[Dark Helmet]

Originally Posted by Eug 

30 GB HD DVD-R and 50 GB BD-R were supposed to be out, but I haven't actually seen either of them in stock in North American stores.



In fact, it's rare to see even 15 GB HD DVD-R and 25 GB BD-R in stock.

OK so the 30's are duals. Can you have double sided dual layer or is that not worth it?

OK all movie quality and avalibility aside... when people want to start backing up files don't you think 50 gig disks will have more appeal for the type of people who would need this much storage?

I always found DVD-R's to small so I couldn't wait to get a dual layer burner to burn DL disks.

[Eug]

Originally Posted by Dark Helmet 

OK so the 30's are duals. Can you have double sided dual layer or is that not worth it?

OK all movie quality and avalibility aside... when people want to start backing up files don't you think 50 gig disks will have more appeal for the type of people who would need this much storage?

Of course, but I suspect that the real difference will not be 30 vs. 50. It will be 15 vs. 25 cuz dual-layer discs will continue to be uncommon in comparison.

Yeah 25>15, but of course, that's not the only issue here.

I always found DVD-R's to small so I couldn't wait to get a dual layer burner to burn DL disks.

I like dual-layer too, but in reality I use DVD-R SL about 99% of the time, for various reasons.

[Dark Helmet]

Originally Posted by Eug 

I like dual-layer too, but in reality I use DVD-R SL about 99% of the time, for various reasons.

The only reason I do is because they are cheaper. The gap is getting small enough that I don't care though.

[Eug]

Originally Posted by Dark Helmet 

The only reason I do is because they are cheaper. The gap is getting small enough that I don't care though.

1) Cheaper
2) More reliable
3) More compatible

For at least #1 and probably #2, the same will be true for HD DVD dual-layer and Blu-ray dual-layer. #3 will likely not be an issue though for these formats.

[MattJeff]

can someone explain dual layer?

[Dark Helmet]

Originally Posted by MattJeff 

can someone explain dual layer?

Double the storage on one side.

[Eug]

[SirCastor]

Originally Posted by MattJeff 

can someone explain dual layer?

Here's the deal:

Dual layer discs have two layers of data on the same side. The second layer is accessed by refocusing the laser to read past the first layer. You may have experienced the layer switch on a DVD when the movie pauses for just a moment.

The picture above visually describes that.

[MattJeff]

ooooh, thanks i always thought it was my dvd player.

[Cadaver]

I bought a Blu-Ray player (the Samsung model) just recently after installing a video projector and a 103" screen in the basement. Looks freaking fantastic.

Oh, and not only is Apple a member of the Blu-Ray club, so is Dell. Dell has a XPS laptop available with a BD-R/RW drive in it.

Edit: Sorry Eug, didn't see your post re: Dell's BD drive.

[Brien]

That's awesome; I hope to be able to do similar in the near future. Guess the 52" will have to make do for now.

[Dark Helmet]

Originally Posted by Cadaver 

I bought a Blu-Ray player (the Samsung model) just recently after installing a video projector and a 103" screen in the basement. Looks freaking fantastic.

If the PS3 supports more disk types, HDMI 1.3, faster start up, better picture and is smaller, can I ask why you wanted to pay twice as much for the samsung?

Is the fact that is is a game system scare you enough to paying $500 more but get less?

[jokell82]

Originally Posted by Dark Helmet 

If the PS3 supports more disk types, HDMI 1.3, faster start up, better picture and is smaller, can I ask why you wanted to pay twice as much for the samsung?

Is the fact that is is a game system scare you enough to paying $500 more but get less?

Please let everyone here know where we can find these PS3s you speak of.

[Dark Helmet]

Originally Posted by jokell82 

Please let everyone here know where we can find these PS3s you speak of.

Got mine off ebay for only $90 over retail. Beats $1100 for a Samsung stand alone no?

[mitchell_pgh]

Yes, the PS3 is in limited quantity, but come this spring, I firmly believe it will be commonplace. Also, the price of the PS3 will only get cheaper.

Even a diehard HD-DVD fan must realize the PS3 is a tantalizing piece of hardware.

If your looking for one box that does a number of things, I'd put it near the top of my list.

[Dark Helmet]

Originally Posted by mitchell_pgh 

Even a diehard HD-DVD fan must realize the PS3 is a tantalizing piece of hardware Game System + HD video.

I'm pretty sure that even if I wasn't a gamer I would have got the PS3 for the Blu-ray.

Since I also like games I think the value of the system is great especially since it costs more to make it than I paid.

I'm really really happy with the PS3 so far. Can't wait till March when some cool looking games start shipping as well as more Blu-ray movies.

[Eug Wanker]

Originally Posted by mitchell_pgh 

Yes, the PS3 is in limited quantity, but come this spring, I firmly believe it will be commonplace. Also, the price of the PS3 will only get cheaper.

Even a diehard HD-DVD fan must realize the PS3 is a tantalizing piece of hardware.

It would have been, had the PS3 been not totally fubared on 1080i-only TVs.

I was actually considering getting one in April (my B'day), but the PS3 is a non-starter with my TV. That and the fact it can't use an IR remote. Those two things are deal killers as far as I'm concerned.

[Montezuma58]

Originally Posted by Dark Helmet 

If the PS3 supports more disk types, HDMI 1.3, faster start up, better picture and is smaller, can I ask why you wanted to pay twice as much for the samsung?

Is the fact that is is a game system scare you enough to paying $500 more but get less?

Where's the pause button? Or is it some arcane combination like left-left-AC-up? How's the battery life on the controller?

[Dark Helmet]

Originally Posted by Montezuma58