Before I start this thread I remind everyone that this is my opinion and nothing more. I base this opinion on what I've heard people say regardind Blu-Ray.
Blu-Ray discs are a great hi-def media. Movies look crystal clear and sound is awesome. However, it has struggled to take market share from DVD. Here are a few reasons why it has failed to do so:
- DVDs are dirt cheap. New releases if purchased the week of release go for only $14.99. Blu-Ray movies have similar deals on release weeks but are not as cheap as the average Blu-Ray release is $29.99.
- Blu-Ray movies are still too expensive. For example the two disc Special Edition of Transformers on DVD is only $19.99. The Blu-Ray edition is $35.99-39.99 depending on the store.
- Most people don't know what Blu-Ray disc are. I was talking to a friend the other day and told them I had just purchased two Blu-Ray movies. They asked me what is Blu-Ray?
- HDTV are still a luxury item for most people. Older people 50 and above don't know what HDTVs are and are reluctant to buy them. As a matter of fact most normal people are happy ordering the DTV converter box vs. buying a new TV.
- Some people say there is no difference or minimal difference between DVD picture (in an upconvert player) and Blu-Ray picture.
- Another thing holding Blu-Ray back is differing cost of older movies. For example, Rambo special edition Blu-Ray box set with the first three Rambo movies is only $29.99-$49.99 depending on the store. The Die Hard set with all 4 Die Hard movies goes from $89.99-$129.99. Albiet the Die Hard set does have one more movie, however, the difference in price between the sets is $60-$80.
- Cost of Blu-Ray players is still expensive. Blu-Ray players need constant firmware updates to access new features on newer movies. The only Blu-Ray player that is kept constantly up-to-date in the PS3 which costs $399. Most novice folks looking for a Blu-Ray player will not buy a PS3 as they think of it as only a gaming system.
What are ways this can be remedied? Have movie companies drop the price of Blu-Ray movies. Make Blu-Ray movies standard price $24.99 for new releases. Have older movies range from $14.99-$19.99. Make Blu-Ray players cheaper, DVDs did not take off until there were sub-$100 players I think Blu-Ray could benefit right now if there were more sub-$200 players. Promote Blu-Ray more. Have you noticed since Sony defeated HD-DVD they have cut back on promoting Blu-Ray. Most novices are still in the dark and don't know what Blu-Ray is.
That is my opinion. What do you think? I just think this format could benefit more if pushed better.
