Toshiba Defiant After HD DVD Setback

[majorloser]

CODE BLUE: Somebody get the crash cart!

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/G/GADGET_SHOW_HD_DVD?SITE=NHPOR&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

 

[Clypher]

I hadn't heard about the WB deal until now.

Good, I don't care who wins, I just want one of them to emerge the victor so I can buy a player already.

 

[GlocksRock]

I hadn't heard about the WB deal until now.

Good, I don't care who wins, I just want one of them to emerge the victor so I can buy a player already.

There is no good reason to not go buy a blu ray player now... the format war is basically over, only Paramount/Dreamworks, and Universal still support HD DVD, and they don't put out enough good titles to overcome blu ray and all of the studios backing it. Right now it seems as though the 40 gig PS3 is the best deal in a blu ray player, as it has some of the fastest load times, and the built in wi-fi makes for easy firmware updates, and you know Sonly will definitely keep the PS3 updated.

 

[Clypher]

There is no good reason to not go buy a blu ray player now... the format war is basically over, only Paramount/Dreamworks, and Universal still support HD DVD, and they don't put out enough good titles to overcome blu ray and all of the studios backing it. Right now it seems as though the 40 gig PS3 is the best deal in a blu ray player, as it has some of the fastest load times, and the built in wi-fi makes for easy firmware updates, and you know Sonly will definitely keep the PS3 updated.

I have been trying to push myself to get a PS3 because I haven't let myself enjoy much console gaming lately.

You sure a PS3 is actually a better blu-ray choice than a standalone?

 

[GlocksRock]

I would say it is, the only thing you don't get with the PS3 as far as a blu ray player is concerned is a front lcd display that shows time, track, etc. But who cares, you can see all that information by pressing the display button on the remote. The PS3 still has the quickest load times, and will be one of the easiest to update, and it's easy to setup, not to mention you can also use it for gaming (duh) and it can act as a media server as well, since it will stream music, videos, and photos from a pc on the same network. Plus the ability to download (for free) movie/game trailers and game demos as well as paid content from the playstation store almost make it a no brainer. The only thing it can't do that some may want, although it's not that big of a deal, and many stand alone players don't do it either, is output the new audio formats (DD+ TrueHD, etc.) via bitstream as it converts it inside the player and outputs it via bitstream. And a update hasn't yet been released that adds internal DTS-HD MA decoding, but word on the street is that dts is working with sony to get this out. And it also does a fantastic job of upscaling (via HDMI only) SD DVDs.

 

[aberkowitz]

The only other downside of the PS3 is the remote issue- you can only use a bluetooth remote (the PS3 controller or add-on remote) to control the thing, so you cannot program commands into an IR/RF universal remote. It's not a huge deal, but it does get a little annoying when you have to remember that R1 skips chapters and R2 fast forwards and that there's no stop button (you have to go through an on-screen menu to stop the darn movie!).

 

[GlocksRock]

But a PS3/BD remote is only around $20, just unfortunate that it's bluetooth so universal remotes can't control it, but one more remote shouldn't be too big of a deal. Plus it also supports USB flash drives for music/photos and usb mouse/keyboard which is nice since it has a built in web browser as well. Just too many good reasons to have one, even if you don't play games, but it could get you into gaming once you see how awesome some of the games are. I just got the Gran Turismo HD demo and holy crap it's awesome, I can't wait to get the game.

 

[Clypher]

I just checked the ps3 remote, it's not that expensive.

This kinda sucks though, i JUST bought an oppo 981HD... That would feel like a significant waste given a PS3.

Would it be worth keeping or should I sell it if I get a PS3?

EDIT: I love video games, haha. I've been wanting a PS3 for a while now for that reason alone.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I am sure Harmony will come out with a BT remote. Yes it is a hassle as of now but the PS3 is an awesome machine.

The only other downside of the PS3 is the remote issue- you can only use a bluetooth remote (the PS3 controller or add-on remote) to control the thing, so you cannot program commands into an IR/RF universal remote. It's not a huge deal, but it does get a little annoying when you have to remember that R1 skips chapters and R2 fast forwards and that there's no stop button (you have to go through an on-screen menu to stop the darn movie!).

 

[aberkowitz]

I am sure Harmony will come out with a BT remote. Yes it is a hassle as of now but the PS3 is an awesome machine.

Absolutely, totally agree... I'm just in a bad mood this morning so I'm ranting on everything.

 

[GlocksRock]

I just checked the ps3 remote, it's not that expensive.

This kinda sucks though, i JUST bought an oppo 981HD... That would feel like a significant waste given a PS3.

Would it be worth keeping or should I sell it if I get a PS3?

EDIT: I love video games, haha. I've been wanting a PS3 for a while now for that reason alone.

Sounds like this should be a very easy decision for you then, go get one now! If you can still return the oppo I say you should do so, there is no benefit to using it over the PS3 since the PS3 does a great job of upscaling. If it is too late to return it, sell it on ebay, you should still be able to easily fetch over $120 for it, and use that to help finance the PS3... maybe you could even find a used PS3 for under $400, but if not, you can still get in on the five free blu ray deal if you hurry.

 

[Clypher]

Sounds like this should be a very easy decision for you then, go get one now! If you can still return the oppo I say you should do so, there is no benefit to using it over the PS3 since the PS3 does a great job of upscaling. If it is too late to return it, sell it on ebay, you should still be able to easily fetch over $120 for it, and use that to help finance the PS3... maybe you could even find a used PS3 for under $400, but if not, you can still get in on the five free blu ray deal if you hurry.

I just paid $230+shipping for the oppo... If I can only get $120 for it there's no way I would sell it.

I just put in a bid on a PS3 though.

Ah, good news. I can still return the oppo. Unfortunately I will have wasted about $100 on shipping all said and done, but regardless.

 

[j_garcia]

We aren't dead yet...just mortally wounded and bleeding to death

I have the PS3 and an Oppo 980, they are about the same in terms of upscaling. I kept the Oppo for watching SD DVDs, however I now use my A2 instead as it is also very good at upscaling.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

CODE BLUE: Somebody get the crash cart!

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/G/GADGET_SHOW_HD_DVD?SITE=NHPOR&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Okay, there are two things I don't want to hear: "Code Blue" and "Dr. A".

And when they do say those words, the first thought that goes through my mind is, "Oh, please GOD, don't let it be on my floors!"

Anyway, HD DVD is DNR - that's Do Not Resuscitate!

So please don't call a Code on HD DVD!

The only thing we are doing for this patient is Supportive Care!

 

[aberkowitz]

I just paid $230+shipping for the oppo... If I can only get $120 for it there's no way I would sell it.

I just put in a bid on a PS3 though.

Ah, good news. I can still return the oppo. Unfortunately I will have wasted about $100 on shipping all said and done, but regardless.

Do you have to use the company's shipping label or can't you take the thing to Kinkos and probably save money?

 

[GlocksRock]

We aren't dead yet...just mortally wounded and bleeding to death

I have the PS3 and an Oppo 980, they are about the same in terms of upscaling. I kept the Oppo for watching SD DVDs, however I now use my A2 instead as it is also very good at upscaling.

I sold my oppo to fund the purchase of my HD-A2, and haven't been the least bit sorry, especially as the A2 looks better on my DLP tv than the Oppo did. The upside is that I will still be able to watch the movies that are released by the other studios who still release on HD DVD, so I would say I made a smart move.

 

[funked up]

Well this kinda sucks, just picked up a HD-A3 with my new plasma(should be here today!!!!) last week. Guess its not to much of a loss, since it was only 99bucks. Guess I'll have to look into getting a PS3 down the line or wait for a real good sale on a standalone, since I don't do much gaming. Well I guess there might be one good benefit(besides finally ending this rediculous competition) of the HD-DVD format dying, maybe they will have some good sales on HD-DVDs that they will need to get rid of.

 

[aberkowitz]

Well this kinda sucks, just picked up a HD-A3 with my new plasma(should be here today!!!!) last week. Guess its not to much of a loss, since it was only 99bucks. Guess I'll have to look into getting a PS3 down the line or wait for a real good sale on a standalone, since I don't do much gaming. Well I guess there might be one good benefit(besides finally ending this rediculous competition) of the HD-DVD format dying, maybe they will have some good sales on HD-DVDs that they will need to get rid of.

that will be for sure. Keep an eye on Amazon and Best Buy BOGOs... I wouldn't be surprised to see them attempt to pump everything out the door. At the very least you bought yourself a high quality upscaling DVD player that can be firmware updated via network for $99.... that's a much better deal than most of the other upscalers that are on the market.

 

[Seth=L]

We aren't dead yet...just mortally wounded and bleeding to death

I have the PS3 and an Oppo 980, they are about the same in terms of upscaling. I kept the Oppo for watching SD DVDs, however I now use my A2 instead as it is also very good at upscaling.

Yeah, it's good the A2 isn't a complete loss even if the HD DVD format does sink. If you are one of the lucky ones that got it for $100 it's a great upconverting player at that price, the fact that it plays your vintage HD DVDs is a bonus.

 

[Clypher]

Do you have to use the company's shipping label or can't you take the thing to Kinkos and probably save money?

Kinkos? Company's shipping label?

No clue, haha.

Anyway, it's up for sale in the forums. Just checking to see if anyone wants a brand new player for less than new cost and if it doesn't sell i'll just return it.