Be Aware of Both Blu-ray and HD-DVD Even Though HD-DVD Has Been Discontinued
NOTICE: HD-DVD is now officially discontinued. However, information on HD-DVD, and its comparison to Blu-ray, is still contained here because players are still in use and movies are still sold and traded in the secondary market.Blu-ray and HD-DVD both utilize Blue Laser and video compression technology to achieve high definition video playback on the same size disc as a standard DVD.
Even though the underlying concept of Blu-ray and HD-DVD are the same, the way they are implemented is slightly different, resulting in two incompatible formats (remember VHS vs BETA). However, Blu-ray is the only one still in use.
Know What is Available to Play on a Blu-ray Disc Player
A large number of films and other video content is available in the Blu-ray Disc and more are released every week. Currently, about 2,500 titles are available on Blu-ray. Prices for the titles are about $5-or-$10 more than current DVDs. Prices for movies, just as for players, are expected to go down over time as competition heats up and more disc quantities of each film are produced.Currently, all of the major studios are releasing content in the Blu-ray Disc format, with smaller studios also joining in. The list of both current and catalogue titles is growning on a weekly basis.
Your Current DVDs are not Obsolete If You Switch to Blu-ray
Blu-ray Player manufacturers have included the ability for their units to playback standard DVDs, this is expected to continue. This means your current DVD library is playable on a Blu-ray Disc Player.Also, when playing a standard DVD in a Blu-ray Disc player, you can view it at standard resolution or have the player upscale the DVD playback signal to match 720p/1080i, or in some cases, 1080p mode, which will be a better match on compatible HDTVs.
Most Blu-ray Disc Players Also Play Music CDs
Almost all Blu-ray Disc players will play standard CDs/CD-R/RW discs. However, there are some exceptions to this, most notably on first generation models from Sony and Pioneer. If you desire CD compatibility, make sure you read the specifications or features brochure of the unit you are considering, to confirm this.Know the Types of Connections Blu-ray Disc Players Have
Blu-ray Disc player connectcions are similar to a DVD player: Composite, S-Video, and Component video outputs, Analog Stereo, Digital Optical, and/or Digital Coaxial Audio outputs.Three added outputs:
1. HDMI, which can transfer HD video and digital audio to a TV/AV receiver that is equipped with an HDMI or DVI-HDCP input via an adapter.
2. Some Blu-ray Disc players have 5.1/7.1 channel analog outputs that transfer a decoded surround sound signal to AV receivers that have 5.1/7.1 analog inputs. If you need this option, check the connections before you buy.
3. Most players how have an Ethernet jack for the internet.
You Need an HDTV to get the Benefits of Blu-ray
Blu-ray Disc players can be connected to any TV that has at least Composite video inputs. However, the only way to access high definition Blu-ray resolution is through the HDMI connection, or Component Video connections.NOTE: Although high definition resolution can be accessed using Component Video connections of a Blu-ray Disc player, but this is at the movie studios' discretion. In the future, discs may be encoded to limit access to high definition resolution only by the HDMI connection.
Know How Much Getting Into Blu-ray Will Cost You
Used HD-DVD players can be found for as low as $99, but are very hard to find, since HD-DVD is no more. Blu-ray Players start below $199 and go up as high as $5,000. You may find some used Blu-ray/HD-DVD combo players that were originally made by LG and Samsung.When you by a player in either format, take into consideration the cost of connection cables, as well as the $5 to $10 dollars more for each new Blu-ray movie. Keep in mind that no more HD-DVD movies are being released.
For more on Blu-ray, check out Carey Bryson, About.com Guide for Kid's TV and Movies: What is Blu-ray and How Will It Impact My Family?
Is Blu-ray Really Worth It For You?
Blu-ray is not only a great choice to complement an HDTV and home theater system, it is becoming an inscreasingly affordable choice, with basic players now running at $199 or Less.However, if you are on a limited budget or just don't to make the Blu-ray plunge at this time, for less than $120 there are a variety good DVD players with 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling capability that can narrow the gap between standard DVD and Blu-ray. Also, you don't have worry about your current DVD library becoming obsolete. Standard DVDs, and players to play them, will be around for some time and all Blu-ray Disc players also play DVDs.
