ASUS Blu-Ray BC-1205PT QuickShot

Although the mainstream press continues to write about the uncertain war between Blu-ray and HD DVD as if it were going to lead to a complete failure of either, the rest of us know better. Unlike VHS vs. Betamax where technical issues prevented dual-format players, or SACD vs. DVD-Audio where the benefit was only noticeable to audiophiles with elite audio equipment, the HD revolution is one that is coming.

In 2009, analog broadcast TV will no longer be available, and while there are those who will upgrade their existing TVs with one of the OTA ATSC receiver coupons provided by the federal government, many people will take this opportunity to buy a brand-new HDTV. With the prices of today’s displays, that brand-new HDTV is likely going to be larger enough to showcase the difference between regular DVDs and HD content. In addition, HD DVDs and Blu-ray are quickly dropping in price. It’s not hard to find movies at price parity. Right now, it’s actually cheaper to buy the Blu-ray version of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End than it is to buy the DVD version.



With that in mind, we are taking a look at the ASUS Blu-ray BC1250PT Blu-ray drive. For around $250 street, ASUS is promising a simple and single upgrade, taking your HTPC to a HD-HTPC.