With the holiday season approaching, one of the big electronic buys will probably be Blu-Ray players. Probably.
Maybe.
I'm not sure.
Problem is with the current state of the economy, Blu-Ray may not be the wisest of choices. For the sake of logic and pragmatics, let's look at the pros and cons, shall we?
PRO: Blu-Ray delivers up to 7.1 Surround Sound.
CON: How much more sound is needed? I'll grant you that 5.1 sound was a vast improvement over 4.1, 4.0, and 2.0, but really... How many more speakers do you need?
PRO: Blu-Ray delivers High-Def picture quality, and can even improve the picture quality on existing DVDs.
CON: That's probably true, but first you need a TV set that is HD/Plasma/LCD. And that TV has to have more than a 40 inch screen in order for you to TELL the difference. And you're looking at a TV that costs at least $1,000 (if not more).
PRO: Blu-Ray discs can be played on a Playstation PS3.
CON: I'm not sure if ALL Blu-Ray discs are compatible. Maybe they are. I remember not all DVDs being compatible with PS2s; just a word of caution. Out of curiosity, didn't you buy the PS3 to play video games?
PRO: New titles are added every day.
CON: Yeah, but I have 170 DVDs in my apartment, and that's 1/5 of my overall collection. How long will it be before "Star Wars," "Back to the Future," or "Once Upon a Time in the West," is released on Blu-Ray? I have way too much money in my collection to switch over now. Will my DVDs then become like the 99-cent bin when VHS was getting kicked to the curb?
PRO: You'll be able to purchase a DVD player for as little as $179.
CON: Yeah. And the TV for $1,000 and the Surround Sound for...
PRO: Blu-Rays are affordable.
CON: So is a 1974 Manta Mirage, if you've got the money. DVDs are cheaper and have a larger back catalog, somewhere to the tune of $3-$10.
PRO: Blu-Ray discs are more interactive, showing exclusive background information and content while the movie is playing.
CON: Whatever happened to watching the movie? Do we need more stuff for Generation ADD to not pay attention to? If I want to know more, I buy the Ultra Hermetically-Sealed- with-Special- Collectible- Inside Limited Collector's 3-Disc Version at participating retail stores.
PRO: If one is inclined, for the money Blu-Ray delivers the best movie-watching experience that money can buy.
CON: I'm lazy, single, and have no money.
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Comments: 38
I second that. I don't see the point of upgrading right now. Maybe in a few years. Or maybe something else will come along. I really dislike though how Sony strong-armed the industry into adopting Blue Ray over Toshiba's HD-DVD format. BTW, I used my PS2 to play DVDs for years and never really had a problem. It seemed easier than buying the PS2 AND a DVD player. Though now I have a DVD/VCR because I don't watch enough TV to get TiVO.
For the record, all Blu Ray discs work on the PS3. Some older BR players (that lack FW update capability) may not be able to take advantage of some/all of the newer BR profiles, however, the PS3 has no such deficiencies.
Secondly, the OPTION of having 7.1 sound, in a lossless format (Linear PCM), sure beats the hell out of not having the option.
Thirdly - The TV upgrade is worth it, if you can afford it. The sound system also. For a mere $3000, you can be enjoying it all, honestly. That's about how much the TV+Sound System setup I have cost (47" LG @ 1080p). And yes, there is a vastly noticeable difference for anyone who's actually looking.
Fourthly - The Pro is that new titles are released every day. Whether or not they're releaseing the titles YOU want, is irrelevant. BR is for the world, not solely for one individual.
Fifthly - Affordability - If $30 is too much for you to spend on a movie that you now own, I suggest looking for a new line of work.
Sixthly - Additional Content - Oh so you bemoan the addition of extra content as catering to the current generation...and then go on to say you'll pay MORE for the DVD Collectors edition? Seriously man...pick a point and stick with it.
Seventhly - We get to the meat and potatoes of the whole issue here. You can't afford it, so why comment on something you A) Can't afford, B) Have zero to no actual knowledge about, and C) Have almost a stoners motivation to doing anything about your ills.
I realize that this response may seem an attack on you Chas, but the problem is, you really don't know what you're talking about. And the amount of articles declaring Blu Ray useless, from people who don't have a BR Player, an HDTV to watch it on, and a Sound System to hear it on, is astounding. Hey, if I want an uneducated opinion on something expensive, I'll ask George W Bush if Iraq has weapons of Mass Destruction.
Morne
As it currently stands, the world will not even be remotely ready to adopt true 1080p downloading/streaming, for at LEAST 5 years.
Morne
Morne
A) Doesn't have a Blu Ray player to speak of
B) A TV to play such definition on
C) A sound system to enjoy DTS-HD Master Audio on
D) Investigatory skills to find information regarding his points.
It's this kind of arm-chair commentary, that skews peoples perceptions. Had it just been an article about, why he enjoys Upscaled DVD's still, so be it. But, the article is 'My Thoughts On Blu Ray', unfortunately, his thoughts are incomplete, and lacking any substance to back up what he's implying.
Bottom line here Roland, those who own/and have experienced HD Audio/Video, know the PRO's and CON's, of the format. Those who do not, cannot expect to write an article, such as this, without attracting the attention of folks who actually do know about the format, and are more than willing to educate.
Morne
I supply equipment to the people who produce Blu Ray discs so I definitely have skin in this game.
Unfortunately, I see a very soft start to Blu Ray. Not due to lack of merit but that DVD delivers an acceptable experience when someone does not have a frame of reference. I myself will not upgrade until my current equipment fails (my family won't know they've missed anything until I do upgrade!)
Then, take into consideration the block buster movies of late, that've launched on Blu-Ray. According to the most recent figures, BR purchases accounted for more than 10% of both The Hulk, and Iron Man revenue. Additionally, The Dark Knight, is projected to sell-out the initial stock of 1 Million Discs, as of launch on 12/09/08. This is hardly a format that's on it's way out. Obviously, as it becomes more and more mainstream, prices will fall. Just as the prices of HDTV's have fallen, as popularity has driven more companies to introduce more hardware to consumer, driving innovation in mass production, as well as reducing the costs across the board.
Yes, right now, BR is fairly expensive, if you have no TV or Sound System to support it. However, that still doesn't mean it's not without it's merits. And a great many merits at that. For me, it's simple, Best Buy and Gamestop are between my house, and my office. Very simple indeed. We have the sound system and the TV to back it up. So why not? Now, if you compare what you see on a BR player, to...say...Comcasts HD service. Even THEN, you notice significant differences in quality (Comcast only displays at 1080i resolution). People who don't have access to BR hardware/HDTV's, cannot provide anyone with the same kind of comparisons.
Morne
ANSWER: Apparently, you’re not a big fan of whimsy. And you’re exceedingly ANAL.
For the record, all Blu Ray discs work on the PS3. Some older BR players (that lack FW update capability) may not be able to take advantage of some/all of the newer BR profiles, however, the PS3 has no such deficiencies.
ANSWER: Got me on a technicality. For now.
Secondly, the OPTION of having 7.1 sound, in a lossless format (Linear PCM), sure beats the hell out of not having the option.
ANSWER: I believe the point I was trying to make was against man’s nature of excess. Really. What’s the next Surround Sound setup, and how many speakers do we need?
Thirdly - The TV upgrade is worth it, if you can afford it. The sound system also. For a mere $3000, you can be enjoying it all, honestly. That's about how much the TV+Sound System setup I have cost (47" LG @ 1080p). And yes, there is a vastly noticeable difference for anyone who's actually looking.
ANSWER: If you’re best example is a $3000 47” TV, I’m guessing you’re pretty far removed from the income of the common man. I don’t know who you are or what you do for a living (and frankly from this conversation alone, I don’t wanna know) BUT you’re just not “getting” this. Maybe you should just return to the Action Item list on your PDA.
Fourthly - The Pro is that new titles are released every day. Whether or not they're releaseing the titles YOU want, is irrelevant. BR is for the world, not solely for one individual.
ANSWER: First off, since you’re being anal, the word is spelled ‘releasing.’ Second, I’m not stopping the world from buying Blue-ray. I’m just giving a reason as to why I’m not “hip” to it currently, and one of those reasons is that is doesn’t have the back catalog for me to change my stuff over. At the point it does, I’ll decide at that time.
Fifthly - Affordability - If $30 is too much for you to spend on a movie that you now own, I suggest looking for a new line of work.
ANSWER: Yeah, I was exaggerating, but the truth of the matter is that on average, Blu-ray discs cost $3-$10 more than their DVD counterparts. That was the truth. I’ve been buying DVDs for the past 10 years, and I remember when they first started. I’m not going through all that again. I’ve learned my lesson and have decided for the prices on the players to come down, as well as the discs. I remember when DVDs sold for nothing short of $20 a piece. Now I can go to WalMart and pick up a movie for $5. It’s all relative over time.
Sixthly - Additional Content - Oh so you bemoan the addition of extra content as catering to the current generation...and then go on to say you'll pay MORE for the DVD Collectors edition? Seriously man...pick a point and stick with it.
ANSWER: I don’t recall saying I would pay MORE for the uber-DVD (which would still cost less than the Blu-ray). The point I was ineffectual at stating was that I think with “added-in, interactive content” the already “can’t pay attent-LOOK! Shiny, flashy thing!” will go into ADD hyper-drive. How this will all play out is anyone’s guess. I just believe that distraction destroys aesthetic. Maybe it’s just me…
Seventhly - We get to the meat and potatoes of the whole issue here. You can't afford it, so why comment on something you A) Can't afford, B) Have zero to no actual knowledge about, and C) Have almost a stoners motivation to doing anything about your ills.
ANSWER: I comment on this because this is MY posting, my thoughts. I don’t recall forcing you to read it. To continue, I commented on Blu-ray because a) A LOT of people can’t afford the player or the amount of upgrades it would take to watch them, b) I DO know what I’m talking about, instead of shooting back some reply like some IT/customer service schmuck who is at the forefront of technology and not understanding why the rest of the world can’t get up to his/her speed, and c) I watch movies all the time, I write reviews, hold down 2 jobs (one of which is basically within the “field”), and am working my way up. How about YOU?
I realize that this response may seem an attack on you Chas, but the problem is, you really don't know what you're talking about. And the amount of articles declaring Blu Ray useless, from people who don't have a BR Player, an HDTV to watch it on, and a Sound System to hear it on, is astounding. Hey, if I want an uneducated opinion on something expensive, I'll ask George W Bush if Iraq has weapons of Mass Destruction.
ANSWER: I don’t know if you took the time to re-read what you wrote, but on my end your response was nothing LESS than an attack on me. I DID NOT say that Blu-ray was USELESS; I merely channeled cantankerous thoughts onto a public posting on Gather. That’s all. Like or hate my opinion; that’s your option. If you’re spoilin’ for a fight, fine; take me on and leave the others out of it. Don’t lash out on others what you yourself cannot understand.
And I would like to say something about the comment of Brian Murphy saying "For a mere $3000" you can enjoy the benefits of the Blu-Ray experience.
I'm sure that's true, but here's some other things you can do with a "mere $3000": heat your home in winter, pay your bills, feed your family, keep a roof over your head. If I had a spare $3000 dollars, I wouldn't be buying the Blu-Ray experience.
ANSWER: Apparently, you’re not a big fan of whimsy. And you’re exceedingly ANAL.
Better Answer - Whimsy has no place in an article that's attempting to provide a valid argument.
For the record, all Blu Ray discs work on the PS3. Some older BR players (that lack FW update capability) may not be able to take advantage of some/all of the newer BR profiles, however, the PS3 has no such deficiencies.
ANSWER: Got me on a technicality. For now.
Better Answer - Anyone who really cares about the information they present in ANY article, could find this out, by merely typing a few key words into Google. You didn't. Your half-assed attempt, was pretty apparent from the get-go.
Secondly, the OPTION of having 7.1 sound, in a lossless format (Linear PCM), sure beats the hell out of not having the option.
ANSWER: I believe the point I was trying to make was against man’s nature of excess. Really. What’s the next Surround Sound setup, and how many speakers do we need?
Better Answer - Since when did you become the foremost authority on what human(s) need? Are you a doctor? A State official? Have you any research material put together that indicates harm comes from having lossless audio? No? Really?
Thirdly - The TV upgrade is worth it, if you can afford it. The sound system also. For a mere $3000, you can be enjoying it all, honestly. That's about how much the TV+Sound System setup I have cost (47" LG @ 1080p). And yes, there is a vastly noticeable difference for anyone who's actually looking.
ANSWER: If you’re best example is a $3000 47” TV, I’m guessing you’re pretty far removed from the income of the common man. I don’t know who you are or what you do for a living (and frankly from this conversation alone, I don’t wanna know) BUT you’re just not “getting” this. Maybe you should just return to the Action Item list on your PDA.
Better Answer - Reading is fun. As stated in my paragraphy it's $3000 for both the sound system and the TV. Nice try though.
Fourthly - The Pro is that new titles are released every day. Whether or not they're releaseing the titles YOU want, is irrelevant. BR is for the world, not solely for one individual.
ANSWER: First off, since you’re being anal, the word is spelled ‘releasing.’ Second, I’m not stopping the world from buying Blue-ray. I’m just giving a reason as to why I’m not “hip” to it currently, and one of those reasons is that is doesn’t have the back catalog for me to change my stuff over. At the point it does, I’ll decide at that time.
Better Answer - I'm was on a lunch break, didn't have time to spell check, nor does your message board incorporate such 'new technology', guess that one went the way of Blu Ray too? By the way, it's Blu-Ray, not Blue-Ray. See, I can be Anal all over again. Want to play games? You're sorely out of your league.
Fifthly - Affordability - If $30 is too much for you to spend on a movie that you now own, I suggest looking for a new line of work.
ANSWER: Yeah, I was exaggerating, but the truth of the matter is that on average, Blu-ray discs cost $3-$10 more than their DVD counterparts. That was the truth. I’ve been buying DVDs for the past 10 years, and I remember when they first started. I’m not going through all that again. I’ve learned my lesson and have decided for the prices on the players to come down, as well as the discs. I remember when DVDs sold for nothing short of $20 a piece. Now I can go to WalMart and pick up a movie for $5. It’s all relative over time.
Better Answer - So, it's more that you refuse to adapt to new technology, rather than the extra $5-10 bucks?
Sixthly - Additional Content - Oh so you bemoan the addition of extra content as catering to the current generation...and then go on to say you'll pay MORE for the DVD Collectors edition? Seriously man...pick a point and stick with it.
ANSWER: I don’t recall saying I would pay MORE for the uber-DVD (which would still cost less than the Blu-ray). The point I was ineffectual at stating was that I think with “added-in, interactive content” the already “can’t pay attent-LOOK! Shiny, flashy thing!” will go into ADD hyper-drive. How this will all play out is anyone’s guess. I just believe that distraction destroys aesthetic. Maybe it’s just me…
Answer - Wrong, the Blu Ray boxset of Band of Brothers (which I got on Veterans Day) was cheaper, than the DVD Boxset of Band of Brothers that I bought. By more than $30. Additionally, that's your opinion. Most people who purchase physical formats now, especially Blu-Ray, want the added content. And why not, if you're paying a little extra, why not get a little extra. You seem to think the added cost of BR is because of the additional content contained therein. Sadly, again, you're wrong, it's the production costs of the discs.
Seventhly - We get to the meat and potatoes of the whole issue here. You can't afford it, so why comment on something you A) Can't afford, B) Have zero to no actual knowledge about, and C) Have almost a stoners motivation to doing anything about your ills.
ANSWER: I comment on this because this is MY posting, my thoughts. I don’t recall forcing you to read it. To continue, I commented on Blu-ray because a) A LOT of people can’t afford the player or the amount of upgrades it would take to watch them, b) I DO know what I’m talking about, instead of shooting back some reply like some IT/customer service schmuck who is at the forefront of technology and not understanding why the rest of the world can’t get up to his/her speed, and c) I watch movies all the time, I write reviews, hold down 2 jobs (one of which is basically within the “field”), and am working my way up. How about YOU?
Better Answer - Alot of people can't afford their own jet-liners. Are we to call them a failed form of conveyance also? I think there several million people who would disagree.
I realize that this response may seem an attack on you Chas, but the problem is, you really don't know what you're talking about. And the amount of articles declaring Blu Ray useless, from people who don't have a BR Player, an HDTV to watch it on, and a Sound System to hear it on, is astounding. Hey, if I want an uneducated opinion on something expensive, I'll ask George W Bush if Iraq has weapons of Mass Destruction.
ANSWER: I don’t know if you took the time to re-read what you wrote, but on my end your response was nothing LESS than an attack on me. I DID NOT say that Blu-ray was USELESS; I merely channeled cantankerous thoughts onto a public posting on Gather. That’s all. Like or hate my opinion; that’s your option. If you’re spoilin’ for a fight, fine; take me on and leave the others out of it. Don’t lash out on others what you yourself cannot understand.
Better Answer - Yeah you're right, it was definitely an attack, and a good one. My points are still quite valid. And backed up with actual real life experience, whereas, yours are simply general musings one would have when sitting on the toilet.
Morne
Hey Lune - I pay my bills, I live in Vermont, so I'm fully aware of heating costs, thank you. I never said people who don't adopt into Blu-Ray and the HD market are evil sinners who should burn in agony for all time. I just don't agree with the Michael Moore style commentary that's cropped up all over the internet of late. You know, avoid the facts, and just go with opinions that are either false, or presented in a deceptive manner.
Morne
For those of you who have the money and are technologically inclined, I invite you to go to your local electronics dealer and learn more about Blu-ray and what it can do for you. Should you need assistance in finding such place, or need more information, look for the guy with a stick up his ass (he goes by the name of 'Brian').
I'm capping off any other commentary that I have because, let's face it folks, some fights just aren't worth it. My point was the most people aren't on Blu-ray yet because of the cost of equipment/upgrades and the lack of catalog (mainly because Blu-ray is just starting). Apparently my subtle attempt at humor was not met with enthusiasm by Mr. Murphy, who chose me to be Today's Object of Disgruntled Affection. Thanks, Murph.
But in retrospect Mr. Murphy is probably correct in his allegations. I used generalization as opposed to his concrete facts and figures. I made a guess that most of you have more of a life than spending thousands on TV-related equipment, but I could be wrong. I'm not a sociologist or any other person that studies mankind; I just observe and write. And while his belief that my post was half-assed, Mr. Murphy, you are all ass.
Are you delusional? I never said anything about heating costs. Nor anything else you addressed to me. In fact, I didn't address you at all prior to this, simply gave my opinion in response to the article.
We bought a PS3 specifically for a Blu-Ray player--the only PS3 game we own is Rock Band, which I got my husband for his birthday earlier in the year (fun game). We've never had a single issue with any Blu-Ray we've bought, and PS3 has the advantage of being updated online.
Instead of buying a $1,000+ TV, we got a good deal on a Dell projector--basically we created our own home movie theater where we could adjust the size of the image on a wall. That worked out really well.
During the transition time we traded our DVDs that we had no intention of ever watching again and traded them in to a used book and DVD store. They carried Blu-Rays as well--and since so few people had Blu-Ray players in the beginning we were getting them used/watched once for $15 each (about the same price as a new-release DVD)--many of which we got with trade credit.
Like anything, the prices will come down on everything eventually. That's just the way electronics and computer technology cycles.
Same here. Thus reluctance to sink any $$ into Blu-Ray at this point, when the "next gen" is probably going to be purely digital and render it obsolete all too soon.
Sony BDPS350 Blu-ray Disc Player
SON BDPS350
see accessories $279.99
After $20.00 savings
See savings
In 2009, I may get a larger television and Blu-ray might be considered. I think we all have to look at what is important for each of us now.
I'm not anticipating the purchase of a big screen plasma teevee soon, either.
I do think the video projector idea is great and I WOULD consider the possibility of obtaining one if I ever reach an approximation of fiscal solvency.
Don't kick the dog-faced boy. Embrace him and know that Ed is "special" indeed.
Or whatever the hell that means. I think I need to write a blog about people from Vermont, and how the continual cold just makes them generally cranky and cantankerous.
Thank, GOD they can afford things like Blu-Ray and 1080p to make them hip and self-righteously secure in their manhood. Unless it's just a case of "irritable male syndrome," in which case I'll just shut up.
Anyhow, we have the HDTV and the Surround sound and love it, HDTV digital cable too. We haven't got a Blu Ray player yet though, we are considering it. I can see where it wouldn't be for everyone though. If we got one we probably wouldn't replace our dvd's but would instead switch our netflix queue format.