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

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Vilya

While I seldom play anything on my ancient consoles: PS3, Wii, and the original first edition Xbox 360- with an HD-DVD drive to boot, I do play computer games. I have not had any issues with DRM in many years.

I certainly appreciate the content ownership argument, but nothing has gotten in the way of my playing any of my nearly 300 installed computer games. My self built computer can still run almost any game out there, but not in 4K. I could stand to upgrade my video card, but none of my current games require that I do so.

If the upcoming PS5 has improved VR and a 4K disc drive, it will be my first new console in well over a decade.

VR is great now. Graphics don’t need to be stunning, the immersion compensates. The better stuff will come. It’s finny how more and more people hav3 started thinking about VR since Beat Sabre. Of all the groundbreaking possibilities, it’s a bloody dance/rhythm game that’s took off!

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

VR is great now. Graphics don’t need to be stunning, the immersion compensates.

Well, I still think it is prudent to wait and see what the PS5 will have to offer. If my areas of concern are addressed and/or other significant improvements occur, my waiting will have been worth it. The PS5 is anticipated in about a year or less, isn't it?

If no improvements are made to VR and no 4K disc drive is included on the new model, then waiting for the PS5 should allow me to get a PS4 at close out prices.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by PenguinInfinity

Why haven't you bought a PS4 already?

He is waiting for Space Harrier to make a comeback!

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by PenguinInfinity

Yep: PS4, a dozen older consoles, and some PC games from the 90s and early 00s. I'll buy a Switch when it's cheaper or a new Mario Kart comes out (not just a remaster). I will never buy an Xbox One because it can't be used without connecting to the internet once.



That's dangerous territory to go down. People say the same thing about their iTunes and Vudu collections.

Bought a Switch and it’s gathering dust.

[PenguinInfinity]

Originally Posted by Vilya

I'll get there; I'm not dead yet.

Thanks to physical media they will all remain available for many decades. But I still believe strongly in supporting physical games now so future consoles continue to have them. I'm not the least bit worried about new movies being released on physical media long past my death, but I do have concerns that future consoles will stop supporting discs, perhaps with the PS7 or PS8. We need to continue to support physical games to make sure that doesn't happen.

Originally Posted by Vilya

The PS5 is anticipated in about a year or less, isn't it?

It's all just speculation at this point, nobody really knows. Personally I'd be highly surprised if it was released before Fall 2020.

[alchav21]

Originally Posted by Vilya

We have actual sales data that tells us how much people are spending on physical media.

The Home Video Sales thread tracks all of this information. It is factual. It is verifiable. We do not need these dumb stories of yours; they do not refute the facts.

People buy movies on physical disc
And the Rams lost because they suck.

If the Rams suck, why were they in the Super Bowl......Because they are Great!

Costco had a big Movie Section, and I use to go to it all the time. That's why I was so surprised to see it gone. Their prices were very competitive, that's why it surprised me. The Sales Tread is in a Death Spiral Down! I haven't had a chance to Post everything that is happening now, but 5G, Fiber, and the effects on Streaming are all coming together. That Rude Awakening will hit you soon!

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by alchav21

If the Rams suck, why were they in the Super Bowl......Because they are Great!

Costco had a big Movie Section, and I use to go to it all the time. That's why I was so surprised to see it gone. Their prices were very competitive, that's why it surprised me. The Sales Tread is in a Death Spiral Down! I haven't had a chance to Post everything that is happening now, but 5G, Fiber, and the effects on Streaming are all coming together. That Rude Awakening will hit you soon!

The Rams scored one measly field goal. A high school team good have done as much. In the big game, in the clutch moments, on the day when it all counted the most, they choked, they failed, and they lost. Just another victim of the superior Patriots. History remembers the winners, not the losers.

Blu-ray sales were only down 1.2% and 4K was UP 83% last year. Physical media is far from dying with 12,530 new titles released last year; the highest amount since 2011. That's more than 10 times the number of titles that Netflix added in 2018. Among purchases, disc still represent 62% of all purchases. Facts are immune to your fever induced fantasies.

The Home Video Sales thread isn't dying, either. It tracks ALL home video revenue, not just physical media sales. You would know this if you visited this thread AND if actual facts meant anything to you. Every industry gathers, compiles, and studies their sales data. Kinda funny that they go through all that effort and expense when they could just talk to your local Costco clerk instead, or, better still, they could just rely on your anecdotes.

Internet service and streaming have always been "together"; streaming doesn't exist without it. More options and more bandwidth in select markets has not translated to better streaming bitrates; these have been stagnant since 2015. Codecs used in streaming have not improved during that period, either, except with the addition of lossy, not lossless, ATMOS audio on just some titles from just some providers.

I look forward to the future of home theater tech and home video on physical media; there is nothing rude about the future that I foresee. I will continue to be able to buy content on physical media and renters like you will just accept whatever they are offered in their cheap convenient buffet style subscription plans. You do not even talk about buying digital movies anymore now that you have subscription streaming. You just lap up whatever Netflix dishes out like a good little doggy. And most of what they offer is forgettable filler that's not even worth owning from what I have viewed so far.

I was buying movies on physical media when people like you relied upon their cable TV subscription for their entertainment. You just consumed whatever you were served then, same as you do now.

[alchav21]

Originally Posted by Vilya

The Rams scored one measly field goal. A high school team could have done as much. In the big game, in the clutch moments, on the day when it all counted the most, they choked, they failed, and they lost. Just another victim of the superior Patriots. History remembers the winners, not the losers.

Blu-ray sales were only down 1.2% and 4K was UP 83% last year. Physical media is far from dying with 12,530 new titles released last year; the highest amount since 2011. That's more than 10 times the number of titles that Netflix added in 2018. Among purchases, disc still represent 62% of all purchases. Facts are immune to your fever induced fantasies.

The Home Video Sales thread isn't dying, either. It tracks ALL home video revenue, not just physical media sales. You would know this if you visited this thread AND if actual facts meant anything to you.


I was buying movies on physical media when people like you relied upon their cable TV subscription for their entertainment. You just consumed whatever you were served then, same as you do now.

That's how much you know about Football, the best two teams were left to battle and they were tied in the 4th Quarter at 3-3. It could have gone either way. Just like your Physical or Digital, we are tied at 3-3 in the 4th Quarter, and Digital is pulling away.

[ZoetMB]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

I follow sports tech a lot and one thing that I have noticed over the last year is social media having a bigger and bigger presence with streaming live sports. At the moment, it’s just small packages but when the bidding wats start in 2021, I fully expect a huge bid for NFL and NBA rights from Facebook, Twitter or Amazon (through the twitch app).

Now, this is a major development. Why? Well, NFL have apparently indicated that they want to sell rights to their live games to a streaming service with social media capability to allow live chat, clickable live stats, and imo, a general ‘gamification’ Of the sport. These interactive elements are for the smartphone, tablet or laptop. Twitch uses ‘extensions’ which I believe are NOT transferable to the tv screen. Twitter (if they win rights) have just got rid of their tv streaming apps. However, they too would need to incoperate live chat, live stats and all that other stuff. Same for my personal favourite to win the bidding rights, Facebook. They might not be the most popular, but NFL I understand is a huge deal for you guys in the U.S.

These big boys have been circling sports for a while now but I think it’s a certainty that they will win rights in 2022. This means that the main reason for millions to own a tv (live sport) will evaporate.

Some on here have always said the sport alone is enough reason to keep their tv screen. Well, the chances are they won’t be able to use it for sport if those companies win the NFL rights. If we can only watch on mobile devices, what choice is there? We can cast it you say? No, no we can’t. I noticed the NBA minor leagues that Twitch broadcast didn’t have that option. That’s because of the interactive elements and I believe that’s the same reason they couldn’t put it on the Fire Stick or Amazon labelled TV sets. It seems the future of sports is being built to capture the young people who have grown up on gaming and snapchat (I’m sure, NFL used that exact term).

You guys paint the picture that kids and teens will switch to the TV set when they get older and hsve less free time. Well, not if services like these are built exclusively for young people with interactive live chat and all the other stuff social media fanatics (most young people) are so fascinated with. Overnight, we could go from access to live sport in our living room to no access unless we go the mobile route.

Penguin said I can’t see the woods for the trees? I think it’s the reverse. All these developments are setting up the structure that will dominate the landscape in years to come.


https://variety.com/2018/digital/fea...es-1202680323/

I have provided this link to give you guys a taste. It’s not a reactionary post as I have been aware of this stuff for a long time. Amazon in the U.K. have small package of streaming rights for our biggest sport (football) for example.

The vultures are circling.

A few years ago, "second screen applications" were supposed to be the next big thing and it didn't happen in spite of some implementations because consumers didn't really care. Those would have done the same kind of things that you're talking about.

In North America, there's a new TV standard called ATSC 3.0, which will also permit those same type of interactions. ATSC 3.0 basically combines broadcast with the web and displays it all on a TV screen. In addition to the interactive apps, like display of tweets or messaging, it permits end users to modify the loudness levels of dialog, switch languages or for sporting events, to choose which set of announcers that they wish to listen to. It also would permit advertisers to feed different advertising to different consumers.

However, ATSC 3.0 is completely voluntary and requires new receivers, so even though it's currently being tested, I don't think it's really going to happen.

Sports leagues, OTA broadcasters and cable broadcasters are all looking to maximize revenue. As the eyes start to move away from broadcast and cable TV and to streaming (for better or worse), those program providers want to be there. It's not a conspiracy - it's just simple economics. It should be apparent that almost all program providers want to be on every platform.

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by alchav21

That's how much you know about Football, the best two teams were left to battle and they were tied in the 4th Quarter at 3-3. It could have gone either way. Just like your Physical or Digital, we are tied at 3-3 in the 4th Quarter, and Digital is pulling away.

But if "it's all digital", as you parrot constantly, how can digital be pulling away from itself?

62% of all purchases are still on physical media and even you appear to have abandoned buying digital content. You have forsaken digital purchases and are instead settling for the mostly bland crap churned out by SVODs like Netflix. You haven't mentioned any purchases in ages; you're just another renter now making you (more) irrelevant to this entire discussion.

As for the game possibly having "gone either way", that's what losers say to console themselves. You are in the denial stage of grieving. Acceptance of the Rams colossal sucktastic performance on the one day when it mattered most will come to you eventually. Well, in your case may be not. For someone who claims such understanding of the game; you can't grasp the simple fact that the Rams lost in a game that bored millions. A inducing snore festival.

Straight from the news after the game:

"The Rams offense was painful to watch. Painful."

"Goff, in particular, just looked lost the whole game. He looked like a QB who absolutely should not have been in the Super Bowl."

"The Rams being so bad with the ball was the chief reason the game was awful."

"The Rams missed a meaningless field goal with 8 seconds left, and it was somehow the saddest thing of the whole night."

https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/2/...-patriots-rams

There are LOTS more news articles just like this one. The Rams stunk to high heaven. Not just my words, but the assessment of most news articles.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

A few years ago, "second screen applications" were supposed to be the next big thing and it didn't happen in spite of some implementations because consumers didn't really care. Those would have done the same kind of things that you're talking about.

In North America, there's a new TV standard called ATSC 3.0, which will also permit those same type of interactions. ATSC 3.0 basically combines broadcast with the web and displays it all on a TV screen. In addition to the interactive apps, like display of tweets or messaging, it permits end users to modify the loudness levels of dialog, switch languages or for sporting events, to choose which set of announcers that they wish to listen to. It also would permit advertisers to feed different advertising to different consumers.

However, ATSC 3.0 is completely voluntary and requires new receivers, so even though it's currently being tested, I don't think it's really going to happen.

Sports leagues, OTA broadcasters and cable broadcasters are all looking to maximize revenue. As the eyes start to move away from broadcast and cable TV and to streaming (for better or worse), those program providers want to be there. It's not a conspiracy - it's just simple economics. It should be apparent that almost all program providers want to be on every platform.

Yes, I know about it. There is also something in the pipeline called Object Based Broadcasting. The BBC in the UK are working very hard to make it happen I understand. That would also allow interactive services amongs many other things. ATSC 3.0 would actually be perfect for this but it isn’t essential. As long as a tv is smart and the user has access to the internet through the tv (who doesn’t?) then this can be achieved once the kinks are sorted.

By the way, I think it will happen. ATSC 3.0 allows targeted ads so that’s a big incentive for companies to jump onboard. The first TVs with this tech will be Christmas 2020 but of course it depends on broadcasters updating their equipment. If enough don’t, the standard is screwed. I guess by 2022/2023 we will have our answer.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Vilya

But if "it's all digital", as you parrot constantly, how can digital be pulling away from itself?

62% of all purchases are still on physical media and even you appear to have abandoned buying digital content. You have forsaken digital purchases and are instead settling for the mostly bland crap churned out by SVODs like Netflix. You haven't mentioned any purchases in ages; you're just another renter now making you (more) irrelevant to this entire discussion.

As for the game possibly having "gone either way", that's what losers say to console themselves. You are in the denial stage of grieving. Acceptance of the Rams colossal sucktastic performance on the one day when it mattered most will come to you eventually. Well, in your case may be not. For someone who claims such understanding of the game; you can't grasp the simple fact that the Rams lost in a game that bored millions. A inducing snore festival.

Straight from the news after the game:

"The Rams offense was painful to watch. Painful."

"Goff, in particular, just looked lost the whole game. He looked like a QB who absolutely should not have been in the Super Bowl."

"The Rams being so bad with the ball was the chief reason the game was awful."

"The Rams missed a meaningless field goal with 8 seconds left, and it was somehow the saddest thing of the whole night."

https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/2/...-patriots-rams

There are LOTS more news articles just like this one. The Rams stunk to high heaven. Not just my words, but the assessment of most news articles.

Speaking of golf, now that is a boring game! . Oh Goff, not Golf!

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

A few years ago, "second screen applications" were supposed to be the next big thing and it didn't happen in spite of some implementations because consumers didn't really care. Those would have done the same kind of things that you're talking about.

In North America, there's a new TV standard called ATSC 3.0, which will also permit those same type of interactions. ATSC 3.0 basically combines broadcast with the web and displays it all on a TV screen. In addition to the interactive apps, like display of tweets or messaging, it permits end users to modify the loudness levels of dialog, switch languages or for sporting events, to choose which set of announcers that they wish to listen to. It also would permit advertisers to feed different advertising to different consumers.

However, ATSC 3.0 is completely voluntary and requires new receivers, so even though it's currently being tested, I don't think it's really going to happen.

Sports leagues, OTA broadcasters and cable broadcasters are all looking to maximize revenue. As the eyes start to move away from broadcast and cable TV and to streaming (for better or worse), those program providers want to be there. It's not a conspiracy - it's just simple economics. It should be apparent that almost all program providers want to be on every platform.

Broadcast is here to stay in the U.K. it’s a lifeline for elderly folk and the BBC, ITV and C4 are also popular with all.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

He is waiting for Space Harrier to make a comeback!

I thought this joke might have had some comments? . I used to love this game.

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

I thought this joke might have had some comments? . I used to love this game.

I never played it. I was/ am more of a fantasy RPG gamer. In 1985 I was playing games on my Mattel Intellivision and on the original Nintendo.

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

Off topic but do you think the coming streaming movement for games will affect the sales of desktops. It seems there will be no need to have the best, most up to date system if you can just stream games with a decent connection.

I am not a PC gamer, and I get why you are asking (easier to upgrade components) but I don't think it will make a difference.

For a while now you can buy laptops that are roughly as performant as desktops. I se it more as a utility. Personally I like to be at my desk. So I have a desktop that way everything is always constantly connected. But I also need mobility (bring stuff on the road, monitor stuff while watching TV....) so I also have an equally capable laptop for those jobs.

I think the same would be true for gaming? If someone wants to play on the couch, a laptop might be better for them, but if they are sitting at the same place all the time what benefit does it bring?

[alchav21]

Originally Posted by Vilya

But if "it's all digital", as you parrot constantly, how can digital be pulling away from itself?

62% of all purchases are still on physical media and even you appear to have abandoned buying digital content. You have forsaken digital purchases and are instead settling for the mostly bland crap churned out by SVODs like Netflix. You haven't mentioned any purchases in ages; you're just another renter now making you (more) irrelevant to this entire discussion.

Straight from the news after the game:

"The Rams offense was painful to watch. Painful."

"Goff, in particular, just looked lost the whole game. He looked like a QB who absolutely should not have been in the Super Bowl."

"The Rams being so bad with the ball was the chief reason the game was awful."

"The Rams missed a meaningless field goal with 8 seconds left, and it was somehow the saddest thing of the whole night."

See that's what I mean, you pull what you want and Post other peoples opinions to back your distorted picture. Yes the Rams could not move the ball, and they lost bad because Bill Belichick had a better game plan an experience team with Tom Brady to carry it out. Like I said, you don't even watch Football so you don't know the strategies. Cooks a Wide Receiver for the Rams dropped two critical passes that could have changed the game. I'm sure during the Draft in April, the Rams will be looking for Wide Receivers, Tight Ends, and Offensive Linemen to protect Goff. Hopefully that will take them back to the Super Bowl with a different outcome!

As for buying Movies I do buy Digital, but I look for the best price on MA/UV Codes on here and the UV Stores. The prices where going up, but they will be coming down with UV going away. I use Amazon Prime, Netflix, Vudu, MA, and all my other Streaming Providers. Sony does updates all the time, there was another the other day that added and upgraded all my Apps. So everything going Streaming I'm already for it. My FTTH Provider Cable Systems just added a Fiber Backbone, and upgraded my Bandwidth to Symmetrical 85Mbps. making my Streaming Rock Solid!

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by alchav21

See that's what I mean, you pull what you want and Post other peoples opinions to back your distorted picture. Yes the Rams could not move the ball, and they lost bad because Bill Belichick had a better game plan an experience team with Tom Brady to carry it out. Like I said, you don't even watch Football so you don't know the strategies. Cooks a Wide Receiver for the Rams dropped to critical passes that could have changed the game. I'm sure during the Draft in April, the Rams will be looking for Wide Receivers, Tight Ends, and Offensive Linemen to protect Goff. Hopefully that will take them back to the Super Bowl with a different outcome!

As for buying Movies I do buy Digital, but I look for the best price on MA/UV Codes on here and the UV Stores. The prices where going up, but they will be coming down with UV going away. I use Amazon Prime, Netflix, Vudu, MA, and all my other Streaming Providers. Sony does updates all the time, there was another the other day that added and upgraded all my Apps. So everything going Streaming I'm already for it. My FTTH Provider Cable Systems just added a Fiber Backbone, and upgraded my Bandwidth to Symmetrical 85Mbps. making my Streaming Rock Solid!

I posted quotes from one of MANY news stories about the Ram's loss just to annoy you, nothing more. Wasn't that obvious? Had it been a topic that I actually gave a damn about, I would have provided at least two sources to vex you and they would have contained objective facts. Objective, as in not subjective; we already know that you object to any facts that you do not like and subject them to immediate dismissal.

And football is not organic chemistry; it is EZ to understand, just like it is easy to pull your chain.

You're an internet poser and amateur. I get 135 Mbps download. I betcha have ISP envy now, don't ya?

You still have not said which digital titles you have bought or when. I bought 29 titles on disc this month so far; I bet I support my chosen format more in a month than you do in an entire year.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Anthony P

I am not a PC gamer, and I get why you are asking (easier to upgrade components) but I don't think it will make a difference.

For a while now you can buy laptops that are roughly as performant as desktops. I se it more as a utility. Personally I like to be at my desk. So I have a desktop that way everything is always constantly connected. But I also need mobility (bring stuff on the road, monitor stuff while watching TV....) so I also have an equally capable laptop for those jobs.

I think the same would be true for gaming? If someone wants to play on the couch, a laptop might be better for them, but if they are sitting at the same place all the time what benefit does it bring?

Fair enough. I was mostly referring to the fact that there won’t be the same need to upgrade one’s PC to play top end games. It would seem all you would need is a fibre connection. It kind of destroys the dedicated graphics card market and any other upgrades that currently make the PC market so popular. I kind of think it might do more harm than good.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by alchav21

See that's what I mean, you pull what you want and Post other peoples opinions to back your distorted picture. Yes the Rams could not move the ball, and they lost bad because Bill Belichick had a better game plan an experience team with Tom Brady to carry it out. Like I said, you don't even watch Football so you don't know the strategies. Cooks a Wide Receiver for the Rams dropped to critical passes that could have changed the game. I'm sure during the Draft in April, the Rams will be looking for Wide Receivers, Tight Ends, and Offensive Linemen to protect Goff. Hopefully that will take them back to the Super Bowl with a different outcome!

As for buying Movies I do buy Digital, but I look for the best price on MA/UV Codes on here and the UV Stores. The prices where going up, but they will be coming down with UV going away. I use Amazon Prime, Netflix, Vudu, MA, and all my other Streaming Providers. Sony does updates all the time, there was another the other day that added and upgraded all my Apps. So everything going Streaming I'm already for it. My FTTH Provider Cable Systems just added a Fiber Backbone, and upgraded my Bandwidth to Symmetrical 85Mbps. making my Streaming Rock Solid!

That means nothing when caps are imposed.