Blu-ray's Sad Fanboys
This past week in the format war has been rather humorous with all kinds of silly and downright stupid comments being made from fanboys from both sides. Most of it seems to revolve around (the HD DVD release of) Transformers which seems to have partisans on both sides up in arms. You have to love comments like HD-DVD sucks, or I’d rather buy the DVD, to personal attacks about someone’s weight, being made by an employee of Sony no less ( or someone using his handle) and the complaints that it would have sounded better if it had a lossless track (like they would have any clue on this subject).
However, today takes the cake over at the Blu-Ray forums where some seem to be in orgasmic ecstasy over the 'buy one get one free' or BOGO sale being run this week by the Blu-Ray camp. The clear intent of this sale is to try to cut into what has been perceived to be an anticipated large number of sales of Transformers on HD-DVD. Clearly, the BD camp wants to run up the sales numbers this week to counter the anticipated large impact of Transformers on the weekly sales figures and ratios. I have no, I repeat, no problem with this strategy. Frankly, the sale of two discs for about $30 is about what the regular prices should be for two discs, not one.
What I do have a problem with are the people who insist on proclaiming that with the BOGO sale, “we” will win the weekly sales numbers. “We?” Just who is we?
To those who have this mindset, please wake up and smell the coffee. Unless you work for Sony or one of the BDA companies, the correct pronoun you should be using is they not we. It is pretty doubtful that they are paying you to buy their discs or their players. What they are doing is leading you around by the nose, doing their bidding for them, and what is worse, paying your hard earned money (or that of your parents?) for the privilege of doing so, running out all giddy to buy discs that you would not have purchased otherwise.
Somehow, you think that by buying more discs you will actually be “winning” something. If by winning you mean burning a hole in your pocket, by all means do so. It is your loss. Just realize that you are being manipulated and paying to be led around by your nose. I never thought I would say it but you guys are worse than out of state Dallas Cowboys fans who seem to generate their self worth by rooting for a football team that you would otherwise have no interest in, other than the fact that they have won in the past. For some truly bizarre reason, you think that you or your life will somehow be better than someone else’s because you picked the eventual format winner. Sad truly sad.
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However, today takes the cake over at the Blu-Ray forums where some seem to be in orgasmic ecstasy over the 'buy one get one free' or BOGO sale being run this week by the Blu-Ray camp. The clear intent of this sale is to try to cut into what has been perceived to be an anticipated large number of sales of Transformers on HD-DVD. Clearly, the BD camp wants to run up the sales numbers this week to counter the anticipated large impact of Transformers on the weekly sales figures and ratios. I have no, I repeat, no problem with this strategy. Frankly, the sale of two discs for about $30 is about what the regular prices should be for two discs, not one.
What I do have a problem with are the people who insist on proclaiming that with the BOGO sale, “we” will win the weekly sales numbers. “We?” Just who is we?
To those who have this mindset, please wake up and smell the coffee. Unless you work for Sony or one of the BDA companies, the correct pronoun you should be using is they not we. It is pretty doubtful that they are paying you to buy their discs or their players. What they are doing is leading you around by the nose, doing their bidding for them, and what is worse, paying your hard earned money (or that of your parents?) for the privilege of doing so, running out all giddy to buy discs that you would not have purchased otherwise.
Somehow, you think that by buying more discs you will actually be “winning” something. If by winning you mean burning a hole in your pocket, by all means do so. It is your loss. Just realize that you are being manipulated and paying to be led around by your nose. I never thought I would say it but you guys are worse than out of state Dallas Cowboys fans who seem to generate their self worth by rooting for a football team that you would otherwise have no interest in, other than the fact that they have won in the past. For some truly bizarre reason, you think that you or your life will somehow be better than someone else’s because you picked the eventual format winner. Sad truly sad.
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69 Comments:
sad, truly sad! you small-brained HD_DVD fanboy!
Every word you said applies to HD-DVD more pertinently than to BD!
It is SAD, TRULY SAD - How someone posting as 'webmaster' completely fails to point out how HD DVD fanboys have responded and talked to death about how Transformers would finally win ONE out of 52 weeks for 'them'. "We will win this week!" they proclaim.
Yet, you fail to mention that in the least, and instead persue your own personal agenda, slamming others while acting all high and mighty on your own.
It's really sad that you think fans of a format, who have actually INVESTED MONEY IN THAT FORMAT are somehow not more entitled to root for that format than say...
Basketball, football, baseball, or hockey fans who actually have zero money invested, no personal ownership, and simply want to have something meaningless to root for.
You okay with "Go Yankees!" yet have an issue with "Go Blu-ray!"?
Seems to me, you have an issue with YOUR format losing 52 out of 52 weeks for 2007.
I bought an HD-DVD player because it was only $199 shipped with HDMI cable.
I've not bought a signle HD DVD movie and nor will I thanks to Netflix.
In fact I just received an email from Netflix informing me that I'll be receiving Transformers tomorrow. Talk about survey.
There are some BlueRay movies that I'd like to rent but I'm not spending $400 on another player. When the price comes down to $200 I'll consider it.
No fanboyism here... just enjoying the ride.
And somehow HD DVD fanboys are immune to similar behavior? Methinks not.
If you're going to pretend to know what you're talking about, please try to be objective in your analysis.
I was referring to a particular issue on the BD forums that struck me as pathetic. Fanboys of all colors are pathetic IMHO? THose who proclaim that "we" will win because of Transformers are just as bad no question. As for sports teams, it is fine to root for your teams, just remember that they are the ones that win or lose. It is they win, not we. At least teams are made up of human beings not pieces of polycarbonate. Seems like a clear difference to me. I just can't root for an inanimate object. Sorry.
we is referring to your "team" Oh thats right you have an "i" in your team, If you get behind something, you stand behind the team no matter what....Its Obvious Paramount isnt sure what team to support, so when all else fails go for the payday.
Isnt that what America is...corporate greed...all about myself, for myself..prime examples..enron,adelphia,tyco,ge...so on...over compensated ceo's making decisions based on their wallet and not a decision based on facts or quality.
It might be cheaper to produce HDDVD, but who cares, I am sure bluray fans would pay the extra to receive a quality product....one with lossless audio, something Paramount couldnt do with HDDVD, and they admit that themselves.
You column is an insult to all Blu-ray purchasers! I really don't believe anyone would purchase a movie they did not want to view. If you offer movies at a discount price (or any merchandise) people will be more inclined to purchase the item. The HD-DVD fanatics on the AVS forum are a lot worse than the Blu-ray supporters. They just suck up all the information given out by the HD-DVD insiders and blindly regurgitate it. Sure extremists on both sides can make life miserable, but you are just feeding the flames and accomplishing nothing. You should be ashamed of yourself for publishing such an inflammatory column!
What a truly pathetic excuse for a blog. HD DVD people spend more time crying about blu-ray than enjoying HD movies.
How about instead of whining about a fantastic deal for blu-ray. You go out and buy and HD DVD and watch it. Or even better, stop being such a lame fanboy and join in on the savings.
Not surprisingly, the diatribes miss the entire point of the article. It is about the orgasmic delight of people who believe that they are winning anything by running out and spending their money on discs of either color. If you think that is cool, more power to you.
Joe Whip, you post on AVS and yet you single out Blu-ray fans despite this being the case on both sides?
It goes both ways and you know it. You deserve all the backlass you get from posting this nonsense.
Hi Joe,
I used the the username "Big Fat Jerk" simply because of the reactions of the fanboys posting here. I figured by asking my question about format sizes I would get a negative reaction, or boastful one from one side or the other. I knew they'd be thinking of me like that anyhow.
To be fair, I am big and fat, and I am sometimes a jerk. Seemed a fitting handle, and if you don't mind, I'll continue to use it.
I also admit, I have an HD DVD player, and am on the lookout for a reasonably priced Blu-Ray stand alone player.
Joe, it was your reviews and honest comments about Blu-Ray that convinced me to support both HDMs. You are not being biased at all.
Fanboys, please chill out!
The majority of your HD format stories are always slanted on the HD-DVD side of the issue.
Now you are trying to mock the Dallas Cowboy fans who do not live in Texas.
I just lost any interest in reading anything else you post.
Good riddance!
this is pathetic and sad hddvd fanboy , blu ray is better !!!!
Funny how someone who critizes Blu is immediately ripped as an HD DVD Fan boy. Looking at his latest blogs, he reviews both formats and gives fair ratings to each..
Hi again!
I just realized why Blu-Ray supporters think you are HD DVD biased.
Just look at the Banner bar at the top of your page.
The color is suspiciously like the HD DVD red box. In fact, the whole site looks somewhat like the HD DVD color scheme. It functions on a subconscious level, driving those who blindly follow the Blu camp into a frenzy.
It has nothing to do with WHAT you write, but the pallet upon which you are writing. Just head over to www.bluray.com to see what I'm talking about. Very blue vibe!
Or maybe I'm just being my user-name again?.
As usual some real insight responses. I just I should have given a site to a specific person who was all giddy about the BOGO sale and urging all BD fanboys to go out and buy as many discs as they could whether they wanted those films or not. Weh I find suck a fool urging the same thing on the HD side, I will point that out also. Gee, I also must have hit at least one nerve with that Cowboys comment. Gee one less reader. Too bad about that!
I never thought of that, I just grabbed a template that IMac has. I guess they are biased also.
This is quite a journalistic piece. Free from partisanship and well balanced,, not to mention informative. Many thanks for the fine article.
Good blog, I totally agree.
BOY DID THIS GUY HIT IT RIGHT ON THE NOSE (especially the part about BD fanboys being pulled by the nose).
"av integrated" is obviously one of these, as both his facts and understanding of much of anything typifies this caveman mentality.
Face it guys - Transformers is going to clean the Blu Ray clock, not only for this week, but also as the #1 HD format disk of all time through 2007. The fact that these duffuses know they cannot get this reference quality disk in their inferior format eats them up. Good.
When The Departed did well for Blu Ray, they were glowing like a dog in heat. Now, let them eat crow.
When are they going to get it (never)? Blu ray has so many flaws and no standards - that's why they can't give away their players (even if they are 2-3 times the cost of HD DVD players). The only success of anything Blu Ray is the PS3, and it is now and will always be a game machine. On top of that, other game machines are quickly taking over that arena too. Sony is again failing on many fronts. Those with PS3's rent BD 50 to 1 times over buying. That's what I'd expected from a bunch of spoiled gamer brats. It's also why despite a 30 to 1 potential customer base, BD is barely holding their own in a mild majority of the overall worldwide saels of HD disks.
Blu Ray = Sony Failure # 7
BD owners = Ritalin Deprived.
Oh no Joe!
You're a Mac user! Well I'm a PC fanboy. Boy you've set me off!
Wait...
Let's not start that argument.
Why does this remind me of the Mac vs. PC arguments of the early 1990's. When the world would end if a standard wasn't chosen. Who was it that won again?... Oh yeah, they're both still here and doing fine.
I see no reason why the two formats can't co-exist. They both have merit. Let each fanboy make their choice. Who does it hurt? If they both do well in the market, then I'll be able to enjoy both.
HD media seems to be like sports teams these days. If Blu & Red's situations were reversed we'd see the same exact thing. As overzealous & crazy we may find the fans on either side you have to admit they have sway in these matters otherwise Paramount wouldn't have been snagged for Transformers and The BDA wouldn't be Churning out sales incentives to counter. Let people have their fun and let's all go for a drink after. okay?
JOW - I have to say you want to come across as non-partisan, but your blogs make a lot of mention of Blu-ray fanboys. I have read many more blogs by you that try to point out something negative about Blu-ray than HD DVD. Taking it all together - my conclusion is as many others here - you are an HD DVD fanboy!
I am computer neutral as I have an IMac, a PC and PC laptop. Blogs are easier for me to do on the mac. Don't need to start that one off. For those that like to call me names, at least have the decency to post your name.
Some of the psots here prove my point. Isn't HD media and HT supposed to be fun? Some of you take this way too seriously.
I've also read through the archives and comments. I see WAY more crazy responses like "HD DVD Sucks!" and many more personal attacks on Joe for reporting facts about differences in the two medias, coming from Blu-Ray supporters, than HD DVD supporters. Most of the Blu responses throw pesky things like facts out the window, and resort to wild speculation and name-calling.
Most(but definitely not all) HD DVD supporters seem to be of the live and let live variety. Perhaps because they understand the power of their dollar a little better. Perhaps because they are simply more mature(in terms of age and experience) than the majority of Blu-Ray supporters.
I do believe most Blu-Ray users use the PS3 and are understandably younger. Most HD DVD users I expect are adults who have made an educated purchase to benefit their Home Theater, and are therefore more open to the possibility that HD DVD may fade out, and Blu-Ray could win. So they get the cheaper player, and save their money for when Blu-Ray smartens up and drops their price.
Joe is commenting on the veracity and venom coming mostly from one side of the debate. This is his blog after all, and it's his opinions we come here to read.
It's not surprising he'd single out the most vocal and immature posters. They attacked him first. He's not saying that there aren't HD DVD fanboys, or that they aren't over the top. He's saying the Blu-ray fanboys are less logical. Just read their comments and you'll see what I mean.
You came to this site to get Joe's opinion about the two formats. Deal with his comments or go join bluray.com and stroke your own ego a bit more with like-minded fanboys.
And, HD DVD fanboys. Leave the Blu-Ray fanboys alone. They're young and inexperienced. I'm sure they'll learn in time.
I still say both formats can live in the same house. And I'm sure that's the way it will play out. Now go enjoy your Home Theater. Whatever that may be.
HD's Judgement Day is this week. If Transformers can't even win one week for HD, take the old dog behind the woodshed and shoot it.
Blu-ray fans are immature? Have you seen the garbage reviews HD-DVD fans post about blu-ray movies on Amazon?
We are winning. We invested in players that cost $500 and more. That investment is where the "we" comes in. It's like buying stock in a company, you want that company to win so that you'll see more of a return from that investment. And once blu-ray is finally the only hd media source, then we will get alot more high def titles, especially when Universal, Paramount, and Dreamsworks give up on hddvd.
"This past week in the format war has been rather humorous with all kinds of silly and downright stupid comments being made from fanboys from both sides"
apparently choosing one side or the other can stop you from reading an entire article and just picking out the bits you want... oh wait it's an article about fanboys. enough said.
you seem rather hurt mr. webmaster... has the low pre-order sales of transformers hddvd and the high sales of blu-rays scorned you so that your trying to be little blu-rays obvious victory?
who's more pathetic someone cheering for his perferred formats success or a blogger using his resources to put down a group of people who have no clue you even exist.. something to think about perhaps..
"We are winning. We invested in players that cost $500 and more. That investment is where the "we" comes in. It's like buying stock in a company, you want that company to win so that you'll see more of a return from that investment." - Maxell
Hey Maxell - can you spell E N R O N ?
They used your same reasoning. I suspect Blu Ray will suffer the same fate.
Hey Maxell - can you spell E N R O N ?
They used your same reasoning. I suspect Blu Ray will suffer the same fate. - Anonymous
Enron was about corporate fraud and corruption. As far as I know there is no fraud being made on any sides, just a lot of cunning business practices on both sides, but most recently the Paramount deal.
No one wants to invest in a losing technology. But those have have invested in players want thier "side" to win this war, unless you are bi-def.
Why do hddvd fanboys respond so much more immaturely? And always ignore the facts. And always accept excuses like "there's no need for lossless audio" or "30gb is enough". There should be no excuses in making a hi-def movie the highest video and audio definition possible, while still fitting extra features and all in ONE DISC!
One movie is not going to save an entire format!
Doesn't that make you a sadder person, since instead of writing about anything else you want to write about members of a forum who talk about their preferred format. How sad is that!
I'm not a BD fan. I'm a consumer satisfied with my purchases of a BD player and movies on BD; I have no emotional stake in the format war, but I have made a financial investment. If BD wins this week's Nielsen race, I'm well aware that I won't personally have "won" a thing...but I will feel secure that my choice in HDM will still be on the market next holiday season.
Three considerations regarding the BluRay HDDvd battle:
1. BluRay is a new storage technology that has 4 time the storage per disk than the old DVD technology, which HDDvd is based on. Thus, BluRay will inevitably enter the market as a general purpose data storage device -- the successor to DVD. The distribution of video material is only one use of BluRay technology.
2. If DVD sales are declining, there must be idle DVD manufacturing capacity. HDDvd is a way of using that idle capacity. HdDVD is a great idea in that it is 100% existing DVD technology except for the the software algorithm for encoding the video.
Where am I wrong here?
Both sides are guilty of trash talk.
It's no different than when people argue over sports teams or when Democrats argue with Republicans.
There is always that "we" versus them mentality.
Where does the ultimate blame for all this crap lay?
Blame the Internet.
Thank God the World Wide Web didn't exist during the Beta vs. VHS format war.
There is no question HD DVD was winning this format war in 2006, it is equally true that Blu-ray has turned the tables in 2007 and is clearly outselling it in software sales 2-1 as reported in the weekly Nielsen/Videoscan ratios.
Nighthawk
Nighthawk said...
There is no question HD DVD was winning this format war in 2006, it is equally true that Blu-ray has turned the tables in 2007 and is clearly outselling it in software sales 2-1.
Actually there are plenty of questions when it comes to Blu Ray.
1) Various sources report different sales ratios, most recently closer to 60%-40%. Why does a format that supposedly has a 30 to 1 ratio of hardware users out there only have a narrow margin of disk sales?
2) Why are HD format disk sales outside the U.S. actually even?
3) Why does a technology that is twice as expensive lack proper audio codec and hardware standards in their devices?
4) Why is the European Union formally conducting an investigation into Sony tactics and practices for their "studio exclusive" partnerships?
5) What makes people think that despite 4 previous Sony technology platforms that failed after first looking promising, all of a sudden they figured out a winning formula?
5) If Blu Ray is the right media, then why did the DVD Forum select HD DVD as the official industry-supported format (tied to #3)?
6) Why did Sony claim "victory" in the format war in November 2006 for the first time, and then again in March and May of 2007, only to be proven wrong?
7) Why do Blu Ray disks themselves, and their players as well, cost 2 X 3 time more than HD DVD (especially since manufacturing costs have been proven to cost only 5% more)?
80 Why do we never hear any market information on the HD formats (such as average age of the owners of each)? Demographic research is commonplace, and critical to forecast future market sales. Don't think its not being done - I bet Sony can recite a 3-ring binder of data that can tell you who's buying BD, who's renting, which regions of the U.S. are stronger, everage age owning a player, etc. - do why isn't this ever dicussed or printed anywhere (could it be that the information would reveal some less-than-ideal results that would turn off the studios from their continued support)?
9) Why do the Blu Ray supporters refuse to address these real issues and blow them all off or make excuses trying to defend BD?
Oh wait, I know teh answer to this one.....because they are trying to defend THEMSELVES (their purchasing decision, their equipment, their manhood) and not BD. That would clearly explain the mean-spirited personal attacks, as well as ongoing arrogant, immature, obnoxious, and plain lack-of-common-sense arguments made by the BD supporters. They are still in denial.
Might I suggest someone start a 12-step program for Blu Ray supporters.
The First Step deals with denial.
I've always found it amusing that people take a side in what is a format war between two large Japanese companies who want profits.
Maybe these fans lack a father figure, or direction, or a girlfriend.
But they are losers.
I just buy the movie, if both survive I'm happy, if one dies I am happy, if both die I'm downloading.
The things you said are true...but i see no difference between the sad blu-ray fanboys and the sad hd-dvd fanboys. Do you really think there is a difference?
You have the same kind of idiots on both sides arguing the same crap. If you really believe the blu-ray fans are worse, then it's pretty obvious which camp you are entrenched in.
Trust me, they are both the same. This article should have been titled "sad format war fanboys".
Joe,
You said in your last diatribe that you thought the war would be over more quickly with Warner going HD DVD exclusive than if they went Blu-ray exclusive.
If you can explain the logic behind that, you're a genius.
As I don't think you can, you give every person that calls you a fanboy plenty of reasons to.
You are a sore loser and it comes screaming out through all of your pro-HD DVD blogs.
As you didn't respond to my last comment, I'll reiterate it from the other blog.
You seriously think that if Warner went HD DVD exclusive that the war would be over more quickly than if they went Blu-ray exclusive? That's flat out ridiculous.
HD DVD - Universal, Warner Bros., New Line, HBO, Paramount, Dreamworks.
Blu-ray - Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, MGM, 20th Century Fox, Sony/Columbia/Tri-Star
That's the situation that you think would result in game over?
HD DVD - Universal, Paramount, Dreamworks.
Blu-ray - Walt Disney Pictures, Warner Bros., New Line, HBO, Pixar, MGM, 20th Century Fox, Sony/Columbia/Tri-Star
This is the situation that you think would result in game over also, but taking a year longer?
Please explain that to me would you?
People who have chosen and purchased in one format don't want to have to fork over the extra money to buy the other format. If the other format prevails, they'd have to spend that extra money. That's why it becomes "we" instead of "they". Quite simple. They do have a financial incentive and impact to think that way.
By the way, HD-DVD's are on sale too, if you know where to look. Fry's has them on sale. Circuit City has them "buy one, get one".
You sound so elitist when you infer that no-one would be able to tell the difference between lossless 24-bit TrueHD and/or PCM and lossy Dolby tracks.
Maybe I should just dust off my VHS cassettes and throw out all my DVD's and Blu-ray's eh?
We take it too seriously? You're the one writing the blog with the title "Blu-ray's Sad Fanboys" - what backwards world do you live in? It's a shame you're allowed to use the TV Predictions name in your blogs.
What do I win when Blu-ray wins? I get a format that has the capacity and the bandwidth to have high bitrate encodes and lossless audio tracks. I get a format that I can already use on my PC to back up large chunks of data. I get a format that is already supported in Camcorders that I can film my children growing up, spend a few minutes burning it to a BD-ROM and watching my home videos in crystal clear 1080p. What do you get if HD DVD wins? A technology solely used in the home video market that major studios are admitting has capacity issues?
You go ahead and sail with that ship Joe - I'm supporting one format that has the best chance of winning so that all content has a chance of being released instead of disappearing into oblivion like SACD did thanks to DVD-Audio.
Bill Laswell, I think the person you're answering is assuming that Paramount and Dreamworks will become format-neutral or switch to the Blu-Ray camp after their 18 month contract with Toshiba expires. There's still a little more than a year left on it. No one really knows whether they will do that or not, but, if they do, it might very well be over for HD-DVD which is also having a very hard time fighting piracy now.
Someone asked:
1) Various sources report different sales ratios, most recently closer to 60%-40%. Why does a format that supposedly has a 30 to 1 ratio of hardware users out there only have a narrow margin of disk sales?
2) Why are HD format disk sales outside the U.S. actually even?
Answers:
1. By that hardware ratio, you're obviously including the PS3 but perhaps neglecting the 360 HD-DVD add-on. There was a recent study by the NPD that found that only 40% of PS3 owners even knew the PS3 plays Blu-Ray movie discs. (Article should be easily found via any search engine.) This is likely because of poor advertising of this PS3 feature to the mainstream consumer, coupled with families who buy a PS3 to appease their kids and stick it in the kids' room, not realizing they could have used it in the living room as well. Of those 40% who were aware of the PS3's Blu-Ray movie playback capabilities, only a fraction of those are currently using it at this time. Vast potential is there for the Blu-Ray camp if they would just run a marketing or awareness campaign to awaken these sleepers.
2. Trick question because they are not even outside of the U.S. Blu-Ray owns 70% of European high def disc sales and 90% in Japan.
u know what i find ironic the whole year all these HD-DVD supporters has been reffering to themselves as we and however u failed to ever mention that and just cause one week BluRay suporters refer to themselves as we or thier format u post an article straight away
am i the only one who thinks this?????
Jeez Louise...
BOTH sides have their idiot fanboys. The reason I have an HD-DVD player is that I already had an XBox 360 - thus the $179 price with the five free movies (if they ever show up) is what got me to buy. That said, my Denon AV receiver does a great upconverting job with standard DVDs, so I don't feel a need to replace my old DVDs. Yeah, HDDVD or BR is cool, but it isn't like the great step forward like it was going from Laserdisc to DVDs. If they made a Blueray attachment for the XBox 360 instead of HDDVD, I would have bought that. Not a huge fan of either, given the prices of the disks.
Oh, one last bit on fanboys:
http://editorials.teamxbox.com/xbox/2031/TeamTalk-Fanboys-Emotional-Devotion-or-Blind-Obsession/p1/
Very good read - granted it is focused on XBox 360 vs. PS3, but otherwise this is spot on.
Going from Laserdisc to DVD's was a step forward? I disagree - I thought, particularly for audio, it was a giant step backwards.
I don't think its sad at all. Look at the HD-DVDE camp as well. They too say things like We are winning, or WE can make better sales.. etc. It is not that they think that it will win them a prize, or make them money. It is the fact that people just love their format. Perhaps it is too much for someone of your intelligence to conceive that people want the format of their choice to become the standard. By WE, they mean those who support the format. By WIN, they mean, make better sales not for profit, but for content. If sales increase drastically, it is likely that more studios or films will become available on that format, perhaps even all studios in time.
This is really not something that is exclusive to the "Blu-ray camp", but to the "High definition camps" overall. If you are an early adopter and have chosen one format to support, you will feel the same way about your format, whether it is Blu-ray or HD-DVD.
The fact is, the sales have already shown that at least on Amazon, Blu-ray is making a big gain this week thanks to this strategy. It is not money burning in our pockets, it is money we are saving that would would have spent on these eventually anyways, but now we have more incentive to buy them. If you want proof of Amazon's sales, take a look at www.eproductwars.com/dvd this is a non-biased site that compares various products with sales on Amazon.
Does no one remember the VHS vs. Betamax war? Beta was better quality and a smaller form-factor but there was one glaring problem: the fact that the format was somewhat better was not sufficient to justify the extra cost to the masses. Beta was relegated to professional use only and then fell to the wayside. The same thing happened to LaserDisc. The same thing will happen here.
The PS3 is primarily a game console that just happens to play movies... as is the XBox. A game console's main purpose is to play games; anything else is secondary. The sharing that goes with gaming is entirely different from the sharing that goes with watching a movie with the family. The console has its time and place and the main movie player has its time and place; they will not necessarily be the same.
IMHO one of these will win... there will not be two formats for the same thing. However, don't believe that just because something is superior that it will win; history has proved that even a really great thing, if it is too expensive, will be beaten by a not so great, but less expensive, thing.
One thing to note about your analogy, VHS held more content per cassette than BetaMax, which was important as people recorded their own shows. Back to the present day, you will use these formats for more than buying and playing Hollywood movies. You will use them to record your own shows and to use with your computer. Capacity is a big deal.
You're right, superiority may not have anything to do with it, but when many facets of the home video industry support one format (HDD's, camcorders, PC burners, players, game systems, etc.) and the majority of CE companies releasing Blu-ray products vs. Toshiba (and supposedly an upcoming Onkyo product) it is quite foolish to think HD DVD stands a chance in this format war and will still be here come CES 2009.
HD DVD pot, meet Blu-ray kettle
Bill Laswell Said "Going from Laserdisc to DVD's was a step forward? I disagree - I thought, particularly for audio, it was a giant step backwards."
I'm not sure how you can say that. Audio outputs on both of my Lasserdisc players (one of which I still have) were just RCA jacks out. There was no support for optical outs. Also the video out was also just an RCA jack.
When I watch a Laserdisc now, I see a lot of artifacting and other anomalies that I don't see with the same title in DVD.
So, I stand by my assertion that DVD is much better than Laserdisc. Unless you really like getting up 1/2 through a movie to flip the disc over!
Gee, I have other things to do that be on thw web all day so I can't respond all the time. As to Mr. laswell, the point was that if WB went HD-DVD, the war would surely be over and fast. That would give the clear momentum to HD with studios like Paramount and WB dropping BD entirely. That would surely cause a sharp rise in the number of HD-DVD players being sold and a corresponding increase in the number of discs sold. It would be difficult for Fox and Disney to ignore such trends.They did so in the past with DIVX vs DVD if they were neutral, that would just about be it. With Universal, Paramount and WB all HD exclusive and Disney and Fox neutral, that wou;d pretty much be the ballgame. If WB went BD exclusive, that would also end the war in BD's favor, just not as quickly, as Universal and Parmount would remain HD exclusive. Once one of them switched to neutral, the other would be soon to follow which would also efectively end the war. It would just take longer under that scenario, maybe 6 months to a year longer. Really, WB could end the war by going exclusive, one way or the other.
As to the title of this entry, that was an editoral decision above my paygrade if you get the drift. Clearly, I dislike fanboys of all persuasions as I made that very clear in the piece. I was pointing out a particularly stupid in my opinion of a movement to buy as many BD discs as you can whether you like or want the films or not to try to influence the outsome of the war, as if that will make any difference. If you think that is a sane response, more power to you. The HD DVD buy days on Amazon are a dumb idea also but at least there the HD-DVD fanboys don't implore you to buy movies you don't want. It seems that anyone who expresses an opinion on the HD-BD topic gets slammed from one side or the other and the asses sure make themselves known quickly, albeit anonymously. I can assure you, I have very thick skin.
BDs sad fanbois??????
How about HDDVDs pathetic fanbois which you seem to be yourself. Maybe there could have been some truth in it but you failed to mention that HDDVD has NOT won a week of sales all year. HDDVD paid Paramount $150 million for this movie in the hopes of turning the war around for them. Blu-ray will win and you can't handle it. Blu-ray is future proof, a new technology that is maturing over time. HDDVD has reached it's limit with 30GB and it's not enough. That's why Transformers has lossless track which you also failed to mention. Toshiba may TL51GB discs working, but i'm sure there will be all kinds of compatability problems with 1st gen players, plus it's three layers which is really pushing it. BD can do 100GB with three layers. BD is future proof.
SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!
Dod you read my review of Transformers or any of the online reviews? They all say it is a reference audio tack as well despite the fact that it is not lossless. There audio film mixers who claim that DD+ at 1.5 mbs is identail to lossless. This dis sounds fantastic. Who cares if it isn't lossless. Give it a listen instead of speaking out of your a__!
I'm sorry Joe - but Warner going HD DVD exclusive would put major studio support at 50/50, Warner going BD exclusive would put major studio support at 66/34
How you think 66/34 in Blu-ray's favour would result in the war taking longer to resolve itself than 50/50 studio support is beyond me.
(Yes, Sony/Columbia/Tri-Star is a major studio)
This idea that a 50/50 split would cause Fox and Disney to stop supporting the Blu-ray format, particularly Fox whom along with Panasonic developed the BD+ scheme, or go neutral doesn't really hold up to the slightest scrutiny.
Very simple Bill. You are forgetting the momentum of WB going HD exclusive would have. ON the heels of Paramount, you have WB making the same decision? That would be very hard to oversome and one that Fox and Disney would have a tough time ignoring. Between Universal, Paramount and WB, that would be an incredivle catalogue of titles on one side. In the public's mind, which is not reaslly focused on this stuff like we are, they would have to say wow, Paramount and then WB, maybe HD is the way to go. Once they start buying players at high rates, what is Disney and Fox to do, ingore it. NO. they would move neutral and that would be it. YOu have your analysis and I have mine. We will see how it plays out. We can agree to disagree. End of story.
i bleed blu. "that cold there aint the weather, its death approaching"
....wait...isint that quote from a sony movie? haha
have a nice day. :)
Please keep up the good work Joe!
Some of the varied comments on this commentary, completely exemplified the very point that you were making!
I do believe that the "We," statement used by so many "Fan-Boys" of either HDM format, stems from two factors. One, is basic human competitive nature, which is amplified by the urge to congregate with like minded individuals to gain some sort of comfort and affirmation in their decision or choice. Two, is as you eluded to, is that some feel that they have somehow paid their way into a membership or brotherhood, of similar minded people and by FINANCIALLY supporting that idea (in the form of an investment), that they are actually humanizing an artificially created conflict, thus making it effectively real somehow!
I think that the extremist on both sides will or should seek some counseling at some point in their lives. IMHO.
The US of A, boasts the rights of free speech for it's people, however, if you elect to exercise that, "Freedom," you run the risk of someone, somewhere, who does not agree with what you have to say. Additionally, these people may attack you for even saying it, rather than intelligently discussing the context of what was said, both calmly and rationally.
How "Free," is this really?
The people who attack versus intelligently converse and debate, more often than not, are the more immature and insecure elements of that society. The obviously emotionally driven responses, from
some of the respondents to this commentary, completely underscore this fact within the HT enthusiast demographic.
The biggest evidence to what you have said which I have seen first hand, is the fundamental differences between the general behaviour, language and subject matter context used between a rather alarming cross section of the folks conversing and interacting on the bluray.com forums, and the folks on the HD-DVD.COM site!
Great a professional blogger calls a group of consumers taking advantage of a 2 for 1 sale pathetic. Don't throw bricks if you live in a cyber-space glass house. Obtain a viable job that is respected by society and learn that people are entitled to their opinion. You certainly are. However, your prose are grounded in false assumptions and are fallacious.
I think most people are happy that they are getting a great deal on HD media. I think that most blu-ray proponents are happy about sending a message to Viacom and Paramount that it was a mistake to take a $150 million bribe. It will be difficult to justify to the shareholders that going exclusive was a good idea, when the companies only blockbuster is having trouble besting a handful of catalog titles. A company took money resulting in a number of consumers being cut off from enjoying movies they had been promised, some even had pre-ordered.
This seems a natural reaction. However, continue to make assumptions and post in your blog. Freedom of speech is a right; you are just an isolated example of why it should be tempered.
To the last repondent, it is incredible that you, like many othes who have left comments, either can't read or insist on reading through rose or should I say in this case, blue colored galsses. Really, can't you read? I am not complaining about taking advanatge of 2 for 1 sales but am commenting on the idiocy, yes idiocy, of urging people to buy movies you don't like in an effort to have your side "win". Yes there were paoters in particular at AVS and Blu-ray .com urging this very tactic. Buy as many as you can to pump up the sales numbers this week whether you like the movies or not. Does it get any dumber than that? Geez people, before you take the time to comment, please read the comment.
But it is not the case that people are urging individuals to purchase movies they do not want. This is false.
This is why I stated you were making false assumptions.
I am sure that there are some zealots who, in a very, very isloated, matter, may have urged people to "buy blindly". I am not going to discount something when I am sure there may be a handful of cases may exist.
However, this is not the case for 99.9% of the postings I have seen at AVS or Blu-ray.com concering the BOGO.
If you had provided a number of examples, or quanitified the number of postings which, in fact, had stated "All blu-ray consumers shall purchase without reason", then your blog would have been justified. This is not the case. The overwhelming majority of blu-ray enthusiasts are rational and informing others that this would be a good time to go out and purchase a few stragglers in their library collection; and by straggler, I mean a move that someone wanted but had not taken the time and effort to yet purchase. This doesn't seem like a stretch in consumer behaviour.
Go ahead and provide a dozen examples of blu-ray enthusiasts stating "thou shall purchase a disc thou does not want".
What can be said is that it is fortunate that the format war continues because offers like the BOGO would have never happened otherwise.
Go on AVSForum.com and Blu-Ray.com on the BOGO threads. You will find the posters. They were who I was referring to. Where in the text of my piece did I blast all fans on Blu-Ray? As for the headline, I didn't come up with that. Visit my own blog to see my original piece. It seems to me that you are way too sensitive on this issue.
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