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| | | In the ongoing format wars between Blu-ray and HD DVD technology, Blu-ray, which already had the disadvantage of being a bit more expensive, took some hits in 2007. Both Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks Animation announced plans to release movies only in HD DVD, and then HD DVD prices plummeted. But, according to CNet.com, in the fall of 2007, either technology still could prevail, making it a risky time to buy such an expensive piece of equipment. | | |
| Typical costs: | - HD DVD players now typically cost $180 to $500 and up.
- Blu-ray players tend to cost a bit more at about $350 to $900 and up.
- A fairly new combination HD DVD/Blu-ray player costs about $1,000.
- Manufacturers still are working out some quirks in their products, but CNet.com gives good reviews to several HD DVD players, including the $400 Toshiba HD-A30, which offers excellent image quality and the $500 Toshiba HD-A35, a similar player with an upgrade to high-resolution bitstream audio output that allows audio to be sent to a compatible AV receiver.
- A handful of Blu-ray players also were well-received, including the new $500 Panasonic DMP-BD30, which has sharp image quality and is Blu-ray Profile 1.1 compliant, as well as the $550 Samsung BD-P1400, which offers HQV video processing for higher quality images.
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| What should be included: | - Both use blue laser technology, which allows discs to hold more data to accommodate high-definition video, and each player only will play discs that use its own format. There are slight differences, such as Blu-ray's larger storage capacity.
- CNet.com offers a guide to Blu-ray and HD DVDs. Both have excellent picture quality, and the discs can hold much more information than a standard disc.
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| Additional costs: | - To make the most of a Blu-Ray or HD DVD player, it is necessary to have an HDTV, a surround sound system and an HDMI cable, which can carry high-definition video and digital audio signals at once. CNet.com has a primer on HDMI cables.
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| Discounts: | - Because these DVD players are so new, prices are still high; but look for prices to drop as they become more mainstream.
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| Shopping for an hd dvd player: | - At this point, choosing between Blu-ray and HD DVD players is still a gamble because it is likely that one of these formats will become obsolete.
- Sony's Playstation III plays Blu-ray discs. The price has dropped, so it is relatively affordable at about $400. If you play video games, this could be a good two-in-one purchase.
- Big box retailers, such as Best Buy and Circuit City offer decent prices on HD and Blu-Ray DVD players. Or, if you wish to buy online, try Crutchfield.com or Amazon.com's selection of HD DVD players and Blu-ray players.
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Article updated November 2007 |
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