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

[hogger129]

How do we even know they will "sell" movies years down the road? Maybe they will all go to streaming where you have to pay a flat rate to watch movies or TV. To get the newest releases you'll have to pay-per-view. This would be a gold mine for the companies that own the rights. It would just be another slap-in-the-face, in the long line of slaps, to the consumer. Until downloads get to be the same quality as Blu-ray and there is a way to get around the DRM, I will keep buying discs. At least I can play those pretty much anywhere.

[Rocket Richard]

Originally Posted by darkknightman

Most people don't collect movies anymore and prefer the convenience of streaming or digital ownership and are not that critical when it comes to the visual or audio quality of their movies.

Everyone is still very much critical of PQ & AQ, and there are still many members that are still collecting.

So much so, that we are on Page 43 of this thread, as to whether digital can deliver a movie as clear as a disc is the on going discussion.

[darkknightman]

Originally Posted by Rocket Richard

Everyone is still very much critical of PQ & AQ, and there are still many members that are still collecting.

So much so, that we are on Page 43 of this thread, as to whether digital can deliver a movie as clear as a disc is the on going discussion.

I understand, but the number of people who visit this site is not indicative of the majority. I still buy discs, just not that much anymore. I don't have the energy or desire to do it. I own the absolute essentials and that is it. I bought so many dvd's and blu rays and in retrospect, I feel it was a waste of time and money. I love movies and enjoy watching them, but I don't feel the need to own several films anymore. I am down to about twenty blu rays and that is it. No more chasing special editions, slipcovers and other such things. I am even contemplating selling off what I have now on Ebay.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by darkknightman

I understand, but the number of people who visit this site is not indicative of the majority. I still buy discs, just not that much anymore. I don't have the energy or desire to do it. I own the absolute essentials and that is it. I bought so many dvd's and blu rays and in retrospect, I feel it was a waste of time and money. I love movies and enjoy watching them, but I don't feel the need anymore to own several films anymore. I am down to about twenty blu rays and that is it. No more chasing special editions, slipcovers and other such things. I am even contemplating selling off what I have now on Ebay.

I couldn't give up on film like that, love it too much.

[Rocket Richard]

Originally Posted by darkknightman

I understand, but the number of people who visit this site is not indicative of the majority. I still buy discs, just not that much anymore. I bought so many dvd's and blu rays and in retrospect, I feel it was a waste of time and money. I love movies and enjoy watching them, but I don't feel the need to own several films anymore. No more chasing special editions, slipcovers and other such things.

Oh, I hear ya, that’s why I’m ready to jump to digital.

[doctor_who]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

I couldn't give up on film like that, love it too much.

He isn't giving up on film. He's giving up on a medium. Plenty of people I know don't have the money to buy any movies, doesn't mean they don't watch them and love them. Many just stream movies now because it's easier for them to watch movies that way. Some never even bought blu-ray players. Doesn't make them less of movie fans.

[Cevolution]

If you have been around long enough to have gone through multiple formats before DVD, you must be getting old. By the time online services truly best physical media for quality, you might be 6 feet under, from natural causes

Being 34, I haven't had to go through many formats, DVD was on the market and had just started to take off when I became an adult. I prefer physical media, and will never make the transition to online services, regardless of how good the quality may become years from now. So with that being said, I likely won't experience changing formats to the extent others have. There is a high probability that UHD Blu-ray will be the last physical format. It's also doubtful that many of the titles I own on Blu-ray will be given UHD Blu-ray releases.

[darkknightman]

Originally Posted by Cevolution

If you have been around long enough to have gone through multiple formats before DVD, you must be getting old. By the time online services truly best physical media for quality, you might be 6 feet under, from natural causes

Being 34, I haven't had to go through many formats, DVD was on the market and had just started to take off when I became an adult. I prefer physical media, and will never make the transition to online services, regardless of how good the quality may become years from now. So with that being said, I likely won't experience changing formats to the extent others have. There is a high probability that UHD Blu-ray will be the last physical format. It's also doubtful that many of the titles I own on Blu-ray will be given UHD Blu-ray releases.

Gee, I'm only 43, but I have been around for essentially all of them. Collecting media and such amounted to lots of junk lying around which ended up being thrown out or sold. I am not putting down the way anyone wishes to consume their media, I am only speaking for myself. I am tired of collecting things. I am enjoying being more of a minimalist, less shelves and less clutter. I buy the occasional movie but my days of going to stores or ordering movies online are coming to an end. Digital is the future for mainstream media consumption. As far as collector's go, I wouldn't stress about it because physical media will co exist with digital for some time. If you are worrying about it, then collecting is not a healthy hobby for you as there are more important things in life to worry about.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by doctor_who

He isn't giving up on film. He's giving up on a medium. Plenty of people I know don't have the money to buy any movies, doesn't mean they don't watch them and love them. Many just stream movies now because it's easier for them to watch movies that way. Some never even bought blu-ray players. Doesn't make them less of movie fans.

That's your opinion.

Anyway, I'm out of this thread it's depressing reading that so many people can't see where this is all going.

Going to do what I normally do, enjoy my films in the best possible way. American History X tonight I think.

[Cevolution]

Originally Posted by darkknightman

Gee, I'm only 43, but I have been around for essentially all of them. Collecting media and such amounted to lots of junk lying around which ended up being thrown out or sold. I am not putting down the way anyone wishes to consume their media, I am only speaking for myself. I am tired of collecting things. I am enjoying being more of a minimalist, less shelves and less clutter. I buy the occasional movie but my days of going to stores or ordering movies online are coming to an end. Digital is the future for mainstream media consumption. As far as collector's go, I wouldn't stress about it because physical media will co exist with digital for some time. If you are worrying about it, then collecting is not a healthy hobby for you as there are more important things in life to worry about.

43 is getting on, in as little as 15 years your time could be up from natural causes like many people. My old man is 60, he is extremely fit for his age, and he is dying of cancer.

What makes you think I'm worried about? To me, those that are moving to online services prematurely are the ones worried about it. They are willing to sacrifice quality out of fear and concern that they would be wasting their money on something today, because something better is going to come along in the future. That is not healthy IMO, as you said, this is a hobby, enjoy the best it has to offer here and now, rather than caring about future tech progression, and holding out for it. Like I previously said, you could be 6 feet under before online services truly best physical media.

A lot of junk to you maybe, however since that is subjective (I certainly won't be throwing out or selling my physical media collection. I am not one of those people that is always blind buying and selling shortly after, or changing my tastes in movies) I don't see any reason to take this conversation in that direction, because your thoughts on collecting or hoarding as I've seen you put it before, are irrelevant to me.

"There are more important things in life to worry about" It depends how much you value this hobby I suppose. Movies are a massive part of my life, and they are of great importance to me. Though they are just one of many things I consider important, and spend my leisure time on.

[huskerbear]

I own a ton of blu-rays and dvds, but have been 95% digital for a few years. If I felt for one second I was getting a poor picture quality from digital I would go back in a second. Digital does not = poor picture quality imo.

[Rocket Richard]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

Anyway, I'm out of this thread it's depressing reading that so many people can't see where this is all going.

You’ll be back.......

[darkknightman]

Originally Posted by Cevolution

43 is getting on, in as little as 15 years your time could be up from natural causes like many people. My old man is 60, he is extremely fit for his age, and he is dying of cancer.

What makes you think I'm worried about? To me, those that are moving to online services prematurely are the ones worried about it. They are willing to sacrifice quality out of fear and concern that they would be wasting their money on something today, because something better is going to come along in the future. That is not healthy IMO, as you said, this is a hobby, enjoy the best it has to offer here and now, rather than caring about future tech progression, and holding out for it. Like I previously said, you could be 6 feet under before online services truly best physical media.

A lot of junk to you maybe, however since that is subjective (I certainly won't be throwing out or selling my physical media collection. I am not one of those people that is always blind buying and selling shortly after, or changing my tastes in movies) I don't see any reason to take this conversation in that direction, because your thoughts on collecting or hoarding as I've seen you put it before, are irrelevant to me.

"There are more important things in life to worry about" It depends how much you value this hobby I suppose. Movies are a massive part of my life, and they are of great importance to me. Though they are just one of many things I consider important, and spend my leisure time on.

This is quite an insulting post. I don't view myself as old or that I will be dying soon. People of all ages get cancer. My opinion isn't any less valid than yours. I simply have lost interest in collecting and referred to what I collected as what I perceive to be junk. I collected vinyl, cassettes, CD's, VHS, DVD, and now Blurays. Most of what I collected is now gone, tossed into the trash. I am not doing it again is all I am saying. You can consume media however you like, and buy whatever you want. I don't worry about anything material. I have simply made a decision to move on to digital downloads and streaming as my main consumption method. Anytime someone discusses a preference of digital over physical, the insults and derogatory comments come flying. Somehow I don't love movies, or I don't appreciate quality or other such nonsense. You love your discs, good for you.

[Cevolution]

Originally Posted by darkknightman

This is quite an insulting post. I don't view myself as old or that I will be dying soon. People of all ages get cancer. My opinion isn't any less valid than yours. I simply have lost interest in collecting and referred to what I collected as what I perceive to be junk. I collected vinyl, cassettes, CD's, VHS, DVD, and now Blurays. Most of what I collected is now gone, tossed into the trash. I am not doing it again is all I am saying. You can consume media however you like, and buy whatever you want. I don't worry about anything material. I have simply made a decision to move on to digital downloads and streaming as my main consumption method. Anytime someone discusses a preference of digital over physical, the insults and derogatory comments come flying. Somehow I don't love movies, or I don't appreciate quality or other such nonsense. You love your discs, good for you.

I didn't call you old nor did I say that you will die soon, I merely said that you are getting on, which is a fact. The point simply was (and it wasn't directed at you specifically, it was a general comment), don't waste your life waiting for things, enjoy what's in front of you now, because you don't know what tomorrow might bring.

"Anytime someone discusses a preference of digital over physical, the insults and derogatory comments come flying" - and you are sometimes a part of this. I've seen you make statements that go beyond you sharing your opinion in a friendly manner, for example with regards to collecting which you have referred to as hoarding, that could be considered offensive. So if you were insulted by my '43 is getting on' and 'your thoughts are irrelevant to me' comments, then that's good as far as I'm concerned.

"I'm not doing it again" - Your lack of interest in physical media seems to have developed from investing in more physical formats than I have. I'm younger than you, and as a result had the privilege of getting into physical media at a better time than you.

If you have now reached a stage in your life like some middle aged men do, where you now view yourself as non materialistic, good for you. However, I don't need to know about it repeatedly.

Perhaps if you didn't mention your personal reasons for no longer wanting to purchase physical media every time this topic comes up, I would want to discuss this with you now, but since it's all been covered before and you are not adding anything new, I am not interested in what you have to say

[PenguinMaster]

The arguments about physical media being a waste of money because something better may come along is ridiculous. Plenty of people spend more money on streaming, rentals, and cable then I do on physical media. How is something you don't get to keep at all a better value than something you get to keep that may become obsolete (but will continue to work just fine)?

[darkknightman]

Originally Posted by PenguinMaster

The arguments about physical media being a waste of money because something better may come along is ridiculous. Plenty of people spend more money on streaming, rentals, and cable then I do on physical media. How is something you don't get to keep at all a better value than something you get to keep that may become obsolete (but will continue to work just fine)?

I said it was a waste for me as I ended up throwing most of it out. I personally am getting away from collecting. So for me, it is a waste. For you it isn't. I don't value the same things you do. This is just my opinion.

[PenguinMaster]

Originally Posted by darkknightman

I said it was a waste for me as I ended up throwing most of it out. I personally am getting away from collecting. So for me, it is a waste. For you it isn't. I don't value the same things you do. This is just my opinion.

Throwing all of it out makes you a complete jerk, you should have donated your old physical media to a library so other people could enjoy it.

Also, what are you switching to? I assume you're not going to stop spending money on media entirely. What makes the digital purchases or rentals a better value?

[darkknightman]

Originally Posted by Cevolution

I didn't call you old nor did I say that you will die soon, I merely said that you are getting on, which is a fact. The point simply was (and it wasn't directed at you specifically, it was a general comment), don't waste your life waiting for things, enjoy what's in front of you now, because you don't know what tomorrow might bring.

"Anytime someone discusses a preference of digital over physical, the insults and derogatory comments come flying" - and you are sometimes a part of this. I've seen you make statements that go beyond you sharing your opinion in a friendly manner, for example with regards to collecting which you have referred to as hoarding, that could be considered offensive. So if you were insulted by my '43 is getting on' and 'your thoughts are irrelevant to me' comments, then that's good as far as I'm concerned.

"I'm not doing it again" - Your lack of interest in physical media seems to have developed from investing in more physical formats than I have. I'm younger than you, and as a result had the privilege of getting into physical media at a better time than you.

If you have now reached a stage in your life like some middle aged men do, where you now view yourself as non materialistic, good for you. However, I don't need to know about it repeatedly.

Perhaps if you didn't mention your personal reasons for no longer wanting to purchase physical media every time this topic comes up, I would want to discuss this with you now, but since it's all been covered before and you are not adding anything new, I am not interested in what you have to say

This is a discussion about Physical Vs Digital, is it not? It seems every time this topic comes up, those who are enjoying and prefer digital have strict rules as to what to say and how to say it. I am enjoying digital. How else can I participate in this discussion? I have given my reasons for switching over to mostly digital and here come the offended physical media crew to hoist their restrictions on what one can say. And for the record, I am not interested in what you have to say either.

[ArmyOfDarknessAW]

Originally Posted by darkknightman

I said it was a waste for me as I ended up throwing most of it out. I personally am getting away from collecting. So for me, it is a waste. For you it isn't. I don't value the same things you do. This is just my opinion.

Not trying to change your mind or anything, bit I'd imagine you upgraded for better PQ and AQ right? I mean if what you had was good you would've never upgraded in the past. If those were the reasons you upgraded you'll do it again with digital. Movies I have in HD I need to pay for HDX and movies in HDX I need to pay for UHD. Same will happen with whatever comes down the pike next. Digital doesn't mean you pay once and you're done. That is unless you only plan to rent from here on out.

[darkknightman]

Originally Posted by PenguinMaster

Throwing all of it out makes you a complete jerk, you should have donated your old physical media to a library so other people could enjoy it.

Also, what are you switching to? I assume your not going to stop spending money on media entirely. What makes the digital purchases or rentals a better value?

And here comes someone to make my point. Now I am a jerk for throwing out physical media. Wow. My reason for digital is no clutter and convenience.