And if you're actually old enough to know the song being referenced, then chances are, you may not be even slightly interested in today's topic. None of my friends and acquaintances could give a hoot. Cut me a little slack for my weekend entries, will you? I want to talk tech, turkey.
I've been following the HD-DVD vs Blu-ray format war with relish since getting the wide-screen television. So far, of course, the only high definition programming I've seen on it is via Bell ExpressVu's satellite channels. Known for their highly-compressed offerings, these oases of clarity began my uncontrollable addiction to HD. The standard up-converting DVD player can only show what's actually present on the discs. Although this is slightly better than standard TV, it cannot be compared to the quality of a real HD signal.Back when regular DVD players appeared, I was willing to pay premium to be an early adopter as the road to the quick demise of video tape was obvious. But this time around Toshiba and Sony are reenacting the classic VHS/Beta battle.
Many pundits out there blogging about this today probably never actually owned a Betamax machine as I did. In the mid-1980's our contracting company shipped programming through diplomatic pouch to the military camp where I worked. It was a no-brainer choice. Either watch Beta tapes or watch what was on Saudi Arabian television. It wasn't due to technical merits that the other format won. In fact Beta was superior and the tapes smaller. Being a winner had more to do with the available Hollywood programming on offer.
Once again here we go. Right here, I mentioned the battle between HD-DVD and Blu-ray in my 2008 resolutions. My default browser page is set to Google news, where I personalized a section to keep me up-to-date on the daily developments.
So, it's a bit of a mixed blessing that Sony's Blu-ray format has been prematurely heralded winner of this race. All the pronouncements involve Warner Bros. decision on Friday to abandon neutrality and support only Blu-ray from the spring. They are the biggest distributor and because they are joining the likes of Disney, this consortium is estimated to make up 70% of titles released. (At this time, Paramount and Universal still have exclusivity agreements for the other format.) This is said to have turned the tide in favour of Sony this time around.
Of course I haven't even hinted at the numerous others with stakes in this battle. They range from the electronics and computer manufacturers to Microsoft. Additionally, folks like Blockbuster and retailers like Target have all taken sides.
So, the whole things is still a great big mess. It's extremely unfortunate that back in 2005, the two camps couldn't have foreseen this turmoil and agreed upon a common standard. Those involved may have had less potential to make a fortune but would've also avoided completely losing out in this war. In the end, whatever the outcome, it seems like it is primarily consumers who have been given a raw deal.