Consumers barraged by new video and television terminology and technology have quickly learned one key issue: there are no rules.
"We're in the days of Betamax and VHS wars again," warns Consumer Help Web President Joan Bounacos. "This is a no win situation for consumers even though pundits think that Blu-Ray will win. Until there is a standard, either side can win, and cost those who spend on the other technology more money in equipment and the actual media," the consumer advocate said.
The two new competing formats are called Blu-Ray and HD-DVD. Many Hollywood studios had sided with Blu-Ray, with most citing a better technology. Their case was bolstered when video retail giant Blockbuster announced it would expand its Blu-Ray inventory.
Complicating the issue is the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Buried in that law is a requirement that television stations stop analog, "over the air" broadcasts by February, 2009. "Consumers are adapting to high definition video like they did to CD," Bounacos said. "Only this time, when it comes time to choose a player, they must choose a more expensive universal player that plays all 3 video types or choose wisely. Even with lowered prices, that is a gamble consumers shouldn't be forced to make."t
Labels: Blu-Ray, high definition, television
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