Should I buy a blu-ray player for my family living room?

[Blu-ray San]

Ok guys, here's the deal.....

My sis just picked up Ratatoille on DVD this week to watch on Thanksgiving with the family coming over but I made her return it because I was going to order it on blu-ray (along with Cars). Amazon.com done!!
Then, I started to think to myself if that was the right move.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge blu-ray supporter, but when it comes to the folks, A) I'm the only one in the house with a blu-ray player, B) they don't know much about the format war and C) they don't watch many movies at all. They don't have a blu-ray player but I would buy the Samsung BD player next week on black friday for $369 at best buy for them as a Christmas gift (even though I just want them to have it there) so they can start to watch HD movies.

My point is, I really want to get them into HD movies but I'm not sure if they should just stick to buying DVDs for now and wait for this format war mess to be over or just start buying blurays?

Any input is appreiciated!!

[GregBlu5]

Originally Posted by Blu-ray San

Ok guys, here's the deal.....

My sis just picked up Ratatoille on DVD this week to watch on Thanksgiving with the family coming over but I made her return it because I was going to order it on blu-ray (along with Cars). Amazon.com done!!
Then, I started to think to myself if that was the right move.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge blu-ray supporter, but when it comes to the folks, A) I'm the only one in the house with a blu-ray player, B) they don't know much about the format war and C) they don't watch many movies at all. They don't have a blu-ray player but I would buy the Samsung BD player next week on black friday for $369 at best buy for them as a Christmas gift (even though I just want them to have it there) so they can start to watch HD movies.

My point is, I really want to get them into HD movies but I'm not sure if they should just stick to buying DVDs for now and wait for this format war mess to be over or just start buying blurays?

Any input is appreiciated!!

Isn't that Samsung player $339 on amazon? Plus you get a bunch of free movies. (There's another thread about this.)

Look, Blu-ray, like DVD, is going to make it into the mainstream eventually. Why not let the folks feel up-to-date?

And, these Blu-ray players upconvert very nicely. So the DVDs still work.

-Greg

[Rike255]

Well if you're already buying Blu-Ray movies then I think it's a great idea. Then they can actually watch your movies.

I have the same problem here. I own a PS3 and it's in my room so people who want to watch a movie I own can't.

I think that's an excellent Christmas present, one the whole family can enjoy together. I say go for it, I wish I had someone that generous in my family...

[bluperch]

Hate to say it, but chances are they won't notice a difference unless you bring it up. They'll probably assume everything looks that great on an HDTV. I haven't watched Rat yet (waiting for a family gathering this weekend). That'll be a killer blu-ray to introduce a new family to HD. But like I said, I doubt they'll notice anything unless you tell them.

[glenn22]

Originally Posted by Blu-ray San

Ok guys, here's the deal.....

My sis just picked up Ratatoille on DVD this week to watch on Thanksgiving with the family coming over but I made her return it because I was going to order it on blu-ray (along with Cars). Amazon.com done!!
Then, I started to think to myself if that was the right move.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge blu-ray supporter, but when it comes to the folks, A) I'm the only one in the house with a blu-ray player, B) they don't know much about the format war and C) they don't watch many movies at all. They don't have a blu-ray player but I would buy the Samsung BD player next week on black friday for $369 at best buy for them as a Christmas gift (even though I just want them to have it there) so they can start to watch HD movies.

My point is, I really want to get them into HD movies but I'm not sure if they should just stick to buying DVDs for now and wait for this format war mess to be over or just start buying blurays?

Any input is appreiciated!!

I think your responses on this site may be biased. Anyways, how interested are they in watching HD movies? have they expressed interest in it? Remember that the Blu-ray players also upscale DVDs, so they are not obligated to purchase blu-ray movies even though they have a blu-ray player.... it's never a bad gift, but I guess it depends on whether or not they are truly interested in receiving it.

[Kirsty_Mc]

Why watch DVDs when BD is available... yesterdays technology. If you get a movie now on BD you're more or less future proofed.

You can also watch a BD movie in SD (why you'd want to do that is another thing), but you CAN'T watch a DVD in HD.

[Living Near Shamu]

Originally Posted by Kirsty_Mc

You can also watch a BD movie in SD

huh???

[Blu-ray San]

Originally Posted by Kirsty_Mc

You can also watch a BD movie in SD (why you'd want to do that is another thing), but you CAN'T watch a DVD in HD.

I have been around this format war long enough to know that isn't true.
BD's only play in BD players and only in HD, not SD quality.

Thanks for the advise guys. They already own an upscale DVD player so that's not even my concern. It's whether to stop buying DVDs and buy only blu-ray for them or just let them keep buying DVDs.

[Neo65]

Originally Posted by Living Near Shamu

huh???

All HDM players can generate SD signals in case they don't have a HDTV, but that's like the cart pulling the horse. It's much simpler to just buy a decent HDTV first. There's $499 HDTVs (they're not very good), and they're still going to look better than the best SDTVs today with HDM feeds.

At $900, you can get a 40"+ lcd/plasma if you look around.

[tron3]

Before blu-ray the problem with CD, DVD, and HD DVD is that vulnerable under belly which scratches and mars almost as easily as a vinyl album.

The hard coating on blu-ray discs is one of the top reasons I chose it. Much better long term investment.

[glenn22]

Originally Posted by Blu-ray San

I have been around this format war long enough to know that isn't true.
BD's only play in BD players and only in HD, not SD quality.

Thanks for the advise guys. They already own an upscale DVD player so that's not even my concern. It's whether to stop buying DVDs and buy only blu-ray for them or just let them keep buying DVDs.

Actually it is true, you can hook up a blu-ray player to a standard definition TV and still watch the movie... it obviously won't be in HD then though.

[stockstar1138]

Originally Posted by Blu-ray San

I have been around this format war long enough to know that isn't true.
BD's only play in BD players and only in HD, not SD quality.

Thanks for the advise guys. They already own an upscale DVD player so that's not even my concern. It's whether to stop buying DVDs and buy only blu-ray for them or just let them keep buying DVDs.

BD players can absolutely play in SD. i have had my ps3 hooked up via composite cables to a 20" Toshiba SDTV last year at college, played great. I will still swear to god that the colors are more vibrant and the picture seems a wee bit sharper when i watch blu-ray on a SDTV. however, you are correct in saying BDs can only play in BD players.

[davidPS3]

You can always watch regular DVD's in your Blu Ray player and it will upscale them. They will look better.

[Storm]

Originally Posted by Neo65

All HDM players can generate SD signals in case they don't have a HDTV, but that's like the cart pulling the horse. It's much simpler to just buy a decent HDTV first. There's $499 HDTVs (they're not very good), and they're still going to look better than the best SDTVs today with HDM feeds.

At $900, you can get a 40"+ lcd/plasma if you look around.

Totally agree.

[ps3andlovinit]

Originally Posted by Blu-ray San

Ok guys, here's the deal.....

My sis just picked up Ratatoille on DVD this week to watch on Thanksgiving with the family coming over but I made her return it because I was going to order it on blu-ray (along with Cars). Amazon.com done!!
Then, I started to think to myself if that was the right move.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge blu-ray supporter, but when it comes to the folks, A) I'm the only one in the house with a blu-ray player, B) they don't know much about the format war and C) they don't watch many movies at all. They don't have a blu-ray player but I would buy the Samsung BD player next week on black friday for $369 at best buy for them as a Christmas gift (even though I just want them to have it there) so they can start to watch HD movies.

My point is, I really want to get them into HD movies but I'm not sure if they should just stick to buying DVDs for now and wait for this format war mess to be over or just start buying blurays?

Any input is appreiciated!!

I'd go with the 40GB PS3 and set the disc auto-start feature on so they don't have to know how to work it...it's been the most hassle free from a compatibility perspective and for updating.

The PS3 will have a better resale value if Blu-ray's not their kind of thing and you want to sell it.

Over time you can introduce them to browsing the NY Times for their morning news , or throw some family pictures and movies on it. Btw, the family picture slideshow with some music playing is a real crowd pleaser ..something most people didn't know they wanted until they see their kids and grandkids on a bigscreen..

My .02 cents..

[cawgijoe]

You can pick up the Samsung at Costco for $379 now.

Great gift......just make sure if this is what you buy that you explain to them that it will need firmware updates every once in awhile and the load times may be a bit slow.

The 40GB PS3 may be the better value due to easy updating via wifi or USB flash drive or burn to disc.......also, load times will be much faster.

Just a thought.

[Living Near Shamu]

You can get the Samsung at Amazon for $339, free shipping, no taxes, or at Buy.com for $329 with google checkout.

[esteban2]

Originally Posted by Blu-ray San

Ok guys, here's the deal.....

My sis just picked up Ratatoille on DVD this week to watch on Thanksgiving with the family coming over but I made her return it because I was going to order it on blu-ray (along with Cars). Amazon.com done!!
Then, I started to think to myself if that was the right move.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge blu-ray supporter, but when it comes to the folks, A) I'm the only one in the house with a blu-ray player, B) they don't know much about the format war and C) they don't watch many movies at all. They don't have a blu-ray player but I would buy the Samsung BD player next week on black friday for $369 at best buy for them as a Christmas gift (even though I just want them to have it there) so they can start to watch HD movies.

My point is, I really want to get them into HD movies but I'm not sure if they should just stick to buying DVDs for now and wait for this format war mess to be over or just start buying blurays?

Any input is appreiciated!!

Why wait? Once they see how much better Blu-Ray looks compared to DVD, they will thank you greatly!

Of course you need to make sure they have an HD tv ...

[w_tanoto]

oh, come on. you will definitely need one of BD player. Even I, living in small flat (about 7x5 metres) have 3 BD players

[Blu-ray San]

Originally Posted by esteban2

Why wait? Once they see how much better Blu-Ray looks compared to DVD, they will thank you greatly!

Of course you need to make sure they have an HD tv ...

They have a Philips 42" 1080p hanging on the wall

I think they are ready