Blu-Ray Can Kiss My ****

[Duane]

I have had it with Blu-Ray. So far, there have been no titles I've either rented or bought that looks good enough to make me want to go any further with this technology.I have digital cable with HD and even the non-HD channels beat the picture quality I've seen so far.And the load times...WTF? I thought DVD was a pain getting thru the menus. And Laserdisc...it starts up immediately.
I purchased the BR version of the Rookie and tried to watch it Saturday. It took about 5 minutes to finally get past all of the Disney bs advertising.Once it got past that, it took about 4 minuted to load and then when the menu appeared,the movie wouldn't play.This happened twice. Once I got the movie to play, the image was no different than the standard DVD version I own played back through the same player( it starts up almost imediately). The only upside is the audio sounded better on the BD vs. the DVD (basic DD 5.1)..but,if it takes a week to load a damn movie..

Maybe I need to take the movie and try a different player.


rant over....

[vinyldavid]

Another reason I still have a VCR.

[Duffinator]

I purchased the BR version of the Rookie and tried to watch it Saturday. It took about 5 minutes to finally get past all of the Disney bs advertising.That is a Disney issue and not BD. Their DVD's are the same way, very annoying.

Sounds like your player might have issues. While both HD and BD players are slow to load it shouldn't take longer than a minute. BD has done a poor job of standardizing their players but with the first 2.0 players hitting the streets within the next month that should no longer be an issue. I have a HD player and will be buying the Panasonic BD50 when it hits the streets in the next few weeks. My Toshiba player can have an amazing picture and I've seen BD the same way. But just like LD and DVD both HD and BD titles will not all look amazing. But most do and that's why I'll buy one. :D

[Duffinator]

Another reason I still have a VCR.I'm sure your reason is purely based on picture quality and has nothing to do with affordability. :thmbsp:

[vinyldavid]

I'm sure your reason is purely based on picture quality and has nothing to do with affordability. :thmbsp:

:lmao::lmao::lmao:;)

$2/tape. What's NOT to love? :D

[HomerJ]

....So far, there have been no titles I've either rented or bought that looks good enough to make me want to go any further with this technology. ...And the load times...WTF?


1) on regular movies I also found that detail wise for the most part there's not much of a difference. However, smaller details like nametags, writing, clothing texture and the like was much much clearer. On computer generatied movies, the difference I found was quite astounding.

2) the slow load times must be a machine issue. I used a PS3 and the load times are the same as my Oppo DVD player.

[Lady Ayeka]

aahh, yes,THE SEXUALLY EXCITING MIRACLE OF BLU-RAY. yeah, exciting to the movie studios. they get to big brother you through an hour and 30 minutes of commercials and then if you leave it sitting on the menu too long while you get yourself rounded up, the damned impatient movie starts without you. or sometimes even starts those damned commercials over!! GIVE ME LASERDISC ANY DAY OF THE WEEK,DAMMIT!:thumbsdn::nono::no:

[Crissaegrim]

Are you using an LCD or Plasma monitor?

Are you using an HDMI cable?

Did you calibrate your monitor with a calibration disk or pro technician?

Are you going through a reciever or straight into the TV?

Is the Rookie a new or old movie, does it say it is remastered?

[jlindsey86]

I'll stick with my laserdiscs. Just purchased Billy Joel Live From Long Island last night! Screw load times.

[whoaru99]

The few Blu Ray titles I've seen, such as Planet Earth, look absolutely stunning on my plasma.

I can't wait for the Panasonic BD50 to come out. This one specifically because I want a player with built-in decoding of the lossless formats via 5.1 analog outputs.

[Big Tuna]

:yes:I'll stick with my laserdiscs. Just purchased Billy Joel Live From Long Island last night! Screw load times.

Right on man!! I still have my collection of over 1000 laserdiscs and WON'T give them up for NOTHING! Every once in a while I pick some up off ebay, for cheap. my player I have is a Pioneer DVL-909 that plays both DVD's and LD's, and even DVD-R's:):thmbsp:

[Big Tuna]

oh yeah, and I love the fact that there are NO previews or ads at the beginning of LD's. Just gets right to the point and no bulloney!

[hypertone]

Another reason I still have a VCR.

:thmbsp:

I much prefer watching a VHS tape to a DVD. It's just less hassle fast forwarding past the BS than going through the menu. Also, the LAST DVD I ever rented had a freakin Chrysler commercial at the beginning that could not be skipped. I also think a good tape has a better picture than DVD. The only way I'll ever own a Blueray player is if they release a Blueray audio format with some crazy high resolution (i.e. SACD, DVD-A).

[Kegger]

Just watched a few BLU RAY flicks this weekend on Buddies new 96" screen and
Panasonic projector from a Samsung player and HDMI, looked much much better
then the dvd's of the same titles.

[Speaker Fan]

Yep, I agree with many users here and will be waiting until the technology gets better and prices go to reasonable levels. Pulled the trigger too many times on new technology.

Had Sony's first NON-BETA VCR (still have it), got a laserdisc back in the day way early (sold it, oops), was the first person I know to have DVD player (paid around $1K now using in garage), had high end Toshiba 43" rear projection (my son likes it now), now have 50+" 1080P LCD mounted on wall.

The kicker was weeks ago when I got a pair of high effiiciency vintage speakers and found that a $15 console stereo amp beats both the Aragon or Adcom that I have for overall sound.

My apology to the consumer electronics industry and for "brand name dropping" but I believe it's too easy to take the plunge (but I still love the LCD TV, is that OK).

signed, possible reformed technoholic

[Duane]

Are you using an LCD or Plasma monitor?

Are you using an HDMI cable?

Did you calibrate your monitor with a calibration disk or pro technician?

Are you going through a reciever or straight into the TV?

Is the Rookie a new or old movie, does it say it is remastered?

Can you explain why you're asking these specific questions?

[Jack G]

That is a Disney issue and not BD.
Actually, its a Disney BD issue, they are famous for taking longer than other studio's BDs to load-all of which are starting to take a long time now.

the slow load times must be a machine issue. I used a PS3 and the load times are the same as my Oppo DVD player.
Yes, the Piss3 is fast, but it may be the only player that is. The stand alone players are considerably slower, and getting noticeably worse with each batch of new discs.
Jack

[Duane]

I took the movie back to Best Buy yesterday. Inserted it on the store's Sony machine and it did the same thing. Took forever to get going and just froze at the start of the movie. Tried another disc from the store(brand new) and it did the same. Took the disc over to a new Panasonic and it loaded up and started within a minute( still a pain,IMO) but it did play.
Did some searching and discovered my player (and the store's for that matter) needs a firmware upgrade.Of course, Sony never informed me of this.

Never had to do this with LD,DVD or tapes. I guess my ranting has to do with new technologies these days.It's obsolete by the time you walk out the door..

Sent a request to Sony for a CD-R disc to upgrade my player to firmware version 3.80.My player has with ver 2.0.

[RayW]

I guess my ranting has to do with new technologies these days.It's obsolete by the time you walk out the door..

Out the door? How about before you pick it up. My wife got me a PS3 for Christmas. I hooked it up and inserted the game that came with it and found that the system's firmware version wasn't new enough to play the game. That's pretty ridiculous.

I haven't tried Blu-ray yet. One of these days...

Ray

[Jack G]

I took the movie back to Best Buy yesterday. Inserted it on the store's Sony machine and it did the same thing. Took forever to get going and just froze at the start of the movie. Tried another disc from the store(brand new) and it did the same. Took the disc over to a new Panasonic and it loaded up and started within a minute( still a pain,IMO) but it did play.
Did some searching and discovered my player (and the store's for that matter) needs a firmware upgrade.Of course, Sony never informed me of this.


Unfortunately, it looks like Firmware updates are going to be standard with BD. We'll see how the public stands for this. The sad part is, that it doesn't have to be that way, but the studios and CE companies can't seem to get their act together, so FW updates are the easy way out. Playing catch-up to fix mistakes is not a good way to do business. Even with the newest updates, my Sharp does not have any sound on No Country for Old Men.
There is NO excuse for this. Just wait until 2.0 discs start coming out...
Jack

[skippy_ps]

Sammy BDP1200 blu-ray player here and it takes maybe 20-30 seconds to load a blu-ray disc. That FBI warning on nearly every disc is making me paranoid, though. :para:

Murray

[Jack G]

Sammy BDP1200 blu-ray player here and it takes maybe 20-30 seconds to load a blu-ray disc. That FBI warning on nearly every disc is making me paranoid, though. :para:

Murray
Yours actually works?
I had a 1200 last year, and ended up throwing it in the trash. Even after FW updates, it wouldn't play a movie, not even a DVD without freezing up.
Jack

[skippy_ps]

Yours actually works?
I had a 1200 last year, and ended up throwing it in the trash. Even after FW updates, it wouldn't play a movie, not even a DVD without freezing up.
Jack
Heh. I've never updated the FW, lol. It is quite sensitive to dirty discs, however, and I frequently have to eject the disc and wash it 1/2 way through the movie. The blue colored Dawn seems to work the best. :D

Murray

[Jack G]

You never updated the FW? I had to, It would not read any of the BD+ protected discs-ie Fox without an update.
Jack

[uofmtiger]

For me, picture quality is tons better than non-Hi def cable or satellite/DVD/VHS...not even close. If you are not seeing better picture quality, you are sitting too far away from the screen or your HDTV is not calibrated properly.

Load times related to commercials have been around since DVD. This is standard...especially for Disney.

For most new technology, you will want internet upgrades. My satellite TV, Oppo DVD player, and Denon receiver all provide internet updates (with the Oppo, you have to download it to a computer and load it via a USB drive). If you are connected with the internet, the PS3 will tell you that a firmware upgrade is available. The upgrades are not just there to fix bugs. They enhance the player's performance. In the case of the PS3 (which is the only player that I am familiar with) the upgrades have added 1080p scaling of DVDs, remote play, media server functionality, etc... It has also helped it keep up with some of the newer versions of the BluRay spec.

In other words, firmware updates are a good thing. In some cases, it may even help with the disc load times. For me, the PS3 is plenty fast.

[skippy_ps]

I'm too lazy to un-hook it and carry it over to the router and plug it in. Maybe I never watched a Fox movie or it was already updated. :scratch2:

Funny thing is that there is no code to make my Sammy dlp remote run the 1200. :thumbsdn:

Murray

[Duane]

For me, picture quality is tons better than non-Hi def cable or satellite/DVD/VHS...not even close. If you are not seeing better picture quality, you are sitting too far away from the screen or your HDTV is not calibrated properly.




At one time, I was a member of ISF. I have a fairly good idea of picture quality. My Pioneer Elite Pro-520 was calibrated using a Philips professional test pattern generator and color analyzer. I am aware of all of the other parameters for proper viewing.It's not the display.Granted,it's not capable of 1080P, but it will do 1080i and with good material, blows away anything I've seen with Plasma/LCD/DLP..CRT images are more film like to me.

The discs I've seen on the Sony Blu-Ray player do not look as good as they should.On HD programing from cable, there's no contest.Even the non HD channels look better,in most cases, than the Blu-ray discs I've seen.

[Jack G]

For most new technology, you will want internet upgrades. My satellite TV, Oppo DVD player, and Denon receiver all provide internet updates (with the Oppo, you have to download it to a computer and load it via a USB drive). If you are connected with the internet, the PS3 will tell you that a firmware upgrade is available. The upgrades are not just there to fix bugs. They enhance the player's performance. In the case of the PS3 (which is the only player that I am familiar with) the upgrades have added 1080p scaling of DVDs, remote play, media server functionality, etc... It has also helped it keep up with some of the newer versions of the BluRay spec.

In other words, firmware updates are a good thing. In some cases, it may even help with the disc load times. For me, the PS3 is plenty fast.

I disagree. Only the Piss3 has anything even remotely convenient for FW upgrade, most of the standalones don't. One has to actually find out elsewhere that a FW upgrade is available. Also, in many cases if not most cases, upgrades are actually patches, to fix problems that the studio's software has caused, such as the BD+ issues, and now the audio problems with the Sharp. This is because there is a serious l;ack of coordination between the studios and the CEs of the BDA.
The masses won't stand for that.
Jack

[uofmtiger]

I disagree. Only the Piss3 has anything even remotely convenient for FW upgrade, most of the standalones don't. One has to actually find out elsewhere that a FW upgrade is available. Also, in many cases if not most cases, upgrades are actually patches, to fix problems that the studio's software has caused, such as the BD+ issues, and now the audio problems with the Sharp. This is because there is a serious l;ack of coordination between the studios and the CEs of the BDA.
The masses won't stand for that.
JackIf you read my post, you can see that I clearly stated "In the case of the PS3 (which is the only player that I am familiar with)". In other words, I have no experience with and have no desire to experience stand alone players. My point was that Blu-ray the format was not the problem. It is the player, disc, or the TV. The thread says "Blu-Ray can kiss my ****", not the brand of Blu-ray player that he purchased. This is like creating a thread saying that vinyl sucks...then later you find out that the person is listening to the album on a broken TT... or they are listening to a warped record.

Also, I will stand by the statement that Blu-ray players are not the only electronics that are coming with ethernet connections for upgrades. Many people prefer ethernet to firmware upgrades using CDs or USB thumbs because they are the easiest way to do it. As I mentioned, Blu-ray players are in a long list of consumer electronics that have firmware upgrades available.

When I bought my Denon receiver, the main reason for choosing it over the competition was because of the upgrades....even if those upgrades are only for firmware patches. It beats the heck out of unhooking everything and carrying it to an authorized repair center so they can do the update.

The discs I've seen on the Sony Blu-Ray player do not look as good as they should.On HD programing from cable, there's no contest.Even the non HD channels look better,in most cases, than the Blu-ray discs I've seenThen your player is broke or the disc was screwed up. Check out Planet Earth or Black Hawk Down on Blu-ray and if it looks bad, then your player is the culprit. I have never seen the movie you mentioned, so I can't say for sure how it looks. Blu-Ray, at least on a working PS3, shreds any non-HD source I have seen.

[Eric H]

I've only had a Blu-Ray for about 3 weeks but so far I like it.
I picked up a bottom of the line Sony S301 from Costco.
It was kind of glitchy right out of the box but after I ran the setup and upgraded the FW to 3.80 it's been fine.

The picture difference between DVD and BR can be subtle, until you go back to watching a DVD then you realize just how much better BR is!
Also my TV only does 1080I so I may not be getting the full benefit but it looks darn good to me.

I bought a DVD player in 1999, DVD wasn't a sure thing at that time either, no one thought anyone would want something you couldn't record on!

[uofmtiger]

I bought a DVD player in 1999, DVD wasn't a sure thing at that time either, no one thought anyone would want something you couldn't record on!My first DVD player did not have DTS ability.. so every single possible future feature was not built into DVD players, either.

[Mack]

Are we talking about a BR DVD that has been up converted to be at 1080 or are you looking at a true BR HD DVD(taken with HD cameras). Picture quality will be different between the examples above. These titles use HD cameras -Planet Earth or Across America. Check these titles out. :thmbsp:

ISF calibration for the TV makes a world of a difference. :yes:

[Crissaegrim]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Crissaegrim View Post
Are you using an LCD or Plasma monitor?

Are you using an HDMI cable?

Did you calibrate your monitor with a calibration disk or pro technician?

Are you going through a reciever or straight into the TV?

Is the Rookie a new or old movie, does it say it is remastered?

Can you explain why you're asking these specific questions?


I just wanted to get a sense of how you have everything hooked up.

Blu-ray is made to be hooked up to LCD or Plasma 1080p displays with HDMI, anything less and you just aren't looking at what is meant to be displayed.

If you bought your monitor and didn't calibrate it, then it isn't showing the picture as it was meant to be.The factory or store settings could be all over the place.

Some of the new HDMI receivers have some problems passing HDMI signals. That could be degrading things.

I don't have much experience yet with old movies, but I imagine it is like cd. Some companies will just slap an old tape onto cd without remastering it. Just because it is on cd doesn't mean it is a good representation of the technology. You can't expect some old movie to look as good as something shot with hd cameras, as mentioned above. I still don't really understand what you have set up.

[whoaru99]

Did some searching and discovered my player (and the store's for that matter) needs a firmware upgrade.Of course, Sony never informed me of this.



No, most companies generally don't. Software and firmware upgrades always involve some degree of risk and don't always pertain to everyone.

It's somewhat assumed that you'll contact them if there's a problem.

Now if it's a safety issue, that's different. They do have a duty to inform the consumer in that type of situation.

[uofmtiger]

I don't have much experience yet with old movies, but I imagine it is like cd. Some companies will just slap an old tape onto cd without remastering it. Just because it is on cd doesn't mean it is a good representation of the technology. You can't expect some old movie to look as good as something shot with hd cameras, as mentioned above. I still don't really understand what you have set up.When BluRay first came out, I think it was more common to have discs that did not live up to expectations. I know that Fifth Element, in particular, did not look much better than the DVD. However, in this one case, they re-released it and allowed everyone that owned it to send it in for a free replacement. I have a buddy that took advantage of that offer.

[Jack G]

I don't have much experience yet with old movies, but I imagine it is like cd. Some companies will just slap an old tape onto cd without remastering it. Just because it is on cd doesn't mean it is a good representation of the technology. You can't expect some old movie to look as good as something shot with hd cameras, as mentioned above. I still don't really understand what you have set up.
It all depends on the quality of the print used for the disc, as well as how much time and effort they put into the transfer.
Anyone who thinks older movies cannot look good should look at the BD or HD DVD of Blade Runner: The Final Cut, or the HD DVD of Casablanca. The former is my show off disc.
Remember, film has a much higher resolution than 1080p.
Jack

[daveyh]

Have you read the manual for the remote or player? There should be a way to by-pass those coms and go directly to the movie.

[Jack G]

Have you read the manual for the remote or player? There should be a way to by-pass those coms and go directly to the movie.
That all depends on how the studio decides to make the disc. Its not up to the player.
Jack

[uofmtiger]

It all depends on the quality of the print used for the disc, as well as how much time and effort they put into the transfer.
Anyone who thinks older movies cannot look good should look at the BD or HD DVD of Blade Runner: The Final Cut, or the HD DVD of Casablanca. The former is my show off disc.
Remember, film has a much higher resolution than 1080p.
Jack
Yep! HDnet Movies usually has a few old movies each month that look pretty good.

[MeatLoaf]

blu ray is useless anyways sony just did not learn with the beta max heh :P

[astumpe]

i have been using a sony 300 for about 4 mo. after fw update load time is 35 sec. no lock-ups our freeze -ups.my dvd look much better. my blurays are just unbeliveable on my 50"panasonic.

[Cleve]

This topic perfectly illustrates the problems with Blu-Ray - overpriced players that don't function as well as their HD-DVD brethern. And a disc format that isn't very well standardized yet, which causes compatibility problems. Just look at the reviews of the various Blu-Ray Disc players at Amazon - problems aplenty.

All for a picture quality that doesn't exceed HD-DVD. I still don't get why consumers chose Blu-Ray. Or maybe, just maybe, they didn't and it's a lie by the studios to artificially select the format that bests suits THEIR needs, not the viewers.

[Blue Meanie]

:thmbsp:

I also think a good tape has a better picture than DVD.

Either time to clean your glasses, or have the dosage of your meds checked.:D Trust me. I speak from experience.:thmbsp:

[whatever]

Between so many studio's going blu ray, Toshiba making only blu ray players. Microsoft stopping manufacturing of HD DVD players for the xbox 360 and other factors it looks like blu ray will come out on top.

[gyusher]

I've been screwing around with HDTV since my first RCA "High Resolution" TV that I bought in 98 or 99.

I've been through stand alone HD tuners and DTV, cable, upscaling DVD players, CRT, LCD, Laser, DLP etc. etc. etc.

Dolby Surround, ProLogic, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 etc. etc. etc.

Too many Amps, PreAmps, Receivers, Subwoofers, hundreds of speakers . . . etc. etc. etc. . .

Now today after I finally get it right with my Pioneer Elite receiver (VSX56TXi) my new Sony LCD 55in display (720p/1080i) a decent Panasonic upscaling DVD player along with a now decent set of 7 speakers and a decent subwoofer. . .Things are great Right????

WRONG!!!!

Now I need a Blue Ray player, a 1080"P" display with about a dozen HDMI inputs not to mention another decent Receiver with Dolby HD etc. etc. etc. . .

But. . . I love it. . . I've loved every minute of it. I haven't played a VHS tape for almost 10 years now. . . I did play a couple the other night and couldn't stand it. . .They were so fuzzy almost unwatchable. . .

I agree with the person who said if you can't tell the difference something is broken. . . Not being setup right won't even do it. . .Must be broken. . .

[Blue Meanie]

Between so many studio's going blu ray, Toshiba making only blu ray players. Microsoft stopping manufacturing of HD DVD players for the xbox 360 and other factors it looks like blu ray will come out on top.

Um, wasn't that decision made about a month ago (give or take) with the announcement that NO MORE HD DVD PLAYERS WILL BE MANUFACTURED??:scratch2: Or I might have missed something. Wouldn't be the first time.:D

[sauuuuuce]

Um, wasn't that decision made about a month ago (give or take) with the announcement that NO MORE HD DVD PLAYERS WILL BE MANUFACTURED??:scratch2: Or I might have missed something. Wouldn't be the first time.:D

No miss. You're right. HD DVD is dead officially. COuld try to be a non lazy SOB and find a link but Google awaits all of us........

[Cosmic]

I am amazed at some of the posts here. Physics don't lie. Resolution is resolution. Hook the stuff up right, and stay away from those bloody upconverting units and the dedicated (sloooow) Blu-Ray players in favor of a PS3 for now. A PS 3 will load pretty damn fast.

PS3 via HDMI 1.3 to my Panasonic 58-inch 700 plasma;
audio via optical to my receiver. End of discussion. Both regular DVDs and Blu-Rays look their best.
I have my Sony HI-Fi VHS with good-quality tapes recorded from clean cable programming and while I can watch them, I would be the first to say they look ghastly by comparison.

I realize there are perhaps people who cannot see what a better picture looks like, or don't care, but the difference is obvious at all levels.

I shoot broadcast video for a living, and I like what I see as far as Blu-Ray's performance. A well-mastered 35mm print or neg into Blu-Ray is a very beautiful thing indeed. Your display is the limiting factor, not the format.

C.

[whoaru99]

I can understand loyalty to a format of which you may have hundreds or thousands of movies, but if resolution of LD looks better than a Blu Ray disc on your HDTV, something is f***ed-up in your system.

Oh yeah... another rant. 1080p is fine, but don't tell me it's a must-have unless you sit less than 4-5ft from your 50" TV....

[uofmtiger]

Duane, what tempted you to buy a Blu-ray player? Last year you said:

"Personally I've not seen anything that would tempt me to buy Blu-Ray.The machines are too expensive and I don't see spending $30 for the crappy selection that's out there.Time will tell,but so far,nothing really rocks the boat."
http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?p=1156508#post1156508

Obviously, something must have rocked your boat to get you to jump on board.

Yours actually works?
I had a 1200 last year, and ended up throwing it in the trash. Even after FW updates, it wouldn't play a movie, not even a DVD without freezing up.
Jack

Along the same lines, I am curious why you bought a 1200 last year after all the bashing you did of the format? Did you buy it only to throw it away?

[sauuuuuce]

Duane, what tempted you to buy a Blu-ray player? Last year you said:

"Personally I've not seen anything that would tempt me to buy Blu-Ray.The machines are too expensive and I don't see spending $30 for the crappy selection that's out there.Time will tell,but so far,nothing really rocks the boat."
http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?p=1156508#post1156508

Obviously, something must have rocked your boat to get you to jump on board.



Along the same lines, I am curious why you bought a 1200 last year after all the bashing you did of the format? Did you buy it only to throw it away?

:yikes: I wish I could remember things from a year ago...........

[Jack G]

Along the same lines, I am curious why you bought a 1200 last year after all the bashing you did of the format? Did you buy it only to throw it away?
Because I am movie lover not a format cheerleader. It wasn't the format I had a problem with per se, it was the BDA, and I still have issues with them.
FWIW, I still find the BDA to be both arrogant and incompetent. I find the way they do business to be contemptible, and their total disregard for their customers to be borderline sleazy. They STILL don't have their act together, and they clearly do not care.
MSRP of $40, and they don't even have the decency to port over the extras from the DVD? Why did the DVD of Die Hard 4 get the extended cut, but the BD got the theatrical version? Could they show any more disrespect to their customers?
Jack

[Duane]

Duane, what tempted you to buy a Blu-ray player? Last year you said:

"Personally I've not seen anything that would tempt me to buy Blu-Ray.The machines are too expensive and I don't see spending $30 for the crappy selection that's out there.Time will tell,but so far,nothing really rocks the boat."
http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?p=1156508#post1156508

Obviously, something must have rocked your boat to get you to jump on board.





The player was given to me. The boat is a little shaky right now.

[uofmtiger]

Because I am movie lover not a format cheerleader. It wasn't the format I had a problem with per se, it was the BDA, and I still have issues with them.
FWIW, I still find the BDA to be both arrogant and incompetent. I find the way they do business to be contemptible, and their total disregard for their customers to be borderline sleazy. They STILL don't have their act together, and they clearly do not care.
MSRP of $40, and they don't even have the decency to port over the extras from the DVD? Why did the DVD of Die Hard 4 get the extended cut, but the BD got the theatrical version? Could they show any more disrespect to their customers?
Jack
Their customers have a choice to buy the DVD, buy the BD, or neither. It is not like BDA is making that choice for them. On a similar note, CDs are repackaged/remastered and sold again and again.

Also, DVDs are known for being released without anything special, then later another version with uncut stuff comes out, then finally a boxed set of the very popular series hits the market. Of course, we can always get the Superbit version if it becomes available... In other words, the market has shown the ability to buy the movie over and over. That model was set a long time ago... Ask some Pink Floyd fans how many versions of DSOTM on CD they have been through...

The player was given to me. The boat is a little shaky right now.I would ask them how to return it. It is obviously broke. A standard def movie should not look better than the same movie on BD. I have seen quite a few BD movies and that has never been the case.

[Jack G]

Their customers have a choice to buy the DVD, buy the BD, or neither. It is not like BDA is making that choice for them. On a similar note, CDs are repackaged/remastered and sold again and again.

Also, DVDs are known for being released without anything special, then later another version with uncut stuff comes out, then finally a boxed set of the very popular series hits the market. Of course, we can always get the Superbit version if it becomes available... In other words, the market has shown the ability to buy the movie over and over. That model was set a long time ago... Ask some Pink Floyd fans how many versions of DSOTM on CD they have been through...


You can justify $40 bare bones discs all you want. We'll see how well they sell in these current economic times, when the DVD is selling for less than 1/2 that. Ever notice how most wait until the BOGOs or comparable sales? Say, there really haven't been many of those since HD DVD died. I wonder why.
I can hardly wait until people pop in their $40+ copy of sleeping beauty into their video 1.0 player for the kiddies, only to find out that they can't access the features advertised.
Good times ahead.
Jack

[Duane]

I would ask them how to return it. It is obviously broke. A standard def movie should not look better than the same movie on BD. I have seen quite a few BD movies and that has never been the case.

The disc that started this thread is The Rookie. I also have the DVD version. The DVD version played back on the Sony BDP-S301 looks about the same to me. I do not have two Blu-Ray players to do a stare and compare, nor do I care to. My point was the discs I've seen so far do not look all that impressive to me. When a good HD program is displayed on my Pioneer Elite CRT RP( 1080i only), it's jaw dropping. The BR discs I've seen so far do not look as good.

I've taken this disc back to Best Buy because it would not start playing the movie.It just sits there doing nothing.You have to start the movie from the chapter select portion of the menu to actually see it. The store has the BDP-S300 (same machine as mine) and it does the same thing. Playing it on a new Panasonic is fine. But, the movie on both players on two different displays (a Sony and a Panasonic at 1080P does not look any different than what I see at home. Bottom line, the player is not broke.

[uofmtiger]

The disc that started this thread is The Rookie. I also have the DVD version. The DVD version played back on the Sony BDP-S301 looks about the same to me. I do not have two Blu-Ray players to do a stare and compare, nor do I care to. My point was the discs I've seen so far do not look all that impressive to me. When a good HD program is displayed on my Pioneer Elite CRT RP( 1080i only), it's jaw dropping. The BR discs I've seen so far do not look as good.

I've taken this disc back to Best Buy because it would not start playing the movie.It just sits there doing nothing.You have to start the movie from the chapter select portion of the menu to actually see it. The store has the BDP-S300 (same machine as mine) and it does the same thing. Playing it on a new Panasonic is fine. But, the movie on both players on two different displays (a Sony and a Panasonic at 1080P does not look any different than what I see at home. Bottom line, the player is not broke.Well, I looked up some online reviews of this disc and did not find that it was one of the bad transfers like the Fifth Element. DVD Authority (http://www.dvdauthority.com/reviews.asp?reviewID=5535)actually compared it to the DVD version:

"The Rookie is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. I wouldn't call this demo material, but the movie enjoys a marked improvement with this new transfer. This is such a cleaner, crisper presentation, you'll take one look at the DVD and wonder how you ever watched it. The colors are brighter and bolder, which gives the visuals so much more life, while contrast is accurate and supplies good black levels. The image shows above average detail in most scenes also, with good depth and subtle visible details that give us that high definition look. Like I said, not a flawless visual effort, but The Rookie looks great in high definition and fans should be thrilled "

So did Highdefdigest: (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1293/rookie2002.html)

"'The Rookie' features a striking 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that puts yet another notch on Disney's belt of beautifully preserved catalog titles. After taking a quick glance at the standard DVD's drab PQ while preparing for this review, I have to admit I didn't expect Disney to invest a lot of effort in such an underappreciated family film. Apparently someone at the studio has a soft spot for 'The Rookie,' since it's been given the full high-def treatment.........Regardless, 'The Rookie' looks stunning in high definition and will completely erase the standard DVD from your memory."

I have no explanation for why your results are so much different than everything else I have read about the BluRay version. Seems very strange.

[Duane]

Well, I looked up some online reviews of this disc and did not find that it was one of the bad transfers like the Fifth Element. DVD Authority (http://www.dvdauthority.com/reviews.asp?reviewID=5535)actually compared it to the DVD version:

"The Rookie is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. I wouldn't call this demo material, but the movie enjoys a marked improvement with this new transfer. This is such a cleaner, crisper presentation, you'll take one look at the DVD and wonder how you ever watched it. The colors are brighter and bolder, which gives the visuals so much more life, while contrast is accurate and supplies good black levels. The image shows above average detail in most scenes also, with good depth and subtle visible details that give us that high definition look. Like I said, not a flawless visual effort, but The Rookie looks great in high definition and fans should be thrilled "

So did Highdefdigest: (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1293/rookie2002.html)

"'The Rookie' features a striking 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that puts yet another notch on Disney's belt of beautifully preserved catalog titles. After taking a quick glance at the standard DVD's drab PQ while preparing for this review, I have to admit I didn't expect Disney to invest a lot of effort in such an underappreciated family film. Apparently someone at the studio has a soft spot for 'The Rookie,' since it's been given the full high-def treatment.........Regardless, 'The Rookie' looks stunning in high definition and will completely erase the standard DVD from your memory."

I have no explanation for why your results are so much different than everything else I have read about the BluRay version. Seems very strange.

Well,if the print media says it's so,it must be...

[uofmtiger]

Well,if the print media says it's so,it must be...
Even threads on the movie on other sites say the same thing. Of course, we could throw all the evidence, the given resolution of the format, etc...and just believe you...However, I will put "The Rookie" on my Netflix list and see for myself.

You can justify $40 bare bones discs all you want. We'll see how well they sell in these current economic times, when the DVD is selling for less than 1/2 that. Ever notice how most wait until the BOGOs or comparable salesIf you are paying $40, you are not looking very hard:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/002-6668963-5085628?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=blu-ray&x=8&y=15

The Die Hard movies (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/103-3225173-2755043?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=blu-ray+die+hard), as one example, are around $26. Many people that buy high def formats or watch high def on cable are more interest in high def movies with quality audio than tons of extras. Of course, we will see those features as BD live becomes more popular.

BTW I think it will be a while before BD replaces DVD. However, I think there are enough hi-def fans to make BD moderately successful.

[Zeromancer]

I just bought a LG HD DVD/Blu-ray combo drive to put into my HTPC. Before I was just using an XBox 360 HD-DVD add-on hooked up through USB into my HTPC.
Now I can buy all the discounted HD-DVD's off ebay and other sites, and still be able to buy all the newly released Blu-ray movies.
Win win situation.

[avionic]

Blu-Ray Can Kiss My ****
Meet Blue Ray

[Lady Ayeka]

Meet Blue Ray

it's the ghost of "max headroom"! WA-WA-WA-WATCH OUT!!!!:D:music:

[yrly]

Some movies will surprise, others will disappoint, it is the quality of the original print. The Prestige is a fantastic looking movie if you're looking for something to show off the system. The Shining looks spectacular for such an old movie.

Personally I use a first generation Sony BDP-S1, it isn't terribly slow, I have the most up to date firmware (don't tell me I should have bought a PS3, I paid only $150 for it at Sears), it is faster than first gen HD DVD players.

I have something like 235 HD DVDs (thanks to the fire sales), so obviously the bulk of my viewing is on that side of the fence. I have maybe 28 Blu-rays. I have 577 Laserdiscs. No idea how many DVDs I have.

I mainly watch movies as opposed to TV, so the costs were well justified IMHO. Though I never paid more than $2 for a LD either.

[uofmtiger]

Personally I use a first generation Sony BDP-S1, it isn't terribly slow, I have the most up to date firmware (don't tell me I should have bought a PS3, I paid only $150 for it at Sears), it is faster than first gen HD DVD players.You should have bought a PS3.:D Sounds like a good price, though. I think those players went for around $1000 at one time.

[avionic]

it's the ghost of "max headroom"! WA-WA-WA-WATCH OUT!!!!:D:music:Good ole Maxx