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

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Vilya

I hadn't heard a word about it. I've been too busy with my own dramas to follow much of the news or anything else.

Still, I don't know what good your worrying about it will do. I guess use this time to make your home as energy self reliant as possible like Ender14 has done.

That won’t stop more and more folk relying more on 4/5G connected cellphones and laptops for home consumption over the intermittently idle tv.

[The_Donster]

Originally Posted by alchav21

Hi Donster, glad to hear you are doing good. Sony OLED won the 2021 Shootout again, so you should check out their displays. I've had my Sony UHD 4K since 2017 and the Streaming is Terrific with the Android Apps. So give them a try before you start buying Discs again, I think your options will be a lot better!

Thank you. I’m doing fine with my 65” KS 8000 Samsung. Which I feel I’ve barely broken in honestly. I am probably upgrading to a Sony 4K player and Xbox console eventually though. Right now I’m using my One as my BD player.

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

That won’t stop more and more folk relying more on 4/5G connected cellphones and laptops for home consumption over the intermittently idle tv.

What other people choose to do is their choice, not ours. It's not our place to "stop" anyone from watching content however they want.

[Lee A Stewart]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

This is not some prediction, you must have seen the news about the U.K.? We have horrific traffic jams at gas stations, shortage of food stock, £140 average energy cost increases etc.. we face blackouts over the Winter and that could extend into next year. This is Europe wide problem by the way.

This could in turn impact film production, tv broadcasts, streaming such as Disney+, Netflix etc..

BP closes UK gas stations due to truck shortages

LONDON, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Oil company BP (BP.L) said on Thursday it had temporarily closed some of its petrol forecourts in Britain after its ability to transport fuel from refineries was hit by an industry wide shortage of truck drivers.

"We are experiencing some fuel supply issues at some of our retail sites in the UK and unfortunately have therefore seen a handful of sites temporarily close due to a lack of both unleaded and diesel grades," BP said in a statement on Thursday.

BP, which has about 1,200 branded stations across the United Kingdom, said it was taking action to address the issue.

https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/bp-...tv-2021-09-23/


EDIT:

UK looks abroad to ease trucker shortage amid run on gas

LONDON (AP) - In a U-turn, Britain said Saturday it will issue thousands of emergency visas to foreign truck drivers to help fix supply-chain problems that have caused empty supermarket shelves, long lines at gas stations and shuttered pumps.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative government had resisted easing immigration rules, despite warnings from businesses that the driver shortage could lead to a Christmas without turkey or toys for many British families.

The haulage industry says the U.K. is short tens of thousands of truckers, due to a perfect storm of factors including the coronavirus pandemic, an aging workforce and an exodus of foreign workers following Britain's departure from the European Union last year.

https://www.kob.com/business-news/uk...48731/?cat=602

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Lee A Stewart

BP closes UK gas stations due to truck shortages



https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/bp-...tv-2021-09-23/


EDIT:

UK looks abroad to ease trucker shortage amid run on gas



https://www.kob.com/business-news/uk...48731/?cat=602

That’s just one of the factors. It’s a very complicated issue with no easy resolve. We need storage and we need it ASAP. Storage technology isn’t quite there yet and the dream solution everyone has been banging on about (renewables) are not working because the wind levels are low. The turbines ain’t spinning.

Now, EU truckers don’t fancy a temporary gig so we are struggling to recruit U.K. talent.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Vilya

What other people choose to do is their choice, not ours. It's not our place to "stop" anyone from watching content however they want.

I realise that but it doesn’t help and backs up my theory that more folk will abandon TVs for smartphones.

[Wendell R. Breland]

Originally Posted by Vilya

My experience with Monoprice may well be an isolated incident, but with 2 out of 3 cables failing at the same time and the same age, I am done with them.

Not defending Monoprice but yours seems to be an isolated case. Two cables of the same type going bad at the same time would indicate a manufacturing defect (bad batch) and/or improper install. They sell a lot of cables and if they had a high % going bad the word would get around pretty soon.

Currently I have 17 HDMI cables in use in the home theater. Several of them are from Monoprice and this type. Have several of these but most are no longer used. 16 years ago I procured a JVC HM–DH5U D-VHS machine and was my first HD device with a HDMI connector. At the time all my other HD devices (AVP, satellite receivers, DVI switcher, HTPC, ATSC tuners) had DVI connectors. Then and now I think the HDMI connector is a rinky-dink device and inferior to the DVI connector it replaced.

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

I realise that but it doesn’t help and backs up my theory that more folk will abandon TVs for smartphones.

Actually, it doesn't.

In your scenario, people are simply watching content with the devices that they can operate on battery power. They are not choosing to watch on their phones or laptops over their TVs; they are just making do with what they can use. They are not abandoning their TVs; they just can't use them until the power problems are sorted out.

Again, this is all occurring in your hypothetical power crisis situation affecting one small country. People in other countries will not be ditching their TVs just because the Brits can't use theirs.

[kfbkfb]

https://www.fivebelow.com/
^^^
They sell 12 foot HDMI cables for $5 (Red, Blue, Black)

Their box sez:
4K COMPATIBLE
ULTRA HD
48-BIT DEEP COLOR

I find they are suitable for 4K/UHD w/DV & Atmos -> (color) NTSC + DS stereo -> VHS SLP for time shifting HBOmax streamed content.


Kirk Bayne

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

Not defending Monoprice but yours seems to be an isolated case. Two cables of the same type going bad at the same time would indicate a manufacturing defect (bad batch) and/or improper install. They sell a lot of cables and if they had a high % going bad the word would get around pretty soon.

Currently I have 17 HDMI cables in use in the home theater. Several of them are from Monoprice and this type. Have several of these but most are no longer used. 16 years ago I procured a JVC HM–DH5U D-VHS machine and was my first HD device with a HDMI connector. At the time all my other HD devices (AVP, satellite receivers, DVI switcher, HTPC, ATSC tuners) had DVI connectors. Then and now I think the HDMI connector is a rinky-dink device and inferior to the DVI connector it replaced.

I realize that it is probably just bad luck that I got lemon cables, but twice burned, twice shy as they say. I no longer trust the brand and swapping out bad cables is a lot harder for me to do now, so I switched back to using AudioQuest; these are well built and I have never had any of their cables of any type go bad on me.

Sometimes you really do get what you pay for, especially in terms of quality and durability.

[Wendell R. Breland]

A just in case post. For those interested in media players Zappiti is soon to release 3 new models based on the Realtek RTD1619DR SoC. Some info here.

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

Referring to the huge gas shortage crisis currently in the U.K. and Europe? Is this not a issue in the USA?

It has been forecasted to last several months and could even end up being years.

It’s also said that the most of Europe and the USA could have issues due to extreme weather and lacklustre planning that leaves a gap between energy management short term and a switch to renewables long term.

Don't know about the US and maybe others here in Canada but your previous post was the first I have heard about it.

Since then I went to read up on it. It appears (not that it helps in the in real world) the cause is Russia cutting off supply to put pressure on Europe. So it is a local political problem and not a global energy problem.

It wouldn’t be a total loss of power just a switch off for several hours per day. Industry first, then residents. 3 day working weeks and designated switch off times for the home. This would impact broadband, tv, gaming, cooking, warmth, manufacturing, production lines, food etc..

My argument is that folk may decide charging a laptop while at work and downloading shows and films to watch offline is a much more cost effective way of consuming stuff than being without a tv for several hours per day and several weeks (maybe running into months) per year.

A think tank in Europe and the U.K. have noted these risks as well as various experts.

As for the tv point, the switch off would probably happen in the evening, hence the laptop, tablet or phone it’s downloaded content being the only visual entertainment option. Many millions work in the daytime obviously.

like you said at the top "Industry first, then residents" but then everything else assumes the opposite. Will a plant that uses large amounts of NG need to ration how much it uses (or even close down)? most likely depending on how long this spat lasts but even if it is not forced to do so by government the fact that it means NG prices will sky rocket in Europe means that economically it will most likely need to do it. Will it negatively impact electricity production in parts of Europe that rely heavily on NG? absolutely and it could mean raising electricity prices (and I am guessing like always some will spin it as green energy being the culprit)

As for TVs, let me put it this way, there was a time in my life when I traveled a lot for work (probably why I hate traveling even for vacation now) and so I would throw some DVDs in my bag and watch them on the flight or at the airport. yes watching on such a small screen was better then twiddling my thumbs but when I was at home that did not stop me from watching stuff on my TV or projector. When I was not at home I did not have a choice. The scenario might be different but the reality is the same. People that are happy watching on their phones/tablets or that can't afford a Tv don't have a TV today. For others when there is no option they will use other means but when there is they will just watch on the bigger screen.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Vilya

Actually, it doesn't.

In your scenario, people are simply watching content with the devices that they can operate on battery power. They are not choosing to watch on their phones or laptops over their TVs; they are just making do with what they can use. They are not abandoning their TVs; they just can't use them until the power problems are sorted out.

Again, this is all occurring in your hypothetical power crisis situation affecting one small country. People in other countries will not be ditching their TVs just because the Brits can't use theirs.

It’s not just one small country. It’s virtually the whole of Europe and it will be the USA if it’s not happening already. This is a global issue.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Anthony P

Don't know about the US and maybe others here in Canada but your previous post was the first I have heard about it.

Since then I went to read up on it. It appears (not that it helps in the in real world) the cause is Russia cutting off supply to put pressure on Europe. So it is a local political problem and not a global energy problem.




like you said at the top "Industry first, then residents" but then everything else assumes the opposite. Will a plant that uses large amounts of NG need to ration how much it uses (or even close down)? most likely depending on how long this spat lasts but even if it is not forced to do so by government the fact that it means NG prices will sky rocket in Europe means that economically it will most likely need to do it. Will it negatively impact electricity production in parts of Europe that rely heavily on NG? absolutely and it could mean raising electricity prices (and I am guessing like always some will spin it as green energy being the culprit)

As for TVs, let me put it this way, there was a time in my life when I traveled a lot for work (probably why I hate traveling even for vacation now) and so I would throw some DVDs in my bag and watch them on the flight or at the airport. yes watching on such a small screen was better then twiddling my thumbs but when I was at home that did not stop me from watching stuff on my TV or projector. When I was not at home I did not have a choice. The scenario might be different but the reality is the same. People that are happy watching on their phones/tablets or that can't afford a Tv don't have a TV today. For others when there is no option they will use other means but when there is they will just watch on the bigger screen.

It is a global issue because the technology isn’t there yet to back up huge amounts of energy. Battery storage isn’t where it needs to be. When the relying on gas eases even further, we are left with a huge problem. We need technology that isn’t capable yet. An impossible situation almost.

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

This is not some prediction, you must have seen the news about the U.K.? We have horrific traffic jams at gas stations, shortage of food stock, £140 average energy cost increases etc.. we face blackouts over the Winter and that could extend into next year. This is Europe wide problem by the way.

This could in turn impact film production, tv broadcasts, streaming such as Disney+, Netflix etc..

Sorry to hear, but most of that is artificially created because people are stupid and greedy.

Look at what happened during the pandemic. Some stupid people went out and bought enough toilet paper for a year other greedy people went out and bought a lot because "I can over charge people for it" that lead the shorted being in the news and then more stupid and greedy people went to the stores to buy even more.

The same thing happened later with flower and yeast.....

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

That won’t stop more and more folk relying more on 4/5G connected cellphones and laptops for home consumption over the intermittently idle tv.

I am not sure that is true since you did not make a good case so far for your point of view but why do you care? It is not up to you or me to decide what is good enough for others. all you can do is take care of yourself and your needs and wants.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Anthony P

Sorry to hear, but most of that is artificially created because people are stupid and greedy.

Look at what happened during the pandemic. Some stupid people went out and bought enough toilet paper for a year other greedy people went out and bought a lot because "I can over charge people for it" that lead the shorted being in the news and then more stupid and greedy people went to the stores to buy even more.

The same thing happened later with flower and yeast.....

It’s mostly the knock on effect with CO2 production. It’s needed for keeping fruit and veg fresh, packing food for transportation, meat, poultry and fizzy drinks.

Yes there are some idiots being stupid but the initial cause is the supply of CO2.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Anthony P

I am not sure that is true since you did not make a good case so far for your point of view but why do you care? It is not up to you or me to decide what is good enough for others. all you can do is take care of yourself and your needs and wants.

I realise that but what I’m saying is this may lead to many more people making do with laptops because they are not getting enough value from a tv that can only be watched for three seasons. The more people that become used to just using laptops and phones, the more that could lead to a decreased market for TVs and eventually no market.

Sure, evening energy cut offs would also impact streaming services but at least they could start offering downloads that could be watched when there is no internet. A tv would not have that option.

That’s my concern.

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

It’s not just one small country. It’s virtually the whole of Europe and it will be the USA if it’s not happening already. This is a global issue.

Russia is going to cut off the fuel supply...to the whole world? The overriding concern is that I'll have to watch everything on my smartphone? I bet those radicalized vegans are behind it all.

Sorry; I'm not buying any of it, but I will try to watch the news more...on one of my TVs so that I get the "big" picture.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Vilya

Russia is going to cut off the fuel supply...to the whole world? The overriding concern is that I'll have to watch everything on my smartphone?

Sorry; I'm not buying any of it, but I will try to watch the news more...on one of my TVs so that I get the "big" picture.

No, that is Europe’s problem. The USA’s problem(and global) is that the Paris agreement requires fossil fuel plants to be shut down by a certain date. We don’t have reliable storage to cover renewables when it’s not windy or sunny. Combine that with some of the horrific weather you guys get and we are facing a huge problem. It’s very possible that we could all face winter blackouts every year which would impact everything, including film and entertainment from a material point of view.