Is the importance of Blu-Ray overstated?

[ToastyJaguar]

MikeB said:
@ Parokki

The only real advantage is better picture, while DVD against VHS offered better picture in a vastly more convenient physical package.

I don't quite agree, the jump from NTSC to 720p and especially 1080p HDTVs is huge. Blu-Ray players allow to get the most out of such TV sets, better audio and will include many additional features.

The move from VHS to DVD was IMO far more troublesome, as DVD players weren't backwards compatible with VHS releases. The jump in quality from VHS and DVD displayed on a NTSC TV wasn't really that big, not as big of a difference in picture quality compared to DVD on NTSC TV vs Blu-Ray displayed on a 1080p HDTV.

One thing which may hold Blu-Ray back somewhat is the minimal feature set, which requires even a harddisk. This will make price cuts more difficult, but also puts the PS3 in a good position as one of the best Blu-Ray movie players available, combined with being the best specced gaming console.

I don't think the move from vhs to dvd was that hard, you didn't even have to buy a new tv to see the difference.

All you needed was a ps2 or a cheap dvd player a few years later...