Why BluRay?
BluRay has WON the format war...Now What?
You have probably heard about the Blu-Ray and HD-DVD format battle,
and waited to see if it was just another Beta vs. VHS fiasco. Now that it's over, you may be wondering what Bluray player to buy?
It comes down to what that player will do for you...
Why BluRay won the format war...
There are several reasons why Blu-Ray was the victor and a viable investment in your entertainment future.
But think of the obvious ones
The Blu-Ray studio supporters are looking for a long term solution,
and they saw more promise with Blu-Ray for the following reasons.
They are:
1. STORAGE CAPACITY
Blu-Ray is currently offering 50Gb on a dual layer disc (almost double the information) and has the potential to grow to 100 and even 200Gb on a 4 or 8 layer disc
2. DATA TRANSFER SPEEDS3. ADVANCED INTERACTIVITY
Blu-Ray offers interactivity with the content-this means multitasking within the movie (Easter Eggs, Online Updates etc...), but again, due to the capacity and Java language (which is why Microsoft might not support it aside from X-box), with Blu-Ray, you could actually surf the internet for items in the movie (Think clothes, electronics, cars) that have been tagged with a link during production.
How about having read alongs of the script to help kids learn to read, or getting historical information on a biographical movie--WHILE YOU ARE STILL WATCHING THE MOVIE ON THE SAME SCREEN!!!
How about package a PS3 game with it's movie counterpart on the same disc...The possibilities are endless, and that's just the beginning...
4. ONE COMMON FORMAT
I just mentioned a video game being on the same disc as a movie..
Well, PS3 IS BLU-RAY!!!
The platform is designed for Gaming(PS3), Computing(APPLE, DELL, HP), Data Backup(DISASTERS, HR INFO), Security, Music (Think of putting an entire artists collection with videos and concerts in uncompressed audio on one disc), and obviously Movies.
What is the future of Blu Ray?
What a fabulous question.
3D is one area that BD will shine in due to the Universal format that is being applied.
Data Storage and Backup, though USB based memory is getting better everyday.
Still, BD remains a safe way to introduce content for everyday viewing while delivering the closest reproduction to the studio master.
You may be downloading content from Bit Torrents, but you won't get the audio codecs, because the file would be too large for each movie. That's why streaming and downloading are convenient, but if you want the True Theater type experience...BD is the way to go.
Now it's time to shop for the best one....see below
Shop for BluRay NOW
So what Blu Ray player should I buy?
Before buying a Blu Ray player you should consider some key points about what functionality it will provide you. Not just who makes it, or the fact that it just plays BD's.
What else does it do?
1. Access to Internet and Personal Content?
Look for a BD player that can give you Internet content like Netflix, Slacker Music, You Tube, Concerts etc),
How about Networking with computers to share your Music, Photos, and Videos from your personal computer in another room, to create an entertainment experience when your friends and family visit. Watch a slide show on your 50" TV instead of huddling around a 14" computer monitor
How about front USB inputs? Now your friends and family can bring their pictures over from a trip and do a slide show on your TV for everyone to see.
2. Easy to setup and operate?
This is where most manufacturers fail big time and the biggest cause for customer returns.
Sony actually does a good job with an easy setup menu that pops on the first time you turn it on and guides you through setting up Language, Cord Connections, Internet Access etc.
They also have the Cross Media Bar from the PS3 that is easy to navigate and find all the content providers (20 or more) in their menu. They actually organize Photos, Music, and Videos in separate columns. Plus the Internet providers also have consistent menu navigation.
3. Connectivity
What if you don't have HDMI on your Receiver but do on your TV? Your going to need simultaneous multiple output capability. This simply means that all the outputs on the BD player are active at the same time. Crucial if you want to go to a second room, or want to watch content without your Receiver being on.
But see my section on "Why HDMI" to read why you definitely want HDMI going to your Audio system and NOT Optical or Coaxial for Blu-Ray movies.
What about Wifi connectivity? You need high speed internet access to do the streaming and networking but may not have a connection present in the room. This is an important thing to consider and you want something that's easy to hookup.
4. History in the Business
Granted the Brand devotion isn't what it used to be based on pricing, but you still want to consider who is making the BD player. Would you feel more confident buying from a manufacturer that actually is heavily involved in the Movie industry itself? I would, mainly because I know they would use some of that expertise in the moving making side of the business, and carry that into their players. I want the closest reproduction of what I would have seen and heard, had I been there. Most companies just buy a disc and calibrate their units to make it look and sound good, they don't have daily access to professional studios and engineers.
5. BD vs PS3
If you are a gamer that like movies, buy a PS3.
If you are a gamer with kids, buy both.
Inevitably, the kids will want to either watch a movie or play games and you will too, but the opposite at the same time. Buy Both, it makes sense.
How many DVD players do you have? See?
But also consider this.
The PS3 only offers Netflix for streaming internet content.
Doesn't have multiple active outputs
And doesn't work with Universal Remotes unless you buy adaptors to do it.
Therefore, if you are putting the player with other component style electronics, I think a component Bluray player will fit better in that scenario in regards to daily operation and control.
So what BD player does all that? Check it out here...
Sony BDP-S570 Blu-ray Disc Player
