Oh noes teh sky is falling!

[vargo]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

Seen stuff like this for years.

I have 10 Mbps service and all speed test show about this number. Reality, 2.5 GB file from Garmin takes about 90 minutes which ≈ 3.7 Mbps. I get about this or less from most sites (Synology, MS, Corel, etc.) with large files.

I can stream Netflix SuperHD and Amazon HD most of the time without re-buffers. VUDU HDX is a hit or miss, some nights no problem, others, it will re-buffer every few seconds.

And I am sure that 10 years ago you were predicting that it would never be routine to download 2.5GB files because the internet was too slow. Im not sure why you post in a technology subforum because you seem oblivious to technological progress.

[MifuneFan]

Maybe it's just me, but I feel like more people are embracing UV (mostly through VUDU) more now than in the past. No stats to back that up, just anecdotal stuff. I mean, there used to be a time when the inclusion of a UV copy automatically meant it would be shelled with 1-star reviews on Amazon. That doesn't happen any more for the most part.

Vudu's HDX is really great in my opinion. Perhaps not BD quality, but the thing that a lot of people on here don't get is, not everyone needs or can even tell the difference between BD and HDX. I think just like MP3's in the music industry, people are willing to accept an inferior product because it's more convenient.

Now, this Roku guy is wrong when he says people won't be using BD players in 3 years. BD will still be around, but there's no doubt in my mind that streaming will be even more prevalent than it is right now. Netflix's traffic makes up a sizable percentage of all internet traffic, and they're continuing to expand. With more studios (including Disney) showing support for services like Vudu, UV, etc...and the quality improving with streams, viewer support will also inevitably grow.

You have to also keep in mind that nearly every major catalog movie has been released. In 3 years, what will be left? We'll have new release BD's, the occasional deep catalog title, and maybe some sort of re-release. That's slim pickings. There are also signs of physical media dwindling in stores like Best Buy and WM. None of this can be good for the format.

I personally prefer my physical collection over streaming, but mainly because of the extras included, and unique packaging options (digibooks, steels, etc..). If UV started offering the same extras found on the discs, I'd certainly be more willing to switch over. This is just my take on all of this however. I could be completely off

[Wendell R. Breland]

Originally Posted by vargo

And I am sure

OK, time to end this. I do not see anything in your public profile so I have no idea if you are a technical person or one who reads internet drivel and repeats it in internet forums but does not know the first thing about electronics.

At any rate this is Blu-ray.COM so the main interest is disc. Perhaps you would feel more at home in some streaming forums. I can recommend some if need be.

[arcadeforest]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Maybe it's just me, but I feel like more people are embracing UV (mostly through VUDU) more now than in the past. No stats to back that up, just anecdotal stuff. I mean, there used to be a time when the inclusion of a UV copy automatically meant it would be shelled with 1-star reviews on Amazon. That doesn't happen any more for the most part.

Vudu's HDX is really great in my opinion. Perhaps not BD quality, but the thing that a lot of people on here don't get is, not everyone needs or can even tell the difference between BD and HDX. I think just like MP3's in the music industry, people are willing to accept an inferior product because it's more convenient.

Now, this Roku guy is wrong when he says people won't be using BD players in 3 years. BD will still be around, but there's no doubt in my mind that streaming will be even more prevalent than it is right now. Netflix's traffic makes up a sizable percentage of all internet traffic, and they're continuing to expand. With more studios (including Disney) showing support for services like Vudu, UV, etc...and the quality improving with streams, viewer support will also inevitably grow.

You have to also keep in mind that nearly every major catalog movie has been released. In 3 years, what will be left? We'll have new release BD's, the occasional deep catalog title, and maybe some sort of re-release. That's slim pickings. There are also signs of physical media dwindling in stores like Best Buy and WM. None of this can be good for the format.

I personally prefer my physical collection over streaming, but mainly because of the extras included, and unique packaging options (digibooks, steels, etc..). If UV started offering the same extras found on the discs, I'd certainly be more willing to switch over. This is just my take on all of this however. I could be completely off

Have to agree - don't see bluray going away anytime soon and I perfer discs to streaming as well. With that said streaming is here to stay and over time it will only gain in marketshare with American households. Speaking for myself all of my television watching is either done through OTA or streaming. Roku is a great little box that brings entertainment into the house to watch.

[Wendell R. Breland]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

I personally prefer my physical collection over streaming, but mainly because of the extras included, and unique packaging options (digibooks, steels, etc..). If UV started offering the same extras found on the discs, I'd certainly be more willing to switch over. This is just my take on all of this however. I could be completely off

Me too but because of better picture, full resolution 3D (for when I get a 3D display), lossless audio and First Sale Doctrine. Don't know if its still around but CR did a PQ test between Blu-ray and VUDU HDX a while back. You might be surprised at the results.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Maybe it's just me, but I feel like more people are embracing UV (mostly through VUDU) more now than in the past. No stats to back that up, just anecdotal stuff. I mean, there used to be a time when the inclusion of a UV copy automatically meant it would be shelled with 1-star reviews on Amazon. That doesn't happen any more for the most part.

Vudu's HDX is really great in my opinion. Perhaps not BD quality, but the thing that a lot of people on here don't get is, not everyone needs or can even tell the difference between BD and HDX. I think just like MP3's in the music industry, people are willing to accept an inferior product because it's more convenient.

Now, this Roku guy is wrong when he says people won't be using BD players in 3 years. BD will still be around, but there's no doubt in my mind that streaming will be even more prevalent than it is right now. Netflix's traffic makes up a sizable percentage of all internet traffic, and they're continuing to expand. With more studios (including Disney) showing support for services like Vudu, UV, etc...and the quality improving with streams, viewer support will also inevitably grow.

You have to also keep in mind that nearly every major catalog movie has been released. In 3 years, what will be left? We'll have new release BD's, the occasional deep catalog title, and maybe some sort of re-release. That's slim pickings. There are also signs of physical media dwindling in stores like Best Buy and WM. None of this can be good for the format.

I personally prefer my physical collection over streaming, but mainly because of the extras included, and unique packaging options (digibooks, steels, etc..). If UV started offering the same extras found on the discs, I'd certainly be more willing to switch over. This is just my take on all of this however. I could be completely off

Where is this all going though. People who love streaming will probably use tablets and smartphones. However, the tech industry will be pushing smartwatches soon. These things are being tipped to replace tablets and smartphones. 1.5 to max 2 inch screens. So, forget comfortable viewing of netflix, Hulu etc.. In bed or on sofa. That leaves on the go viewing. Maybe watchable but eye straining. Films, forget it.
If the younger generation abandons TV sets, we may have a time when we can't watch our media on anything but a two inch smartwatch. Younger people use their mobile devices to watch tv and movies (tragically, IMO) if these devices get smaller then it could lead to a miniature world of micro screens for our entertainment. TV sales are still slumping I understand. We seem to be on a collision course for a 2 inch streaming Armageddon.

[fdm]

I don't see my isp bumping up speeds any time soon (they kind of got stuck at 3Mbps several years ago after a few bumps early on), without my forking out extra bucks (which is not likely either), so streaming of hd is a no-go for me. It's either small dish for something sort of resembling hd most times, or blu.

(Prior to swapping out my tv and blu-ray player recently, I did get a roku earlier this year to stream some stuff I didn't want to buy on dvd, but was disappointed to find I couldn't stream any of it in hd quality. So it doesn't get used much. (Still plan on using it to watch that stuff I didn't want to buy on dvd, but my priorities lean towards hd pretty much every time.))

[THXGuru]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Vudu's HDX is really great in my opinion. Perhaps not BD quality, but the thing that a lot of people on here don't get is, not everyone needs or can even tell the difference between BD and HDX. I think just like MP3's in the music industry, people are willing to accept an inferior product because it's more convenient.

Yes, this is exactly why I think streaming will keep taking market share away. I eventually see a big boom coming where the adoption rate will jump drastically from where it is now.

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

people are willing to accept an inferior product because it's more convenient.

This has always been the case with many products and it will be no different in this situation.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by THXGuru

Yes, this is exactly why I think streaming will keep taking market share away. I eventually see a big boom coming where the adoption rate will jump drastically from where it is now.



This has always been the case with many products and it will be no different in this situation.

Basically, the death of home cinema. A lot of people don't seem to realise that when they continue to bang the streaming drum.

[krazeyeyez]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

Basically, the death of home cinema. A lot of people don't seem to realise that when they continue to bang the streaming drum.

It won't be the death of home cinema but it may very well be the death of cable... and the main supplement of s home library. I love my blu's but I would miss out on a great deal if it wasn't for Netflix and amazon. Have not had cable in sometime and I don't miss it at all.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by krazeyeyez

It won't be the death of home cinema but it may very well be the death of cable... and the main supplement of s home library. I love my blu's but I would miss out on a great deal if it wasn't for Netflix and amazon. Have not had cable in sometime and I don't miss it at all.

But what is the point of projectors and sound systems if the source is not of bluray quality? I always notice compression etc.. I dare say I would just settle with a TV set (if they are not phased out) I am not anti streaming if it means bluray quality and maybe, we will get to that stage. I, like you, have enjoyed streaming services. Breaking bad, for example. That is a show I would of not bought on bluray as it didn't grab me when I read its ploit outline. (I love it now). But streaming should only ever be a complement to disc based media. A rental format as opposed to a buying model. I worry that the smaller screens get, smartphones and now smartwatches, will lead to the death of big screens. Streaming seems to be intended for mobile devices and netflix on a smartwatch would be the ultimate piste take in my opinion.

[THXGuru]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

But what is the point of projectors and sound systems if the source is not of bluray quality?

You are missing the point Most people do not own projectors or good sound systems, it is the enthusiast that owns it and like I have said in my earlier posts there will always be blu-ray for those who want it or feel the need that they have to have it.

The average person will trade the blu-ray for the low cost and convenience of Netflix/Apple TV.

[vargo]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

OK, time to end this. I do not see anything in your public profile so I have no idea if you are a technical person or one who reads internet drivel and repeats it in internet forums but does not know the first thing about electronics.

At any rate this is Blu-ray.COM so the main interest is disc. Perhaps you would feel more at home in some streaming forums. I can recommend some if need be.

You stated that broadband speeds had not changed much in recent years.

I simply provided a link with statistical data refuting this assertion.

Yes this Blu-ray.com, and this section is a discussion forum, if you have a problem with people discussing your silly claims then perhaps you should stop making them. Or alternatively, provide some statistical data to back up your claim that Internet speeds are not getting faster.

In every streaming discussion you seem to be of the opinion that Internet infrastructure is somehow fixed in time at 2013 levels and thus 2013 Internet speeds, caps and penetration are going to pose an obstacle to the future adoption of stuff like 4K streaming. It is absurd.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

Me too but because of better picture, full resolution 3D (for when I get a 3D display), lossless audio and First Sale Doctrine. Don't know if its still around but CR did a PQ test between Blu-ray and VUDU HDX a while back. You might be surprised at the results.

Stills or in motion?

[Cevolution]

Originally Posted by vargo

You stated that broadband speeds had not changed much in recent years.

I simply provided a link with statistical data refuting this assertion.

Yes this Blu-ray.com, and this section is a discussion forum, if you have a problem with people discussing your silly claims then perhaps you should stop making them. Or alternatively, provide some statistical data to back up your claim that Internet speeds are not getting faster.

In every streaming discussion you seem to be of the opinion that Internet infrastructure is somehow fixed in time at 2013 levels and thus 2013 Internet speeds, caps and penetration are going to pose an obstacle to the future adoption of stuff like 4K streaming. It is absurd.

It will for sometime here in Australia, our newly elected Government are not commited to implementing what's known here as the 'national broadband network' that the previous Government was rolling out. This is why these topics are flawed, because threads like this are overrun by American opinions based on what you see is going on around you, without a single thought about the reality where the rest of the world is concerned. We don't even have Netflix, Hulu or anything which closely compares to these yet.

[Tok]

Originally Posted by krazeyeyez

It won't be the death of home cinema but it may very well be the death of cable... and the main supplement of s home library. I love my blu's but I would miss out on a great deal if it wasn't for Netflix and amazon. Have not had cable in sometime and I don't miss it at all.

Cutting cable/satellite is easy if you have no interest in live events such as sports. I love college football and the NFL. Now if the NFL got wise and didn't have their exclusive agreement with DirecTV or you could just get ESPN networks online I would drop cable in a heartbeat and rely on over the air for local programming.

The cable companies know that it is sports audience that is still keeping their TV packages going.

Now the real question is if the cable companies went a la carte or if the big channels just allowed you to subscribe to them for streaming, would you save compared to just having a cable TV package? I don't think its an automatic win for the consumers.

The reality is I pay $170 month for premium HD cable, 50Mbps Internet and phone. That price also includes OnDemand and online streaming through XFinity. Now that is a bundling price so if I dropped everything but internet I would still need 50Mbps internet. The non-bundled price is $70+tax so I am sure it would be over $80. Add in a la carte channels if available and streaming service subscriptions. I doubt that it is going to be a huge savings like some are making it out to be.

I think some that claim it is easy and still get everything they want are finding illegal ways to stream content. I've watched my favorite NFL team play once via a pirated DirecTV feed.

[Riddler95]

I don't think Blu-Ray will be dead by 2016.

I prefer physical media over digital downloads, there is a huge market for physical media still.

DVD is almost twenty years old. If DVD can last that long then Blu-Ray certainly can as well.

Heck, Laserdisc existed in Japan for thirty years. In North America it stuck around for twenty two years.

[blonde_devil]

in the States: maybe if you have decent coverage outside cities. but around the world: no chance. how are you going to use netflix on a farm if you can't get decent internet coverage? I know a lot of places in Canada are like that - you get great coverage in the city but the moment you leave, your options drop and a lot of people can't get internet so there goes streaming and downloading. that leaves dvd and bluray. and even in the cities, not everyone is on netflix or has something they can download on. besides, dvd was supposed to kill vhs and look how many years that took, dvd is still around and being pushed even though we have bluray. bluray isn't going anywhere in 3 years.

[THXGuru]

Originally Posted by blonde_devil

bluray isn't going anywhere in 3 years.

I don't think anyone has said it won't be around But streaming will not be declining in use, it will increase.

[KRW1]

Originally Posted by THXGuru

I don't think anyone has said it won't be around But streaming will not be declining in use, it will increase.

I don't think anyone has said that, have they? Of course it'll increase. It will take sales from bluray but won't replace it for enthusiasts. I think that's all we want, really, it's already happening. To put a positive spin on it, we won.

I remember being told that bluray would never take off in a big way and the only thing you'd be able to get on it would be big budget Hollywood blockbusters as smaller companies wouldn't be able to afford to release stuff in HD and streaming is just around the corner etc. It is now 2013 and I have Misty Beethoven, Sante Sangre and Gangs of Wasseryup available to watch whenever I want. I doubt Netflix has all of those.

Regarding internet speeds, I live in a city and it's crap.