people put porn out on beta.

[anclunn]

HD-DVD drives will have less space, but it will be easy to make a drive that supports HD-DVD, DVDs and Cds. Making a single drive that can read BlueRay disks and DVDs will be almost impossible.

[EL CABONG]

Actually, I think VHS won because beta wouldn't let people put porn out on beta.
So is porn gonna be on HD DVD or Blue Ray or both?

Because if it is going to be only on 1 format I know which one I am picking!

[51|RandoM]

I don't think either of them have a chance of large scale adoption, at least not for the next 5 years.

The only real consumer need for a new format is to support HD content. We're sort of in a chicken and the egg scenario, with 3 players, not just two: HD Content, HD displays, and a medium large enough to contain a feature length HD movie + 7.1 discrete soundtrack. HD OTA/Cable content should drive HD display sales... and at some point they'll reach an install base where it makes sense to start releasing HD content on optical media.

Most other uses are consumer niche(very large video/computer games), or for some business areas(cheap WORM).

[Alexious]

I've forgotten... is the XBox 360 Blu-Ray or HD DVD?

HD-DVD drives will have less space, but it will be easy to make a drive that supports HD-DVD, DVDs and Cds. Making a single drive that can read BlueRay disks and DVDs will be almost impossible.
So if I buy a PS3, I most likely won't be able to play a regular old audio CD? Who's bright idea was that? I mean how big is my freaking media cabinet going to have to get to accomodate all these formats?!? :eek:

[EvilBob46]

HD-DVD drives will have less space, but it will be easy to make a drive that supports HD-DVD, DVDs and Cds. Making a single drive that can read BlueRay disks and DVDs will be almost impossible.

Well, they say it's "not going to be a problem." Perhaps by using multiple drives...all in one?

"Will Blu-ray support playback of DVDs?

Yes, several leading consumer electronics companies (including Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung and LG) have already demonstrated products that can read/write CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs using a BD/DVD/CD compatible optical head, so you don't have to worry about your existing DVD collection becoming obsolete. Although it's up to each manufacturer to decide if they want to make their products backwards compatible with DVD, the format is far too popular to not be supported. The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) expects every Blu-ray Disc device to be backward compatible with CDs and DVDs."

[emperordahc]

Couldn't care less.

[Tyrant]

I'd prefer my games to come on DVD media for the time being, considering the likely prices for Bluray media when it becomes initially available. More storage on a disc isn't a bad thing, but there are very few games that take up an entire dual layer DVD at the moment. Until we hit 4+ disc mark per game like we did during the 32-bit era, I don't think we need HD-DVD or Bluray.

[Atorak]

So is porn gonna be on HD DVD or Blue Ray or both?

Because if it is going to be only on 1 format I know which one I am picking!

Anyone else feel 100% on the same, exact page as this guy?

*pats on back* Thanks for saying what we were all thinking anyway.

[EL CABONG]

I'd prefer my games to come on DVD media for the time being, considering the likely prices for Bluray media when it becomes initially available. More storage on a disc isn't a bad thing, but there are very few games that take up an entire dual layer DVD at the moment. Until we hit 4+ disc mark per game like we did during the 32-bit era, I don't think we need HD-DVD or Bluray.
Well said. altough the idea of 3 or 4 dvds worth of porn on one disk is exciting.

[mkelehan]

I've forgotten... is the XBox 360 Blu-Ray or HD DVD?


So if I buy a PS3, I most likely won't be able to play a regular old audio CD? Who's bright idea was that? I mean how big is my freaking media cabinet going to have to get to accomodate all these formats?!? :eek:

The 360 is neither. It may, one day, support HD-DVD, but nobody knows how.

The PS3 plays DVDs and CDs. It probably has two lasers, a BR one and Sony's ol' DVD/CD one.

I have to say, Blu-Ray has a big advantage in the PS3. It could be argued that the PS2 was a big contributor in getting DVD to crack the mainstream, and a few million PS3s in Blu-Ray's corner will only help it. If you've already got a Blu-Ray player, will you go out and spend the money on an HD-DVD player, or just get movies for the format you own?

[51|RandoM]

Anyone else feel 100% on the same, exact page as this guy?

*pats on back* Thanks for saying what we were all thinking anyway.

...most of us weren't thinking that, since we get our porn from the 'net instead of on archaic media.

[Zanzibar]

I've forgotten... is the XBox 360 Blu-Ray or HD DVD?


Neither. Microsoft is sitting out the media wars. Their game data will continue to be distributed on standard DVD.

There's a rumor that MS may include a HD-DVD drive in yet another SKU for the X360, but that won't be for a long, long time after launch.

[EL CABONG]

...most of us weren't thinking that, since we get our porn from the 'net instead of on archaic media.
just fyi I get porn from the net too.
but I also enjoy watching it on a bigger screen on my couch.

[Mr.Green]

Too much information for fuck's sake.

[mister_slim]

HD-DVD drives will have less space, but it will be easy to make a drive that supports HD-DVD, DVDs and Cds. Making a single drive that can read BlueRay disks and DVDs will be almost impossible.
Actually, both drives will require two lasers. An advantage of Blu-Ray is that they can make a regular DVD and then slap a Blu-Ray layer on it, and it will play in a DVD player or a Blu-Ray player. I wouldn't be surprised to see combo disks on the market before Blu-Ray drives are common. Sony Pictures could choose to make slightly less profit per movie to drive media availability and increase the likelihood of people purchasing a Blu-Ray drive.

[Kelegacy]

Go Go Blu-Ray Rangers!!

[Roc Ingersol]

There is no practical difference to the vast majority of consumers.

The only difference will be where the royalty money for the format and media licensing will be going in the end.

The increased storage space on BluRay disc is of interest only to the PC R/W crowd who would use it for archiving. The increased cost savings on HD-DVD printing is of interest only to the manufacturers.

Game and movie studios charge for content. It's not as if movie studios will cut the price of a 'collector's edition box set' just because they could cram all the content onto one disc, rather than 3. Nor will they pass along the savings because HD-DVD is cheaper to create.

And its not as if game studios will leave 2 or 3 more levels in every game just because they have the space. As expensive as next-gen game dev is, what can fit on a single disc is not going to be the number 1 priority when determining the size and scope of their content.

[NoName]

just fyi I get porn from the net too.
but I also enjoy watching it on a bigger screen on my couch.

That's why you have all the porn in a shared drive on your main computer so the media computer in the living room can access it all.

Or is that just me... o.0

[jacktion]

In a format war, the only sure loser is the customer.

[Kelegacy]

Originally Posted by EL CABONG
just fyi I get porn from the net too.
but I also enjoy watching it on a bigger screen on my couch.

I dont know about you, but whacking it on the couch just doesnt feel the same to me. I like to sweat in the smelly confines of my computer room.

[Rangoth]

Alright.
A)Those of you who feel the need to share your porn love and the location of where you jerk off, I want to inform you of something called a 'woman'. See, they actually exist OUTSIDE of the screen. Maybe I'm just silly in that I choose to be with a real woman instead of worrying about high-def porn.
B)On the actual TOPIC of the thread, I personally think the whole "HD-DVD vs BR" battle will be stillborn. Thing is, they have created a product where there is no real need. I think Microsoft was smart to not commit to a new format. Yes, some games may come on more then one DVD but companies already have the manufacturing capabilities for DVD. How many can make a BR disc? Likely none outside of Sony.

[valkyrie_cs]

Even worse than graphic details of bastards wanking off in the glow of a DLP bulb is the idea that some of you guys actually have real women willing to give it up on a regular basis.... gives us all hope and make me sad. Are there actually any women left in the world who are like... nerds ?? I love in American Pie (3?) where Nadia just wants a nerd, I should have written that... the Sherminator :) Go easy on the couches. I suspect that women are just waiting to discover the magic anti-guy virus...

[Kelegacy]

Alright.
A)Those of you who feel the need to share your porn love and the location of where you jerk off, I want to inform you of something called a 'woman'. See, they actually exist OUTSIDE of the screen. Maybe I'm just silly in that I choose to be with a real woman instead of worrying about high-def porn.


Hey man, you can still have a woman and wank it. Man can't live on bread, water, and once a week sex alone.

[Voodoo]

Rotating disks used to store data is so 60's.

[Voodoo]

Hey man, you can still have a woman and wank it. Man can't live on bread, water, and once a week sex alone.

Or you can have two women help you wank it while you eat some bread and drink some water while watching the porn on said couch in front of said high def television...

http://www.muffinmanthemovie.com/Pics/Tbone-thumbs-up_large.jpg

[Kelegacy]

what the hell is that picture?

[Rangoth]

I do not want to know.

Once a week sex? I'm sure you can slip some ruffies in her drink more often then that ;-)

[valkyrie_cs]

i think it's a fat guy appearing to wank by watching fat chicks tugging a war ? or maybe just a fat guy caught with an innappropriate thought :) I can think of lots worse images that could have been posted !

[Draft]

what the hell is that picture?
I'll tell you what it is. It's the new official "Right the fuck on" picture of Evil Avatar dot com.

[Kelegacy]

i think it's a fat guy appearing to wank by watching fat chicks tugging a war ? or maybe just a fat guy caught with an innappropriate thought :) I can think of lots worse images that could have been posted !

There is a beer keg next to him, so I'd be happy, too.

[zorper]

I do not want to know.

Once a week sex? I'm sure you can slip some ruffies in her drink more often then that ;-)

Hey, get a couple of kids and two jobs and ain't no ruffies gonna solve the problem...

[Twigz'N'Berries]

HD-DVD drives will have less space, but it will be easy to make a drive that supports HD-DVD, DVDs and Cds. Making a single drive that can read BlueRay disks and DVDs will be almost impossible.
Actually, the Blu-Ray drives they are working on now do that.

Personally, I think Blu Ray will win which helps Sony and PS3.

MS backed Toshiba at first...now they are quietly going to wait on the fence.

[bapenguin]

Technically...MS has stakes in BOTH parties. Their VC9 or whatever it's called codec is on the standard for both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD. Either way...its royalties for them.

[51|RandoM]

just fyi I get porn from the net too.
but I also enjoy watching it on a bigger screen on my couch.

omg, another person with this retarded excuse.

I hate to burst your bubble, but I watch net porn from the couch too.

Hell, lets pretend you have some logistical reason you can't output your pc to the bigger screen in front of your couch---which is purely a personal problem, the tech is readily available, beavis. You could still burn a dvd if you wanted too.

[51|RandoM]

Alright.
A)Those of you who feel the need to share your porn love and the location of where you jerk off, I want to inform you of something called a 'woman'. See, they actually exist OUTSIDE of the screen. Maybe I'm just silly in that I choose to be with a real woman instead of worrying about high-def porn.
B)On the actual TOPIC of the thread, I personally think the whole "HD-DVD vs BR" battle will be stillborn. Thing is, they have created a product where there is no real need. I think Microsoft was smart to not commit to a new format. Yes, some games may come on more then one DVD but companies already have the manufacturing capabilities for DVD. How many can make a BR disc? Likely none outside of Sony.

When you get a bit older, or a bit more experienced, you'll probably run into/have run into a woman... or even a couple women together----heheheh---who want to watch porn with you... or even like to watch you masturbate.

Just because you're a once a month missionary minute man, don't assume the rest of us are.

[Mrbunchypants]

once a month..... you poor fellow..... :(


Anyways back to the war...... the PS3 is/will help sony get it format across. however, I can see that the two formats might stay for a while. bluray being great for computers. as files get bigger companys might be looking to stream line there backup process. If it only takes 1 bluray instead of a bunchy of dvds that would save space and time. some thing alot of companys are still trying to do.
I can forsee that HDdvd will be great for movies as the cost will be nice. and BLuray for pc and console so they can pile more info on to one disc.

[Murmillo]

well. if price/better capabites wars have fortold of may battles before, HD-DvD will win.

[EL CABONG]

I dont know about you, but whacking it on the couch just doesnt feel the same to me. I like to sweat in the smelly confines of my computer room.
Hey to each his own.

Their is NO WRONG WAY TO ENJOY PORN.

[Rangoth]

I would argue that if somones was to enjoy porn was to be covered in peanut butter & suspended over a tank filled with man-eating trout that just may fall into the 'wrong' catagory.

[EL CABONG]

where would one get man-eating trout?

[Rangoth]

The Man-Eating Trout store. :P

[EL CABONG]

cool do they take major credit cards? If so I am so their.

[Rangoth]

They very likely do but you don't want to know where you have to swipe the card ;)

[Twigz'N'Berries]

Technically...MS has stakes in BOTH parties. Their VC9 or whatever it's called codec is on the standard for both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD. Either way...its royalties for them.

True, but if they have to turn around and pay royalties out to Sony for putting the BR technology in their 360s, who do you think will end up paying more? Besides, if BR takes off, MS knows that will be more money lining the coffers of Sony for years to come. If HD-DVD wins, MS knows that Sony would have taken a massive hit in their R&D Division for yet a failed format. (Most people think Beta failed...and it did from a consumer standpoint. But talk to anyone in the film industry and they know Sony did just find with Beta)

So they adopt a 'wait and see' attitude. If they would have put the HD-DVD into the system right away, it probably would have impacted costs initially, but would have been a huge boost for the HD-DVD alliance. Now, it might signal the format's demise.