Best & Worst Tech of 2008 (Blu-ray: the Worst)
12-23-08 | 05:52 PM
#176
DVD Talk Legend
That's great people can get Blu-Ray discs cheap online and during special promotions, but the average person doesn't go digging for deals online and they certainly don't visit forums to get info on the best deals. The average person walks into a Best Buy or Wal-Mart and makes a decision based on the price he/she see's at that time.
The latest Best Buy flyer (in Canada) has The Dark Knight on DVD for $21.99 and the Blu-Ray version for $31.99. This is what the average person notices.
The latest Best Buy flyer (in Canada) has The Dark Knight on DVD for $21.99 and the Blu-Ray version for $31.99. This is what the average person notices.
12-23-08 | 05:54 PM
#177
Well, when I walk into any store that sells DVDs I see high prices. What the hek is the difference. Does anybody actually cruise a Best Buy DVD section? I have. I STILL HAVE TO LOOK FOR DEALS ON DVDs.
I don't see any weight in this argument at all. If you're a dumbass shopper, then Blu-ray wasn't the first product you were going to bitch about.
If you're a wise shopper, Blu-ray is your friend. And I know we have a lot of wise shoppers, much more than idiots, so I'm perfectly confident HD and Blu-ray will do just fine. In fact, they're doing even better than expected given the economy (which I eluded to a while back as to what could happen with consumers).
And the average person should know by now from buying DVDs in the past that if they wait a few weeks, they can get the Blu version for $10 cheaper.
I don't see any weight in this argument at all. If you're a dumbass shopper, then Blu-ray wasn't the first product you were going to bitch about.
If you're a wise shopper, Blu-ray is your friend. And I know we have a lot of wise shoppers, much more than idiots, so I'm perfectly confident HD and Blu-ray will do just fine. In fact, they're doing even better than expected given the economy (which I eluded to a while back as to what could happen with consumers).
That's great people can get Blu-Ray discs cheap online and during special promotions, but the average person doesn't go digging for deals online and they certainly don't visit forums to get info on the best deals. The average person walks into a Best Buy or Wal-Mart and makes a decision based on the price he/she see's at that time.
The latest Best Buy flyer (in Canada) has The Dark Knight on DVD for $21.99 and the Blu-Ray version for $31.99. This is what the average person notices.
The latest Best Buy flyer (in Canada) has The Dark Knight on DVD for $21.99 and the Blu-Ray version for $31.99. This is what the average person notices.
12-23-08 | 05:56 PM
#178
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Ask the smart one who wrote the article. I'm sure he'll use it as a negative blow against Blu-ray.
Yeah, I guess you'll have to wait a few weeks for a sale.
I paid $15 for Iron Man on Blu.
Paid $6.69 for a Bond flick on Blu. Oh wait. I actually bought 6 of them for that price each.
Paid $31.99 for Supernatural S3 on Blu.
Paid $41.99 for The Godfather Trilogy on Blu.
Paid $22.49 for When We Left Earth on Blu.
Paid $17.95 for Mad Men Season 1 on Blu.
Paid $14.99 for Kung-Fu Panda on Blu.
Paid $18.95 for Lonesome Dove on Blu.
Paid $8.99 for The Bank Job on Blu.
Paid $8.99 for Crank on Blu.
Paid $17.95 for the Rambo Trilogy on Blu.
Paid $29.98 for a Romancing The Stone / Jewel Of The Nile Blu-ray combo deal. That's $15 each.
He has one example, and you and a small minority of others are screaming, "AHHHHHHDGHDFHDF! There you go! I told you HD was expensive! It's gonna die if these prices remain so high!"
Oh, and by the way, I'm not even paying $15 to buy Step Brothers on Blu.
This guy has no peripheral vision whatsoever. He needs to actually USE THE DAMN PRODUCT before he has a right to bitch. Just like voting. Participate in the process, not just from the sidelines.
Doubting-Blu folk can try and use the B&M excuse for Blu-ray high prices, but the fact is, it is simply retarded to expect a B&M to give the consumer deals at any moment you decide to drop in. And it is accurately stupid and ignorant to expect Blu-ray consumers to NOT be using online retailers to compensate for these higher prices in B&M stores. But of course, people who don't think Blu is going to work conveniently toss aside the online factor.
Yeah, I guess you'll have to wait a few weeks for a sale.
I paid $15 for Iron Man on Blu.
Paid $6.69 for a Bond flick on Blu. Oh wait. I actually bought 6 of them for that price each.
Paid $31.99 for Supernatural S3 on Blu.
Paid $41.99 for The Godfather Trilogy on Blu.
Paid $22.49 for When We Left Earth on Blu.
Paid $17.95 for Mad Men Season 1 on Blu.
Paid $14.99 for Kung-Fu Panda on Blu.
Paid $18.95 for Lonesome Dove on Blu.
Paid $8.99 for The Bank Job on Blu.
Paid $8.99 for Crank on Blu.
Paid $17.95 for the Rambo Trilogy on Blu.
Paid $29.98 for a Romancing The Stone / Jewel Of The Nile Blu-ray combo deal. That's $15 each.
He has one example, and you and a small minority of others are screaming, "AHHHHHHDGHDFHDF! There you go! I told you HD was expensive! It's gonna die if these prices remain so high!"
Oh, and by the way, I'm not even paying $15 to buy Step Brothers on Blu.
This guy has no peripheral vision whatsoever. He needs to actually USE THE DAMN PRODUCT before he has a right to bitch. Just like voting. Participate in the process, not just from the sidelines.
Doubting-Blu folk can try and use the B&M excuse for Blu-ray high prices, but the fact is, it is simply retarded to expect a B&M to give the consumer deals at any moment you decide to drop in. And it is accurately stupid and ignorant to expect Blu-ray consumers to NOT be using online retailers to compensate for these higher prices in B&M stores. But of course, people who don't think Blu is going to work conveniently toss aside the online factor.
12-23-08 | 06:00 PM
#179
DVD Talk Godfather
Well, when I walk into any store that sells DVDs I see high prices. What the hek is the difference. Does anybody actually cruise a Best Buy DVD section? I have. I STILL HAVE TO LOOK FOR DEALS ON DVDs.
I don't see any weight in this argument at all. If you're a dumbass shopper, then Blu-ray wasn't the first product you were going to bitch about.
I don't see any weight in this argument at all. If you're a dumbass shopper, then Blu-ray wasn't the first product you were going to bitch about.
We had this discussion before with your belief that most people shop online, but quite frankly most average consumers aren't that smart of shoppers and don't wait for major bargains.
And Blu-ray is a natural thing to bitch about because it will always be compared to DVD, which is typically going to be $10 cheaper for the folks walking the retail aisles.
12-23-08 | 06:07 PM
#180
Which goes back to one of my posts. There are probably two different target markets for Blu-ray, just like other products. One market is the "I don't wait for bargains" sector, and the other is "I do wait for bargains" sector.
We have B&Ms and we have online representatives of those B&Ms which offer special deals not available in stores, and the actual online retailer themselves which don't have an official B&M location.
Sure, we'll have bitching and complaining from the people who don't shop smart, but this is nothing new to the retail sector. And higher quality products have still been produced.
At this time, of course Blu won't be in the same league as DVD. However, over time, it will gradually become a respective force and consumers will be more familiar with it.
We have B&Ms and we have online representatives of those B&Ms which offer special deals not available in stores, and the actual online retailer themselves which don't have an official B&M location.
Sure, we'll have bitching and complaining from the people who don't shop smart, but this is nothing new to the retail sector. And higher quality products have still been produced.
At this time, of course Blu won't be in the same league as DVD. However, over time, it will gradually become a respective force and consumers will be more familiar with it.
12-23-08 | 08:00 PM
#181
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Wait, are people arguing that Blu-ray aren't more expensive than SD DVDs? Tell me that's not the actual point people are trying to make?
The real argument is whether a $25-28 price is or is not a barrier to mass adoption.
-beebs
The real argument is whether a $25-28 price is or is not a barrier to mass adoption.
-beebs
12-23-08 | 09:07 PM
#182
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I enjoyed Step Brothers. Eh, sometimes I like to watch dumb comedies.
If I didn't have a PS3, I would probably pay $22.99 for the two disc DVD version, but instead I'll pay $24.99 for the Blu-Ray. Of course I know I'm in the minority, but I like extras so I always got the 2 disc version of the DVD, and luckily Blu-Ray has all of the extras for a few dollars more.
If I didn't have a PS3, I would probably pay $22.99 for the two disc DVD version, but instead I'll pay $24.99 for the Blu-Ray. Of course I know I'm in the minority, but I like extras so I always got the 2 disc version of the DVD, and luckily Blu-Ray has all of the extras for a few dollars more.
12-23-08 | 09:54 PM
#183
2) Any initial product availability which is a new technology is going to cost more. Remember LCD monitors when they first became available? Remember memory cards when they first became available? Remember how much DVD writers were when they firt became available? So, this does not mean a certain product will not be accepted and used on a wider mass adoption.
Price is not the only factor, is what I'm arguing.
12-23-08 | 11:29 PM
#184
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
As time goes on, it'll change, but right now this is where we're at.
12-24-08 | 12:30 AM
#185
DVD Talk Gold Edition
You know this BR can be had at bargain price argument is bunk. It needs to be Apples to Apples, not Anonymous Retail to Internet Bargain Hunter.
It's either...
Retail Shopper for SD DVD vs. Retail Shopper for BR
-or-
Bargain Shopper for SD DVD vs. Bargain Shopper for BR
In both of those cases, BR will be 50% to 300% more. Blu-ray needs to stand on it's own merits. It needs to be compelling. I don't see that yet from this format. Pricing comparable to DVD would certainly make it compelling, but it wouldn't make it any better for the studios.
Perception is reality. All those $24.99 - $34.99 price and shelf tags on Blu-ray in all those retail stores are busy making reality. All those special sales and Columbia House B1G1 are not shaping the pricing perception of the format.
-beebs
It's either...
Retail Shopper for SD DVD vs. Retail Shopper for BR
-or-
Bargain Shopper for SD DVD vs. Bargain Shopper for BR
In both of those cases, BR will be 50% to 300% more. Blu-ray needs to stand on it's own merits. It needs to be compelling. I don't see that yet from this format. Pricing comparable to DVD would certainly make it compelling, but it wouldn't make it any better for the studios.
Perception is reality. All those $24.99 - $34.99 price and shelf tags on Blu-ray in all those retail stores are busy making reality. All those special sales and Columbia House B1G1 are not shaping the pricing perception of the format.
-beebs
Last edited by beebs; 12-24-08 at 12:32 AM.
12-24-08 | 12:33 AM
#186
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From: Blu-ray.com
Blu-ray - I'm happy to see that Blu-ray players have come down in price... but the media has not, and there's no way I'm paying $25 to watch Step Brothers. Plus the technology is still, bafflingly, dog-slow.
1. Software prices have come down, unlike what the author claims.
2. The technology isn't baffingly (not a word by the way) slow (my opinion).
This being said, disinterest isn't an obstacle for Blu-ray either. Zogby's research certainly shows a different trend:
http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1653
Released: December 19, 2008
NEW ZOGBY RESEARCH: BLU-RAY PLAYERS TOP LIST OF GIFTS FUELING HOLIDAY EXCITEMENT
HDTV Consumer Data and Strong Retail Sales Show Momentum for Blu-ray; Hi-Def Player Tops GPS System, Nintendo Wii, and MP3 Player in Recent Survey
Utica, NY (Dec. 19, 2008) – Zogby International today released new survey data showing that among more than a dozen home electronic gift options, High Definition Television (HDTV) owners found a Blu-ray player to be one of the most exciting gifts of the season, second only to another HDTV. Also, according to new statistics from Red Hill, for the week ending December 6, 2008, Blu-ray software sales topped 1.7 million units, nearly 300,000 more units than Black Friday week, accounting for nearly $50 million in consumer spending.
"The survey data and the new retail sales data both show that heading into the heart of the holiday season, Blu-ray’s momentum is undeniably real, "said Blake Thomas of the Tru Blu Group. “With the tough economy, families are focusing more and more on home entertainment options and are increasingly investing in the Blu-ray format.”
The Zogby research was conducted online from December 2-4, 2008 and sampled 1,726 Hi-Def TV Owners. (HDTV) The research found that when asked how excited they would be to receive one of the top home electronics items on the market, respondents were most excited about the prospect of receiving a Blu-ray player as a gift this holiday season, second only to an additional HDTV. Over 30% of respondents stated that they were extremely/very interested in getting a Blu-ray disc player compared to other notable products like a digital camera (28%), a GPS system (27%), the Nintendo Wii (26%), and an MP3 player (22%). Moreover, 18% of respondents indicated they would be most excited to receive a Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3), which also plays Blu-ray discs.
The interest and excitement level around Blu-ray comes at a time when consumers are cutting back on entertainment spending outside of the home. In fact, the Zogby research found that 87% of the respondents stated they would be cutting back on out-of-home spending in the upcoming year. Additionally, the respondents indicated that as Blu-ray player prices have fallen as low as $150, they have become a good value for the money.
Two-thirds of Blu-ray households (individuals who currently have a Blu-ray player or Sony PlayStation 3), indicated a desire to purchase a Blu-ray movie for themselves. Also, over 55% of all respondents indicated some interest in purchasing a Blu-ray movie for their family members or friends who own a Blu-ray player or a PS3. Additionally, the research showed that The Dark Knight was the most anticipated Blu-ray release this holiday season, followed by Mamma Mia!, Wall-E, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, and Hancock.
According to Warner Brothers, since its release on December 9, The Dark Knight has sold over 1.7 million Blu-ray units – 600,000 alone on the first day – shattering all previous records for hi-def disc sales. The Dark Knight is the best selling Blu-ray title in history and will become the best selling 2008 title overall this week.
About Zogby International:
Zogby International is respected nationally and internationally for its opinion research capabilities. Since 1984 Zogby International has empowered clients with powerful information and knowledge critical for making informed strategic decisions. The firm conducts multi-phased opinion research engagements for banking and financial services institutions, insurance companies, hospitals and medical centers, retailers and developers, religious institutions, cultural organizations, colleges and universities, and a variety of public and private groups. Zogby International’s dedication and commitment to excellence and accuracy are reflected in their state of the art opinion research capabilities and objective analysis and consultation.
Contact: Brian Jones
202-551-1453
NEW ZOGBY RESEARCH: BLU-RAY PLAYERS TOP LIST OF GIFTS FUELING HOLIDAY EXCITEMENT
HDTV Consumer Data and Strong Retail Sales Show Momentum for Blu-ray; Hi-Def Player Tops GPS System, Nintendo Wii, and MP3 Player in Recent Survey
Utica, NY (Dec. 19, 2008) – Zogby International today released new survey data showing that among more than a dozen home electronic gift options, High Definition Television (HDTV) owners found a Blu-ray player to be one of the most exciting gifts of the season, second only to another HDTV. Also, according to new statistics from Red Hill, for the week ending December 6, 2008, Blu-ray software sales topped 1.7 million units, nearly 300,000 more units than Black Friday week, accounting for nearly $50 million in consumer spending.
"The survey data and the new retail sales data both show that heading into the heart of the holiday season, Blu-ray’s momentum is undeniably real, "said Blake Thomas of the Tru Blu Group. “With the tough economy, families are focusing more and more on home entertainment options and are increasingly investing in the Blu-ray format.”
The Zogby research was conducted online from December 2-4, 2008 and sampled 1,726 Hi-Def TV Owners. (HDTV) The research found that when asked how excited they would be to receive one of the top home electronics items on the market, respondents were most excited about the prospect of receiving a Blu-ray player as a gift this holiday season, second only to an additional HDTV. Over 30% of respondents stated that they were extremely/very interested in getting a Blu-ray disc player compared to other notable products like a digital camera (28%), a GPS system (27%), the Nintendo Wii (26%), and an MP3 player (22%). Moreover, 18% of respondents indicated they would be most excited to receive a Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3), which also plays Blu-ray discs.
The interest and excitement level around Blu-ray comes at a time when consumers are cutting back on entertainment spending outside of the home. In fact, the Zogby research found that 87% of the respondents stated they would be cutting back on out-of-home spending in the upcoming year. Additionally, the respondents indicated that as Blu-ray player prices have fallen as low as $150, they have become a good value for the money.
Two-thirds of Blu-ray households (individuals who currently have a Blu-ray player or Sony PlayStation 3), indicated a desire to purchase a Blu-ray movie for themselves. Also, over 55% of all respondents indicated some interest in purchasing a Blu-ray movie for their family members or friends who own a Blu-ray player or a PS3. Additionally, the research showed that The Dark Knight was the most anticipated Blu-ray release this holiday season, followed by Mamma Mia!, Wall-E, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, and Hancock.
According to Warner Brothers, since its release on December 9, The Dark Knight has sold over 1.7 million Blu-ray units – 600,000 alone on the first day – shattering all previous records for hi-def disc sales. The Dark Knight is the best selling Blu-ray title in history and will become the best selling 2008 title overall this week.
About Zogby International:
Zogby International is respected nationally and internationally for its opinion research capabilities. Since 1984 Zogby International has empowered clients with powerful information and knowledge critical for making informed strategic decisions. The firm conducts multi-phased opinion research engagements for banking and financial services institutions, insurance companies, hospitals and medical centers, retailers and developers, religious institutions, cultural organizations, colleges and universities, and a variety of public and private groups. Zogby International’s dedication and commitment to excellence and accuracy are reflected in their state of the art opinion research capabilities and objective analysis and consultation.
Contact: Brian Jones
202-551-1453
I don't really disagree with the original article as well. Just because there are deals to be had once in awhile still doesn't change the fact that the typical price for discs in stores are $25-30 and that's what the typical consumer sees. $25 is a common price to see for movies. And load times are slow compared to DVD (not that I have a problem with it).
But people already built their libraries with DVD? Unless there is one generation only that cares about cinema then this entire argument is absolutely laughable.
Pro-B
Last edited by pro-bassoonist; 12-24-08 at 12:38 AM.
12-24-08 | 02:02 AM
#187
DVD Talk Godfather
...this is probably a fare point to make, but, I am certain you don't share the opinion that "typical consumers" are on board with Blu-ray, do you? I assume that you are concerned that if these prices remain as they are, and I doubt they will, then how will Blu-ray become mass? My answer to you is: following the same progression DVD mapped out on the road to mass - as the market expands prices will come down and awareness will improve. And as we are currently seeing, the market is expanding.
But people already built their libraries with DVD? Unless there is one generation only that cares about cinema then this entire argument is absolutely laughable.
But people already built their libraries with DVD? Unless there is one generation only that cares about cinema then this entire argument is absolutely laughable.
Could we also believe that most people are not such sophisticated film-buffs with massive DVD libraries?
Pro-B
Pro-B
12-24-08 | 02:05 AM
#188
DVD Talk Special Edition
12-24-08 | 02:23 AM
#189
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From: Blu-ray.com
Which just circles back to whether you believe Blu-ray will follow the same path as DVD, and I don't think it quite will do to numerous reasons that have been pointed out in the past, which certainly isn't isolated to pricing. Either way, don't see anything wrong with the original writer's assertions.
United market, united studios, gradual growth, phasing out standard definition. And, I do.
blogger:
There's a very loud and vocal minority that insists that Blu-ray will be a huge success. The market would seem to indicate otherwise.
There's a very loud and vocal minority that insists that Blu-ray will be a huge success. The market would seem to indicate otherwise.
The market does not indicate otherwise, and DVD's past shows us that such prices were very much the standard for it as well before it went on to become mass.
Pro-B
Last edited by pro-bassoonist; 12-24-08 at 02:29 AM.
12-24-08 | 03:22 AM
#190
Don't know if this is appropriate but I was at BB yesterday about 20 minutes from here and they had about 40 Band of Brother BD's last night...but when I went in there tonight to pick up my laptop, there were two left in the HBO stand which was much more picked over than the night before. IMO I think Blu-ray has been a decent holiday hit, I've seen quite a few people purchasing them in the last few weeks, which is a nice change of pace.
12-24-08 | 03:39 AM
#191
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Here's a sample from Holiday season 3 for DVD, like this one for Blu-ray, from Digital Bits:
Originally Posted by DigitalBits_Dec_14_99
We've updated our CEA numbers again, to include the reported 150,778 DVD players that shipped in the first week of December. That takes us right up to the brink of 5 million players in the U.S. marketplace, at 4,928,274.
Catalog for BD is also much smaller. Clearly the format war and the studios pumping out SD DVD has not allowed them to match DVD's original pace. At this point in DVD history we had 5000 titles on the format (and Disney was late to the game).
One thing that is encouraging is the sales figures for Dark Knight and Iron Man. Solid numbers. Those high totals for Dark Knight suggest Blu-ray is doing quite well regardless of the price of the discs. The comparison always goes back to the Matrix DVD sales. In August 2000, Matrix passed 3 Million copies. TDK looks to top that, I think, come the same point in Blu-ray history -- August 2009.
(Of course people will argue the timeline of DVD vs. Blu-ray, but in my opinion, mid-2006 was the launch of Blu-ray and that syncs nicely with Q2 1997 launch of SD DVD. The vast bulk of sales are during the holidays and Q4. This is the third Q4/holiday season for Blu-ray. 1999 was the third Q4 Holidays season for SD DVD.)
We'll see. I'm not sure if Blu-ray is going to go for mass acceptance. It will take me until Q4 2009 to feel like I know. Others see signs in what data is available of this already. I am not so optimistic, yet.
-beebs
12-24-08 | 04:41 AM
#192
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From: Blu-ray.com
What makes you think that SA numbers aren't released? The fact that they are not made public does not mean that they aren't supplied to those who know how to use them. If there is anything that has changed since the early days of DVD, it is the "free info" -- nowadays you have to pay to get the data you need. Take my word on this one.
See above.
One thing that is encouraging is the sales figures for Dark Knight and Iron Man. Solid numbers. Those high totals for Dark Knight suggest Blu-ray is doing quite well regardless of the price of the discs. The comparison always goes back to the Matrix DVD sales. In August 2000, Matrix passed 3 Million copies. TDK looks to top that, I think, come the same point in Blu-ray history -- August 2009.
Pro-B
Last edited by pro-bassoonist; 12-24-08 at 04:45 AM.
12-24-08 | 05:30 AM
#193
Don't know if this is appropriate but I was at BB yesterday about 20 minutes from here and they had about 40 Band of Brother BD's last night...but when I went in there tonight to pick up my laptop, there were two left in the HBO stand which was much more picked over than the night before. IMO I think Blu-ray has been a decent holiday hit, I've seen quite a few people purchasing them in the last few weeks, which is a nice change of pace.
Just glancing online, all 6 of my local stores are out of the Sony 350, half are out of the Samsung 1500, and all but 1 are out of the Sony 550.
Hopefully this is happening at other stores.
12-24-08 | 07:52 AM
#194
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I find myself in one of a few Super Target stores at least four times a week for various reasons, and I never go in without just passing by the electronics area to look for their famous non-advertised clearance deals.
For about the past month, the BR section has had the most "browsers". Can't say for sure how many of these people are buying, but they're at least interested and possibly educating themselves.
For about the past month, the BR section has had the most "browsers". Can't say for sure how many of these people are buying, but they're at least interested and possibly educating themselves.
12-24-08 | 08:05 AM
#195
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While I agree that "baffingly" is not a word, the author wrote "bafflingly", which most certainly is.
If you're going to flame someone (incorrectly) for his spelling, take more care not to make your own mistakes in the same post:
...
I disagree, and I personally don't believe that around 500 people saying they'd like to receive a Blu-ray player as a Christmas gift means anything as far as the future of the format goes. Using that fluffy survey-slash-press release's logic, I'd be excited about receiving a GPS as a Christmas gift, but I wouldn't buy one myself.
Yes, I agree that there is interest in Blu-ray, and I expect that to grow. I also have every expectation that Blu-ray will be a success and won't be going anywhere anytime soon. I want the format to succeed, and I think it will. I don't think it will replace DVD.
You're comparing the course Blu-ray will take over DVD to what happened to VHS. My argument is that DVD was such a massive leap over VHS -- in terms of quality, pricing, availability of titles, ease of use, etc. -- that it made for a more compelling upgrade for any conceivable consumer. Blu-ray and DVD are similar enough that it won't gain that same traction, and I don't think Blu-ray is doing enough to excite the average consumer. DVD will be "good enough" for a considerable chunk of the home video audience (this is what I mean by 'disinterest'), and that'll prevent Blu-ray from gaining that same sort of traction. There's also a ubiquity and...emotional investment with DVD that people didn't have with VHS. I see these two formats -- DVD and Blu-ray -- existing side by side, and there's nothing wrong with that.
If you're going to flame someone (incorrectly) for his spelling, take more care not to make your own mistakes in the same post:
...
Yes, I agree that there is interest in Blu-ray, and I expect that to grow. I also have every expectation that Blu-ray will be a success and won't be going anywhere anytime soon. I want the format to succeed, and I think it will. I don't think it will replace DVD.
You're comparing the course Blu-ray will take over DVD to what happened to VHS. My argument is that DVD was such a massive leap over VHS -- in terms of quality, pricing, availability of titles, ease of use, etc. -- that it made for a more compelling upgrade for any conceivable consumer. Blu-ray and DVD are similar enough that it won't gain that same traction, and I don't think Blu-ray is doing enough to excite the average consumer. DVD will be "good enough" for a considerable chunk of the home video audience (this is what I mean by 'disinterest'), and that'll prevent Blu-ray from gaining that same sort of traction. There's also a ubiquity and...emotional investment with DVD that people didn't have with VHS. I see these two formats -- DVD and Blu-ray -- existing side by side, and there's nothing wrong with that.
12-24-08 | 09:36 AM
#196
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
It's an improvement over a year ago but it's still early to be claiming anything.
It's even more silly to compare blu-ray and dvd with dvd and vhs since there was a huge leap with one and not the other. It's dumb for anyone to completely disregard facts, such as this, just because it doesn't fit in their argument.
It's great percentages(but never real numbers) are improving but acting like crazed fanboys just because a percentage went up isn't going to do anything but turn people off to the format. It certainly isn't going to make anyone want to sign up because of that.
12-24-08 | 09:58 AM
#197
Suspended
Care to point out when DVD had full studio support? Hint - took much longer then Blu-ray.
12-24-08 | 11:13 AM
#199
DVD Talk Legend
It wasn't much longer. I believe Dreamworks was the last holdout in mid-1999, although at the time they only had a handful of titles. Fox and Disney had started releasing DVDs prior to then, even though Divx didn't die until June of 1999. Going by March of 1997 as the DVD launch, that was only a few months longer than the 2 years it took to get Universal titles on BD (or if you count Criterion, it took longer to get full studio support for BD).
12-24-08 | 11:39 AM
#200
DVD Talk Hero
I think that DVD will eventually be replaced, maybe even by Blu-ray, but not in the same way that the VHS was replaced DVD. Around 2000, we all knew that VHS was all but dead. It was only a matter of time. This is certainly not the case with DVD. 