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Bad Signs For Blu-ray

Posted by timothy on from the anguish-languish dept.

Ian Lamont writes "More than six months after HD-DVD gave up the ghost, there are several signs that Sony's rival Blu-ray format is struggling to gain consumer acceptance. According to recent sales data from Nielsen, market share for Blu-ray discs in the U.S. is declining, and Sony and its Blu-ray partners are trying several tactics to boost the format — including free trial discs bundled into magazines and cheap Blu-ray players that cost less than $200."

4 of 1,276 comments (clear)

  1. Not enough by Wireless+Joe · · Score: 1, Redundant

    Here's what they'll need to do to get me, a regular Joe consumer, to even consider "upgrading": 1. Remove DRM restrictions, including anything requiring firmware upgrades to support the latest schemes 2. Related to 1: ensure any disc can play in any player any time 3. Drop the price to $99 or less. That's what I'm willing to pay 4. Make sure that $99 player has all the features available 5. Drop the price of discs to something close to current dvd prices. I know you need to recoup your investment, but you're just going to have to do it over 10 years instead of 2

  2. Several Factors by Soiden · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Show a normal/casual consumer a DVD movie and then a Blu-Ray movie. Technically, it may be better, but seeing with your own eyes shows little difference. Is a normal person capable of paying 3 o 4 times the price of a DVD to watch something that looks a little better? I don't think so.

    I also feel the Blu-Ray is not a great step forward as DVD was from CD. 50GB is already not too much for many.

    Personally, I wouldn't buy a Blu-Ray now, for the reasons I said and because I'm sure there's a 'better' technology about to appear [Holographic?].

    --
    Minti: What's that huge shuriken in your back?! Kin: It's the instrument of my victory.
  3. Plan B by PPH · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Lets try free Blu-ray players bundled into magazines and cheap discs that cost less than $200.

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.
  4. Internet distribution? by trajik2600 · · Score: 0, Redundant

    I didn't read the whole reply chain, but I'm surprised I didn't see digital distribution brought up as a competitor. I have a 61" HD-ILA HDTV in my livingroom, and no hardware capable of HD output except for my XBOX 360. I rent a ton of HD movies on my 360 and watch them for what, $5? I do not plan on buying a Bluray player at all. My DVDs look hot as hell played off of the 360 as well. I think optical media is reaching a close.