HDTV Almanac - $68 Blu-ray Player

[robdamage]

Please define 'reliable'

[film11]

see earlier post

[Shane]

By the way, have you ever streamed an online movie? Onto a display device larger than 32"? They look like crap.

While you're Blu-ray points are valid, your statement above is a gross generalization. I stream movies all the time on services like Xbox LIVE, Netflix (in HD), and Apple TV ... on displays ranging from 32" to 55" ... and none of them "look like crap". Nowhere near Blu-ray, granted ... but still not as bad as you describe. I suspect your sample pool is quite shallow.

- Shane

[robdamage]

My sample pool includes video displays from 2" to over 200"; right out of the box below consumer grade garbage display devices to fully calibrated reference video displays in ambient light controlled environments; promotional bare minimum video playback devices to price no object video playback devices.

If you are admitting that the video is "Nowhere near Blu-Ray" then you are admitting that is it crap. Guess what? Blu-Ray isn't the best thing out there, either. Have YOU ever seen a 4k video source played back through a $275k projector (that is meant to be installed in someone's home) and displayed on a 14ft screen in a rather well lit room? And actually had a previous point of reference to compare it to?

Just because streaming video is convenient does not make it OK. We all need to band together to convince studios and electronics manufacturers that the status quo is not acceptable and that better video sources and display devices should be made available to us. I hope that Blu-Rays fails not because crappy video was deemed acceptable by the masses but instead because a higher quality video delivery system replaced it.

Don't let video go the way of audio. Compressed audio sounds bad. Nothing will change that - not even mass market acceptance of crappy technology.

[akirby]

If you are admitting that the video is "Nowhere near Blu-Ray" then you are admitting that is it crap.

There is nothing wrong with 720p/1080i ATSC HD on a 1080p display and 1080p BD is certainly better. I think your perspective has been seriously skewed by outrageously expensive equipment.

[Shane]

My sample pool includes video displays from 2" to over 200"; right out of the box below consumer grade garbage display devices to fully calibrated reference video displays in ambient light controlled environments; promotional bare minimum video playback devices to price no object video playback devices.

I'm referring to your sample pool of source material, not display devices.

My point is this: Given the choice between streamed HD vs. Blu-ray, I'll choose Blu-ray every time. Who wouldn't? But I have seen many sources of streamed content that are quite watchable. Far from your "crap" description ... although I guess that's a matter of perspective.

- Shane Sturgeon

[robdamage]

I think your perspective has been seriously skewed by outrageously expensive equipment.

Jeez, I hope so! It certainly wouldn't say much for the outrageously expensive equipment if it didn't skew my perspective into realizing that there are always options to make the experience better.