Physical & Digital EST: The Future of Home Video Discussion Thread

[octagon]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

She likes, “Alexa, begin my day” which turns on several lights, the AVR and selects Pandora or “Hey Google, add bread to my shopping list”.

I don't have my locks integrated yet (I'm still deciding between a couple different z-wave hubs) but I'm looking forward to the day when 'Alexa, good night' will make sure I turned off all my lights, locked all my doors and turned the heat down in the garage.

As toys go the home automation stuff is pretty freaking fun

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by octagon

I don't have my locks integrated yet (I'm still deciding between a couple different z-wave hubs) but I'm looking forward to the day when 'Alexa, good night' will make sure I turned off all my lights, locked all my doors and turned the heat down in the garage.

As toys go the home automation stuff is pretty freaking fun

Until Alexa starts cackling with laughter for no reason or informing the occupant that “everytime they close their eyes, they see dead people”

(Real reported cases)

[octagon]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

Until Alexa starts cackling with laughter for no reason or informing the occupant that “everytime they close their eyes, they see dead people”

(Real reported cases)

Mine doesn't do any of that

edit: I should say don't do any of that, I've got like four.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by octagon

Mine doesn't do any of that

edit: I should say don't do any of that, I've got like four.

They are listening, ALWAYS listening!

[octagon]

Oh, I know. I've been in the habit of talking out loud to myself since high school and every now again it'll answer.

It's pretty funny, actually.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by octagon

Oh, I know. I've been in the habit of talking out loud to myself since high school and every now again it'll answer.

It's pretty funny, actually.

The strangest thing mine has done is randomly start listing wild mushrooms!

[Wendell R. Breland]

Originally Posted by NightMovie901

I still want a AV receiver with an HDMI matrix switcher apparently I'm the only one who wants one.

Good luck with that. Atlona makes some standalone switchers that are supposed to be HDMI 2.0a, HDCP 2.2 compliant. My Yamaha CX-A5100 AVP has HDMI 2.0a, HDCP 2.2 switching but it has handshake issues with my combination of UHD/4K devices. So I use a 5 In, 1 Out HDMI switcher for UHD/4K devices and the Yamaha for HD sources. This combo is possible because the Sony projector has 2 HDMI inputs. A PDF here.

[mrveggieman]

Originally Posted by NightMovie901

I generally don't buy used.

You need to start. You will save a hell of a lot of money doing so.

[mrveggieman]

Originally Posted by Dynamo of Eternia

Then at that point you buy further movies on the newer format?

Even with physical media now, I generally opt for 4K/Blu-Ray combo packs. But if there is no 4K option, then I'll get regular Blu-Ray. If there is no Blu-Ray option (or 4K), then I'll opt for DVD (with DVD being more so for older TV shows, etc.).

If we do get to a point sometime down the road where movies and TV shows stop being released on physical media, then at that point I'll have to figure out what I'm going to do (if anything) to buy content, but the content that I already have on physical media isn't going anywhere, and won't come with the restrictions and uncertainty of digital.


Just because it is possible (but not certain) that some day when I'm old, I won't be able to walk around well and may either need a walker or a wheel chair doesn't mean I'm going to start using a walker or wheel chair now, or purposely injure myself now to force myself to be a condition to have to use one of those things to get around.

^^^^This^^^^^

[NightMovie901]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

Used a Marantz RC2000 MkII for several years then a URC MX-850 for several years. I really like the MX-980 except when Microsoft does updates and Mobile Device Center stops working and I have to reload Microsoft Sync. I am told the MX-990 does not need Microsoft Sync and Mobile Device Center. I also have several mobile based remote apps (iRule, Roomie, etc.) but never use them because the button remote is much easier to program and use.

Do you use Siri to control your Apple TV? Upstairs I fixed the better half up with Amazon Alexa, a Harmony Hub and Google Home. She likes, “Alexa, begin my day” which turns on several lights, the AVR and selects Pandora or “Hey Google, add bread to my shopping list”.

I do not use Siri or any other home listening devices like that. I actually used the Logitech 650 for the Apple TV. I haven't figured out how to close apps with it but I can do that with the Apple remote. (you have to swipe up)

The Logitech remote uses browser and web interface. Its online but makes it very simple. For a $45-$65 remote it is awesome.

[NightMovie901]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

Good luck with that. Atlona makes some standalone switchers that are supposed to be HDMI 2.0a, HDCP 2.2 compliant. My Yamaha CX-A5100 AVP has HDMI 2.0a, HDCP 2.2 switching but it has handshake issues with my combination of UHD/4K devices. So I use a 5 In, 1 Out HDMI switcher for UHD/4K devices and the Yamaha for HD sources. This combo is possible because the Sony projector has 2 HDMI inputs. A PDF here.

So back in the day I ran everything in to the AV receiver and one cable out to the TV. But now with the PS4 & Xbox I want to use a different TV input so I can tweak the setting for 4K HDR games. Watching a movie with those settings isn't good though.

I've researched on Amazon for an HDMI matrix switch in the past and they all had issues or didn't guarantee HDCP 2.2 etc. My other choice would be just to throw a new AV receiver and keep the old one for the gaming consoles only.

Also, when I first got the PS4 Pro I had issues with several brand name cables causing random black screens. I finally found someone that had the same issue and bought the cable they used to resolve it and it worked for me.

So yes this copy protection stuff and other standards can be a pain to deal with.

[NightMovie901]

Originally Posted by mrveggieman

You need to start. You will save a hell of a lot of money doing so.

I have a hard time trusting the quality of them based on how I see people take care of their things.

if I could get over that, where is a good place to buy used? and are people selling 4K blu-rays used at this point?

[Wendell R. Breland]

Originally Posted by NightMovie901

So back in the day I ran everything in to the AV receiver and one cable out to the TV. But now with the PS4 & Xbox I want to use a different TV input so I can tweak the setting for 4K HDR games. Watching a movie with those settings isn't good though.

Sounds like you need a video display device/TV that allows different video settings for each HDMI input. Most consumer HD video is 8 bit, 16 to 235, 4:2:0 (SMPTE 274, BT.709) and I assume the game consoles to be 8 bit, 0-255, 4:4:4.

[NightMovie901]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

Sounds like you need a video display device/TV that allows different video settings for each HDMI input. Most consumer HD video is 8 bit, 16 to 235, 4:2:0 (SMPTE 274, BT.709) and I assume the game consoles to be 8 bit, 0-255, 4:4:4.

I have that now but that means I have to run multiple HDMI connections to the TV and then send audio back to the receiver via an optical cable. Would prefer to send everything to the AV receiver and only 1 cable to TV from it.

I have a Samsung KS8000 4K TV which is an awesome gaming TV btw and a great "TV" TV too. LOL

[mrveggieman]

Originally Posted by NightMovie901

I have a hard time trusting the quality of them based on how I see people take care of their things.

if I could get over that, where is a good place to buy used? and are people selling 4K blu-rays used at this point?

I haven't seen any used 4Ks but they do have brand new blu rays on sale at dollar tree as well as family dollar. You can also hit up the thrift stores and pawn shops.

[alchav21]

Originally Posted by NightMovie901

I generally don't buy used.

Originally Posted by mrveggieman

You need to start. You will save a hell of a lot of money doing so.

Originally Posted by NightMovie901

I have a hard time trusting the quality of them based on how I see people take care of their things.

if I could get over that, where is a good place to buy used? and are people selling 4K blu-rays used at this point?

You Disc guys need to pay near full price to keep the Market going. That's why prices aren't dropping. I go to Best Buy and Target, and no one is buying. I know you guys say Amazon, but here again if you don't want to pay full price the Demand goes down and the Disc Market goes down!

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by alchav21

You Disc guys need to pay near full price to keep the Market going. That's why prices aren't dropping. I go to Best Buy and Target, and no one is buying. I know you guys say Amazon, but here again if you don't want to pay full price the Demand goes down and the Disc Market goes down!

What a load of shit.

[alchav21]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

What a load of shit.

Steedeel, you don't agree with basic marketing?

[Dynamo of Eternia]

Originally Posted by alchav21

You Disc guys need to pay near full price to keep the Market going. That's why prices aren't dropping. I go to Best Buy and Target, and no one is buying. I know you guys say Amazon, but here again if you don't want to pay full price the Demand goes down and the Disc Market goes down!

First of all, stop using the phrase, "you disc guys." It is frigging obnoxious.

Secondly, not everyone is buying everything used or only when on sale. Many of us do buy things when they are new. So stop lumping everyone together when some people indicate buying used.

Third, you going to Best Buy or Target and not seeing anyone buying things in these sections doesn't mean no one ever buys anything from them. If I go to Best Buy and don't see anyone browsing the appliance department for the whole whopping 15 minutes that I'm there, I don't assume that the market for appliances has completely dried up and that nobody is buying refrigerators, stoves, or washers & dryers anymore.

And fourth, it is rather funny and hypocritical for you to criticize those who are buying discs used regularly. While that doesn't help the market (which is why I buy most things new), I seem to recall you complaining in the past about buying combo packs so you can keep the digital code and being unable to unload the discs used at a price that you feel would be worth while (even if you didn't watch them, the packaging has still been opened). You go on and on about the death of physical media while trying to take advantage of it to get cheap codes for yourself, and then complaining when people wouldn't buy your used discs... only for you to now criticize when people DO buy used discs.

[Steedeel]

I buy a lot of mainstream but I also buy cult, indie, rare, etc.. from suppliers like Vinegar Syndrome. You can’t wait around with those guys, you either pay full price (very good value) or miss out. I have always been more than happy to pay full price. I work, I earn money, I spend money on quality product.
I personally see a stack of value in a film that will sparkle on my set up. A film I can watch again and again, enjoy excellent AV every time etc..

Have a wander over to the ITunes digital movies thread Alchav. I would happily pay full price for disc for the rest of my life rather than put up with that shit.