Format Wars May Be Over, but Blu-ray Still Faces Challenges, According to ABI Research

[Shane]

Aided by the major motion picture studios, Sony's Blu-ray format has emerged as the undisputed technology for high-definition DVD video, but according to new market data released by ABI Research, Blu-ray cannot rest on its laurels. A bright future for high-definition DVD is not a foregone conclusion.

One of the primary challenges facing Blu-ray, says principal analyst Steve Wilson, is that many consumers are...

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[hharris4earthlink]

Based on my purely subjective experience, I believe this is a temporary phenomenon and will change rapidly. When I first got a HD display I was awed by the clarity of blu-ray AND upscaled DVDs as compared to standard DVD. At the time I remember thinking I didn't need to replace my standard DVD collection at all since I found the upscaled picture so acceptable. But after a few weeks of watching blu-ray and HD television I began to notice flaws in the upscaled DVD picture that I hadn't noticed before. My thinking completely turned around when I started watching "Star Wars I" using upscaled DVD. Imperfections that I wouldn't have noticed before had become glaring.

If my experience is any guide, I suspect that the same will happen with the general public. Blu-ray and HD broadcasts will spoil them and what was perfectly acceptable in the past will become unbearable.

Henry

[mbratton]

Based on my purely subjective experience, I believe that upconverted DVDs WILL be acceptable to many, perhaps even most viewers. Only time will tell. If Blu-ray prices drop low enough and soon enough, then it will be more competitive with upconverting players. But if that doesn't happen, then the format may never gain adequate traction. Another concern for Blu-ray is the rapidly emerging internet video technology. While HD offerings are not common today, the technology is moving in that direction very quickly. I believe Blu-ray has a very narrow window of opportunity to succeed.

[hharris4earthlink]

I agree. Upconverted DVDs will be acceptable

[Shane]

[quote="[email protected]"]If by

[dabhome]

Time will tell, but I am not sure people will jump on Blu-Ray over upscaled DVD. Most people with HDTV's already see HD from their cable or over the air. They don't have to see it on Blu-Ray to see the difference. They will go to Blu-Ray if it doesn't cost them much more or nothing more. But, at the current premiums it isn't worth it.

[jordanm]

I agree here, and I am upscaling DVDs to my HDTV @ 1080p, and they look better than cable HD. So my incentive to buy Blu-Ray is low and I won't until at least 2.0 is mainstream. Better yet, is when there is an affordable carousel like I have for DVDs.

[hharris4earthlink]

Fine. Just don't make the mistake I made. Whatever you do, don't get used to Blu-ray. What you don't know won't hurt you.

Henry

[dabhome]

I agree here, and I am upscaling DVDs to my HDTV @ 1080p, and they look better than cable HD. So my incentive to buy Blu-Ray is low and I won't until at least 2.0 is mainstream. Better yet, is when there is an affordable carousel like I have for DVDs.

If you your upscaling DVDs look better then your cable HD then your cable company is compressing your HD signal a lot. I have one of the best upscalling DVD players (OPPO) and it does not look better then my cable HD.

If you want to see what real HD is like look at digital TV over the air. But, be forewarned, once you get hooked you will never be able to go back. LOL

David
P.s. How big is your TV and how far back do you watch it from? This may be why you don't see a difference. DB

[film11]

Time will tell, but I am not sure people will jump on Blu-Ray over upscaled DVD. Most people with HDTV's already see HD from their cable or over the air. They don't have to see it on Blu-Ray to see the difference. They will go to Blu-Ray if it doesn't cost them much more or nothing more. But, at the current premiums it isn't worth it.

Especially since some cable or OnDemand HD presentations look better than BR!!! A few examples: CASINO ROYALE, EVIL DEAD II, and most recently FIRST KNIGHT. Yes, one can say it is the fault of the transfers. But paying hundreds of dollars for a lesser return makes no sense to me. (Especially those of us without 1080p sets.)