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

[SCLee]

Originally Posted by Vilya

Welcome back SCLee!

Surprisingly, my 4K disc player and my 85" 4K TV do a pretty good job with most of my DVDs; they are very watchable. Some of the oldest DVDs in my collection can look a little rough, but I also have a 60" TV to view them on.

That's very big of you (I mean that, no sarcasm) and I am sorry I lost my temper (as I wrote on the post above in greater detail.) Arguments happen, things get heated from time to time. We got banned and hopefully now we move on like adults. There are bigger things going on in the world.

Despite my question, I'm not a snob, I will watch DVD, Blu Ray, 4K or streaming (depending on what is available.) I thought it was a valid question and you answered it brilliantly (as you always do .) Thanks. No hard feelings.

[Wendell R. Breland]

Originally Posted by SCLee

To me, 4K Streaming is better than Blu ray quality and getting better all the time.

Nothing wrong with an opinion. On my setup the very best of streaming can look almost as good as a top quality Blu-ray. Streaming audio, most services use DD+ @ 192 Kbps, most BD and UHD BD use lossless audio and can range between 3 to 13 Mbps.

As to streaming getting better all the time, yes it better than it was in 2010 but by 2015 encoding efficiencies had pretty much reached their plateau. x265 keeps making small increments in efficiencies but the streamers use those efficiencies to make smaller file sizes. Any advantage in video encoding can be used anywhere, be it streaming or physical disc. x265 info here, lots of links to technical info and testing at that site.

The general viewing populace is quite happy with fairly low data rate video, Netflix Feb results here.

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by SCLee

It seems odd to have 173 4K titles, and 4,000 DVD's, when there must be 800 - 1000 4K titles (if not more) available to buy. Not for a 'normie' but for someone who is a home theater enthusiast, like Vilya claims to be.

As for the second point, I disagree and that's fine, it's just my opinion. To me, 4K Streaming is better than Blu ray quality and getting better all the time. Most people can't tell the difference between 4K Blu Ray and UHD streaming, and while I can, the difference isn't all that great. I have a crystal clear picture when I stream anything, super sharp with great colours and detail, no banding, picture never breaks up, never buffers, no issues. Not all 4K transfers are made equally, some transfers are better than others whether on disc or streaming.

I am as much of a film and home theater enthusiast as I can afford to be; the majority of my discretionary spending goes into these hobbies. I explained my purchases rationale in my previous post, but succinctly adding a new title often, not always, comes before doing an upgrade of one that I already own.

I am not adverse to streaming; I do use it. I think the differences in quality when compared to the equivalent disc format are quite noticeable and it is not uncommon for a blu-ray to have less artifacting than does even a 4K stream. Just because these differences are noticeable to me does not mean that they repulse me; I can easily enjoy a streamed presentation, but if it is something that I want to own and add to my library, then I will always seek out a physical disc of it.

These differences clearly bother some people more than they do me, but suffice it to say that I would not use streaming at all if I found it to be a bad experience. It often looks quite good and I will continue to use streaming the same as I continue to watch TV broadcasts; neither offer me the best that is possible in terms of quality, but they are easily enjoyable for what they are. I mean if I can still enjoy watching a DVD, I can certainly enjoy watching streamed content in HD or better; SD streams, though, look kinda awful.

[SCLee]

Originally Posted by Vilya

I am as much of a film and home theater enthusiast as I can afford to be; the majority of my discretionary spending goes into these hobbies. I explained my purchases rationale in my previous post, but succinctly adding a new title often, not always, comes before doing an upgrade of one that I already own.

Absolutely and I agree with you. The reason I was making this point is because you referred to me as a Luddite for not using my Oled TV to full advantage (because I often stream instead of use disc.) I realise at the time you were annoyed and this is in the past and I do not wish to fall out over it. You already answered the question perfectly.

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by SCLee

That's very big of you (I mean that, no sarcasm) and I am sorry I lost my temper (as I wrote on the post above in greater detail.) Arguments happen, things get heated from time to time. We got banned and hopefully now we move on like adults. There are bigger things going on in the world.

Despite my question, I'm not a snob, I will watch DVD, Blu Ray, 4K or streaming (depending on what is available.) I thought it was a valid question and you answered it brilliantly (as you always do .) Thanks. No hard feelings.

I likewise extend my apologies and I am confident that we can both learn from what happened. There are certainly greater concerns in life, and right now especially, than what is typically discussed on these forums.

[SCLee]

Originally Posted by Vilya

I am not adverse to streaming; I do use it. I think the differences in quality when compared to the equivalent disc format are quite noticeable and it is not uncommon for a blu-ray to have less artifacting than does even a 4K stream. Just because these differences are noticeable to me does not mean they repulse me; I can easily enjoy a streamed presentation, but if it is something that I want to own and add to my library, then I will always seek out a physical disc of it.

Sure, but it's worth remembering that these issues stand out to some more than others (because they know what they're looking for.) I can honestly say that most 4K UHD streaming and even 1080p streaming looks great to me. I was watching Jailhouse Rock on Amazon in 1080p the other night, and the image was crystal clear and super, digital, sharp. No artifacts. 4K Disc also looks fantastic to me (as with streaming, some transfers are better than others) so it's a win win.

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by SCLee

Absolutely and I agree with you. The reason I was making this point is because you referred to me as a Luddite for not using my Oled TV to full advantage (because I often stream instead of use disc.) I realise at the time you were annoyed and this is in the past and I do not wish to fall out over it. You already answered the question perfectly.

I would love to own an OLED in the 80+" size range, but in that size they are 8K models that cost in the neighborhood of $30K. I have the enthusiasm in abundance, but I lack the means.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by SCLee

Regardless of your questionable taste in films , I've never had a streaming service go down because the internet is too busy. Apps have frozen up for a different reason and my net has gone down occasionally (but not because too many people are using the service - Disney+ etc...)

Nothing questionable about it, I’m a serious film collector but I also love horror. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.

[SCLee]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

Nothing questionable about it, I’m a serious film collector but I also love horror. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.

Just a lighthearted jibe. Hey, we like what we like

[Vilya]

The European Union has requested that Netflix limit their streaming to just standard definition in order to not overwhelm the internet infrastructure:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/19/tech/...-eu/index.html

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by SCLee

Just a lighthearted jibe. Hey, we like what we like

You can see my top 20 films, let’s see yours?

[SCLee]

Originally Posted by Vilya

The European Union has requested that Netflix limit their streaming to just standard definition in order to not overwhelm the internet infrastructure:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/19/tech/...-eu/index.html

Maybe streaming services will crash after all. I've never experienced it but you never know. SD, ugh! In this case, disc will definitely be king!

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Vilya

The European Union has requested that Netflix limit their streaming to just standard definition in order to not overwhelm the internet infrastructure:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/19/tech/...-eu/index.html

The future is here! SD all around. Pathetic.

I will stick to discs thanks.

All the talk of early blockbusters on streaming services and they want us watching in SD!

Think I will be buying The Invisible Man on UHD thanks anyway.

[SCLee]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

You can see my top 20 films, let’s see yours?

How long have you got? I don't think I have a top 20 films.

It's a Wonderful Life and It Started With Eve would be in there. I'm not sure about the other 18!

[SCLee]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

The future is here! SD all around. Pathetic.

I will stick to discs thanks.

All the talk of early blockbusters on streaming services and they want us watching in SD!

How many people are seriously gonna take that up? $50 to watch a Warner Bros title! A rental!

No thanks. I'll wait for the 4K disc and £20 - £24.99 to own it.

[sapiendut]

Originally Posted by SCLee

It seems odd to have 173 4K titles, and 4,000 DVD's, when there must be 800 - 1000 4K titles (if not more) available to buy. Not for a 'normie' but for someone who is a home theater enthusiast, like Vilya claims to be.

As for the second point, I disagree and that's fine, it's just my opinion. To me, 4K Streaming is better than Blu ray quality and getting better all the time. Most people can't tell the difference between 4K Blu Ray and UHD streaming, and while I can, the difference isn't all that great. I have a crystal clear picture when I stream anything, super sharp with great colours and detail, no banding, picture never breaks up, never buffers, no issues. Not all 4K transfers are made equally, some transfers are better than others whether on disc or streaming.

I have to admit I have eyes for detecting compression artifacts and other anomalies literally like a reflex. I can’t stop it. I see them very easily. Even with 4K disc where everybody say the transfer is pristine, I can see purple fringing etc even if it is only in passing.

Because of that I become so picky about what I see. I can’t even watch my digital cable without cringing on my 65” viewed from 9ft away. The waxy image generated by Technicolor cable box bugs me to no end.

[SCLee]

Originally Posted by sapiendut

I have to admit I have eyes for detecting compression artifacts and other anomalies literally like a reflex. I can’t stop it. I see them very easily. Even with 4K disc where everybody say the transfer is pristine, I can see purple fringing etc even if it is only in passing.

Because of that I become so picky about what I see. I can’t even watch my digital cable without cringing on my 65” viewed from 9ft away. The waxy image generated by Technicolor cable box bugs me to no end.

Oh no! Then, I'm glad I don't (really) know what I'm looking for. Ha! Most 1080p and 4K streaming looks great to me with those perfect Oled blacks (and HDR colours), and I can only go by what I see, as can you. I'm sure you could point out the things that are wrong with it (to me) but honestly I'm not sure I'd want you to! Then I'd be able to see them all the time.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by SCLee

How long have you got? I don't think I have a top 20 films.

It's a Wonderful Life and It Started With Eve would be in there. I'm not sure about the other 18!

Just bang it on your signature sometime today and we can have a chat!

No one questions the Steed’s taste in films!

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

The future is here! SD all around. Pathetic.

I will stick to discs thanks.

All the talk of early blockbusters on streaming services and they want us watching in SD!

Think I will be buying The Invisible Man on UHD thanks anyway.

You're funny, but to be fair these are not ordinary times and the EU's request is likely a prudent one. I would not be surprised if that "request" was expanded to other providers as well, gaming included. This request could become mandatory if compliance is not willing.

Facebook has said that they are having trouble just staying up and running due to the incredible demand for their services.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/18/tech/...nse/index.html

[SCLee]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

Just bang it on your signature sometime today and we can have a chat!

No one questions the Steed’s taste in films!

Friday the 13th part three... I know, not in your top 20. I might do it some time but it probably won't be today.