The HD dilemma
February 21st, 2008
I was an early adopter, relatively speaking. Everything was looking good, then I got burned. Big time. Even though I should have known better, I jumped on the HD-DVD bandwagon just a little too soon. Choosing HD-DVD isn’t something I regret, too much, because it was such a great deal at the time — usually being the key to winning these types of battles. Now that all is basically said and done, with Toshiba dropping HD-DVD production, I’m left with a hard choice, what do I do for my HD needs?
Obviously I could hop on the bandwagon with the most momentum and grab myself a Blu-ray DVD player. The question then becomes, which player? Playstation 3 is the likeliest option because I don’t want to pay $350+ for a standalone Blu-ray DVD player. Another nice thing about the PS3 is online firmware updates. When new specs for updated discs are released, the ability to watch them will just be a “short” update away. Also, I’d have the option to play PS3 exclusive games if/when they come out, should the desire strike me.
On the other hand, I don’t even play my xbox360 enough. Sure, I don’t have to play games on the PS3 but it’s a little weird controlling a movie with a video game controller. Sony’s PS3 uses bluetooth for wireless communication, so I’d also have to buy a separate remote if I don’t want to use the controller. This goes against my ultimate goal of reducing the amount of remotes I use.
My other option would be to grab an AppleTV and skip the hard disc medium altogether. Why jump on the current bandwagon when I can leap ahead to the next one coming, right? I wouldn’t have to worry about the space DVD cases take up, and renting titles would be easier than running to Blockbuster and faster than waiting for Netflix.
Unfortunately the current selection of HD titles on iTunes is a little small right now. There’s also the pesky 30-day-after-DVD-release waiting period for all “on demand”/AppleTV rentals, making it a little unpleasant. The biggest drawback, for me at least, is the lack of special features. I love that stuff. Gag reels, commentaries, behind the scenes featurettes, keep ‘em coming! Maybe additional video/features will be available with iTunes rentals at some point but right now it’s not an option.
One option I don’t want to consider is to just wait. See what unfolds over the coming months and make a decision then. But what do I do in the meantime? I just got a new HD TV and I really want to watch all sorts of awesome HD content. Damn you world, why must you torture me so.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:37 am
I’m planning on picking up an Apple TV myself today and waiting out the prices on Blu-ray players for the time being. Once they hit sub-$300, I’ll likely pick one up. I swear that since Toshiba made the announcement, prices have gone up by about $50 on standalone Blu-ray players.
The bluetooth remote communication on the PS3 was the deal breaker for me as well. I control all my gear with a Logitech Harmony remote, and am not prepared to give up that convenience and use a game controller to watch my movies.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:45 am
It is pretty tough, Mike. But be glad you’re not living in Canada at the moment. We have no good services for downloadable movie rentals or TV shows. Rogers and Blockbuster have started stocking the HD movie formats, but they’re pretty slim pickings and normally only stock a couple of copies of each movie. So getting your hands on a new release isn’t the easiest task.
I sold off my HD DVD player and movies the very morning Toshiba dropped the bomb. I have no interest in hanging onto obsolete hardware/software. I figured it would only anger me every time I looked at it.
If you’re considering a Blu-ray player, which looks like it’s the way to go for at least a couple years, then definitely get a PS3. No, you can’t controller with a Harmony remote, but there is a PS3 remote which is better than using the controller. I really don’t mind using it, since it’s the only device I can’t control with the Harmony. It’s really not that big of a deal. I’m sure someone will put out a remote that works with IR and Bluetooth devices eventually.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Jeff: Yeah, I was expecting a price jump if Blu-ray won. Now is the time where they make all there money back for all the back door deals they make to win the format battle. :/
Matt: I don’t think I’ll be selling off my HD DVD player any time soon, I’d rather not deal with the hassle of it all. It’s already hooked up so I might as well keep/use it. I have to stop reading your comment now though, each time I re-read it I get closer and closer to justifying a PS3 purchase this weekend.