Blu-Ray starts to win the PR battle
It seems Sony's Blu-Ray format is finally winning the public relations battle of the high definition formats. Blu-Ray and HD DVD have been frantically fighting a bitter war over the last couple of years - similar to the VHS Betamax one back in the 80s - to win consumers hearts and minds and to create the next dominant movie format.
In October, I researched both formats myself to see which would be best to have in my home and I nearly decided to go for a Toshiba HD DVD player.
However, just as I was about to pop into my local Comet after extensive online research, I thought I would pay a visit to my local video store - Blockbuster. When I asked the guy behind the counter where the HD DVD movies were I was told that they weren't going to be stocking them as they were backing Blu-Ray and that made my decision for me. Read an article here on why Blockbuster choose Sony.
To be honest I think that is a major reason why Sony is selling two to every HD DVD player. If people can't hire a high def movie from their local Blockbuster many will be likely to give the technology a miss.
Personally, I think the HD DVD format is good but if you want high definition movies and you wouldn't mind playing a few decent computer games too then Sony's PS3 is going to push you to fork out the £300+ for a console.
I bought mine in November and it was worth it - the PS3 is a fabulous console, with loads of functionality, it is a little pricey but I still believe it was well worth it. My next mission is to convince my wife that we need a digital TV recorder.
Read yesterday's BBC article on the format war.
Message for Lisa (readers, this is the wife that Chris needs to convice).
Get a PVR. We bought our Humax about a year ago and it's fantastic. It is so easy to record stuff that you record loads and the quality of the TV you view goes up as there is always something waiting, even when there is only wallpaper TV being broadcast. Karen took some convincing, but I'm sure she'd agree it was worth it.
Posted by: Stuart Bruce - Wolfstar | January 10, 2008 at 08:50 PM
I am sure it will give me great viewing on my maternity leave winter days and I'm sure I will use it alot... however I would also like a new sofa to sit on to watch TV. So as long as I can still have my sofa in June (as promised) and Chris stops spending the sofa money on any more new gadgets then I admit I am convinced.
Posted by: Lisa Norton | January 11, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Thanks both - I now feel better knowing that I have a ringing endorsement from my wife who will most probably use the item in question more than me anyway. Also I am now tied into a legally binding contract (cash permitting) to purchase a new sofa and not to buy anymore gadgets.
A few free gadgets would be nice but I won't hold my breath
Posted by: Chris Norton | January 11, 2008 at 12:17 PM