Comments on: VHS is Dead. Next: DVD. Then Blu-Ray.

By: shahadin

shahadin — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:43:32 +0000

The difference in picture quality between Blu-ray and standard-definition DVD was very obvious. But the difference is accentuated when you get the chance to flip back and forth between the two. Just as many owners of rear-projection DLP sets don’t notice that their picture is getting dimmer over time, many owners of standard-definition DVD players will be perfectly happy with the picture quality, and won’t notice what they’re missing, unless they have something better, such as Blu-ray, with which to compare it.

By: Patrick James Maynard

Patrick James Maynard — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:36:50 +0000

Blue Ray is dumb. I like a dvd and tape for rec ord. I cant record on my blue ray. Too much giggobites for the money.

By: Marc

Marc — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:26:56 +0000

People like a physical format. A CD bought in 1986 still works in a CD player bought today (although admittedly it would sound bad, since early CDs were copied directly from a vynal course not from original master tracks, believe it or not!)

It’s too easy to loose/delete downloaded files. DRM means they might not be playable in the future (remember Play For Sure?). No DRM means more casual copying amongst friends and family (forget file sharing networks, they will always attract a certain demographic – it’s the ease and seemingly innocent action of copying a file that the industry see as dangerous).

So I myself always buy a physical format, although for some reason when it comes to software I don’t mind buying a download online.

By: Jay

Jay — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:29:07 +0000

VHS to DVD: ION (the same people that make a USB turntable) make a VHS player that hooks directly to USB. I don’t have one myself so I can’t tell you how well it works. As for Blu-Ray: players are too damn expensive for most also the discs are ridiculously priced. Plus a lot of old classics are not available. So I’ll stick with VHS, DVD and streaming movies. At least until BR players and discs get cheap (under $100 and less than $10).

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 13:40:39 +0000

Steve Jobs got it right “Blu-ray is a DRM bag of hurt.”

By: Kirk

Kirk — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:45:15 +0000

I don’t think Blu ray will catch on. It’s dead Jim! For those who want something tangible, the vast majority say that DVD unscaled is good enough. The rest of us don’t want to have to get off the couch to put something tangible in the player.

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:10:40 +0000

Blu Ray is safe for a long time. The reasons:

- Most be prefer a tangible item that they can re-sell should they wish to do so. How much would you get for a ‘downloaded’ movie.
- Blu ray capacity is at 50gb, but much larger 200gb discs are already being considered.
- PS3 and some high end players have internet connection to allow BD live content via streaming and system software of the player can be updated.
- Finally… the next big jump is 3D in the home. Blu Ray makers Sony have already agreed to support this new format. PS3 will be able to have a Bios update to allow for 3D games and movies. (new higher frame rate TV’s still required though)

Personally, I’m just buying new films in Blu Ray. My PS3 upscales my existing DVD collection into HD… why replace them?

By: william wise

william wise — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 11:57:39 +0000

need more info

By: william wise

william wise — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 11:56:43 +0000

you say you can dub old vhs tapes and burn to dvd
interesting just how do you do that? i have old movies
that i would like to copy to dvd and most are copy
protected
HELP

By: Greg Holden

Greg Holden — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:12:29 +0000

Beta was the best!!! Not dicey pal. It was used for years in TV broadcasting. Too bad Sony dropped the ball on that one. For collecting and editing video it was the best of the two formats. I’ve transferred all my beta collection onto DVD now; it was fun watching the material again. Some I wondered why I botherered, most is great stuff.