30 Day Window On Select Blu-ray Movies

[HDTV1080P]

I would like to see Sony experiment with a 30 day release window for BLU-RAY. On a few select new release movies it would bring more attention to the BLU-RAY format if the Sony studios were to have a 30 day window.
For example hypothetically speaking if Sony would have released Casino Royale on BLU-RAY 30 days before the DVD release of Casino Royale some people would purchase a BLU-RAY player to see a few hit movie titles 30 days early. Sony should try this marketing strategy for a few hit movies. Some customers would just wait 30 days for the DVD to be released while many others would buy into BLU-RAY since they would like to see the movie 30 days early for select hit titles.
There have been 30 and 90 day delayed PPV and VOD windows over the years that have given the DVD format a sales advantage in retail stores and rental markets over cable and satellite TV.

Only negative of this 30 day BLU-RAY window would be that some pirates could make low quality 480I DVD copies when using the BLU-RAY S-Video output with a external device that disables the analog copy guard signal. Even if it was technically possible to disable all analog outs and allow only HDCP digital connections on BLU-RAY players this would upset consumers with analog only input displays. 3-5 years from now disabling analog outputs on BLU-RAY players for early release movies might be more marketable to customers. Having a big sticker on the BLU-RAY movie that says “This 30 or 90 day early released movie requires a display that supports HDCP.”

[BLu-Balls]

I think that would piss off the general consumer and lead the general public to believe that Sony is just jamming a new format down their throat. Great iniative, though.

[goodstuff]

Yeah, this would be a great idea, though it probably would never happen, since it would piss a lot of people off

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by BLu-Balls

I think that would piss off the general consumer and lead the general public to believe that Sony is just jamming a new format down their throat. Great iniative, though.

I think this perception will happen to ALL BD studios if any one or all of them tries to do this 30-day window exclusive. MS would use this to spin FUD rapidly.

This idea has been done before - re Talladega Nights - and on DVD as well. What the studios need to be able to do this comfortably is if the number of BD player ownership increases to about 10%.

As for pirates making a down-rez DVD version off the BD, they could do that. But in the world of video piracy, it's not about the quality. It's about getting whatever they got by the roadside first. The piracy buying public is not gonna care if they got them off the theater or from the D1.

As they get better quality video, they press another batch and sell that. You think Hollywood is the only place in town to double dip? Hah!


fuad

[DavePS3]

People buy pirated copies because they're cheap, plain and simple. Those people have crappy displays like 20" CRT's with 80.00 DVD players. They wouldn't get the advantage of an original copy until they get a great display capable of at least 1080i. If you have a great system, you want all you can get out of it and shitty copies just don't cut it.

[dobyblue]

Pearl Jam did a similar thing in December 1994 with Vitalogy.
It came out on vinyl two weeks before the CD was released.

[Chad Varnadore]

What Sony needs to do is implement a trade-in program that accepts HD DVD players as well as discs in exchange for a discount on a BD player, ideally one of the lower priced models, like the one they've got coming out later this year around 600.00.

It would be interesting to see what kind of response something like that might get. Even if there is no need for such to keep their edge, such would be a very good gesture, especially once there's more certainty of the market going to Blu. But, doing so now, before HD has a chance to pick up more steam, might put a dent in resolving the war earlier. Who knows.

[simpspin]

The first Matrix came out on DVD came out in August 99 and then the VHS tape came out around Nov/Dec of that year.

[dialog_gvf]

Originally Posted by Chad Varnadore

It would be interesting to see what kind of response something like that might get. Even if there is no need for such to keep their edge, such would be a very good gesture, especially once there's more certainty of the market going to Blu. But, doing so now, before HD has a chance to pick up more steam, might put a dent in resolving the war earlier. Who knows.

It would be darn good PR, and would go some way to calm the antis. And an HD DVD traded in is not an HD DVD being used.

Gary

[Chad Varnadore]

I'd also like to see BD manufacturers implement trade-in policies on any BD player that can't be updated to be fully featured, as the technology matures. That would go a long way toward instilling consumer confidence, IMO. I'm sure some are reluctant to plop down 500.00 or more on a player that may not support all that BD has to offer down the road. A trade-in guarantee, might ease the minds of some.

Or how bout this: a campaign promising to buy back any BD player, if HD DVD wins? Now that should instill confidence. If they're as confident as they seem that BD will infact win, they've got nothing to lose other than what it costs for the ad campaign.

[The Don]

I wouldn't mind Casino Royale coming out 30 days early!

[jorg]

i can see what u are thinking but poeple would flam sony like there no tomro i think maby blu-ray being cheaper then the dvd realease would be a good idea maby not for sony but for custimer