What hd dvd should i buy to match up with my tv?

Question

i currently have a panasonic viera tv and i am looking to replace my old dvd with an updated one.i have heard a bit about these hd recordable dvd's but wondered what may be best suited to my tv?i was also thinking of getting a surround sound system,is there a model which might do all?

Answer 1

Go with Blu-Ray.The war is really over. It will work fine with any HDTV you get now.

As of Fridays announcement that Warner would make only BD movies after May '08, the winner of the war has been declared. Blu-Ray. I thought it might take a year for it to happen but now I think it will be VERY soon that HD DVD closes up shop.

HD DVD was hit hard and is scrambling to recover. They were surprised by Warners move to back BD and even cancelled the HD DVD event at this years CES.

http://www.cepro.com/article/warner_bros...

Warner chose to do this because Blu-Rays have outsold HD DVDs 2-1.

Many people beleive that this spells the end of HD DVD and a win for BD, me among them

http://www.avtruths.com/blurayvshddvd.ht...

Furthermore Paramount has a clause in their contract allowing them to pull out of HD DVD in the event that Warner went Blu-Ray exclusive. Well since that happened expect Paramount (and of course Dreamworks) to switch to BD. This leaves only Universal for HD DVD. (Giving BD about 85% of the movies being made in Hollywood.)

I know that HD DVD will fight back. Expect great deals and free offers from HD DVD. But realistically the war is over.

Ultimately the only way for consumers to win is for one of them to win so that all of the studios will make HD movies in a format accessable to everyone. I also expect that once Blu-Ray wins (or HD DVD if that happens) you will see second and third tier manufacturers to make players driving the price to $100 by 2009-1010. Funai just announce one for $299.

They have to make this happen or the window is going to close and internet HD movies are going to take over before BD has a chance to flourish. LG and Netflick have already announced an internet movie device and VUDU's machine is already available.

Buy now or buy later but buy Blu-Ray.

As far as standing the test of time goes, PS3 updates automatically if you are connected to the internet but they all have the ability to accept firmware updates by downloads burned to disc. Get one that is 1.1 compliant like the panasonic or all the models scheduled for release in 2008 including Funai's $299 model.

Answer 2

I'd first like to know whether or not your television is a 720p or a 1080p before I can determine which DVD player is the most suitable for your needs. If you have a television that is 720p you won't benefit from a HD-DVD Player or Blu-Ray Player, because they'd broadcast in 1080p when your set can only handle 720p. If that's the case I'd recommend an upconvert DVD player. It'll take your standard dvd's and increase the quality. If your set is a 1080p television, I'd probably go with a Blu-Ray Player. They seem to have the edge over other HD-DVD. Warner Brother's just announced that they'll be supporting Blu-Ray rather than both Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs when releasing movies. Also, Blu-Ray players are found in your major video gaming systems, which also has an edge over HD-DVD. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I believe Fry's Electronics has what you are looking for... A Panasonic Digital Home Theatre with HD 1080 upgrade DVD Player that also progressivescan playback...how does that sound?

Answer 4

Go with Blu-Ray. It's where it at. In fact...Warner Bro's just switched from HD-DVD to Blu-Ray!

Just get an economical Blu-Ray player. Unless you plan on spending over $500 you wont notice a big difference between models.

I'd go for a BOSE surround sound, if you can afford it. They are fantastic! Otherwise, just check Best Buy for a good deal on a 5.1 channel system.

BTW, ask them where the Returned/Open-Box items are...they are usually 35-50% off! And they have a 30 day return policy.

Answer 5

I'd wait to see which format wins out: Blu-Ray or HD-DVD.  They aren't the same.

I'd like to get one of those myself, but I want to see which format becomes the standard.

I think another couple of years will tell.