Originally posted by juankerr:

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Originally posted by ematrix:

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Originally posted by mspurloc:

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I'm waiting for the next big thing and so are all the people I know who weren't foolish enough to buy into Blu Ray.

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I just don't get this logic. If price is the issue, how sure are you that "the next big thing" will be inexpensive?

All new technology is expensive. There's years of research and development costs to recoup. I'm sure "the next best thing" will be out of reach to the general public cost-wise for at least several years after launch.

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Price is NOT the issue.
GOUGING is the issue.
When your prices are lower due to competition and you raise those prices the second you no longer have competition, you are gouging.
I have never had a problem buying expensive tech when it's good technology and I have a good feeling about the company and its partners.

I no longer have this feeling about Sony or about Blu Ray. I think Sony's been infected by American business philosophy and Blu Ray is already obsolete, or should be. I can only judge them by their actions, and by that measure they are no longer people I want to do business with, unless they come up with tech I can't do without, and even then only at a fair market price.

Originally posted by mspurloc:

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Price is NOT the issue.
GOUGING is the issue.

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Originally posted by bizlbarry:

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i am very disappointed with the quality of No Country for Old Men running on my PS3 to my 1080p TV.

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HD Video Quality - 5 out of 5 stars

The Video: Sizing Up the Picture


Don?t be deterred by its subdued palette -- ?No Country for Old Men? features one of the finest, filmic Blu-ray transfers I?ve encountered. Naturalistic colors and skintones are the lifeblood of this 1080p/AVC encode, injecting a level of authenticity into the production that truly elevates the film. The bright, desert exteriors didn?t reveal any blooming, and the bleak nighttime shots of the city weren?t hindered by crushing. In fact, shadow delineation is incredibly precise considering the fact that the transfer?s blacks are inky and its contrast is comfortably stark. Detail is a bit stealthy, but that has more to do with the basic costuming and set design than any technical deficiency. It?s a cinch to spot sharp facial details, clothing textures, and blowing dust. Jump to the scene in which sheriff Bell examines the site of the botched heroin deal -- notice the crisp brush in the distance, the rustled hair on the dead dog, and the tiny pebbles lying in the dirt at his feet. Simply stunning.

There are no hints of edge enhancement, artifacting, or compression issues to be found. Compared to the standard DVD, the Blu-ray edition is a completely different animal -- it?s cleaner, more vibrant, and far more stable. If I have any nitpick, it's that grain spikes a bit during some of the darker evening shots, but this can be attributed to the original print, rather than to the Blu-ray transfer. All in all, ?No Country for Old Men? looks exceptional, matching the Coens? intensity and Deakins' skilled cinematography at every turn.

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Originally posted by ematrix:

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I think what mspurloc means by waiting for the next big thing, is for a non optical disc video format, that could justify spending money in upgrading equipment and movies, rather than buying into Blu-ray. I for one agree with him.

juankerr, i'm not arguying that HD-DVD/DVD combos had issues, but at least was explored and note that it was on its early stages, as well as Blu-ray, and both cases presented playback problems which both sides were addressing at that time.

I don't want to extend this into a heated discussion, when this is clearly offtopic from the subject in the article, I'm not saying you're wrong, but I just meant that combo discs would have the potential to fortify Blu-ray, as people could get future-proof combos when buying the SD version, and getting the HD version as a bonus, even if they don't have the equipment to view them yet.

I can understand that anyone that already has the equipment to view Blu-ray movies, wouldn't see the relevance of getting the DVD version as well, and spending a few more dollars for the combo, than what they would pay for the Blu-ray only version, but as SProdigy mentioned most U.S. homes that have HDTV only have one set, but most likely will still have several CRT TVs and DVD players, and having a Blu-ray/DVD combo would came handy, and actually people would be saving money since it would cost more to buy a DVD version and a Blu-ray version separatelly.

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Finally eatsushi, I don't know how many times I have to say this before it's recognized, but your situation is much different than for those of us living in the rest of the world, good for you that you're able to go to your local Wal-Mart or online to Amazon to purchase movies and players at such prices, but the rest of us don't get such benefits, since we get to pay full price for these products, either on our local stores or by importing them with the implied added costs.

We should be objective and don't allow ourselves to measure Blu-ray success solely on what it's happening within U.S., we have to think what it's happening globally, and unless they stop gouging prices in other places, such as some countries in Europe, Asia, and all of Latin America, then Blu-ray wont have the strengh necessary to became a mainstream format.

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Originally posted by ematrix:

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I think what mspurloc means by waiting for the next big thing, is for a non optical disc video format, that could justify spending money in upgrading equipment and movies, rather than buying into Blu-ray. I for one agree with him.

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I don't want to extend this into a heated discussion, when this is clearly offtopic from the subject in the article, I'm not saying you're wrong, but I just meant that combo discs would have the potential to fortify Blu-ray, as people could get future-proof combos when buying the SD version, and getting the HD version as a bonus, even if they don't have the equipment to view them yet.

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... but as SProdigy mentioned most U.S. homes that have HDTV only have one set, but most likely will still have several CRT TVs and DVD players, and having a Blu-ray/DVD combo would came handy, and actually people would be saving money since it would cost more to buy a DVD version and a Blu-ray version separatelly.

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We should be objective and don't allow ourselves to measure Blu-ray success solely on what it's happening within U.S., we have to think what it's happening globally, and unless they stop gouging prices in other places, such as some countries in Europe, Asia, and all of Latin America, then Blu-ray wont have the strengh necessary to became a mainstream format.

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Originally posted by ematrix:

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I'm not very much into Digital Copies, mainly because I don't own an iPod and I dislike watching movies on a PC, but I recognize the positive aproach of including a Digital Copy with DVD releases, at least is a viable option, which comes handy for those who choose to use them.

Then I wonder if instead of providing the Digital Copy, they could have used that disc space to assemble the DVD release, so they could provide a richer video and audio for the movies, or more extra material. Yet I dislike their DRM use restrictions for these Digital Copies, such as placing an expiration date, which contradicts the sole purpose of offering it, so you can use it freely at your own choosing and convinience.

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Originally posted by juankerr:

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IIRC the problem with combo on BluRay is they couldn't make it work. I think it was the manufacturing or duplicating process that was the problem. Add to that the issues with the HD DVD combo and they just decided to abandon the project since it could introduce more problems.

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CE companies usually concentrate on markets where adoption and penetration is more critical: such as the US and Japan. Case in point, the introduction of the PS3 happened first in these two markets and were delayed in the EU and elsewhere. Naturally you'll see price points dropping first where the products were first lauched.

All I can say is be patient. The price drops should come to your neck of the woods.

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Originally posted by juankerr:

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My point still stands. If you're waiting for a non-optical disc format as the "next big thing," how sure are you that the prices at launch will be cheaper than what we have now. New technology is always more expensive at launch. Prices then come down as the technology and the market mature.

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Originally posted by juankerr:

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IIRC the problem with combo on BluRay is they couldn't make it work. I think it was the manufacturing or duplicating process that was the problem. Add to that the issues with the HD DVD combo and they just decided to abandon the project since it could introduce more problems.

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Originally posted by SProdigy:

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The HDTV requirement will slow the growth of Blu-Ray, and because of it, DVD will continue to survive. Keep in mind, most households only needed to ditch their VCR and replace it with a DVD player a few years back. DVD's offered advantages akin to CD's, where you could instantly fast forward or rewind, plus DVD's take up less shelf space, which is critical to retailers as well as consumers.

If Blu-Ray can match the cost of DVD, then it should become a no brainer for HDTV owners. This is one spot HD-DVD had an advantage with using combo discs, which could be used in HD-DVD or DVD players. As it stands, most households only have 1 HDTV, so they would be purchasing a $25-30 BR disc to play in only one room of the house. I think this is the biggest disadvantage, and will be the reason why I will shy away from BR until prices drop to DVD-like levels.

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Originally posted by ematrix:

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... but as SProdigy mentioned most U.S. homes that have HDTV only have one set, but most likely will still have several CRT TVs and DVD players, and having a Blu-ray/DVD combo would came handy, and actually people would be saving money since it would cost more to buy a DVD version and a Blu-ray version separatelly.

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Originally posted by juankerr:

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CE companies usually concentrate on markets where adoption and penetration is more critical: such as the US and Japan. Case in point, the introduction of the PS3 happened first in these two markets and were delayed in the EU and elsewhere. Naturally you'll see price points dropping first where the products were first lauched.

All I can say is be patient. The price drops should come to your neck of the woods.

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Originally posted by juankerr:

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The digital copy that came with the Bluray release of Hitman is on a second disc. It doesn't encroach on the disc space for the movie so has no effect on the video and audio quality. I think the other BluRay titles with digital copies will be the same.

Also, the digital copy of Hitman on my iPod doesn't have an expiration date. However, I think you're limited to only one mobile device - not 100% sure on this.

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Originally posted by ematrix:

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in order for Blu-ray to achieve mainstream status, global mass consumption is critical, which has been negleted by gouging prices on their products for the rest of the world. That's why we shouldn't meassure Blu-ray success solely on what is happening within U.S., when clearly the rest of the world is years behind from accepting Blu-ray, thanks to overpriced BD movies and players.

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Originally posted by eatsushi:

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You may need to have your HDTV calibrated.

BTW, the "letterbox bars" are normal - the film was shot in 2.35:1 aspect ratio.

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Originally posted by error5:

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I don't understand the view that BluRay needs to take off and achieve mainstream status soon - or it's going to die. Did someone just give it a deadline? The evidence is there for all to see that BluRay adoption is rising at least here in the US and Japan.

It's immaterial how fast or how slow the adoption process is going. BD can take its sweet time for all I care as long as they continue releasing the movies, as long as they continue to improve the players, and as long as prices continue to drop.

Consider this: there have been 11 million Blu-ray discs sold to date, and preliminary data shows more discs sold between January and May 2008 than in all of 2007.

http://www.hollywoodinhidef.com/blog_detail.php?id=201

The fact that the increased sales are happening in a semi-recession is impressive enough. Add the fact that Paramount and Universal were still MIA during that time.

ematrix: I agree with juankerr. Just be patient. The price drops will eventually come your way. That's just how the markets work. Good things come to those who wait.

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Originally posted by ematrix:

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Today Blu-ray is facing a different situation than when DVD was introduced back in 1997, as it revolutioned the home video entertaiment and had no other viable competidor, that it could take its time to reach consumers globally. Even then DVD's consumption and acceptance was more promising, as 128 million DVD discs were sold in U.S. and Canada from 1997-1999, that's ten times the amount of Blu-ray discs sold to date.

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One of Blu-ray's problems is that surges when the time for optical discs is passing, for instance now consumers are preffering MP3 rather than audio CDs, or find appealing USB and Flash cards as storage media for audio and video, even larger HDDs and hardware advances, has allowed many to enjoy movies and TV signals in HD from HTPCs, set-top boxes and digital receivers.

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DVD as storage media and video format is still strong, thanks to inexpensive hardware and a well established mass consumption global market. The reality is that a large percentage of consumers (even larger globally) is content with DVD's quality, that even current lower prices for BD products within U.S. (compared to rest of the world) hasn't help convincing many, even when they have HDTV sets required for viewing BD movies, as the article states.

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With the emergence of other viable non-optical disc options, Blu-ray will have a harder time reaching consumers globally, and it sure doesn't help, when they have been neglecting consumers in the rest of the world, by gouging prices for their products. But you're right about one thing, good things come to those who wait, I just don't think Blu-ray is one of them.

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Originally posted by susieqbbb:

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Here is mainly why people in the united states are not purchasing blu-ray.


TO $%^$ EXPENSIVE.

Why spend 400.00 for a blu-ray player when you can get a up converter dvd player for 79.99 and why spend 40 dollers for a blu-ray movie when i can get the dvd version for $9.99 to $20.00.

SONY NEEDS TO LOOK AT THIS:


CHEAPER IS BETTER.

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Originally posted by juankerr:

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The fact remains that the revenue from DVD is declining and the studios need BluRay to make up for that.

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I like the fact that BluRay isn't trying push out too many titles at once. I see the effort they are putting into each release. They know they have a more discerning audience now so they make sure that audio and video quality are up to snuff and the extras are worth watching. High def media definitely is a more polished product now than DVD was 2 years into its life sapn.

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No argument there but consider that 2 years into DVD's lifespan people were still preferring VHS over it. There is the concept of current consumer preference but you really can't predict future consumer preference.

The fact remains that right now there is nothing better than BluRay (and HD DVD for that matter). It is the only high def format that can maximize your home theater investment. Those of us who have spent alot of time, effort and funds to put together our HT setups feel we deserve nothing less than the best. At this point in time BluRay is it.

You can wait for "the next great thing" but there are those of us who like to live in the present. Life's too short and we prefer to enjoy the fruits of our labors while we still can.

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The previous point still stands. How sure are you that the "next great thing" that comes after BluRay will not be another case of price gouging as you call it? Remember that these are the same movie studios and CE manufacturers that will be putting out these products. Unless they suddenly change their corporate designation to "non-profit organization," you can expect the same high pricing for new technology.

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Originally posted by Saber9:

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To me DVD is already obsolite. If it isn't on Blu ray it doesn't exist to me.

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Originally posted by ematrix:

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Combo discs would also benefit consumers greatly, since rather than buying SD and HD versions of the movie separatelly, you could get one sole edition knowing that you can play the movie on your DVD player and CRT TV, and by the time you finally buy a Blu-ray player and HDTV set, you already have the Blu-ray version.

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JVC developed the DVD/BD combo disc but IIRC manufacturing problems prevented it from gaining ground.

The problems with the DVD/HD DVD combo format were also a big issue:

Commentary: Combo Discs - What Went Wrong?

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Quite simply, Combo discs are killing HD DVD. It's time to move past them. Consumers don't need them and certainly don't want to pay extra for them, only to find the discs seizing up in their players when they try to watch their newly-purchased movies. I am hereby officially pleading to the studios to give up this foolish scheme and make all future HD DVDs, whether new releases or catalog titles, just HD DVDs, without the Combo burden. Everyone will truly be better off if you do.

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Originally posted by mspurloc:

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I'm waiting for the next big thing and so are all the people I know who weren't foolish enough to buy into Blu Ray.

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I just don't get this logic. If price is the issue, how sure are you that "the next big thing" will be inexpensive?

All new technology is expensive. There's years of research and development costs to recoup. I'm sure "the next best thing" will be out of reach to the general public cost-wise for at least several years after launch.

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Originally posted by nopcbs:

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Blu Ray players are over-priced by $200+,

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