Blu-ray Format Discussion

Blu-ray, also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD) is the name of a next-generation optical disc format jointly developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), a group of the world's leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers (including Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TDK and Thomson). The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data. A single-layer Blu-ray Disc can hold 25GB, which can be used to record over 2 hours of HDTV or more than 13 hours of standard-definition TV. There are also dual-layer versions of the discs that can hold 50GB. Blu-ray is expected to replace VCRs and DVD recorders with the transition to HDTV over the coming years. The format is also likely to become a standard for PC data storage and HD movies in the future.
That said, who here thinks that this is the definite future of DVD, or just a fad? VHS has been around for 20+ years, and although it is slowly dwindling and dying away, it has had a lengthy run. Why shouldn't DVD have the same? Does this mean that with Blu-Ray and HD-DVD seeping into the format scene, we're gonna have to start all over with our libraries of movies since they won't be the "norm"?

Regular DVD isn't going anywhere. It's not like it'll be phased out, considering a large percentage of the US alone is just now moving on from VHS. HD-DVD is just a treat for those who can afford it.

It just worries me that soon all media will be HD, and therefore we'll be forced to buy new products that are compatable, and I don't see any reason to upgrade just yet. Blu-Ray seems like nice idea, but I agree that the public is just now settling into the transition from VHS to DVD.

I remember an episode of The Simpsons where Homer and Bart are at the dump. They walk past a pile dedicated to BETA tapes. Then a pile of VHS tapes. Then there's a sign "Reserved for DVDs".

Anyway, I hope Blu-Ray will die out with the laser disc.

Logically, I think DVD should live longer than VHS. I never invested into VHS. Movies were eventually going to go to TV which I would would just record onto a blank VHS. I would get the same exact thing and save space because you can fit an average of three movies on one VHS tape. So my store-bought VHS collection consists of about ten movies. However, I've invested a lot into DVDs. Quality, features, etc. has encouraged me to. If there are a lot of people like me, DVD should live a long time, it's in higher demand than VHS ever was.

Still, hearing about Blu-Ray worries me.

If it does become big, the things better play original dvds!

This doesn't worry me. DVDs will be around for ages to come. There is no need for a change. Unless there is something drastically different from DVD. Even then it's far too soon and stupid because there is nothing wrong with DVDs.

It's the future yes, but right now most people don't have HD TV's so regular DVDs will stay around.

^^^True, I own a widescreen HDTV, but I haven't even had it for 3 months.

The PS3 are going to use Blu Ray ✅

I think DVD's will definately stay around for a lot longer, even with Blu-Ray/HDDVD.

1. You will need an HDTV to use either format, which not everyone can afford, even the smaller sets.

2. The players themselves are going to cost an arm and a leg for years to come until the price drops, even then I fear it's still going to be expensive.

3. What use is a larger capacity on the discs? The only use I see is fiting a series of movies onto one disc instead of multiple. It's not like studios will dig up tons of behind the scene features to fill the disc up, most studios have a hard time filling current DVD's up with goodies.

4. Hopefully when the big transition happens to the new formats, the players can be capable of also playing current DVD's. Since they use different lasers to read them, maybe have a side by side DVD/Blu-Ray player or maybe even some mechanics on the inside that read whether or not the disc is one format or the other and uses the appropriate laser.

People thought DVD's would go out when mini-disks were released.. now I never see mini-disks.

Its all just another way of getting us to cash in yet again. Like do you realise something like 25% of HD tvs sold will not be able to play HD tv or HD dvds? Its all a bloomin con! I nearly bought a huge badboy tv last year but after reading about all the dodgey HD tvs sold im staying put untill they can be trusted

Originally posted by LanceWindu
1. You will need an HDTV to use either format, which not everyone can afford, even the smaller sets.

bit of a cheak realy aint it

I looked up the prices on Amazon just now. Blu-Ray players will go for $999.99 and HD-DVD players for $599.99. All the titles I saw were an average of $20.

If these prices don't drop fast, I think these will die out.

Also, the covers are UGLY.

HD is really very expensive.. I had a catalogue from Sky TV the other day explaining the price of upgrading to Sky HD..

the prices were about..

For the Sky HD box.. £300
For installation... £60
Then an extra £10 a month on top of what I am paying now (which is about £40/50 a month at the moment)

Then you still have to buy the HDTV which will cost about £2000 at least...

And bearing in mind I only recently upgraded from basic Sky digital to Sky+ which cost about £150 for the box and £10 extra a month on the bill...

All together I would be paying between £4500 and £5500.. and that just for one year.. it would be around £720 a year after that.

So I think I will wait for the prices to come down a touch.

Apparently you will not notice much of a difference(or any difference) in the film quality, unlike when it went from video to dvd.

Yeah. You really don't. Unless you can afford HD-TV. Sony's going to shove HD-DVD down everyone's throat.

The thing is alot of people still have 100's of movies on VHS . Dvd is still new for me . I hope they both lose even if the price comes down !!!

Long live DVD

I don't know what will win but i'd like to see blu-ray do well. Burning 25 gigs single layer and 50 gigs duel layer sound nice to me. Whole seasons on one disk. Back up my HD in 4 disk.

I like the idea of blu-ray but it all depends on what caches on in the end.