DVD or Blu Ray?

Ivan_Melgar_M wrote: This guys also talks me of 50 incredible  features that I don't understand or care about, he has reached the point where he has a PC in his living room, attached to the TV, I believe the guy is crazy.

Same here ... I like the setup, and it's very affordable, too:

- 40" LCD TV: 900 EUR
- Computer with DVD/blu-ray drive, TV receiver and software: 1000 EUR
- Logitech 5.1 system: 90 EUR
- Studio grade sound card: 120 EUR


There you go ... a wonderful setup for:

- Watching DVD/blu-ray
- Listening to music
- Internet
- Making music

^ well, keep in mind that you don't need a separate computer anymore, and that you probably would have gotten a LCD TV either way.

^ well, if you think that would be the same bang for your buck, go ahead.

*Sigh* these Logitech speakers (X-530) seem to be the most underrated piece of gear on the planet.

3D is a great concept for computer games ... and maybe even for movies, *if* they're shot in 3D. Since most movies happen to have been shot in 2D, I would say that going for a 3D capable blu-ray player is silly if you're just going to watch movies. But on the other hand, if you're a big fan of Avatar, maybe it would make sense.

rushfan4 wrote: Apparently, this months Playboy Centerfold will be in 3-D too.  Be careful or you might poke an eye out.

I'd be more afraid of a Playgirl 3D centerfold.

^ I still see a definite pattern here of downplaying the advantages of the new system and at the same time exaggerating the criticism (clearly video standards don't change every two months).

Of course you don't *have* to change your equipment, and as a matter of fact I'm not a so called early adopter myself. But the difference is striking. Isn't it odd that many of those who downplay the difference also happen to have a DVD system and probably a huge collection of DVDs, and simply maneuvered themselves into a position where they can't easily upgrade without losing much of their investment? But hey, even if you decide to upgrade your DVDs won't become useless. I still watch DVDs ... I simply now have a choice of watching films in HD when I want to (and/or when they're available).

My advice: Upgrade strategically. If you ever wanted to upgrade to blu-ray, now is the time ... full HD (1080p) displays are affordable, as are blu-ray players. Or if you have a computer, get yourself a cheap full HD computer display and a blu-ray drive - or combine your computer and TV and save some money from this synergy. Rent your discs rather than buying them, and you'll never have a problem - by the time we get another standard (probably more than 5 years from now, and more than likely it won't be physical discs anymore) your current gear will be sufficiently old to warrant an upgrade anyway. If you're not an early adopter, stay away from expensive 3D equipment until it's clear that it's not a fad.

Have a look at this comparison:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3783031804_3760f32e53_o.jpg

(use the magnifying function of your browser to make sure that you're actually looking at the image in its native resolution - users without full HD displays will have to scroll)

Please, does anyone of the "blu-ray is not that much of an improvement" agree that there is a striking difference?

Mr ProgFreak wrote: Have a look at this comparison: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3783031804_3760f32e53_o.jpg (use the magnifying function of your browser to make sure that you're actually looking at the image in its native resolution - users without full HD displays will have to scroll) Please, does anyone of the "blu-ray is not that much of an improvement" agree that there is a striking difference?

Yeah, it's a little better. And if the difference is important to you, then great. It's not important to me. If I was given the option to upgrade my player and all my movies to blu-ray for free, I would take it. But what I percieve to be a small difference is not worth the effort to upgrade.

Mr ProgFreak wrote: Have a look at this comparison: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3783031804_3760f32e53_o.jpg (use the magnifying function of your browser to make sure that you're actually looking at the image in its native resolution - users without full HD displays will have to scroll) Please, does anyone of the "blu-ray is not that much of an improvement" agree that there is a striking difference?

Smaller pixels! Wowie zowie, allow me to bring out my fat wallet to buy the Blu-ray player, Blu-ray discs and HD TV!

I would never say it's not better, but until I'm filthy rich or the hardware is dirt cheap, it's not happening.