Rumor: Microsoft to Release Blu-Ray Player for 360 by May

It's not "could change" - it will change. Soon. However, I do think that the advent of digital/online delivery will ensure that blu-rays aren't as successful as DVD's.

 

i don't understand the holds more discs part, but the cheap thing doesn't work with me. Even if its $10, that's still $10 more than I've already spent on my XBOX 360, which I bought anyway. Plus, it actually has a DVD player remote...

But you're probably right. In the next 5 years we should see a strong shift towards downloadable content, so it won't matter.

 

most likely true, but we won't know for sure until another five years from now. if all the internet companies throttle or charge per bandwidth, digital distribution for HD movies will fail. only microsoft fanboys truly believe digital distribution will replace physical media in the immediate future.

if dd is the future as microsoft wants you to believe, they should release their next console with no dvd/blu ray drive and just add a huge hard drive. you can download all your games at the comfort of your home and you will never ever have to own a physical copy.

dd is also dependent on our internet speeds. the current speeds won't cut it. the majority of people use the budget at&t dsl service. i'm positive the same people won't be willing to download a 8-15 gig movie with a 1.5 mb line. even with the elite dsl service, my downloads are very slowly, thanks to throttling.

 

TW = Comcast. I don't see how it's possible to download a 7 gig file with a 6mb connection in thirty minutes. I know Comcast has speed booster which ups the download on large files to 10-12mb.

It's like I said in another post awhile back. If the majority does not have a 10mb line (cough FiOs), DD won't take off. Don't take it the wrong way, I'm not saying it's not a good feature nor that no one will use it. It's just going to be a niche market. You're comparing Comcast to ATT DSL. As you know, many people are switching from Cable to DSL due to the increased prices for cable.

I said it many times myself, cable feels like it's twice as fast as DSL. I myself had both services for a couple of years but thought it was pointless to continue to throw money away and got rid of cable. I loved the speeds cable offered, but for what I do now (internet browsing and email) it's not necessary to keep cable.

Notice I said immediate future. Maybe in five years, digital distribution for renting movies will replace netflix, block buster etc, but for now and the next five years, I don't it will happen as quick as you or some others believe.

I really don't see why you guys make a big fuss over DD. When you're talking about DD, for the most part, you're speaking in regards to movie rentals. How is this going to affect the people who want to purchase their movies on a physical media? If you're talking about DD as a replacement to CD/DVD's, well why hasn't it already replaced them now? Our internet speeds are capable of replacing CD/DVD music/software/movies/games, but not HD movies or Blu Ray games. I sure in hell don't want to download a 50 gig game.

 

I just want to make it clear that I love the idea of digital distribution. It is definitely the future, not only for movies but for a variety of other things (like games). But it just isn't ready for mainstream use. Not that Blu-ray is either, but it will be available a lot sooner than DD IMO.

FWIW I can't really see 7GB offering a quality HD picture (let alone audio as well). I'm sure it is better than upscaled DVD, and maybe even on par with the lesser HD DVD/BR releases. But I just can't picture 7GB offering the same quality as 40GB+, especially if both use more or less the same tools (the disc versions are probably even more efficient actually). The numbers just don't seem to add up. Why even bother researching expensive blue laser diodes when we could be using DVD technology to offer HD movies?

That said, even if movies were 7GB, I still don't think DD would be ready. You have a standard TW cable line, but that is probably considerably better than what most people have. IIRC, ~50% of the US doesn't have broadband, and for those that do have broadband, the avg download speed is ~5mbps. If I did my calculation right, it would take the average broadband user a little over 3 hours to download a 7GB movie (~7000MB / .625 MB/s = 11200s / 3600 = ~3 hrs). Of course, you can then throw in all the fun stuff ISPs do to limit downloads.

It is great that XBLM and other services are offering these services, and seemingly doing it the right way (decent "rules", decent prices, etc.). It is certainly a great service for those that can take advantage of it. But we need some big changes in this country before it can really take off (and even then, there will be some major non-technical hurdles to overcome).

 

see above re: fanboy type self-justification.

Nobody cares.



I never said I "gave a f-k" about what type of machine anyone has, either. All I did was talk about MY OWN preferences, and you decided to take it as a statement of fact about everyone. The end.

And here YOU are "busting a nut" about how Blu-Ray *doesn't* matter. If you "don't give a f-k," why have you made not one, not two, not three, not four, but FIVE separate posts in this very thread which ALL argue that buying a PS3 for its Blu-Ray capability is a bad idea?

What a whining little sissy you are. You can dish it out, but you can't take it, fanboy.

 

If nobody cares, then why did you post this?

Make sure you use lotion...it prevents redness.

I don't give a crap what people buy a PS3 for or what they buy a Blu ray player for or HD-DVD or whatever - whether they want want to watch movies or they are fanboys for certain companies/systems - whatever - I am simply recounting historical evidence which may have future implications. If you want to bet on bluray players never getting better or cheaper, go ahead and make that bet, please do in fact if I am on the other side. I can use the money to buy a bluray player.

regards!

 

If you don't care, why did you write five posts against the PS3?

Really? Then why so very many posts arguing against PS3 purchases? And why do you go out of your way to insult people who support the PS3? Clearly you DO give a crap.

Hmmmm... right. You point out that you didn't use your PS2 as a DVD player, even though many did. You pointed out that standalone players are "often higher-quality", even though the PS3 is considered the highest-quality Blu-Ray player around. And you argued that Blu-Ray is "a lot less relevant" because a lot of people lack 1080 TVs, even though there's a huuuuuge difference between standard and 720 anyway.

Totally un-biased. Just facts. Not making an argument at all.

Riiiiiight, fanboy.

Sorry to disappoint you, but I never said that, and never will. All I said was that the PS3 is the best Blu-Ray player RIGHT NOW.




Again, my SINCEREST apologies for being happy that I lucked into owning the best Blu-Ray player on the market, when all I was originally looking for was a gaming system when I bought it. I'll try really hard to never post happy things again. I'll only post when I'm pissed off, just for you!

 

^i don't argue against PS3 purchases. I don't care what you buy. I apologize for ruining your PS3 party. I did not realize you were so sensitive and emotional about a video game system or a media format. I myself don't care about such items - so if my prediction is wrong and standalone bluray players lose to the mighty ps3 - ****ing sweet. Cool. Awesome. In the future I will take into consideration that others feel very strongly.

 

Ummm, yes you did argue against PS3 purchases, in favor of standalone players.

Awwwww, isn't that sweet... but wait! If you don't care what I buy, why go out of your way to call me a "fanboy idiot?" Hmmm... logical inconsistency...

It's a shame you're so insecure about it that you have to continually claim that you "don't care," and yet you post a million things about it.

In future I will take into consideration that positive things said about the PS3 make some people extremely emotional and insecure.

In future, if you *actually* decide you "don't care," I'm sure you can show enough self-restraint not to call someone an "idiot" simply because they say they're happy to have a PS3.

 

On the subject of digital distribution, I don't think it's 'ready' to emerge as the leading option for most people...however speeds aren't near as bad out there as a lot of people believe.

I have a standard TW (now comcast) line. I don't pay any extra, and I'm in an apartment.

I'm currently pulling:

16429 kbps down
(According to speakeasy.net/speedtest).

Of course, there are plenty of obstacles even keeping that in mind: it's going to take an effort by the providers to find a way to balance what people are going to start pulling down if DD gets really going. As it is they don't expect that kind of traffic.

Not too mention all the questions of how the RIAA and their kind are going to try and stick their nose in in the name of 'fighting piracy'.

However, I think that there is a very real effort here. This isn't just Microsoft; Apple, Comcast, Time Warner, Netflix, Blockbuster - lots of companies are pushing this tech and want to invest in it.

Eventually we're going to reach a happy middle ground.

 

I actually pretty much agree with you, but I think there are some possibilities that leave the outcome a little more open. Like this point, for example: I think there's something to be said for the fact that the 'hardware' for DD is already out there and somewhat mainstream.

360s, computers with 250+ HDDs, ipods, iphones and other media players, cable boxes and DVRs and Tivos; all of these things are already penetrating the mainstream.

I mean, aren't PSN and Live both going to be opened up to movie rentals here soon? So even the PS3 itself will be another outlet for DD.

I agree with this too, but to be honest I don't think most of the 'mainstream' we are talking about here care. I mean, if they've been mostly out of the HD media loop, I can tell you that, say, an HD movie downloaded from Live looks pretty damn good.

Of course, not the same as the actual physical media. But again, I'm not sure the masses are going to care. As you point out:

Let's focus on this for a minute. Because, if such a large group doesn't have something like broadband at this point, I think it is very unlikely that they are going to be on top of HD media formats, players and HD sets and equipment.

And in this day and age, what 'upgrade' is such a household more likely to make first? Internet, or HD players and high-def TVs? I think most would consider one over the other.

Then you look at the fact that when they do start to upgrade, why they're going to look at the computer to go with that connection, and then of course maybe they'll get comcast cable to piggyback on that, so they start to look at DVRs and receivers....and so on and so on.

Just to be clear: I agree with you about physical media vs. DD, even if for the simple fact that I think most people are like me: I want a physical collection I can call my own.

However I don't think DD is quite the long shot many people think it is.

 

yea you're right. there is nothing else good about the system.

 

Considering I'm the only person who works in the industry and goes to CES every year (cough.. don't hate chow, i'll get you a job one day).

Oh yeah. Basso too. he can give you guys a job too. don't diss on his political views!

this blind fanboyism has gone far to think that digital downloads and bandwidth WON'T INCREASE in the future. I mean, hello dumb dorks, we started off with 9600 modems here. We have some sort of digital downloads provided by satellite and cable companies. Do you think that Netflix or any larger corporations are dumb enough because some dumb fanboy with no credibility says they won't do anything for downloads? guess what? you can watch 480p movies on demand now on Netflix. The foundation for MUCH HIGHER speeds are being laid out now to improve everything because bandwidth is what we crave. What do you think those satellites in the air are for? so we can shoot ducks with lasers?

they showed this at CES: XtremeHD (1080p, lossless sound, and 4 streams)


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I'm your huckleberry

 

hey tinman, I'd like to go to CES dammit.

 

Drexlerfan22,

I don't consider you a fanboy. And Fisher is just angry at some people here excude fanboy behavior. you might have fallen for his wrath. I'll probably get a PS3 down the road if its still the best blu-ray option.

the whole idea of being brand loyal is what the corporations want. Some people here fall for the trap. Let me tell you there isn't really a 'war' between Sony and Microsoft. Microsoft is a big Sony partner for their VAIO line of computers.

just like the other forums some people here show credibility and some do not. Do you believe RC Cola plays lots of video games? I surely do. he shows credibility. Do you believe certain posters in the GARM have insider info? some do, some obviously do not.

Fisher is just angry of the lack of credibility by some people here. I'm sure he doesn't really dislike 'DREXLER FANS', though Drexler's BBQ sucks!

 

Rokkit,
send me a private email and tell what company you work for. maybe you, me, YoYo and Basso will meet up next january.

 

don't hold your breath.

industry this industry that...just because you're a sales rep at conn's doesn't prove you have knowledge about the gaming industry. after all, you were the one hyping up and talking big about hd-dvd and look where that went.

 

hahaha
I assure I don't work at Conns. Don't be jealous dude. I actually want to help you out one day since you are so passionate about this crap.

you obviously know alot because..you..??!!

Oh, i've been happy with HD-DVD. it has been good, but too bad the studios pushed it out. it has great features that Bluray is trying to mimic with its new features. But in the end, content is what counts.

At least i've shown readers here why i'm credible.. on everything, The Rockets, Consumer Electronics, and Street Fighter (yes played some clutchfans here).

Oh if Conns is paying for my suite every year at the MGM Grand in Vegas, I suggest you give Conns your resume.

Don't hate dude. I'm on your side. Yao Yao Yao Yao