Real 4k disks - what do you think the rollout timeline will be?

[ZoetMB]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Yeah, if they posit it as an extension to the standard BD format a la 3D, and don't talk it up as a brand-new replacement for the long term, it'll tick along just fine.

I can see the combo packages now: BD + 3D BD + 4K BD + DVD + DC.

While I still have some doubts as to whether 4K will be a physical format, if it were to become one I think you'll see BD + 4K BD combo packages with online links to SD and digital formats suitable for phone/pad/computer use. I think DVD/BD combo packages will disappear in the cases where 4K BD is available.

During the early adopter phase, I think you won't see 4K BD combo packages at all. I think the early discs will be priced extremely high ($50-$60 for an individual movie).

IMO, the electronics manufacturers should stop making DVD players. The cost of BD players has come down so much that DVD players are no longer necessary.

[Kirsty_Mc]

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

While I still have some doubts as to whether 4K will be a physical format...

Believe me... It will be a physical format. Just casting my mind back to last week, downloading IOS7 said it all. At one point my iPhone was registering about 90 hours remaining, even though it did not take 90 hours it was far from quick or problem free. Now just imagine what 4K downloading would be like on the release day of say a new Star Wars movie. I shudder to think!!!

Don't of course also forget that folk like to have something in their hand when they pay good money for something. There was an article on the BBC a few weeks ago on the very subject concerning vinyl and an increasing trend for cassette music of all things. Compact cassettes... I nearly fell off my chair.

Then there is always the case that not all people have access to a high speed broadband service. One of my colleagues who lives in the country is still on dial up and if he wants anything better has to make do with a 3G dongle and a lousy signal.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

While I still have some doubts as to whether 4K will be a physical format, if it were to become one I think you'll see BD + 4K BD combo packages with online links to SD and digital formats suitable for phone/pad/computer use. I think DVD/BD combo packages will disappear in the cases where 4K BD is available.

During the early adopter phase, I think you won't see 4K BD combo packages at all. I think the early discs will be priced extremely high ($50-$60 for an individual movie).

IMO, the electronics manufacturers should stop making DVD players. The cost of BD players has come down so much that DVD players are no longer necessary.

I disagree. I think it'll be a physical format, I think they'd be mad not to at least consider introducing it as a combo pack (i.e. do it by stealth rather than worrying ma and pa that the regular BD format is now out of date), and I also think that the pricing will be in line with regular BDs, albeit at the higher end of the scale. This ain't DVHS.

[raygendreau]

Posted in the FMP-X1 thread.

Makes me wonder if there will be 4K disk media in the future.

Review from an early adopter:

"Being an early adopter of technology can be a challenge. Very few tech-support employees at Sony knew much about the whole 4K launch--even fewer understood the ensuing problems. I received mixed advice from Sony but not Crutchfield. Crutchfield hung in there and did give the best advice--which never varied. I purchased one of the first 4K Sony TVs which then required a new interface board to be installed in the HDMI4 slot before it would work with the FMP-X1. Sony paid for this via a white-glove visit to my home. You'll also have to hardwire the FMP-X1 to the same router providing wireless to the 4K TV. Sony reps also brought powerline adapters to accomplish this at my house because my router is not located anywhere near the home theater setup. Whew, poor Sony is probably still trying to recover from this clumsy start. Nevertheless, the FMP-X1 comes loaded with some Native 4K movies and short subjects. The later are simply breath taking in their detail. Absolutely pixel free even at close distance. This weekend I used Sony's new 4K unlimited video service which is up and running with new content being added weekly. I downloaded "Body Double" using Charter Cable's medium internet speed and it took about 2 hours. Worked flawlessly and looks really great. I'm glad I purchased both 4K products. "

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GjJey5w...ny-FMP-X1.html

And from another early adopter. Be sure to read the comments to the video:

World's first look at video unlimited 4k - YouTube

[Cbeck]

Originally Posted by raygendreau

Posted in the FMP-X1 thread.

Makes me wonder if there will be 4K disk media in the future.

Review from an early adopter:

"Being an early adopter of technology can be a challenge. Very few tech-support employees at Sony knew much about the whole 4K launch--even fewer understood the ensuing problems. I received mixed advice from Sony but not Crutchfield. Crutchfield hung in there and did give the best advice--which never varied. I purchased one of the first 4K Sony TVs which then required a new interface board to be installed in the HDMI4 slot before it would work with the FMP-X1. Sony paid for this via a white-glove visit to my home. You'll also have to hardwire the FMP-X1 to the same router providing wireless to the 4K TV. Sony reps also brought powerline adapters to accomplish this at my house because my router is not located anywhere near the home theater setup. Whew, poor Sony is probably still trying to recover from this clumsy start. Nevertheless, the FMP-X1 comes loaded with some Native 4K movies and short subjects. The later are simply breath taking in their detail. Absolutely pixel free even at close distance. This weekend I used Sony's new 4K unlimited video service which is up and running with new content being added weekly. I downloaded "Body Double" using Charter Cable's medium internet speed and it took about 2 hours. Worked flawlessly and looks really great. I'm glad I purchased both 4K products. "

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GjJey5w...ny-FMP-X1.html

And from another early adopter. Be sure to read the comments to the video:

World's first look at video unlimited 4k - YouTube

I am not going to predict if there will be 4K discs or not, but it makes a lot more sense from a business perspective to market these tvs with a video service attached for instant content. I don't know why they would even bother expecting people to buy new blu ray players and discs when there will obviously be a lot more content available for instant viewing.

It is getting a bit late in the game to introduce another disc. They may do this, but I would have doubts over how successful it will be.

[Wendell R. Breland]

Originally Posted by raygendreau

I downloaded "Body Double" using Charter Cable's medium internet speed and it took about 2 hours.

Must have very high speed ISP and file size must be small. For me, I have a 10 Mbps (max) service and speed test show that I have about 10 Mbps. Typical real world speed is between 2 to 6 Mbps with 2 to 3 being the norm. At 6 Mbps it would take me 19 hours to download a 50 MB UHD file and 37 hours at 3 Mbps.

Click here to see the average for Netflix users.

[cramped_misfit90]

4k discs have already been confirmed! Right here on bd.com... hahaha
No new physical media for 4k?? Yeah right..........hahahahahaha
There will be 8k discs one day! Humans...

[Cbeck]

Originally Posted by cramped_misfit90

4k discs have already been confirmed! Right here on bd.com... hahaha
No new physical media for 4k?? Yeah right..........hahahahahaha
There will be 8k discs one day! Humans...

Of course they can make 4k discs. The issue I was referring to is why anyone would buy them when you will have access to a lot more content when you buy a 4k television. The price for purchasing one of these titles is reasonable right now, and it will surely drop. There has to be acceptance in the marketplace or it makes no difference what kind of discs can be made.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Cbeck

Of course they can make 4k discs. The issue I was referring to is why anyone would buy them when you will have access to a lot more content when you buy a 4k television. The price for purchasing one of these titles is reasonable right now, and it will surely drop. There has to be acceptance in the marketplace or it makes no difference what kind of discs can be made.

4k tv with crap quality streaming. Almost tragic don't you think?

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Cbeck

I am not going to predict if there will be 4K discs or not

The guy from Hell says you don't have to.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by #Darren

Real 4k disks - what do you think the rollout timeline will be?

To the OP of the thread and the original question ^.

So far, after a quick perusal of the thread:
2 votes for 2014
2 votes for 2015
1 vote for 2016

*multi-year forecasts not included in the ‘official’ vote count above.

Plus, lots of commentary. Need more votes to have anything near a statistically significant opinion sample.

[Cbeck]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

4k tv with crap quality streaming. Almost tragic don't you think?

What streaming? They are downloads. Why would they be "crap quality"?

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Cbeck

Of course they can make 4k discs. The issue I was referring to is...

Oh

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Cbeck

What streaming? They are downloads. Why would they be "crap quality"?

You said content. I thought you meant regular streaming services. Do you know for a fact that there will be more 4k download content as opposed to disc based content?

[raygendreau]

Fox and other studios have been making 4K transfers for BD masters for some time now. Content won't be a problem. Sony already has 100 True 4K selections available. Elysium, After Earth and others coming soon.

[Cbeck]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

You said content. I thought you meant regular streaming services. Do you know for a fact that there will be more 4k download content as opposed to disc based content?

No, I was referring to the link I was replying to. It seems logical that is the direction we are headed. Even if 4k discs are released eventually, by that time more content will also be available for download when you purchase a television. The person with the service said new content is being added weekly right now. So why would anyone buy discs? Or even if they do, will it be in high enough numbers to make it even worthwhile for the studios to produce them, after people finally buy new players?

[Cbeck]

It is brilliant marketing to sell a television and content at the same time. Most people will see no need for a player or discs. It is making things easier for the consumer, and that always succeeds.

[raygendreau]

Originally Posted by Cbeck

It is brilliant marketing to sell a television and content at the same time. Most people will see no need for a player or discs. It is making things easier for the consumer, and that always succeeds.

Studios are big winners as well. Wipes out all the costs of physical manufacturing and distribution.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by raygendreau

Studios are big winners as well. Wipes out all the costs of physical manufacturing and distribution.

It also wipes the ability to have a visible collection in the cabinet or shelves. Not for me, thanks.

[Cbeck]

Originally Posted by raygendreau

Studios are big winners as well. Wipes out all the costs of physical manufacturing and distribution.

Yes, plus it cuts down on the piracy which goes along with discs.

Don't get me wrong, I love blu ray discs. But I really doubt expanding blu ray is where the studios are heading.