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Mon Aug 07, 2006 at 01:00 AM ET
Tags: Reader Mail (all tags) Time again for the latest issue of High-Def Digest's Reader Mailbag, where we answer all your questions on HD-DVD and Blu-Ray, industry trends and our site's news and reviews.

Got questions of your own? Send them our way, and we'll try to answer them on the site in future issues of our Reader Mailbag.

Codec Nation?

"Hi there. Really love your site, and your Blu-ray versus HD DVD comparisons. But you guys should talk more about the codec differences between the formats -- is even the same film on two different formats really 'apples to apples' if it isn't the same codec? Thanks very much!" -- Mike J.

Editor Peter Bracke responds: Great question, Mike, and certainly one we've gotten quite a bit of email on recently, especially after our recent Blu-ray comparison reviews of Warner's 'Training Day,' 'Rumor Has It...' and 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.' Those three titles marked the first time a studio has released the same titles in both next-gen formats, which at last allowed for head-to-head comparisons.

Without a doubt, which compression codec a content provider chooses can make or break the video quality of a disc release. Aside from MPEG4-AVC, which the studios have so far decided not to use in any significant way (see our review of the 'U2: Rattle and Hum' HD DVD for a possible clue as to why), the next-gen format war is shaping up to be as much a battle between MPEG2 versus VC1 as it is Blu-ray versus HD DVD.

Indeed, in my comparison reviews noted above for Warner's first Blu-ray releases, I did use the term "apples and apples." However, your point is well-taken and it is a very valid and fair criticism to argue that until a studio releases the identical title using the identical compression codec on both formats, a true "apples to apples" comparison is not possible.

In the best of all worlds, studios will begin to use the best compression codec available for the job, and consistently regardless of format. It's rumored that Warner and other studios will begin using VC1 on future Blu-ray titles, though nothing is confirmed at press time. Until then, the best "apples to apples" comparisons we can do is with what the studios release. Ultimately, what the consumer currently has the option to buy is the identical titles from the same studio on two different formats, but using different codecs. So fair or unfair, any head-to-head comparison of a title on both formats must be made with the actual product released -- and our reviews must assess the quality of what is available today, not theoretically to come in the future.

So we will be addressing the issue of codec and its impact on a disc's video quality in far more depth with all our future reviews and comparisons. We've also gone back and added codec information -- for both the main program feature as well as supplemental materials -- on every single one of our past reviews. Specs on the codec(s) being used on a particular title can now be found in the top left "specs" column of all current and upcoming HD DVD and Blu-ray title pages.

Big Blu Marble

"I have just been looking at your list of Blu-ray release dates. However, I presume these are only for the American market? Do you have any information on European release dates? Thanks!" -- Chris M.

Editor Peter Bracke responds: Glad you've found our Blu-ray Release Schedule helpful, Chris. Unfortunately, we currently do not list information for any non-domestic Blu-ray or HD DVD releases.

The reason being is that we are primarily a North American-centric resource, based in the United States. In our experience, the studios as a general policy do not release upcoming title announcements nor review product for international releases to press outlets outside of their respective territories (in our case, outside the U.S.). Also, many studios that may release a title domestically do not release the same title overseas. Many studios, in fact, do not even control the rights to all of their library worldwide -- other studios or third-party companies often distribute a title to differing international markets, making it beyond our capabilities to accurately report on and review titles in differing territories.

However, as happened with the DVD format as it gained mass acceptance, non-U.S. news and review sites quickly began to pop up all over the web -- and now number in the hundreds. We're sure that as the HD DVD and Blu-ray formats mature and the studios begin to release more pre-recorded high-def content in other territories outside of the U.S., many quality news and review sites will begin to appear.

Of course, we will continue to report on international news stories and trends that impact the future of the HD DVD and Blu-ray formats, as well as developments more specific to the United States market. Thanks very much for your feedback, and we certainly hope both formats continue to gain in support and acceptance worldwide.

HD DVD Bias?

"I think you are unfair and you are more into HD DVD than Blu-Ray. Thumbs down for your site! Just wait [until] September-November when Blu-ray will rise, and all HD DVD fans will suffer a lot. : )" -- Dave B.

Editor Peter Bracke responds: Hey Dave, thank you for your short but sweet email! Certainly, we take any criticism that High-Def Digest may be biased towards one format or technology over another very seriously.

However, I can assure you we have no bias, ulterior motive or investment in HD DVD succeeding over Blu-ray, or vice versa. Our goal is to simply to cover all high-def disc-related news as comprehensively as we can, regardless of format, as well as review all new titles fairly and accurately.

Unfortunately, with any new consumer electronics product launch -- and especially with two competing formats battling each other for your consumer dollars -- there are going to be hitches, setbacks and obstacles right out of the gate. Both Blu-ray and HD DVD have suffered slings and arrows with their launch titles and players. The learning curve of any new format is great -- just go back and watch some of the earliest DVD titles, which now look pretty tragic! The same goes with HD DVD and Blu-ray -- we may have reviewed some HD DVD titles more positively than the initial offerings from the Blu-ray camp, but things are only just heating up. A year from now, who knows how things will shake down?

High-Def Digest is also a wholly independently-run online resource, and we receive absolutely no financial incentives from the major studios or electronics manufacturers in exchange for editorial influence. We receive titles for review equally from all studios, regardless of the formats they are supporting, and we also absolutely do not review test discs or other pre-release product -- only the same final release players and discs that are available to the consumer market.

Lastly, I can speak for both myself as Editor of High-Def Digest and all our contributors when I day that, ultimately, we only want the best pre-recorded high-def content money can buy. Whichever format(s) eventually succeed with the mass consumer is not important, only that they deliver the highest-quality the technology can deliver. Again, both HD DVD and Blu-ray are only taking their first baby steps into the marketplace, and as both mature who knows which will ultimately triumph. Our commitment here at High Def Digest is to reporting all the news that's fit to print, and providing the most fair and unbiased reviews possible so you can make your purchasing decisions with confidence. Thanks again for your email.

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