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.

Iron Man 2-Disc Special Edition: $22.95 at Wal-Mart

Iron Man 2-Disc Blu-ray Special Edition 25.95 at Wal-Mart.

Major difference there........

- 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.

The Dark Knight:

Special Edition DVD: $34.99

Blu-ray Special Edition: $35.99

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/questex/hom787165QLK/#/40

- 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?

Most new products take a while to get word out, ask people back when DVD was first released what a DVD was.

- 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.

Prices are coming down. Fast.

- 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.

Pricing is different in most stores. Best Buy, Circuit City, and Wal-Mart rarely have the same prices for their movies.

- 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.

You really have no idea what your talking about. Firmware 2.0 is final spec. Nothing else afterwards. BD-Live is a feature meant for internet based additions nothing more. BD-Live = Firmware 2.0. There is NO updates after 2.0. Also prices of players might be $199 this holiday as things are getting cheaper and holiday specials are around the corner. Currently the cheapest player is $248.

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.