| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
gsxr750r
Joined: 29 Jan 2007
|
 Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 8:46 pm Post subject: What is the HD format war really about? |
 |
|
Originally Posted by Shadowself on http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=6887&page=2
| Quote: |
There is supposedly going to be no HD DVD in a possible future Xbox because Microsoft is not really behind the HD DVD format -- at least that's my opinion and the opinion of over 90% of the people I now.
True, Microsoft would have the possibility of making money off every HD DVD sold and every HD DVD player sold because of iHD (now called HDi). However, that is a small amount compared to possible money to be made off VC-1 if they can make THAT the standard for more than just the HD DVD oriented companies. That's where their push is.
Why?
Because if Microsoft can make VC-1 into the next generation compression standard (edging out AVC and others) then they can command huge royalties not only on players that play physical media, but also command royalties on a huge percentage of the visual media in any conveyed means (physical media, wireless [OTA and satellite], Internet, Cable, etc.).
Since the mid 80s Microsoft has played the long game and only the long game. They are looking 5-10 years down the road. If Microsoft can keep the fomat confusion (we probably can't really call it a war any more) going then they have a reasonable chance to keep pushing their compression scheme. Anygroup that is using iHD is automatically going to seriously consider VC-1 and some Blu-ray groups are seriously considering it too.
Microsoft does not have to commit to include a more expensive drive in the Xbox. (And no matter what the HD DVD fanboys try to claim, the HD DVD drive is more expensive than a DVD drive and will be for another year or more.) Doing so would cost them more money now with very little chance of making that money back in the long term (remember the long game).
Conversely if they can get their video systems (including online market places and online market places of licensees) centered around VC-1 and other Microsoft technologies then Microsoft can utilize the "Live" capabilities of an Xbox 360 or an enhanced Xbox 360 to be the media center for the home. Someone want to make a direct competitor to Apple's new AppleTV? Microsoft will license the software to them -- both for the online store and for the box. Will the streams be in MPEG-2 or AVC? No. They'll be in VC-1. Someone want to build a home theatre system for sale as a pre configured system? Microsoft will be only too glad to help them develop it -- but only if you use Microsoft's tools such as VC-1 (among others, maybe even iHD).
That's Microsoft's long term plan anyway. It's just the way they think. It's never been about HD DVD for them. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
cubanlord
Joined: 08 Jul 2005
Location: In Japan!
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 8:47 pm Post subject: |
|
|
how does that 70's song go again?
money....money...money.....moooonnnneeeyyyyyyyy |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
rocklee
Joined: 04 Oct 2005
Location: Seoul
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 9:04 pm Post subject: |
|
|
No CL, isn't it :
"money money money...its so funny..." |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
cubanlord
Joined: 08 Jul 2005
Location: In Japan!
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 10:49 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| rocklee wrote: |
No CL, isn't it :
"money money money...its so funny..." |
lol. dunno.  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
eamo
Joined: 08 Mar 2003
Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2007 12:07 am Post subject: |
|
|
Standard DVD quality is still around about good enough for me. I have poor eyesight so I can't really tell the difference between DVD and HD.
Of course, HD players and TV's are tempting toys so I will go in there when I feel I'm getting good value for money. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Wrench
Joined: 07 Apr 2005
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2007 12:23 am Post subject: |
|
|
| to be honest with you HD is about DRm and MS pushing its crap.. The thing is most times its Hardware that wins and Sony is doing quite well by pimping its Blu-Ray through PS3. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
