Feature Reviews > Blu-ray won, but will it matter?
12/29/2008 11:44:09 PM
I think that blue-ray is currently not needed, while it is true that it gives better definition, and higher quality sound i do not think of it as a replaicment for DVD.
More as a premium solution for those with higher end setups.
I prefer to think of it as the Video equivilant to Audiophiles "special" cables.
I do think as they mature more they will become more useful.
I saw somewhere on the net that (Sony?) had made a Dual format disc, DVD and Blue-ray on the same side.
They can do this because of the different light densities and lengths.
Time will tell...
More as a premium solution for those with higher end setups.
I prefer to think of it as the Video equivilant to Audiophiles "special" cables.
I do think as they mature more they will become more useful.
I saw somewhere on the net that (Sony?) had made a Dual format disc, DVD and Blue-ray on the same side.
They can do this because of the different light densities and lengths.
Time will tell...
12/30/2008 9:29:45 AM
I agree. The prices of BluRan will keep people out of that market for a while. Most people find the upconverting DVD players good enough, and the price differential for blu-ray not worth it.
And video downloads are becoming more available.
I also wonder if folks are figuring out that buying movies generally isn't worth it. Sure the Dark Knight was a great film, but how many times are you going to actually sit down and watch it? We are finally getting around to watching through the LOTR trilogy extended edition that we just HAD to HAVE! But who has 12 hour in a row to devote to something like that? We're actually watching in in parts over 6 nights. And this vacation time is one of the few times we have 6 nights in a row to do something like that.
So, yes Blu-Ray won, but are they the buggy whips in a horseless carriage world?
And video downloads are becoming more available.
I also wonder if folks are figuring out that buying movies generally isn't worth it. Sure the Dark Knight was a great film, but how many times are you going to actually sit down and watch it? We are finally getting around to watching through the LOTR trilogy extended edition that we just HAD to HAVE! But who has 12 hour in a row to devote to something like that? We're actually watching in in parts over 6 nights. And this vacation time is one of the few times we have 6 nights in a row to do something like that.
So, yes Blu-Ray won, but are they the buggy whips in a horseless carriage world?
12/30/2008 10:09:36 AM
I just got a Blu-Ray player for Christmas... I am a Hi-Def snob... It is awesome! I had a very nice upconverting player previously and it does not compare to watching native HD. I don't think it has a very long shelf life, maybe 2-3 years, but for now it is the best way to watch movies. I don't think any specific format will replace it, but rather various downloadable and streaming formats will compete in both PPV and ad supported platforms. I also got the new SlingboxHD for christmas... I am in geek heaven!
12/30/2008 3:08:26 PM
In the long run, probably not...
The beginnings of true on demand video are here but will take time to be available to the masses. High speed connections needed for this are not available to everyone yet but when it is (and relatively inexpensive) most physical media may become obsolete, although there will always be the fans and collectors ( I know people that still use LPs - not that there is anything wrong with that...) who will keep the specialty markets alive.
In the short term it has at least solidified a physical medium for delivery of HD content. Early adopters made their decision long ago - some were winners, others not so much...
Now those that were on the fence may begin making those purchases, perhaps waiting for cost reductions to or near parity with current up-converting DVD players. Most Blu-Ray players are compatible with regular DVDs and will also up-convert them so users don't lose anything and can play both making it a flexible solution. The BD discs are coming down in price pretty quick which will also be a factor.
Personally, I read a lot about tech to stay informed, but usually I am in the late adopter group (AKA the "until it is cheap and I can talk the wife into it" group) so I am watching and waiting to see what happens in the TV arena as well. Right now without an HDTV it is really an academic discussion for me...
One aspect of BD that I think is relevant is the 5X increase in capacity. Be it HD or not, if I can get an entire season of Stargate on one disc, that is a bonus for me!
The beginnings of true on demand video are here but will take time to be available to the masses. High speed connections needed for this are not available to everyone yet but when it is (and relatively inexpensive) most physical media may become obsolete, although there will always be the fans and collectors ( I know people that still use LPs - not that there is anything wrong with that...) who will keep the specialty markets alive.
In the short term it has at least solidified a physical medium for delivery of HD content. Early adopters made their decision long ago - some were winners, others not so much...
Now those that were on the fence may begin making those purchases, perhaps waiting for cost reductions to or near parity with current up-converting DVD players. Most Blu-Ray players are compatible with regular DVDs and will also up-convert them so users don't lose anything and can play both making it a flexible solution. The BD discs are coming down in price pretty quick which will also be a factor.
Personally, I read a lot about tech to stay informed, but usually I am in the late adopter group (AKA the "until it is cheap and I can talk the wife into it" group) so I am watching and waiting to see what happens in the TV arena as well. Right now without an HDTV it is really an academic discussion for me...
One aspect of BD that I think is relevant is the 5X increase in capacity. Be it HD or not, if I can get an entire season of Stargate on one disc, that is a bonus for me!
12/30/2008 3:32:37 PM
Well, Blue-ray may take off in Australia faster than you think if our "Great Firewall Down Under" actually get's put in place.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/12/technology/internet/12cyber.html
Sure as heck we would not be able to use on-demand services.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/12/technology/internet/12cyber.html
Sure as heck we would not be able to use on-demand services.
12/30/2008 5:41:30 PM
While Blue-ray looks like all that, my wallet is not. I will buy a blue-ray player when they come down to the DVD prices, I have a HDTV, AND when I can only buy movies on Blue-ray. As long as DVD is available, I will stick with what I have.
My DVD player has Component, which is good enough for me, to send a signal to HDTV.
12/30/2008 11:48:09 PM
I probably should have clarified that I'm not sitting out the Blu-ray Disc technology. I, like Ken, also have a Blue-ray Disc player. I have no quarrel with the technology. I'm a big fan of HD. I just expect that HD downloads will soon replace the disc.
However, just as many people are satisfied with lesser quality MP3 files for downloads vs. higher quality CDs, perhaps DVD quality downloads will remain the norm for quite some time due to their much lower bandwidth requirements.
However, just as many people are satisfied with lesser quality MP3 files for downloads vs. higher quality CDs, perhaps DVD quality downloads will remain the norm for quite some time due to their much lower bandwidth requirements.
12/31/2008 7:16:52 AM
I looked at Blu-ray but couldn't see a difference on my 720p 32 inch LCD.
George, a lot of classical and jazz music fans never left the vinyl LP. CDs just don't sound the same to them.
George, a lot of classical and jazz music fans never left the vinyl LP. CDs just don't sound the same to them.
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