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Home Entertainment Choice

Submitted by Sara on Wed, 10/14/2009 - 10:37
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The savior of the hight definition Blu-ray format still only generates a few home entertainment revenue. Compares this to DVD, which at age 3 commanded 20 percent of home entertainment revenue back in 2000 when competing with the then popular VHS format.

In my home I no longer have a DVD-only player. I still have an HD DVD player that really never gets used as I have already replaced many of my HD DVDs and I have a PlayStation 3 for my DVD and Blu-ray discs. Movies are my livelihood and being able to watch as many as I can is a necessity. But I always wonder what consumers such as yourself think of the current marketplace.

There is always the argument of "upconverting" DVD players that basically provide a faux high-definition image that when compared to a quality Blu-ray release shows its flaws, but when we get down to it I would bet most consumers don't really concern themselves with the absolute pristine picture offered by Blu-ray. Personally, I love it. When great cinematography and score combine in a fantastic movie presented in high-definition on my plasma television we are talking about a great night at home with the movies. As a result, flaws in the Netflix streaming service are more noticeable to me. While watching a DVD I tend to realize it doesn't look or sound as good as it could. Perhaps I am spoiled, but it's the truth.

I have often argued with friends over whether or not physical discs will still be around in ten-or-so-years. I tend to believe they will be simply because I think people enjoy owning and holding a physical object.
The other thing to think about are special features. With current instant and on demand delivery consumers aren't offered audio commentaries and deleted scenes. Just how important are these bonuses to the consumer? Does the thought of Gone with the Wind on Blu-ray with over eight hours of extras make you change your mind?

My belief is more and more people will begin buying Blu-ray players as they need to replace their current DVD players. After all, considering Blu-ray players will play and "upconvert" standard DVDs why not go for the player you can also play the latest media on?
So how about you? What is your preferred method of home entertainment? Do you buy DVDs or Blu-ray discs? Would the absence of special features from streaming movies still lead you to purchase films as opposed to going 100% digital?