Blockbuster: Blu-Ray All The Way

[Sabre]

Full Article

On Monday, Blockbuster announced that its next batch of high definition DVDs will be exclusively offered in the Blu-ray format.

I'm sorry to say it, but I could have "told ya so"... In my mind, there was no doubt that Blu-ray would win given all that has happened in the last few months.

[Mr Kleen]

F#&% pants, we're SONY!

[WRXWagon2112]

I'm sorry to say it, but I could have "told ya so"... In my mind, there was no doubt that Blu-ray would win given all that has happened in the last few months.

With all that has happened? Such as battery recalls, the Wii out-selling the PS3 5-to-1, cheaper HD DVD players, poor video performance of initial Blu-Ray players, poor transfers of initial Blu-Ray titles ... And the persistent rumor that Wal-Mart is pairing with an OEM to build and sell super-cheap HD DVD players.

Sorry, but I don't think this fight is over just yet. It looks like Blu-Ray is gaining ground, though, and this announcement certainly gives a lot more weight to their format.

--Alan

[Sabre]

With all that has happened? Such as battery recalls, the Wii out-selling the PS3 5-to-1, cheaper HD DVD players, poor video performance of initial Blu-Ray players, poor transfers of initial Blu-Ray titles ... And the persistent rumor that Wal-Mart is pairing with an OEM to build and sell super-cheap HD DVD players.

The problem originally with the Blu-ray content looking worse than the HD-DVD stuff was related to the compression that they were using. Now that they are both using the same compression, they look the same.... go figure. Now that the blu-ray lasers are in full production (they had to ramp up and were a little late on the ball), I think you're going to see more and more of them for cheaper prices.

Just remember BetaMax!

[Cereb Daithi]

screw discs. i like my digital media just fine thank you.

[WRXWagon2112]

[Just remember BetaMax!

But BetaMax was Sony's idea. And it was more expensive than VHS plus it came to market later. Just like HD DVD is a cheaper technology and it came to market first.

Apart from the broad support in both the consumer electronics and entertainment industries, I'm not seeing much that gives Blu-Ray an edge. Although, with it's higher capacities, I can see Blu-Ray being more desirable for computer applications.

--Alan

[Mr Kleen]

Betamax was the "better" format but Sony wanted royalties so VHS was cheaper for the consumer. Betamax was stereo from the start, so naturally my audiophile dad went with Beta...

[WRXWagon2112]

I think this guy has the right idea when it comes to either format - there's no compelling case to buy discs anymore.

--Alan

[sirwilliam]

Either it will be Blue Ray all the way or they will just end up sticking w/ the players that do both formats (which are already out, BTW). Blue-ray isn't going anywhere. Just a much better technology.

Also, anyone heard what Hollywood Video is going w/? That would make a huge difference and help further determine the outcome.

I think this guy has the right idea when it comes to either format - there's no compelling case to buy discs anymore.

--Alan

Once this format war is over, the industry will come to a sad realization: Most people will never buy high-definition movies on disc.

^^^I'm sorry but this statement from that article is the biggest BS I have ever heard so far. That is like saying the majority of the population don't care about picture quality and sound quality and won't upgrade to DVD from VHS (back when the DVD format just came out).

And of course, this will all make more sense come late 2009. HD players will get cheap as well as the movie discs themselves. No way can people afford the $50k+ movie servers and no way are people gonna spend a year to download one movie off the internet. Copying disc to disc (although hard) will seem to be the only loop hole I can see but there is no input on HD burners yet, so I can't give any input on that.

[WRXWagon2112]

That is like saying the majority of the population don't care about picture quality and sound quality and won't upgrade to DVD from VHS (back when the DVD format just came out).

Don't forget, there were other benefits to DVD over VHS - no rewinding, jumping straight to a scene, smaller/easier to store, video quality doesn't "wear out" with multiple plays, similar price to VHS, etc.

If you look at the "advantages" of hi-def DVDs over standard DVDs ... there's not as big a jump in convenience/features. Pretty much the only thing going for HD DVD and Blu-Ray is better picture and sound. It begs the question: for the average person (who, btw, doesn't have an HDTV right now), is the picture/sound quality from the current generation DVD format good enough? I'd say yes. Especially if they get an up-scaling DVD player. There's very little reason for the average consumer to go with either HD DVD or Blu-Ray over regular DVDs.

No way can people afford the $50k+ movie servers...

While dedicated, video-phile quality movie servers are quite expensive, simple network-attached storage (NAS) devices are pretty cheap. If a consumer gets a 500GB NAS for their home, they could easily store/stream/watch HD movies on their home theater PCs/Macs without shelling out $50K+. Keep in mind, there will always be a difference between video-philes and the average consumer. Back in the day, the marketplace determined that the higher quality of laser discs weren't worth the added cost, but enthusiasts kept the format alive until DVDs came along. For a format to succeed with people other than video-philes, there have to be compelling reasons other than picture/sound quality.

--Alan

[Mr Kleen]

Blue-ray isn't going anywhere. Just a much better technology.

Betamax was a much better technology in it's day.

BluRay isn't a much better technology if you're a disk manufacturer. HD disks can be produced with only a small upgrades, BluRay requires major investments in new hardware to manufacture.

[WRXWagon2112]

Blue-ray isn't going anywhere. Just a much better technology.

I certainly agree that Blu-Ray has more potential, but it's by no means a better technology currently. Again, the higher capacities in Blu-Ray over HD DVD would be great for computer applications - backups, etc. But I don't see it making a difference for home theater use.

--Alan

[sirwilliam]

If you look at the "advantages" of hi-def DVDs over standard DVDs ... there's not as big a jump in convenience/features. Pretty much the only thing going for HD DVD and Blu-Ray is better picture and sound. It begs the question: for the average person (who, btw, doesn't have an HDTV right now), is the picture/sound quality from the current generation DVD format good enough? I'd say yes. Especially if they get an up-scaling DVD player. There's very little reason for the average consumer to go with either HD DVD or Blu-Ray over regular DVDs.

Better picture and sound is a big deal. As far as convenience/features, there are few new conveniences over standard-def DVDs but there are a TON of new interactive features. I can list all if you want but right now I am lazy from just eating. And by 2010, majority of everyone will have HDTVs and standard-def tv will be a thing of the past...just like my poor MD

While dedicated, video-phile quality movie servers are quite expensive, simple network-attached storage (NAS) devices are pretty cheap. If a consumer gets a 500GB NAS for their home, they could easily store/stream/watch HD movies on their home theater PCs/Macs without shelling out $50K+. Keep in mind, there will always be a difference between video-philes and the average consumer. Back in the day, the marketplace determined that the higher quality of laser discs weren't worth the added cost, but enthusiasts kept the format alive until DVDs came along. For a format to succeed with people other than video-philes, there have to be compelling reasons other than picture/sound quality.

Okay, so instead of people paying $50k, they are paying $10k-25k. I would rather stick w/ the audio/video quality. We can only wait and see on the outcome.

[sirwilliam]

Betamax was a much better technology in it's day.

BluRay isn't a much better technology if you're a disk manufacturer. HD disks can be produced with only a small upgrades, BluRay requires major investments in new hardware to manufacture.

I am saying it is better technology, not cheaper. The only reason that HD DVDs are cheaper is because it is piggybacking on an existing technology whereas Blue Ray is a brand new and utilizes a more costly coating that is basically resistant to scratches and finger prints...I hate those @#$% finger prints on discs and scratches that make the image pixelate and freeze @#$%!!!!

I certainly agree that Blu-Ray has more potential, but it's by no means a better technology currently. Again, the higher capacities in Blu-Ray over HD DVD would be great for computer applications - backups, etc. But I don't see it making a difference for home theater use.

--Alan

How is it not better? 30% higher capacity, higher bit rate, and still has room for improvement? For the re-writable discs, you can view while you record.