Blu-rays are 8 years old and DVDs still cling to them like a cancerous tumor. Why?

[growler]

I think one reason DVDs are packaged with BDs is to entice DVD customers to upgrade to BD. Once they do, they will already have a BD copy of their DVD movie. Hard to believe it is working. There are many ignorant people out there buying DVDs & some stupid ones as well. I was searching for something else & came across this 2010 discussion which frankly shocked me.
"widescreen vs fullscreen"
http://www.amazon.com/widescreen-vs-...sin=B001OQCV4W
Since some idiots, after having the issue fully explained to them, still cling to irrational beliefs. So, it is not at all surprising that some prefer DVDs & are not the slightest bit interested in BD & many don't know BD players will play their DVDs. I wonder how many people have purchased HDTVs, when they need a replacement or an additional TV, yet watch absolutely zero HD content. No BDs or player & watch SD channels since do not pay for HD. (I've read that some watch SD channel when they actually get HD channels!)

I've been a movie lover for a long time & only started collecting when widescreen VHS movies became available. (~ end of 1996?) I loathed 4:3 pan & scan of widescreen films. Same as despising colorization. Later in 2000 I finally got my 1st DVD player. Later 2003, I got 16 x 9 Plasma EDTV (HDTV was too expensive & no Blu-ray yet). I then discovered, to my horror, the difference between anamorphic vs, non-anamorphic DVDs! On my 16 x 9 TV, non-anamorphic DVDs had to be zoomed to eliminate 'windowboxing' & VHS letterbox movies looked even worse when zoomed. Finally, in 2003 got 1st real Plasma HDTV & Home theater & Blu-ray player. Just as I had sent friends & acquaintances videos re widescreen vs. full screen comparisons, I sent people BD vs. DVD comparison videos. Mixed reception. Some people have poor eyesight or TVs not properly calibrated. I suspect DVD will be around for some years.

If you think I'm being too harsh with name calling, read that linked discussion!

[slick1ru2]

I doubt anyone isn't aware that Blu-ray players play DVDs. The factor holding DVD buyers back is most likely their CRT TV, a robust technology that lasts decades.

[bruceames]

Originally Posted by slick1ru2

I doubt anyone isn't aware that Blu-ray players play DVDs. The factor holding DVD buyers back is most likely their CRT TV, a robust technology that lasts decades.

If that was it, then most people would have left DVD by now. Most people already have an HDTV (probably over 80% of households).

DVD is still around because of greater selection, being cheaper, upscaling (rendering it "good enough") and backwards compatibility of Blu-ray players.

Also DVD is deeply entrenched and only a more convenient format could replace it. Blu-ray is not more convenient. But digital is. For the masses, price and convenience trumps all.

[Race Bannon]

Originally Posted by slick1ru2

I doubt anyone isn't aware that Blu-ray players play DVDs. The factor holding DVD buyers back is most likely their CRT TV, a robust technology that lasts decades.

It's sad, but I think it is a factor.

And it may not a a conscious misunderstanding, but there's this non-thinking mindset of "I do DVD's. I have DVD's." As if you'd have to convert your entire collection in some OCD switchover.

The smart play was to start gradually acquiring blus when they came out, and not to worry about a hybrid collection.

[Dylan34]

Originally Posted by growler

I think one reason DVDs are packaged with BDs is to entice DVD customers to upgrade to BD. Once they do, they will already have a BD copy of their DVD movie. Hard to believe it is working. There are many ignorant people out there buying DVDs & some stupid ones as well. I was searching for something else & came across this 2010 discussion which frankly shocked me.
"widescreen vs fullscreen"
http://www.amazon.com/widescreen-vs-...sin=B001OQCV4W
Since some idiots, after having the issue fully explained to them, still cling to irrational beliefs. So, it is not at all surprising that some prefer DVDs & are not the slightest bit interested in BD & many don't know BD players will play their DVDs. I wonder how many people have purchased HDTVs, when they need a replacement or an additional TV, yet watch absolutely zero HD content. No BDs or player & watch SD channels since do not pay for HD. (I've read that some watch SD channel when they actually get HD channels!)

I've been a movie lover for a long time & only started collecting when widescreen VHS movies became available. (~ end of 1996?) I loathed 4:3 pan & scan of widescreen films. Same as despising colorization. Later in 2000 I finally got my 1st DVD player. Later 2003, I got 16 x 9 Plasma EDTV (HDTV was too expensive & no Blu-ray yet). I then discovered, to my horror, the difference between anamorphic vs, non-anamorphic DVDs! On my 16 x 9 TV, non-anamorphic DVDs had to be zoomed to eliminate 'windowboxing' & VHS letterbox movies looked even worse when zoomed. Finally, in 2003 got 1st real Plasma HDTV & Home theater & Blu-ray player. Just as I had sent friends & acquaintances videos re widescreen vs. full screen comparisons, I sent people BD vs. DVD comparison videos. Mixed reception. Some people have poor eyesight or TVs not properly calibrated. I suspect DVD will be around for some years.

If you think I'm being too harsh with name calling, read that linked discussion!

I read your amazon link, figgin' hilarious dude!!!!

[5150z]

Originally Posted by bruceames.

DVD is still around because of greater selection, being cheaper, upscaling (rendering it "good enough") and backwards compatibility of Blu-ray players.

Also DVD is deeply entrenched and only a more convenient format could replace it. Blu-ray is not more convenient. But digital is. For the masses, price and convenience trumps all.

Agree completely, except to add that DVD is still around for one 'main' reason: it still makes studios/companies a lot of money. And as you said, it's entrenched and will NOT go away anytime soon unless something more convenient comes along that studios can clean up on. It's not Blu-ray (not even close), and it certainly will never be UHD Blu-ray. Good post sir!

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by growler

I think one reason DVDs are packaged with BDs is to entice DVD customers to upgrade to BD. Once they do, they will already have a BD copy of their DVD movie. Hard to believe it is working. There are many ignorant people out there buying DVDs & some stupid ones as well. I was searching for something else & came across this 2010 discussion which frankly shocked me.
"widescreen vs fullscreen"
http://www.amazon.com/widescreen-vs-...sin=B001OQCV4W
Since some idiots, after having the issue fully explained to them, still cling to irrational beliefs. So, it is not at all surprising that some prefer DVDs & are not the slightest bit interested in BD & many don't know BD players will play their DVDs. I wonder how many people have purchased HDTVs, when they need a replacement or an additional TV, yet watch absolutely zero HD content. No BDs or player & watch SD channels since do not pay for HD. (I've read that some watch SD channel when they actually get HD channels!)

I've been a movie lover for a long time & only started collecting when widescreen VHS movies became available. (~ end of 1996?) I loathed 4:3 pan & scan of widescreen films. Same as despising colorization. Later in 2000 I finally got my 1st DVD player. Later 2003, I got 16 x 9 Plasma EDTV (HDTV was too expensive & no Blu-ray yet). I then discovered, to my horror, the difference between anamorphic vs, non-anamorphic DVDs! On my 16 x 9 TV, non-anamorphic DVDs had to be zoomed to eliminate 'windowboxing' & VHS letterbox movies looked even worse when zoomed. Finally, in 2003 got 1st real Plasma HDTV & Home theater & Blu-ray player. Just as I had sent friends & acquaintances videos re widescreen vs. full screen comparisons, I sent people BD vs. DVD comparison videos. Mixed reception. Some people have poor eyesight or TVs not properly calibrated. I suspect DVD will be around for some years.

If you think I'm being too harsh with name calling, read that linked discussion!

Wow, did I read that right? The OP actually thinks that studios save themselves money by including less picture on widescreen discs. I just have to shake my head in disbelief.

Some people just won't ever get it so the studios should do what's in those individuals' best interest and not give them a choice. Having more than one choice is apparently too much for them to comprehend.

[growler]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

Wow, did I read that right? The OP actually thinks that studios save themselves money by including less picture on widescreen discs. I just have to shake my head in disbelief.

Some people just won't ever get it so the studios should do what's in those individuals' best interest and not give them a choice. Having more than one choice is apparently too much for them to comprehend.

Apparently Yes! That is why that Amazon discussion shocked me. Particularly, the continued irrational statements/beliefs AFTER the facts were explained to the OP!
In 2009, 2010, when shopping for BDs @ stores, I'd occasionally see someone shopping DVDs & a few times I asked them if they knew that DVDs would play just fine in BD players & they never knew. (I was excited about HDTV/BDs & wanted to share the experience!) One time @ Walmart, I was asking for a particular BD that they didn't have & the employee (male, 20s) helpfully explained to me that BDs were a scam foisted on foolish public. PQ was no better than DVD. As proof he pointed 50-60 feet away at some 40" or smaller LCD TVs hanging on the wall & said he has tried to compare DVD with BD same film & saw no difference. I explained about viewing distance/screen size, proper calibration & eyesight (need for glasses in some). I asked him if he really thought that so many people who purchase HDTV & BD players are really stupid/suckers? Maybe he should reevaluate. He mumbled something about how he had been told he needed glasses & needs to get his eyes checked again.

Usually, 20:40 vision will pass driver tests. Some people are walking around with 20:60 or worse vision that has not been tested in many years. If you sit 20 feet away from a poorly calibrated, generic, cheap 32" HDTV, perhaps BD vs. DVD is not a big difference?

[CraigThom]

I find another discussion about it.

http://forums.steampowered.com/forum...t-3125175.html

There are a lot of people who don't care about OAR and just want their whole screen filled and don't care about picture quality. And there's a lot of ignorance about aspect ratios in general, even from those defending letterboxing.

[growler]

Originally Posted by CraigThom

I find another discussion about it.

http://forums.steampowered.com/forum...t-3125175.html

There are a lot of people who don't care about OAR and just want their whole screen filled and don't care about picture quality. And there's a lot of ignorance about aspect ratios in general, even from those defending letterboxing.

LOL
RodgerM, in that discussion, is the main idiot.
cr1515 seems to be the voice of reason.

[SammymeBlu]

Originally Posted by Gold Ranger

Except that Vinyl is still the superior format over cd's

Not in my book.

[slick1ru2]

Originally Posted by bruceames.

If that was it, then most people would have left DVD by now. Most people already have an HDTV (probably over 80% of households).

DVD is still around because of greater selection, being cheaper, upscaling (rendering it "good enough") and backwards compatibility of Blu-ray players.

Also DVD is deeply entrenched and only a more convenient format could replace it. Blu-ray is not more convenient. But digital is. For the masses, price and convenience trumps all.

80% of houses may have an HDTV but of those probably about 65% also have some CRTVs or even a 480p flat screen. Our house had a CRT TV until 2012, in one bedroom. And even still, our 2003 conversion van has a 20" 480p Sharp LCD TV. There was a period when they sold 480p TVs before HDTVs were being sold exclusively. There is so much that goes into why people buy DVDs still in huge numbers, its not just one thing but a lot of factors. Focus on one and you miss a dozen others. But I think a huge issue is the fact that you needed both a new player AND TV and the majority of people own at least 2, I'd imagine, living room and bedroom. We have 4 HDTVs but still an SD flat screen in the van. Not going to drop money into it until absolutely have to do it.

[Steedeel]

http://www.homecinemachoice.com/news...o-tablet/20505

More and more sites picking up on that Nielson/ ofcom report I linked in the past. This is seriously worrying shit. I hope all the streamers realise they are contributing to the mobile future. Even home cinema sites are now commenting on this. As I said years ago streaming is the downfall of home cinema and big screen tv. Next step, as I have said many times is tv on the wrist. News reports, sport highlights and webisodes etc..

[mredman]

not gonna happen. We all have different taste

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

http://www.homecinemachoice.com/news...o-tablet/20505

More and more sites picking up on that Nielson/ ofcom report I linked in the past. This is seriously worrying shit. I hope all the streamers realise they are contributing to the mobile future. Even home cinema sites are now commenting on this. As I said years ago streaming is the downfall of home cinema and big screen tv. Next step, as I have said many times is tv on the wrist. News reports, sport highlights and webisodes etc..

You're a "glass half empty" kind of guy aren't you? There is nothing to worry about as physical media isn't going away anytime soon.

[mredman]

^ exactly. people want a piece from both so they have more to select from. I stream and download but i certainly also buy a lot of blu rays of the movies and tv shows i wanna own physical its the same with everyone else. digital is for the rental crowd. And that crowd wanna own their favorites on blu ray like the Hunger Games movies, Superhero movies ect..

and the sales of TMNT 2014 movie is a big testament that physical is here to stay. Paramount had impressive sales for it on Blu Ray and DVD and the article did not even mention digital at all. Which is a tell that it did not do well on digital at all.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/tee...ers-2014-12-23

[Falaskan]

Originally Posted by CraigThom

I find another discussion about it.

http://forums.steampowered.com/forum...t-3125175.html

There are a lot of people who don't care about OAR and just want their whole screen filled and don't care about picture quality. And there's a lot of ignorance about aspect ratios in general, even from those defending letterboxing.

I want both the OAR and my whole screen filled! I mainly watch movies, and most of them are quite wide, so I wish 21:9 tvs were accurate and more readily available. I would have a few movies and tv shows with black bars on the sides, but not enough for me to care.

[Interdimensional]

Originally Posted by Falaskan

I want both the OAR and my whole screen filled! I mainly watch movies, and most of them are quite wide, so I wish 21:9 tvs were accurate and more readily available. I would have a few movies and tv shows with black bars on the sides, but not enough for me to care.

I wouldn't want a tv screen that wide.

I still watch a lot of older, pre-widescreen films, so I feel 16:9 is a pretty good compromise. Letterboxing never bothered me. Pillarboxing somehow does bother me a bit, but I live with it because I like it better than the alternative.

Pan & scan, cropping and stretching are options that may suit others but they are not for me.

[mredman]

just putting this in here for steedeel

Super Bowl XLIX ON NBC IS MOST-WATCHED SHOW IN U.S. TELEVISION HISTORY

http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/201...istory/358523/

And they all watched that on their big tv's and not smartphones ect.

[dublinbluray108]

CNET has reported today that LG has put out it's first 105 inch TV set on general sale in the UK.

All you have to do is to look at the price of it if you're thinking about getting this TV with 4K Blu-ray in the future.

http://www.cnet.com/uk/news/sony-tvs...-goes-on-sale/