Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: JimBob on 13/01/2008 04:53:04

Title: Blu-Ray or DVD?
Post by: JimBob on 13/01/2008 04:53:04
Well pepes, the question is pregnant and bound to cause a lot of collections to become obsolete.

How long will it take for Blu-Ray to take over the movie market and how can it be gotten around. Time-Warner, the largest producer of movies on disks, has decided that they will phase out DVD's, going to Blu-Ray almost immediately.

SO. how long will it take for a combo DVD-Blu-Ray player to become reasonably priced, i.e., below $100?
Title: Re: Blu-Ray or DVD?
Post by: JnA on 13/01/2008 12:47:00
I have no idea about your question.. usually the events are about a year of 'exclusivity' then the prices start to come down. (unless one of your genuine 'panafonics' companies get themselves into gear sooner :) )

More collections becoming obsolete? yes well, I still have LP's (and a player that I hope doesn't break because I don't think I'll find anyone who can fix it), an Atari and games (that can't be used on a HD LCD) and a reel to reel... so a DVD collection won't be much more to add  [:o]

I like the idea of scratch resistance.. wish we had that for DVD's... that would save me some money.:)
Title: Re: Blu-Ray or DVD?
Post by: ukmicky on 13/01/2008 13:54:06
I believe (could be wrong )that even though the two systems are vary similar and use many of the same components to read the disks, because of the difference in how the data is held on the disks and thickness and difference of transparent coatings it would be expensive and  hard to build a system that could play both.  I also heard that the manufacturers were previously in talks to discuss possible ways of integrating the two systems into one unit but have now fallen out and therefore it wont be soon.

I can see it being like the old VHS, beta max battle , hopefully this time round though the best system will win even though even today their are still people that argue that VHS was best.
Title: Re: Blu-Ray or DVD?
Post by: Simulated on 13/01/2008 14:42:24
Good topic.

What's up with HDDVD's too?
Title: Blu-Ray or DVD?
Post by: neilep on 13/01/2008 21:08:59
Well pepes, the question is pregnant and bound to cause a lot of collections to become obsolete.

How long will it take for Blu-Ray to take over the movie market and how can it be gotten around. Time-Warner, the largest producer of movies on disks, has decided that they will phase out DVD's, going to Blu-Ray almost immediately.

SO. how long will it take for a combo DVD-Blu-Ray player to become reasonably priced, i.e., below $100?


Well, I think Time Warner will be shooting themselves in the foot considering how many DVD players there are out there......just think of every PC for a start....

Of course they may be banking on the people who own a Sony PS3 which is also Blu ray I think.........

When I was in retail the first DVD Recorder we sold was a pioneer and that retailed at £1500 ($3000).....within 18-24 months they had come down to a quarter of that and now...four years later they are as ' cheap as chips'....

Not too sure if this helps but then I just hope that they make all Blu ray discs backwards compatible for I for one do not want to have to replace my entire DVD collection with blu ray alternatives...

Hmmmmmm...I am now wondering if the Blu Rays and HD DVDs will go the same way as SACD and DVDAs.......exclusive and not mainstream at all....

SACD and DVDAs were supposed to be the best thing since sliced bread from an Audio point of view and they DO sound fantastic but they never ever made it to the mainstream market !! ( I have to say I ALWAYS thought that would happen)
Title: Blu-Ray or DVD?
Post by: elegantlywasted on 13/01/2008 21:11:29
My vote is on the HD DVD. Blu-Ray was the first to emerge on the scene, but HD players offer reverse technology (ie. my 200+ dvd collection will still play on their players). And prices have been steadily dropping. I remember a year ago prices for these players being around 1000$ now there are closer to $400.
Title: Blu-Ray or DVD?
Post by: Simulated on 13/01/2008 21:17:18
True! That they will be!