Toshiba showcases trio of HDD / HD DVD recorders

Considering that Panasonic was showing off its newest Blu-ray recorders at CEATEC, we're not too shocked to hear that Toshiba was touting a trio of its own for the HD DVD camp. All three units sport the ability to "transcode in real-time an off-the-air MPEG2 high-definition signal into the more efficient MPEG4 AVC compression system," and while we're not sure how capacious they'll be, it was noted that these devices would include an internal hard drive to compliment the HD DVD writer. The flagship RD-X7 features 1080p24 output, while the RD-A101 / RD-A201 "didn't appear to offer this output based on available information from Toshiba." Per usual, we're still playing the wait-and-see game when it comes to pricing and release dates.

[John M @ Oct 4th 2007 2:35PM]

I dont think HD DVD has much of a shot in the format war...Capacity wise anyway, but with the backing of certain studios I think that will keep them at the very least a viable alternative to competeing formats. And just the fact it has DVD in the name will help with less tech savy consumers. GIves the impression of a more favorable brand than a new name like "blu-ray"..just my take, a lil off topic

[Jensen @ Oct 4th 2007 2:48PM]

I believe more savvy people will buy HD DVD (unless purely for data archival) since it costs less and looks very slightly better in most cases due to Blu Ray's rampant use of an inferior codec and single sided media.

All that stuff aside, I don't want to foot the bill for the more expensive Blu Ray stuff since it's a known fact that their manufacturing process is way more expensive.

[Mak @ Oct 4th 2007 4:59PM]

I believe more savvy people will see your comments as nothing but FUD, and see sense that Blu-ray will end up being the inevitable winner.

[Ang @ Oct 4th 2007 6:58PM]

@jensen - Blu Ray's rampant use of an inferior codec and single sided media -

Dude, you need to get of that crazy shit you are smoking.

Most of my Bluray discs if not all, currently 30 titles use either AVC video codec (Best), or the slightly inferior VC-1 with uncompressed audio.

Stop spreading FUD.

[Sy @ Oct 4th 2007 3:03PM]

@Jensen

Are you really that ignorant? Blu-ray can use the same codecs as HD DVD and please check some review sites out first before you sprout lies about picture quality. On average, Blu-ray titles score higher than HD DVD titles in picture quality in most(if not all) review sites.

Its a known fact that HD DVD combo discs are around $5 more than the Blu-ray's counterpart. Other than that, the disc prices to the consumers for both formats are about the same. HD DVD has a slight advantage in player's price at the moment.

[LiqwidZero @ Oct 4th 2007 3:05PM]

Bleh, go to Amazon.com. The prices are so similar, it's confounding. Also, you can't get 'Top Gun' on Blu-Ray, can you? HIIIIIIIIIIGHHHHHHH WAYYYYYYY TOOOO THHHAAA DANGAA ZOOOOOOONE!!!!!!

[Jensen @ Oct 4th 2007 3:21PM]

Yes, Blu Ray can use the same codecs but stating the obvious does nothing to prove your point. Over 50% of Blu Ray movies are currently encoded with an inferior codec. How am I lying when I say "very slightly inferior" PQ? It's obvious that you take great offense to my statement because of your slant towards Blu Ray. You probably read the reviews that you "want" to read if you believe the drivel you are spewing.

Price: I was talking about the players and HD DVD does not just have a "slight" advantage there. Anyone that isn't biased would not make such a statement.

[quentinp @ Oct 4th 2007 3:09PM]

I think HD to HDD would be best in a camcorder. Then just dump to a PC and burn to which ever format.

I wonder though, with HD cameras coming out, would there be a market for creating good HD stock footage to sell online?

[misterhearn @ Oct 4th 2007 8:06PM]

I support HD DVD but both products are very similar with the exception of the disc capacity, however BR uses a java based programing scheme which is very annoying to program for, HD DVD has a better platform.

I honestly see us stuck with two formats for a very long time if not for good. Which isnt as bad as it sounds, just interesting to see what the studios will do.

[Robert W. Garven Jr. @ Dec 2nd 2007 12:10AM]

Next to the war in Iraq the stupiest thing I have seen is the repeat of the VHS Beta war which could have been prevented. Trust me the real losers will be the consumers. I have been through this before

rob