mkaz

Maybe it's quality that'll help the issue-
Here's a blurb from HighDefDigest comparing the HD-DVD and BRD versions of Reds:
Going back to the HD DVD versus Blu-ray comparison, doing an A/B and split-screen comparison, the HD DVD just seems a bit smoother, film-like and detailed. Granted, the upgrade is very minor, but still I noticed it. For example, during the scene when Warren Beatty first meets Diane Keaton in a large conference room, I have to give the slight edge to the HD DVD in terms of resolving the finest details in backgrounds. Same goes for some later scenes, such as the almost-montage sequence when Jack Nicholson is romancing Keaton -- the heavily-filtered deep blue shoreside shots again looked a bit more sharp and deep on the HD DVD. Overall, again the difference is quite minor, perhaps even meager. And certainly, the Blu-ray looks very good. But again, I have to give the picture quality edge to the HD DVD.

Sheppy
"Price isn't an issue here. You can claim it is but that's unfiltered bullshit. BluRay (PS3=$500) and HD-DVD (current cheapest HD-DVD player=$450) are similarly priced."

Boy are you dumb. Do you really, really think that the general consumer is going to purchase a PS3 JUST for it's ability to play BR? That, my grade school economist friend, is what you refer to as unfiltered bullshit. The word you were going for by the way was unfettered, so how can I take you seriously to begin with?

But think about it: You have Joe Consumer looking to purchase the next gen DVD format. He goes to the store to look for a player (at this point he doesn't have an opinion, which is most likely the case for most people besides the ones you find on these boards which - if you didn't realize it already - is a footnote in the consumer business) and Joey C. asks the Best Buy employee what's available. When Joey C is shown the true BR players priced near 1000 and the HD-DVD players between 400-500, chances are he's going with the latter. Under no circumstances do I see this average consumer being sucked into purchasing a GAME console that, oh yeah, also plays movies.

That's just ridiculous. Plus, if it were me and I was going to buy a next gen DVD platform, I'd want a full function player, not a console.

My two cents, feel free to berate me.

To the format war posters:
This is years away from being settled. Less that 10% of televison owners have HD capabilities. It's going to take a heck of a lot more before anything is decided.

200 bucks is a great deal if you want to get some nifty HD action going today. If it doesn't make it, so be it.

Personally, I think HD-DVD will win. It's much less expensive and it's name is more familiar to the casual buyer, Most people look at Blu-Ray and say What the fu(k is that?! We're nerds, we understand. Others don't.

Additionally, Sony is touting how many BR players have been sold thus far, however, they're counting every PS3 (which isn't even that many) as a BR player. The last stat I read was that less than 2% of PS3 owners even have HD. So guess what? They won't be buying any movies.

Every single 360 HD-DVD purchase will result in software (movie) sales, it's a much easier correlation.

You know, I was on the fence about picking a format but the lure of picture perfection kept drawing me in. I've decided to pick up the HD-DVD add on in the very near future (actually, I'll wisely use some Best Buy gift cards I'm bound to get for xmas).

It's strange, but I don't really think of it as an add on. Every example people gave here were devices used to "enhance" videogames. People are, and have been, comfortable with the videogames have always been played and were smart enough to realize that most game perphs would never be fully embraced by third parties (or first parties mind you). That's what's different about the 360 HD-DVD. It has NOTHING to do with gaming.

If anything, this could help Microsoft's console retention rate. Think about it: If I have a 360 and HD DVD add on, I'd be less likely to trade or sell my console in the future. This is not because I don't want to get rid of my console, but I wouldn't want to get rid of my fancy DVD player. Just a thought.

I just got my cables in the mail today from NOA direct. Gotta say, I'm pretty disapointed. It ADDED jaggies where there were none before. The image IS clearer, but it's not the quantum leap I expected. My mII characters actually looked a little worse using the component. It's like there's an extra layer of edge enhancement. Still, it is better and now I can finally play Zelda (yes, I've been waiting for the good cables so that I didn't have to explore "land-o-muck). Just my opinion. Anyone else not blown away?

"but in the end they are not new found fans that will purchase and play games regularly"

That's a pretty broad statement. In just a week, three people who have been to my house and experienced the Wii are now intent on purchasing one. These people (the wives of my friends) would NEVER have considered purchasing a console in the past. While I respect your opinion, don't paint it as gospel.

Umm, can we file this one under "who cares?"

"3. I heard that the new system, The Outside World, kicks the pants off of any graphics that PS3 or 360 can put together."

What a lame attempt at funny. You must know all about The Outside World as you read Joystiq, type comments, and accrue 2 Stars. Kids, we got the Marlboro man here and didn't even know it.

Cold Case on CBS

Guitar Hero is gay. That's the worst Pro PS3 Argument EVER! Buy a real guitar and teach yourself something useful. The fact that anyone over age 12 plays that thing is shameful.