"Club Penton" - Ask questions to Hollywood insider "Penton-Man"

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Maxpower1987

Indeed, digital workflow requires powered storage, tapes don't.

Don't get me started on the deficiencies of the RED One, the only reason people on a forum like this have even heard of it is because of tactics similar to the ones used by HD DVD fanatics.........

Careful now.
You just had one Red army on your arse during the format war.
You don't need another.

[dobyblue]

Or just go to an F1 race in Montreal, where the finest women in the world are.

[Esox50]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-dom !

I think you are missing an "e" in there.

EDIT: BTW, read ya loud and clear. I expect it to be their usual late August "catalog blockbuster" if the old days of DVD were any inidcation. Remember, Titanic one year, then Braveheart the next, then Gump the next. Paramount, so risk averse, so predictable.

[horseflesh]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

I’m all ready for an English final.
In fact, I’d probably try to get tickets to it if the venue had been anywhere else but Russia (a past bad experience with borsch).

Actually, I’ve taken the day off to visit a local pub that is showing the Chelsea/ Liverpool match today (in just about 2 1/2 hours from now).
Should be great fun.
I really have no affiliation with either team but, my gut feeling is that Chelsea will win despite the fact that I think Liverpool is the more deserving after having had finally watched Leg 1 from last week.

P.S.
I assume you know who one of the title sponsors of the Champions League is ?

Pesonally I don't like either Liverpool or Chelsea (and no, I'm not a United supporter) because they both play such ugly football. Since the semi-final draw was made I've hoped that the eventual winner of the Champions' League comes from the Barcelona-United tie and not tonight's.
And you do know I have a soft spot for Barcelona

I do think Chelsea will edge it tonight though, they're practically unbeatable at Stamford Bridge. It would be a sad sad day for football if they went on to win the competition though.

[aygie]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Yes, it's all your fault for getting the Insiders on this digital camera thing !

Sheesh, that particular camera gets enough face time on the internet the way it is already. You should have seen their display(s) at NAB.

hehe well im a Panasonic man myself

Anyway it was one of your posts which made me think of Red!! (Can't find it now, it was when you just got back from NAB). But i couldn't quite work out if it was a like or dislike post......i'll have to find it......

[horseflesh]

Originally Posted by Maxpower1987

Got to go to the pub tonight for Liverpool Chelsea. There is absolutely no way that Liverpool deserve to go through, they got help from the ref against Inter in both legs, Arsenal should have had them at the Emirates, if not for poor refereeing, and again at Anfield. While I despise Chelsea football club, they are most definitely more deserving of reaching the final.

I never thought I'd see the day!!
Is your middle name Arsene??

BTW, do you recall the 4-5 Arsenal game at White Hart Lane about 3 seasons ago? My brother lived in London at the time and I went to visit him, and he managed to get tickets. Unbelievable game; 9 goal, 9 different scorers.

P.S. I hate Chelsea and everything they stand for too, what a vile football club

[HeavyHitter]

Penton,

Any comments on another one of these Blu-ray doomsday articles in the NY Times?

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/0...ref=technology

Any other insider feel free to chime in.

[Paradiso]

Originally Posted by HeavyHitter

Penton,

Any comments on another one of these Blu-ray doomsday articles in the NY Times?

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/0...ref=technology

Any other insider feel free to chime in.

I'm by no means an insider, but I would hazard a few guesses if you'll allow:

The Economy: Right now the media is throwing every "doomsday" scenario around (of course some are true), from oil prices, to food shortages, to global economies being affected by what's happening with the U.S. economy. But, in the end, who's to say? Those of us in the U.S. are eagerly awaiting our "stimulus" packages, as well as kids are graduating from highschool and entering college; vacations are being prepared, etc etc. There are sooo many things that could be attributed when you mention the "e" word.

The War (which one?): Yep we're at war. That about says it all. These things cost money (and lives more importantly).

The Election (another "e" word): I honestly don't know if that's a factor at all, but these days a ripple in the pond can affect things.

Those are just my silly ideas and I'm sure each thing I mentioned could (and will) be refuted. As Bill Hunt would say, those are my two cents.


Now don't hurt me.

[PaulGo]

The sweet spot for Blu-ray players is $199. Once the price drops to that level sales of stand alone players will skyrocket. I think you should see specials at about that price by this November.

[OokieSpookie]

Originally Posted by HeavyHitter

Penton,

Any comments on another one of these Blu-ray doomsday articles in the NY Times?

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/0...ref=technology

Any other insider feel free to chime in.

Not Penton but my view is that it is complete crap.
The gaming market continues to grow higher and higher recession, high gas prices or anything else.
The entertainment market is where people turn when things get bad to take their mind off of things.
There is no doom and gloom in this game.

[STARSCREAM]

Well, it might have helped if they didn't RAISE Blu-Ray player prices once HDDVD threw in the towel! Just take a gander at the Panasonic BD30's price increase.

[WickyWoo]

Well, it might have helped if they didn't RAISE Blu-Ray player prices once HDDVD threw in the towel! Just take a gander at the Panasonic BD30's price increase.

No prices were raised.

Individual dealers took advantage of heavy demand and raised their prices because they knew they could get it with short supply

[HeavyHitter]

That article mentioned how Jan and Feb were slow.....we'll right after the holidays, that's to be expected. I'm sure DVD player sales dropped after Christmas too.

I also agree once Blu-ray players get closer to $200 that will help a lot.

I'm sure there will be a larger PR/marketing push later in the year too. I know some of our insiders have said 2008 is just a warm-up year anyway.

[Balian]

Interestingly, the Feds came out with the numbers today on the latest quarter. The GDP grew 0.6%. If there is a recession, the latest quarter is not in the calculation.

[dialog_gvf]

Originally Posted by WickyWoo

No prices were raised.

Individual dealers took advantage of heavy demand and raised their prices because they knew they could get it with short supply

Supply and demand? What is this odd pricing model you speak of?

[Blu Titan]

The facts indicate that for the months of Janaury and February there was a strong promotional effort aimed towards the sale of Blu-ray players. I purchased an additional BD player in late November (Samsung 1400 BD-P) for $300 and got 5 free movies from the BDA and 3 more from Samsung. There were many bundles for an HD TV that included a blu-ray player. In February all of those promotions ended. Players went back to their regular prices, and the free movie promotion ended. Historically January and February are very slow months in terms of retail sales. Consequently, sales of blu-ray players fell by 40% in February. The 2% rebound in March is minimal, but a positive sign. Everyone that posts and mentions that $200 is the magic number (for mass adoption) is correct. I have had five co workers ask me questions about blu-ray ( I am always willing to do PR for the format). Anyways, every single one mentioned "I will buy one when they get to be $200." I have no idea why, but that is the number that is ALWAYS cited. CE manufacturers need to make a profit to recover their R&D costs, and prices will not fall instantly. However, the competition in the market will assure of a "natural" drop in price. It has been a great week..AWESOME in fact! Let's not worry about every single blog or report that comes out. I remember a report that came out in December (don't remember the research company) that predicted a "stalemate" between Blu-ray an HD DVD for years to come. I am so happy right now, but it really annoys to see how every possible doomsday scenerio quickly catching fire in this forum. I apologize for the rant..But, just enjoy the moment.

[horseflesh]

To anyone who hasn't yet ordered A Passage to India, the price has been reduced to $18.95 on Amazon.

[Esox50]

Originally Posted by dialog_gvf

Supply and demand? What is this odd pricing model you speak of?

It's the same pricing model that caused the $99 HD DVD players at Wal-Mart last Fall. Few people wanted them at the regular price, and they made too many...as evidenced by the late 06/early 07 build dates.

[Robert Siegel]

Originally Posted by HeavyHitter

Penton,

Any comments on another one of these Blu-ray doomsday articles in the NY Times?

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/0...ref=technology

Any other insider feel free to chime in.

Well, I am not an insider but I'll chime in. What amazes me about these doom stories they love to write is they forget a very important factor, THE ECONOMY. They could take just about every product available out there and see drops in sales. When people are worrying about filling their gas tank, paying their heating bills, or taking their 600.00 extra refund to catch up on their credit card payments, I think it's safe to say many aren't thinking about upgrading their format right now. This economy is not good for any new product trying to makes its way into the mainstream.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by HeavyHitter

Penton,

Any comments on another one of these Blu-ray doomsday articles in the NY Times?

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/0...ref=technology

Any other insider feel free to chime in.

Hah,
I really think Amy’s (Pascal) husband should return to the Times as a writer and give us Blu folk some Blu-friendly “analysis.”

Seriously, who cares what any of the analysts say......if you are a *home theater enthusiast* ? Enjoy the fact that you are getting motion pictures at home in the best ever video and audio quality ever offered to the public. Concentrate on upgrading your displays or purchasing other displays for other rooms or adding to your Blu-ray library of titles….. after riding your bicycle back home from work as gas prices shoot to the moon.

B.T.W.
Has anyone heard if any airlines now are charging for *bathroom privileges* on flights?
Don't laugh, I heard their charging for extra leg room already.