Hi,
I think it's quite a bad idea to buy new stuff these days as technology is constantly moving, and will keep on doing so, for a long time, and faster than before.
HD ready --> Full HD, HD DVD --> BR, I even think the format for the DVD burners is not yet settled down, am I right ? Add to this the constant changes in GSM cellphones and digital cameras, and you're done !
Companies behind these products just want a quick return for the money they spent in R&D, so they launch unfinished technologies on the market , soon to be replaced by new ones. Life cycle of these things is shortening, and as novelty (good or bad) appeals to the masses, it's all benefits for them. What's important is to stay competitive and to please the beloved shareholders...I would recommend to everyone to just wait for the situation to calm down a little, though I know I am talking to geeks and tech lovers who maybe can afford such silly expenses, who maybe can afford to replace all their electronic appliances every two or three years. Back to topic, I won't sign this petition because I don't care what will happen to the HD-DVD or BR. Just think twice the next time you'll be buying something.
I'm not loaded so I still use a 10 years old TV set with a 10 years old DVD player plugged to an even older micro HIFI, along with a Wii, and I'm happy with that
Not to forget my working 50 years old KODAK Brownie Starflash pocket camera
See
http://fotoimpex.de/ for old films and chemicals...
Bye, Magic Sam