Nero

Taken from IMDB.com


Consumer electronics writers have begun to weigh in on the new HD DVD players distributed by Toshiba this week, and most are unimpressed. Several cite an intolerably long boot-up period, a confusing menu system, and incompatible sound. But nearly all express disappointment in the picture. On smaller sets, the writers agree, the difference between HD DVD and a conventional DVD is virtually undetectable. "Bottom line is that HD DVD is great, but will you notice?" asks Ben Drawbaugh on HDBeat.com. Writing in the Los Angeles Times David Colker remarked that on larger screens he could detect a subtle difference. He added: "I tested my perceptions by switching between the two formats. I asked a colleague to close his eyes while I chose a version, then had him open them and guess: DVD or HD DVD? He got it right only about 75% of the time. So, yes, it's better. But don't expect the dramatic leap in quality that came with the transition from VHS to DVDs in the 1990s."

redford

Which critic?

if it's the LA Times one, you should read the whole article. He hooked it up to a variety of really small TV's...amongst other issues.

I wouldn't call ONE critic who didn't know what he was doing a basis for judgement.

Nero

Me neither, just saw it now and thought I'd post it.

I'm getting it either way.

Augustes

I'm gonna guess and say none of those clowns know what they're doing. When I get my player Monday and I have it hooked up via HDMI to my HD 16:9 tv, I'll conduct my own damn test. I just bought Last Samurai, so I'll be able to compare the HD with the DVD.

Is HD really geared towards people with small televisions? HELLLLLLLLL NOOOOOOOO

Nimbus

One thing i've learned over the years - never believe a critic.

That is what they are paid to do

Nero

long live the DVD medium!!!!!!!!!

redford

HD definitely lives up to hype if you have a really big screen. Those people with HD projectors are in for the biggest treat of all.

In the future I'm hoping to move up to at least a 14' wide screen (right now I'm at about 8' wide). DVDs can even pull off 14' wide pretty well with FFDShow and if I don't sit too close, but at that size HD-DVD will look stunning and I will be able to clearly see all of the extra details HD has to offer.

Augustes

I've only got a 46" screen and the difference is very noticable. Maybe smaller than that it may not matter and viewing distance is important as well, but anyone with an HDTV should really benefit.

Nero

I've got a 37" and the difference is easily noticeable.

redford

Misleading thread title as well since there is only one critic. To me, I'll go by what experienced HT users are saying, not guys who have trouble hooking the thing up or state the obvious (it is more noticable the larger the screen).