D-VHS?
Dear Gary: It was a challenge to read through the many pages of your recent review of D-VHS. I made it through the review and, when all is said and done, a tape is a tape whether it be VHS, S-VHS or D-VHS. D-VHS is a step backward. What is the hurry to get to 720p or 1080i? DVD 480p is excellent and I am patient to wait until backward compatible HD-DVD arrives. I am going forward and will not rebuy my large 450+ DVD library. D-VHS is a last attempt by JVC to keep the VCR a mainstream product. DVD is such a better product even at 480p. Sorry, but I can’t share your enthusiasm.
Ernest Leo
Editor-In-Chief Gary Reber Comments:
While I appreciate your sentiments, I am a proponent for “the best that it can be,” regardless of format. D-VHS D-Theater far surpasses the performance of DVD. I do not fully agree that blue laser HD DVD is “around the corner.” A blue laser technology may be around the corner, but has no wardrobe suitable for public viewing and consumption. The time table for its splash as a proven and standardized HD optical disc format is three to five years away. In the meantime, the DVD format, as we know it, will continue to develop as a mass-market replacement for prerecorded standard VHS. D-VHS D-Theater is no threat to DVD’s continued development and growth. In fact, D-VHS D-Theater will put pressure on the DVD Forum to develop a HD DVD format that is at least the equal if not superior to D-VHS performance. For those of us who have invested thousands of dollars in HDTV displays and home theatre systems, D-VHS D-Theater is a gift, and at last delivers all the performance HDTV technology has promised for years. I am jazzed and can’t wait for the movies to be released. I am looking forward to re-experiencing many high-profile action adventure and science fiction titles, knowing that the performance and experience is “the best there is.” And when true HD DVD becomes a reality, I will embrace that format as well, and thrill at its performance and features. It’s all about progress and people’s passion to strive for constant improvement.
You can E-mail Widescreen Review @ mailto:editorgary@widescreenreview.com