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

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

Collectors have been ordering online for many years now.

I loved the days when you had many top quality locations that you could go in and spend easily a half hour+ looking for those unknown jems. But in the end this is not food (hated buying on-line second guessing those produces and meats you ordered) or clothes (I have to try it our). Here you know exactly what you are buying and there is no difference between them where you buy that particular title.

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by the-pi-guy

I really think companies would maximize revenue if movies went to the theater first, disc release, then streaming.

the streaming providers are in competition, they are wiling to pay handsomely for early/exclusive access.

Originally Posted by alchav21

I don't know why it's so hard for you guys to see that Streaming is just a File on a Server, while Disc has more steps and cost to produce especially UHD 4K. Streaming is Direct Access to the Customer Base!

because we know that the UHD BD is just "a file" and a few cents of plastic, metal, ink and paper. Streaming is not just a file, it needs a few 4k files and a few HD files and possibly several SD files so that it looks seamless and all those several files need to be copied on different servers in different locations it also needs authentication servers and ad servers (most have ad options if someone uses it or not) a network and tech support working 24/7.

[the-pi-guy]

Originally Posted by Anthony P

the streaming providers are in competition, they are wiling to pay handsomely for early/exclusive access.
.

I am assuming you mean that the streaming providers are in competition with physical.

I know, but I don't think they should be.
Most people aren't going to abandon their $20/month streaming services for $20 or $30 per movie.

Streaming, movie theaters and physical media offer very different benefits from each other. Streaming isn't a replacement for the movie theater experience.
I don't think they're really in competition with each other, even if some companies see it that way.

[bhampton]

I agree they are so different they don't really compete.

If something looks interesting I will try to go to the theater.
If something is available that I like I will buy the disc.

If I am out of good options, I will stream.

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by the-pi-guy

I am assuming you mean that the streaming providers are in competition with physical.

no meant with each other , it is like the old days when one retailer would would pay for an early release or an other would pay for exclusive packaging> what they w wrre looking to do uis get Joe to go to their store and buy it from them (and maybe buy other stuff from there while he is there).

by Streamer Y saying "title X is only available on Y" they are hoping consumers will say "I should subscribe to (stick with) Y because Y gets the titles early."


How many watch Netflix is not important for Amazon and how many watch Amazon is not important for Netflix but having the biggest (and or growing) numbers is worth it because many people are of the opinion that it matters.

Streaming, movie theaters and physical media offer very different benefits from each other. Streaming isn't a replacement for the movie theater experience.
I don't think they're really in competition with each other, even if some companies see it that way.

agree and I think all three (rental, ownership and theatre) are all critical to the industry. If I go to the theatre I am paying 20$ per person, to watch it once, if I buy a 20$ BD, we can all watch it and if someone has a 20$ streaming package the whole family can watch as many films as they want that month.

[Wendell R. Breland]

Results of the 2025 TSR Projector Shootout here. I did not read every word but I did not see any mention of 3D. At the time of my purchase no 3D on the Sony projectors was a deal breaker. Same for the newer AMLogic based media players, no frame packed 3D = no sale.

[bhampton]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

Results of the 2025 TSR Projector Shootout here. I did not read every word but I did not see any mention of 3D. At the time of my purchase no 3D on the Sony projectors was a deal breaker. Same for the newer AMLogic based media players, no frame packed 3D = no sale.

Very good read.

[cheez avenger]

Originally Posted by veritas

the only studio I would say that's treating consumers well is universal. all the others are expiring digital copies or removing discs or jacking up prices.

like Warner and Disney have been a shit show for a while and paramount and Sony are experimenting with screwing customers over.


These have all existed for more then 5 years and have all gotten worse in the last 5 years.

I'm going to assume you only care about the major studios, so I will leave it at that. Going by your listed collection -- all major studio stuff, which is fine, but only a snapshot of the overall picture. I still stand by what i said since I'm including it all, not just major label releases.

[sapiendut]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

Results of the 2025 TSR Projector Shootout here. I did not read every word but I did not see any mention of 3D. At the time of my purchase no 3D on the Sony projectors was a deal breaker. Same for the newer AMLogic based media players, no frame packed 3D = no sale.

As expected, the Valerion is a POS not even worthy to be projected on my wall. Second worst is Sony considering the exorbitant price but yet still bested by the relatively cheap JVC NZ500.

[gotmule]

Posting a Vilya update…

We chatted for about 20 minutes this morning and his condition has not improved and they told him he is “Borderline critical”. He had 11 different doctors visit him and they have been trying to decide whether to install a pacemaker or defibrillator, so no surgery has happened yet with it being pushed off til Monday. They did let him know time is of the essence though. He is extremely weak but staying positive and making sure he eats. We will try and chat again tomorrow morning and he appreciates everyone and your well wishes.

[bhampton]

Another day another deal $15 blind buy.

(Is it a blind buy if I own the other 3 Sonic movies? )

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by gotmule

Posting a Vilya update…

Thanks a lot for the updates. I don't usually come to the site during the week but I will definitely have to try and read it.

[mng]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

Results of the 2025 TSR Projector Shootout here. I did not read every word but I did not see any mention of 3D. At the time of my purchase no 3D on the Sony projectors was a deal breaker. Same for the newer AMLogic based media players, no frame packed 3D = no sale.

Some of us still have 3D tv's. I have two LG's
Wish someone would make more

[veritas]

Originally Posted by cheez avenger

I'm going to assume you only care about the major studios, so I will leave it at that. Going by your listed collection -- all major studio stuff, which is fine, but only a snapshot of the overall picture. I still stand by what i said since I'm including it all, not just major label releases.

I don't think I would count anime and 3d as a major studio production which is predominantly what my collection has been for the last couple of years. Mostly I just don't give much credit to over priced limited print run releases which smaller labels tend to put out. going from wide releases to more limited print runs is another issue that has gotten worse over the years.

Objectively the market is worse now then it was before COVID. You have way less options buying and selling media. production is smaller with less deals available.

the metrics I weigh are :
price
is it available physically
buying options
availability
liquidity

Its sad but almost all of them are worse then they were 6 years ago with limited exceptions to a few genres in availability.

[bhampton]

Originally Posted by mng

Some of us still have 3D tv's. I have two LG's
Wish someone would make more

I have a 720p Plasma 3DTV but it rarely gets used.

I do have 3D capability with my projector and have to remember to watch 3D movies more often. Lately it's been mostly UHD BD.

[gotmule]

Vilya update…..

Slight improvement as our friend’s heart rate has increased a bit, but it is still erratic. The results of the MRI have not been shared, and the doctors are saying there is a 30% chance surgery happens tomorrow. He still has the “Crash cart” next to him at all times as a precaution, but he did get to take a shower today. He is still in good spirits and has been very complimentary of the nurses and doctors with one nurse actually buying him a Pepsi.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Anthony P

I loved the days when you had many top quality locations that you could go in and spend easily a half hour+ looking for those unknown jems. But in the end this is not food (hated buying on-line second guessing those produces and meats you ordered) or clothes (I have to try it our). Here you know exactly what you are buying and there is no difference between them where you buy that particular title.

Yeah, me too Anthony.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by gotmule

Vilya update…..

Slight improvement as our friend’s heart rate has increased a bit, but it is still erratic. The results of the MRI have not been shared, and the doctors are saying there is a 30% chance surgery happens tomorrow. He still has the “Crash cart” next to him at all times as a precaution, but he did get to take a shower today. He is still in good spirits and has been very complimentary of the nurses and doctors with one nurse actually buying him a Pepsi.

Hopefully the situation will improve over the next few days, sounds like he might have pulled that nurse!

[Wendell R. Breland]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

Yeah, me too Anthony.

In the US we have saw a lot of change in terms of electronics retail and entertainment. Long gone is Heathkit & Dynaco, Heath was a first with several devices. Gone is Lafayette Electronics, HH Gregg, Radio Shack, Circuit City, Tweeter, Fry’s. No more Camelot Music, Tower Records, FYE, Hollywood Video, Blockbuster.

My household has contributed to some of this change. At a young age I was mail ordering amateur radio gear, camping items, outdoor clothing, etc. because there was none available locally. We have not made a significant B&M purchase for many years as we buy most items online.

[Ender14]

Originally Posted by gotmule

Vilya update…..

Slight improvement as our friend’s heart rate has increased a bit, but it is still erratic. The results of the MRI have not been shared, and the doctors are saying there is a 30% chance surgery happens tomorrow. He still has the “Crash cart” next to him at all times as a precaution, but he did get to take a shower today. He is still in good spirits and has been very complimentary of the nurses and doctors with one nurse actually buying him a Pepsi.

Thanks for keeping us updated. Let him know he's in my thoughts.