Where Is Blu-ray Going?

[ikbradley]

Originally Posted by SDG

In response to your first question. I believe that Toshiba has alienated their self from all of the other CE's due to selling their product at a loss. The other CE's cant compete with Toshiba, so why make a hd dvd player. The BDA CE's are selling their product at a fair price where all can make a profit. If Sony wants to LOSE the war, they can start dumping their players like Toshiba and run all of the backing CE's off. I think that the BLU camcorders, burners etc that Blu has on its side will play a large part in Blu winning the format war.

Everything you say is spot on. In addition, check out the thread over at AVS concerning the top 100 movies (critic rated and top grossing). It is incredible that only 10% are HD-DVD exclusive, then take a look at how many are Blu-ray exclusive

The content will win this format war. Unless Warner Brothers gets a big banana from the 800 lb guerilla, there is no way that Paramount and Universal can hold out if Blu-ray remains unbeaten in weekly sales and the 2:1 sales ratio.

[ArkGuy]

Originally Posted by Blu Holer

What I don't get is that HD in general is a niche market and will be for some time. As such, given that it mostly appeals to Videophile type consumers, I'm suprised so many of them are so willing to settle for less just because it's cheaper. In almost everything I read, the Red fans admit that Blu is the superior technology, and yet they fervently support HD-DVD just beause it's cheaper? Just by their very nature, I would think these folks would want their Transformers DVD to have every possible bell and whistle. It's a real head scratcher to me that even early adopters are so split. There's got to be more to it than just $100 players.

It is indeed a niche market. In the grand scheme of things, the percentage of consumers buying either format is tiny. And the number buying their first player for reason X is tinier still.

One of the frustrating about wading through threads of this sort is apparent failure of many of the formatistas to recognize that people moving into HD players don't fit some rigid profile. BD player buyers don't and neither do HD-DVD player purchasers. It's obvious people here make certain assumptions about "typical" purchasers of one format versus the other, but the reality is almost nonone posting here likely has any real data along those lines.

I suspect that the groups (a) mirror each other more than many would think, and (b) have a lot of overlap. In fact, I would not be shocked it it were later determined that most of the purchasers of the $99 HD-DVD players were folks who already owned a Blu-ray player or intended to buy one soon. It could well be true that a totally different sort of purchaser is buying the Toshiba A30 as opposed to the A2/A3.

Some people have TV's which only do 1080i or 720p. Some may have a 1080p set but sit at a distance that they see no significant distance. Some people need another DVD player for the game room or kids' room or bedroom and found the price cheaper than a good upconverting DVD player. Some people bought the $99 player with no big plans to buy a lot of movies. Some in fact will and intended to from day one.

Some people just want to watch movies in hi-def, regardless of studio affiliation, and saw a cheap way to get the Uni/Para titles. They don't think Western Civilization is at stake, they just want to watch movies in hi-def. And many of them don't mind saving a buck to get into the game.

[Grisle]

Blu is going straight to the top baby, oh yeah! I'm embarrassed now.

[sj001]

Originally Posted by dmwiley

Like I said, idiots abound. Reasoned discourse is obviously a thing of the past. I'm outta here.

What mental institution did you escape from?

[Joe Cain]

To be fair, suggesting he was mentally retarded was a bit over-the-top...

[sj001]

Originally Posted by Joe Cain

To be fair, suggesting he was mentally retarded was a bit over-the-top...

True, but suggesting we are all idiots was over the top too.

[mystiksuicide]

Originally Posted by dmwiley

Like I said, idiots abound. Reasoned discourse is obviously a thing of the past. I'm outta here.

Please let the door hit you on the way out!!!!

[PS3_Kiwi]

Originally Posted by Vonscoot

Hardware prices will not be the determining factor for this war. The hardware is merely the initial investment into the HDM market; the software is what the "average American" is going to base their decision on. While software prices may be dissuading some consumers to enter HDM, it will be the software titles that will help them choose which format when they are ready to take the plunge. Having exclusive studios like Disney (for those like myself who have kids) will be a significant factor in peoples' decision. What's a couple extra hundred dollars invested in the hardware (which they don't plan to replace for some time) to enjoy a ton of movies that they will be able to enjoy with the entire family?

Exactly my thoughts

[haushausman]

Originally Posted by Joe Cain

Edit: Is this what a master stroke looks like? (h/t badboi)

yes, Yes, YES!!!! A total piece of crap just like I predicted!!! Gotta cut cost somewhere... hahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!

That just made my day. Maybe the $100 A2's will beat the 360's 70+% failure rate!!! HAHAHA!!!!!

I hope this hits Toshiba hard in the pocket book like it did M$.

[ikbradley]

Originally Posted by Joe Cain

To be fair, suggesting he was mentally retarded was a bit over-the-top...

I completely agree... oh wait... my bad.

The only reason why I am going to keep on posting that line is because:

(1) I love Anchorman; and

(2) There are so many bloody trolls that come in here with the same line "Where is blu-ray? I love blu-ray! By the way, as an unbiased observer, I say that Blu-ray sucks donkey b@llz"

It's the same bloody set up. After being called on their rhetoric, they play the same victim routine "Oh, how could I be attacked for just stating a constructive critique of Blu-ray. It appears that I am the last bastion of reason amongst a sea of fanboys!"

It is tiresome. Honestly, this site is for Blu-ray proponents or HD enthusiasists who celebrate both formats without being derogatory to either.

[Teazle]

Originally Posted by ikbradley

(2) There are so many bloody trolls that come in here with the same line "Where is blu-ray? I love blu-ray! By the way, as an unbiased observer, I say that Blu-ray sucks donkey b@llz"

It's the same bloody set up. After being called on their rhetoric, they play the same victim routine "Oh, how could I be attacked for just stating a constructive critique of Blu-ray. It appears that I am the last bastion of reason amongst a sea of fanboys!"

It is tiresome. Honestly, this site is for Blu-ray proponents or HD enthusiasists who celebrate both formats without being derogatory to either.

It's so transparent. From his style and syntax I'm about 90% sure this particular troll (the OP) has been here at least twice before with different user names.

[Joe Cain]

Originally Posted by ikbradley

...There are so many bloody trolls that come in here with the same line "Where is blu-ray? I love blu-ray! By the way, as an unbiased observer, I say that Blu-ray sucks donkey b@llz"

It's the same bloody set up. After being called on their rhetoric, they play the same victim routine "Oh, how could I be attacked for just stating a constructive critique of Blu-ray. It appears that I am the last bastion of reason amongst a sea of fanboys!"

It is tiresome. Honestly, this site is for Blu-ray proponents or HD enthusiasists who celebrate both formats without being derogatory to either.

Absolutely positively agree.

Didn't see Anchorman so I couldn't get the reference.

[ikbradley]

Originally Posted by Joe Cain

Absolutely positively agree.

Didn't see Anchorman so I couldn't get the reference.

No probs. Do yourself a favour and rent it. I saw it the first time and hated it. Now it's like a lifestyle. Pure gold!

[Nicadian]

Where is blu ray going? well to the winners circle.What a silly question.

[BaronVH]

I am exclusive to Blu-ray since last week. Just bought about 20 titles, but I have to agree, they better get their act together. Everybody can say time and time again that Blu will win, but they will not unless they get the stand alone prices in check. Cheapest Blu-ray player? PS3. That is rediculous. If the PS3 is $400, then they need a stand alone out before this Christmas that is $300 or less or HD-DVD will continue to gain ground. I, personally, just spent a lot of money on a Pioneer Elite. I don't care about the cost, but I am in the extreme minority. They need to cut costs now and to bundle Blu-ray players with their high end displays.

[Joe Cain]

Originally Posted by BaronVH

I am exclusive to Blu-ray since last week. Just bought about 20 titles, but I have to agree, they better get their act together. Everybody can say time and time again that Blu will win, but they will not unless they get the stand alone prices in check. Cheapest Blu-ray player? PS3. That is rediculous. If the PS3 is $400, then they need a stand alone out before this Christmas that is $300 or less or HD-DVD will continue to gain ground. I, personally, just spent a lot of money on a Pioneer Elite. I don't care about the cost, but I am in the extreme minority. They need to cut costs now and to bundle Blu-ray players with their high end displays.

Did I miss something? Did BD start losing while I went to the head?

[MacDaddyOJack]

Originally Posted by Joe Cain

Did I miss something? Did BD start losing while I went to the head?

Nope Blu-ray went straight to the top with 16k people digging the $319 PS3 and a bunch of BOGO titles on amazon and other retailers!!!

[dmwiley]

My point exactly, Baron. What I fail to understand is why so many in this forum take that position so personally. By the virulence of some responses, one would have thought that their family members have been attacked. And they question why the term idiots might be applicable. It seems most of them seem to assume that because one questions the marketing strategy of Blu-ray, (s)he must automatically support the rival camp. Neither Blu-ray nor HD DVD is some holy grail. The unwillingness to objectively analyze other points of view without resorting to name calling is the mark of a petty mind. Just because I prefer Blu-ray does not mean that I automatically agree with everything its progenitors are doing.

[blujacket]

Originally Posted by BaronVH

I am exclusive to Blu-ray since last week. Just bought about 20 titles, but I have to agree, they better get their act together. Everybody can say time and time again that Blu will win, but they will not unless they get the stand alone prices in check. Cheapest Blu-ray player? PS3. That is rediculous. If the PS3 is $400, then they need a stand alone out before this Christmas that is $300 or less or HD-DVD will continue to gain ground. I, personally, just spent a lot of money on a Pioneer Elite. I don't care about the cost, but I am in the extreme minority. They need to cut costs now and to bundle Blu-ray players with their high end displays.

Why would the BDA want to firesale players like Dud? Why is it Toshiba is the SOLE player maker for Dud now? They have cemented the fact no other CE want to give players away at losses. BDA is doing just fine as is. We have the CE & studios on our side and we will continue to grow.

[dialog_gvf]

Originally Posted by dmwiley

I love Blu-ray.

What is your Blu-ray setup? How many movies? And what is your favorite?

First posts that start "I love Blu-ray" and then follow with nothing but negativism are hardly going to send the right message of solidarity.

Gary