Should I go Blu?

[Sin]

Hi guys! And I mean switch to Blu-Ray. The last couple of days I've been going nuts deciding if I should join the next generation of movie viewing. All this support for Blu-Ray is incredible, so I don't want to be the one left out. I just have a couple of questions I hope can be answered.

Keep in mind I do have an HDTV along with the HDMI cable, so my questions are:

Why aren't there many TV shows on Blu-Ray? (ex. The Simpsons, Seinfeld, etc.)

I do want a new game console, so is the PS3 a great Blu-Ray player or is it different from the other Blu-Ray players?

Is the leap from DVD to Blu-Ray huge or is it just better picture and sound quality?

And my last question, that you may know (or not know, that's fine) is Blu-Ray going to last for a long time or even longer than DVD because I don't want to know done the road they have like extreme Blu-Ray or something?

It would be a great help for some feedback by this weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving! :)

[NathanRomano]

I think the reason for not many TV shows, at least at this point, is that it's not necessary. Once, and if, DVD is obsolete, then they'll add all the shows. That, or they're doing the entire show at once and don't wanna release the first season and make everyone wait for the next seasons.

For me, the more I watch Blu, and switch back to SD, it gets better and better. At first I didn't see it that much, but watching 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Mist on Blu, I can't go back to SD. PS3 is the way to go. It's what I've got, and I love it. It plays Blu just as good as all the others.

I think that Blu will just complement DVD's. It's def here to stay but I'm not sure if it's going to completely take over. It might though. They use it for the ps3 games and Storage Capacity is so nice. So there's a big possibility it'll take over.

There's my 2 cents. I say go for it. Prices have gone down, and esp with Black Friday upon us, you could get some good deals

[Sin]

Thanks for the input! Anyone else with feedback would be greatly appreciated.

One more question. Is everyone with Blu-Ray players completely done buying DVDs'?

:)

[ScaryFreak1827]

I also have a PS3 and use it quite often to watch blu-rays (I don't own a whole lot yet but my collection is slowly building). The picture quality really is amazing, as is the sound, and I recommend it for getting the full theatrical experience of watching a film. I still buy DVDs but have slowed down a bit and have been buying movies that would look the best in blu (i.e. any movie by the Wachowskis). I definetly recommend it.

[SatansPuppet]

Do it... best way to see your movies in HD :) and have that all important collection without it being deleted from a hard disk after one viewing :D

I loved HD DVD and truly thought that was the better format after all some transfers were a lot better on HD DVD then they were on Blu (Silent Hill, Fantastic Four) but then the region freeness was also a good hook.. buy discs from around the world and have the choice of the bestest transfers.

Now I've gone blu, it's great but region coding sucks ass!!! :D Some great transfers out there.. Wall-E made my jaw hit the floor!

[Raimo69]

I have a ps3 and use it for blu-ray. It looks great it looks better then in a theater at times.

[Huttjos]

So, to answer your questions one at a time:

When it comes to TV shows on blu-ray, it really could be a variety of reasons. It's not some grand elaborate scheme or anything. All newer TV shows that come out now pretty much all have a blu companion, especially bigger budget TV shows like LOST, Heroes, etc. The one problem tho, is that they are massively expensive. For dvd tv seasons, you can drop anywhere from 20$-50$ (respectively). For blu seasons, they start at around 60$, and go up. And for something that you're probably only going to watch maybe once, twice a year, it's not really worth it to drop that much to alot of people.


When it comes to the PS3, I hear that it is one of the best blu-ray players out right now. I hear it has updates for the player all the time, constantly making it better. And when you think about it, why spend 200-300$ for a blu-ray player, when you can get a blu-ray player plus a game console for 300$? It's just more cost effective. The only thing i hear negative things about it is that it does not carry HD sound (?). Which, may not even really be that big of a deal to many people.


When it comes to switching from dvd to blu, it's really as 'huge' as you want to make it. If you already have a huge dvd collection, you might be telling yourself it's just not worth it to re-buy everything. In my opinion, it's really only worth re-buying the movies that HD picture and sound count. For instance, the movie 'Armegeddon', or 'Speed Racer' would be a great re-buy, where as the movie 'When Harry Met Sally', or 'Office Space'.....not so much, lol! And also, alot of the older films, say like 'Clash of the Titans', may not be that great because it is such an older film, that higher def might be very grainy (which has been the case I have seen). If you have HD channels on cable, I would check it out. Watch something fairly new, then watch something old, and compare yourself.

Now for your last question, it is really all based on everyones opinion. Some analyists are projecting they will be gone quick. Some people think it will be around for the next 10-20 years. I personally think blu-ray will be gone quicker than dvd was on the market. With companies like Apple, Amazon, Netflix, etc offering HD moives/tv via download, I believe that this technology, and this way of viewing, will become very promenate in the near future. I personally do not want it to go this way (I love having a physical collection to look at and admire, having a huge dvd collection myself), but it really is common sense. As production costs rise, and china's work force becoming smaller and smaller because of their new middle class arising, dvd prices, among everything else, will rise. And its easier (cough, lazier, cough) to just sit on your computer or tv, and download it. This of course making social interaction even more dormant.....ugh.

But yeah, there's my two sense. Basically, i would switch, but only for certain titles. For me , the prices of everything blu-ray still haven't reached my magic number (price). I just can't see spending 40$ for a regular, non-special edition HD dvd. Is the difference worth it? OH hell yes. especially if you have a larger tv, it may not even be a question whether or not to swtich.

[Sin]

I hope everyone had a nice holiday. Boy, I'm stuffed.

Anyway, thanks for the feedback, especially the last post. The reason why I was considering PS3 (which I read a couple of articles this week saying it's the best player out there) was because it was a game console and Blu-Ray player. Two for one rather than wasting money on the console and a separate Blu-Ray player.

I agree with the last poster about having a physical collection. I still buy CDs' rather than downloading because I like to admire it. Hopefully I'll make my decision this weekend. Thanks!

[MisterChristian]

To answer your question Sin, yes, go Blu. Players and significantly cheaper and if you are a gamer then purchasing the PS3 is a no-brainer.

Just don't go nuts re-buying all your favourites again. Be more selective, read reviews etc etc...

Enjoy!

[MisterChristian]

P.S. Amazon is having fantastic pricing on Blu-ray titles because of Black Friday. Wow.

[Badbird]

Only if your TV can do 1080p, otherwise it won't matter. HDMI or not.

My TV can do 1080i and my roommate got a Blu Ray player and it didn't look any better than regular DVDs. 1080p is the key.

[KcMsterpce]

Like others said, if you already have the TV for it, and you love massively awesome video and audio, then get a PS3. For the BD player.

I've replaced about 15 of my DVDs with BD. I buy the newer movies, or those I don't own but think will benefit from Blu-Ray quality... as long as the price is right. Only every once in a while I'll get BDs for more than $23. That's kind of my cutting off point.



Huttjos mentioned the PS3 not playing certain audio tracks.
In April, the v2.30 update allowed DTS-HD Master Audio bitstreaming. Before, this wasn't possible. The PS3 could only decode DD, DTS, Dobly TrueHD.
You will need a receiver that is capable of decoding DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) if you want to hear many titles with super-hi quality lossless audio. This means an audio receiver that has HDMI input. As well as a couple other things, but if it doesn't have HDMI, that's the first step in knowing it won't play it.

PCM 5.1 works through normal optical cables from the PS3. If you have the Blu-Ray player settings for "BITSTREAM" output, it will play PCM fine on surroundsound receivers.
The problem is, if you bitstream audio that has DTS-HD MA, then it will not play it correctly. Too much bandwidth will make the audio cut in and out during playback on an uncapable receiver. You will have to play a compatible audio track on the Blu-Ray.
If the Blu-Ray disc ONLY has DTS-HD (which is fairly often), then set the PS3 to "LCPM" instead of bitstream out. That will convert the audio to 1.5 (basically, in stereo). It sucks that you won't get high quality surroundsound, but that's part of the advancements in technology. Old shit becomes too old for the newest shit.

So with that said....

Blu-Ray video and audio quality is only fully appreciated if you have the equipment to play it. First, a 1080p TV is a good start.
Then, if you're rich enough - or already have those newer receivers - an HDMI DTS-HD MA/Dolby TrueHD receiver with a surroundsound setup will ROCK the fucking HOUSE.

Otherwise, going Blu will not impress you much. DVD already displays resolution that non-HD TVs top out at.

[jaw2929]

Blu-Ray wouldn't make a difference on a 720p HDTV right?

[TheHutch23]

Blu-Ray wouldn't make a difference on a 720p HDTV right?

It will make a difference, but not as much as if you were to own a 1080p television. Home theatre is a chain, only as strong as the weakest link. Your bluray player would down-res from the 1080 to accomodate your 720p.

I just recently bought the Sony BDPS350, and am in the process of finding a buyer for my Sony KV34HS420. Great TV, but it's 1080i as opposed to 1080p.

In reponse to the OT; a PS3 is the best bluray player on the market, constantly updated and cutting edge. HOWEVER, I wouldn't recommend it for your long term bluray player for two reasons:

-Fan noise. Unless it's something you can block out, be ready to have this accompany your movie viewing. It won't always get louder as your movie plays, but it is a possibility.

-Wattage. If you're looking to go green, or living single on a tight budget and pay hydro by usage, then you definetly want to get a standalone bluray player. The difference being roughly 170 watts to run a movie on PS3, versus 30-40 watts on a standalone bluray player.

[jaw2929]

It will make a difference, but not as much as if you were to own a 1080p television. Home theatre is a chain, only as strong as the weakest link. Your bluray player would down-res from the 1080 to accomodate your 720p.


Having said that then, it probably wouldn't be an overly significant upgrade from my current DVD HD upconverter player now, would it?

[SatansPuppet]

I'v had a 720p TV for 3 years, it's been with me through the war... HD DVD Vs Booray... Red Vs Blu and although HD DVD was my chosen format (:cry:) it really does make a difference if the transfer is done right, there are some shitty transfers out there that are not much of an upgrade from DVD but there are some AMAZING transfers which deserve a lot of praise.

Wall E
Fantastic Four 2
Mamma Mia
Speed Racer
I Am Legend
Vantage Point
Million Dollar Baby

to name a few... I'd suggest reading review sites before purchasing some older discs though and be aware that Fox are planning to release X-Men Trilogy at some point in 09 so don't buy X3 :)

[TheMovieManiac]

i have an hdtv also and i do not notice a big difference for the price but what i did was buy a ps3 and now i still buy dvds no reason to get rid of them but the big action movies so to speak are the ones i get on blu ray but for the price i would go with dvd for 15 instead of blu ray 30 or in that case 2 dvds for the price of 1 blu ray

[bonoferox]

My TV is 1080i and I use the PS3 which looks absolutely amazing on some, but others just look like they could pass for standard definition.

Sadly enough, with the movies I've compared from HDDVD to Blu Ray, HD seemed to have a much better picture. Notably with Planet Earth, Superman Returns and Batman Begins.
Though my friend has a bigger, 1080p TV which makes my finest quality picture look like absolute malarky.

[xseanymacx]

Even with 1080p, unless your TV is 50+, while Blu-Ray WILL look better...you're still not getting the tremendous upgrades and differences.

[TheHutch23]

Having said that then, it probably wouldn't be an overly significant upgrade from my current DVD HD upconverter player now, would it?

For your setup, no I don't think it would be leaps and bounds from your upconverter, depending on what player you have and the quality of your upconversions. My understanding is that certain upconverters can have a habit of "overdigitizing" your dvd as opposed to what a bluray player would do. If you're not in a rush to get a new TV, I wouldn't make it a priority to jump out and get the bluray technology. I would recommend a PS3 if you were looking into a video game system, which then could be your lead in to bluray. But that's really more up to your choices, wants, and needs as a consumer.

[domzio]

I have a 32' 720p Samsung 2008 model (8000:1 dynamic contrast ratio) hooked up via Sony HDMI to a PS3 and all my BD's play back in full 1080p. Even my PS3 games that are capable of 1080p play back in that resolution. I definately notice a significant upgrade (Hellboy II, The Nightmare Before Christmas + The Thing are some of the best I have personally seen)...so is my TV just bullshitting me or am I watching a true 1080p picture on a 720p set? And I do believe I was told by many ppl (including some joblo users) that it will make no difference if you are using a 32' or lower screen size. I've been under the impression that 1080p is only really a must have for BD if you are using say a 40' or above, but now it sounds like some are saying you need a full 1080p tv nomatter what to really experiance BD...but o well...I am fully happy with what I got. I do admit that some transfers are little more than a minimal upgrade over SD DVD, but the majority seem to be fantastic. HiDefDigest.com is a great place to look for BD reviews as well as DVDverdict.com and IGN. Its not worth shelling out $25-35 if you don't know what is in store for you. BD reviews are well worth reading before a purchase.

I know a lot of ppl are still not sure about going HD...but as many have already said - now is the best time. HDTV's and Blu-Ray players are dropping prices like crazy. Check out bestbuy.com, target.com, circuitcity.com, walmart.com, amazon.com and even kmart.com for all the latest deals you can get online and at your local retailer. You don't need to spend $1000+ for great HD entertainment.

[MisterChristian]

If your TV is 720p then set the Video Output to 720p on your PS3 domzio.

[KingofKings2525]

Go Blu? No.

[APzombie]

I have a 32' 720p Samsung 2008 model (8000:1 dynamic contrast ratio) hooked up via Sony HDMI to a PS3 and all my BD's play back in full 1080p. Even my PS3 games that are capable of 1080p play back in that resolution. I definately notice a significant upgrade (Hellboy II, The Nightmare Before Christmas + The Thing are some of the best I have personally seen)...so is my TV just bullshitting me or am I watching a true 1080p picture on a 720p set? And I do believe I was told by many ppl (including some joblo users) that it will make no difference if you are using a 32' or lower screen size. I've been under the impression that 1080p is only really a must have for BD if you are using say a 40' or above, but now it sounds like some are saying you need a full 1080p tv nomatter what to really experiance BD...but o well...I am fully happy with what I got. I do admit that some transfers are little more than a minimal upgrade over SD DVD, but the majority seem to be fantastic. HiDefDigest.com is a great place to look for BD reviews as well as DVDverdict.com and IGN. Its not worth shelling out $25-35 if you don't know what is in store for you. BD reviews are well worth reading before a purchase.

I know a lot of ppl are still not sure about going HD...but as many have already said - now is the best time. HDTV's and Blu-Ray players are dropping prices like crazy. Check out bestbuy.com, target.com, circuitcity.com, walmart.com, amazon.com and even kmart.com for all the latest deals you can get online and at your local retailer. You don't need to spend $1000+ for great HD entertainment.

I too have a 30' odd inch 720p hdtv but i still collect blu-ray. My folks have a 56 inch 1080p. So on holidays i bath in its glory.

The difference between 720 and 1080 is huge, but i still think its worth it on a 720. I think the prices are going to be more affordable in the next year or so. Plus, you can start collecting now and always get a 1080p tv later on in life. Thats what i'm assuming anyway.

[domzio]

If your TV is 720p then set the Video Output to 720p on your PS3 domzio.


When I set my PS3 up, it said the maximum resolution was 1080p and if my TV couldn't display that, then the screen would stay black and I would have to reset, but I never had that issue. I do recall hearing that the PS3 does give 1080p playback even if its hooked up to a lower resolution set. I know everything looks better on a bigger screen, but from what I seen...if somebody is gonna get a 32' or smaller screen size...then its not worth paying extra for a 1080p set.

[jaw2929]

For your setup, no I don't think it would be leaps and bounds from your upconverter, depending on what player you have and the quality of your upconversions. My understanding is that certain upconverters can have a habit of "overdigitizing" your dvd as opposed to what a bluray player would do. If you're not in a rush to get a new TV, I wouldn't make it a priority to jump out and get the bluray technology. I would recommend a PS3 if you were looking into a video game system, which then could be your lead in to bluray. But that's really more up to your choices, wants, and needs as a consumer.

I appreciate your help Hutch. I'll not be rushing out to get Blu-Ray shit then.... I'm not picky about PRISTINE picture anyway... I love my 36 inch 720p HDTV.... The upconversions work just fine on it, it's a pretty gaddamned clear picture with that alone.

Not into video games, so I'll pass on the PS3. Thanks man.

[KcMsterpce]

If you have the money, then go for it.

For me, I piece-mealed my way to high quality components. Last year a friend offered me a brand new PS3 for $200 (he already had one, and offered me his Christmas present before he was going to eBay it).
After that, I decided to go Blu. Now, I"m always looking for Blu deals. In fact, this weekend I busted through my accounts and Blu myself early!

[TheHutch23]

I have a 32' 720p Samsung 2008 model (8000:1 dynamic contrast ratio) hooked up via Sony HDMI to a PS3 and all my BD's play back in full 1080p. Even my PS3 games that are capable of 1080p play back in that resolution.

Regardless of the HDMI, your TV can only present 720p as it's highest resolution. Either your TV or the bluray player is downscaling from 1080p, which still looks better than regular dvd but is not the fullest high definition resolution.