Questions regarding Blue Ray

[janie1234]

Okay, I know that there are some techno savy people out there that can help me with some questions about Blue Ray. I'm not super tech but I'm not a complete idiot either. I like basics, in other words I own a cell phone but don't care so much about all the fancy features. I own a Ipod Nano and watch videos, store photo's, and listen to music on it but thats about it. I can use a computer but don't ask me about how to convert an MP3 file to DVD although my computer is able to do so. I mean I'm sure I'd be able to figure it out but I just don't care to. With that said please tell me what is Blue Ray other than high definition and recordable DVD or is that even what it is? Do you have to have some fancy shamcy flat panel TV to watch blue ray? Do you feel it will replace original DVD? Target seems to be carrying more and more of these type of discs. I'm wondering if it would be worth the purchase? I guess that they cost about $400. I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks everyone.

 

[tygra]

Hi Janie,

BluRay will be the next "DVD" - like VHS to DVD. We have a PS3, which at the time, they said was the cheapest, best blue ray player out there. The graphics are terrific, like HD. As far as the technological differences, not sure. it's the new format.

HTH

 

[janie1234]

Hi Janie,

BluRay will be the next "DVD" - like VHS to DVD. We have a PS3, which at the time, they said was the cheapest, best blue ray player out there. The graphics are terrific, like HD. As far as the technological differences, not sure. it's the new format.

HTH

Hi Jane, thanks. I was thinking of getting the kids a PS3 but man are they expensive and then I read that they also function as a blue ray DVD player/recorder so I guess if you think about it I guess it really isn't that bad a deal. Do you have to have a plasma screen HDTV tv to own one though? Thanks.

 

[tygra]

No, I don't belive so. We have a 1080i LCD 52" that has this hooked up to it - excellent picture. We had it connected to our 720p LCD 42" before and it worked fine. I think it'll work fine on all TV's but my not be as crisp unless you run it through a 1080i TV.

 

[materialsgirl]

Do you have to have a plasma screen HDTV tv to own one though?

No, it's not required, but there's really no point in owning a Blu-Ray DVD player if you don't have a high-def television (whether it's plasma, LCD, or DLP - any of them will do just fine). You won't be able to see the images in their full definition if you don't have an HDTV of some sort. On a regular tv, it will look just like a regular DVD. Hope this helps.

I think it'll work fine on all TV's but my not be as crisp unless you run it through a 1080i TV

I should also add that the current standard for Blu-Ray and HDTVs is 1080p, not 1080i. Most HDTVs sold today are 1080p and if you are looking to buy one, don't settle for anything less than 1080p.

 

[dragonf1y]

Do you feel it will replace original DVD? Target seems to be carrying more and more of these type of discs. I'm wondering if it would be worth the purchase? I guess that they cost about $400. I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks everyone.

I have no intention of replacing my DVDs w/ Blu-ray. I really think that in a few years everyone will be loading their movies onto harddrives and then streaming video to the TV from the computer, or hooking their phone/ipod (it will be completely integrated) into the TV. I just do not think Blu-ray PLAYERS will be in use for very long. I have no great need for cutting edge high definition, so I will wait until my standard PC is capable of playing these files, then probably pay to download them rather than purchasing an actual disk.

 

[timwatt]

I have no intention of replacing my DVDs w/ Blu-ray. I really think that in a few years everyone will be loading their movies onto harddrives and then streaming video to the TV from the computer, or hooking their phone/ipod (it will be completely integrated) into the TV. I just do not think Blu-ray PLAYERS will be in use for very long. I have no great need for cutting edge high definition, so I will wait until my standard PC is capable of playing these files, then probably pay to download them rather than purchasing an actual disk.

I wouldn't dismiss Blu Ray that quickly. HD downloads are far from coming close to the quality standards you get in a disc. On top of that, digital downloading puts a strain on broadband speed, bandwidth, and storage. Here's an article that compares digital downloading with Blu-ray:

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/bluray_wins_format_war_much_lo.php

 

[janie1234]

I have a decent TV. It at least has the flat and not curved glass but it is not one of those thin plasma screen tv's. Would that be okay? I know eventually we'll get a flat screen but not right just yet. Can someone clarify for me, with blueray you can record right? Like TiVo?

 

[materialsgirl]

I have a decent TV. It at least has the flat and not curved glass but it is not one of those thin plasma screen tv's. Would that be okay? I know eventually we'll get a flat screen but not right just yet. Can someone clarify for me, with blueray you can record right? Like TiVo?

No, Blu-Ray is not a recorder. At present, it is only a DVD player for high-def DVDs. I'm sure the ability to record with Blu-Ray is forthcoming, but at present, it is not an available feature.

When you say "decent tv" - is it a high defition tv? Because if it's just a standard def tv, then I restate my earlier point - you would be throwing money away if you bought a Blu-Ray player and you didn't have a high def tv. You will see no difference between a Blu-Ray disc and a regular DVD. Whether or not the glass is flat doesn't tell you anything about the resolution. My guess is, because you seem to imply that it's a CRT television, that it's NOT high-def. Don't invest in a Blu-Ray player until you have a high-def television. That way you can be sure you have the latest technology, and you'll probably get a better price if you wait anyway. The prices are coming down.

 

[janie1234]

Thank you, . .thank you Emily. I'll just hang tight and wait. Maybe in the future Cathe will go blu ray high deffinition. Thanks.