So what are you waiting for? Rush out and buy a Blu-ray player immediately. That was what we were supposed to do when the next-generation format war finally came to an end, and yet many PC Advisor readers remain indifferent to the new world of high-definition video.
Toshiba announced last month that it would stop producing HD DVD players, immediately making Blu-ray the next-generation DVD format of choice. But as one challenger dies, another one emerges, and now many believe Blu-ray will prove irrelevant, with users downloading content over the internet, rather than buying films on discs.
Plus, our poll last week suggests most people regard Blu-ray players as a purchase that only becomes relevant when the time comes to replace their current DVD players. (Over 60 percent of the 2,100 people who responded said they'd wait until their DVD player needed replacing before upgrading to a high-def model). Just one percent said they'd rush out and buy a Blu-ray player immediately now that HD DVD is no more.
A separate group of Blu-ray sceptics (those replying to our Four reasons why Blu-ray will fail article) backed up the view that the internet will render Blu-ray irrelevant.
"For me the only reason HDTV is being pushed so heavily, is that the TV market has hit a dead end and most people will soon be able to stream DVD quality video over their internet connection, so the TV companies need something that keeps them ahead of the game," said 'Sean'.
"I won't be investing in a Blu-ray device any time ever - I believe the future is downloading and on-line content," added 'Mark'.
Despite this, many remain firmly in the Blu-ray camp. "The cost will drop, Blu Ray will become the standard format," said 'Duncan'. "The next evolution will occur in another ten years and some halfwit will bleat on about how this new fangled technology costs too much," he added, referring to our writer's suggestion that Blu-ray players will fail due to their high cost.
And those who suggested that the quality of Blu-ray content isn't sufficient to persuade people to upgrade ("Isn't DVD quality good enough?", asked Sean) were also given short shrift.
"Absolute twaddle!" said 'Peter Reynolds'. "Are you blind and deaf? The experience of watching 1080p video with high quality surround sound is awe inspiring."
The debate continues. Let us know your views on Blu-ray…
Comments
marv said: The infrastructure is not installed in this country for downloading HD films via adsl Also it is predicted that the internet will be heading towards capacity problems in the not to distant future
anskyber said: BD marvellous though it is to view is not in clear blue water yetIt has another serious competitor albeit not a cheap competitor Sky HD Unless film buffs must have the latest releases immediately they can wait for its appearance on Sky who will soon have three HD film channels and a total of 17 HD channels
name said: tyl0r videos quick my arse try downloading a film in blue ray quality then some how getting it to your tv as disks wont do
hchohan said: BD was poorly executed HD was more consumer friendly but failed to get support The price on BD wont drop quickly as the CE industry got together to pricefix players as no-one was making money on dvd anymore eg refusing to issue licenses to Chinese brandsbut they didnt count on Sony stabbing them in the back with the ps3 and leaving everyone else out to dryDisks are also pricefixed as regioncoding on BD means we cant importDownloads will offer acceptable quality to the masses but wont take off until there is a standard set-top-box Xbox and AppleTV are closeFor enthusiasts BD is a stopgap at best A new standard needs to be created that really pushes current technology offers a proper upgrade over HQ upscaled DVD eg 4K res 3D 24bit colour60fps or 120fps because the 24fps that everyone raves about just doesnt cut itmore multi-channel soundthe majority of hardwaresoftware is still stuck in 51
Al Rosen said: First off the argument regarding price Blu ray players cost the same amount at this time in its life as DVD players did at this stage of its Same goes with the cost of movies and what happened Once DVD became the standard the prices fell as are and will happen with Blu Secondly the idea of online distribution becoming the standard at this time is ridiculous Many people still dont have DSL let alone cable or fiberoptics like Fios To assume that Hollywood is just going to ignore the vast majority that still buys their movies on disc is simply preposterous The day that I can download a movie that is 1080p in minutes andor stream it while downloading then have the option to burn it to disc is the day that downloading can hope to become standard
jackthelad said: HD and the Blue rayneed ignoring as just a gimic to get our hard earned moneythey can stuff it wereMonkeys stuff their nuts
Al Rosen said: First off the argument regarding price Blu ray players cost the same amount at this time in its life as DVD players did at this stage of its Same goes with the cost of movies and what happened Once DVD became the standard the prices fell as are and will happen with Blu Secondly the idea of online distribution becoming the standard at this time is ridiculous Many people still dont have DSL let alone cable or fiberoptics like Fios To assume that Hollywood is just going to ignore the vast majority that still buys their movies on disc is simply preposterous The day that I can download a movie that is 1080p in minutes andor stream it while downloading then have the option to burn it to disc is the day that downloading can hope to become standard
Terry said: I have a IPOD and I have a 15 laptop and I do download some shot movies They sort of look OK om my 15 screen They look like crap on my 42 display NOTHING i have seen or heard about is making me think I want to waist my time downloading a movie that just look OK on my computer
Terry said: I have a IPOD and I have a 15 laptop and I do download some shot movies They sort of look OK om my 15 screen They look like crap on my 42 display NOTHING i have seen or heard about is making me think I want to waist my time downloading a movie that just look OK on my computer
t@yl0r said: Bluray wont be all things to all people People who are real film fanatics are naturally going to want the best technology available and that means Bluray Internet downloads are more likely to appeal to the masses of PC users though It is convenient and quick Cheap as well