The dawn of Blu-ray
The high-definition DVD format war is over, so now you can upgrade your home video system without worrying about being stuck with the 21st century version of Betamax.
Or can you? (Insert scary music here.)
Blu-ray DVD, a high-definition video format created by Sony, recently defeated Toshiba-backed HD-DVD in the race to become the next generation of movie-disc technology.
That would seem to clear the way for worry-free investment in the format. And certainly, local home theater outlet stores say that Blu-ray sales have never been hotter.
"More people are coming in to ask about Blu-ray now," said Geoff Grossett, salesman at Barrett's Home Theater in Naperville. "Blu-ray sales are outpacing sales of standard DVD players here by 9-to-1, or even 10-to-1."
There are reasons to be cautious, though. First, Blu-ray players are still expensive, ranging in price from $350 all the way up to $1,200. And Blu-ray movies can set you back $30 to $45 each.
Plus, questions abound about the long-term viability of Blu-ray, or any DVD format, because of the increased popularity of downloading movies from online sites such as iTunes, and the availability of high-definition movies on demand from many cable television companies.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the format, we posed questions about Blu-ray to local experts. Here's what we found out.
First of all, what is Blu-ray and what can it do?
The Blu-ray DVD format can hold up to five times as much data as a standard DVD (50 gigabytes on a dual-layer Blu-ray disc, as opposed to roughly 9 GB on a standard DVD). That means vastly improved picture and sound.
I watched a scene from "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" on Blu-ray in the Abt Electronics showroom in Glenview, and the picture was stunning. Every bit of sweat and grime on Johnny Depp's face was clearly visible. Movement and color were perfect.
Mark Cook, general manager at Abt, explained that the video resolution of Blu-ray discs is "1080p," the highest resolution available in high-definition video (the number refers to the 1,080 lines of resolution provided). A standard DVD offers a resolution of 480p.
No other high-definition video source, including high-definition television signals, can provide a 1080p picture, he said.
"There really isn't a contest," he said. "The Blu-ray picture is amazing."
Why is it called "Blu-ray"?
The name refers to the fact that a blue laser, as opposed to a red one, reads the data on the disc.
Do I need a high-definition television to watch Blu-ray?
Yes. Traditional TVs simply can't display movies in the resolution that Blu-ray offers. To get the most out of your Blu-ray movies, look for televisions with resolutions of 1080p. High-definition TVs are also available with resolutions of 720p and 1080i. (The difference between "i" vs. "p?" The picture is sharper with "p.")
The picture on these sets will be much better than traditional TVs, but not quite as good as the 1080p models.
Cook estimates that a good 1080p television will cost between $1,500 and $2,000.
I've spent a lot of time and money building a standard DVD collection. Can I watch those on a Blu-ray player?
Yes. Standard DVDs are fully compatible with Blu-ray players. The picture will even be improved, though not to Blu-ray levels.
Can I connect to the Internet with a Blu-ray player?
Right now, no. But Sony plans to release a model this summer that will allow users to connect to the Internet. Access won't be available right away, though; users will have to wait for a software upgrade a short time later. In the fall or winter, Sony will release another model that will be fully Internet-ready when it ships. Both players will allow users to download bonus materials, like movie trailers and games.
Is there a good selection of movies available on Blu-ray?
Many new releases arrive in stores in both standard DVD and Blu-ray versions. Occasionally, the Blu-ray edition will arrive a few weeks later. Studios like Paramount and Universal, which supported HD-DVD during the format war, are just now getting their Blu-ray programs under way.
Studios are also beginning to release catalog titles in the Blu-ray format. Warner Brothers, for example, plans to release all the Dirty Harry films in Blu-ray this summer.
Can I rent Blu-ray movies?
Yes. Most Blockbuster stores and online services like Blockbuster.com and Netflix offer Blu-ray titles for rent.
I own a PlayStation 3 machine. Does that mean I already have a Blu-ray player?
Yes. Blu-ray players come with the PlayStation 3. Lucky you.
Isn't the DVD format obsolete, with movie downloads and rentals available online?
Online sites like iTunes have offered movies for download for a while now, and earlier this year Apple added a movie-rental service. Other prominent sites, like Amazon.com, offer movie rentals, also.
Clearly, the downloading of movies is on the rise. But experts say that DVD has many healthy days in front of it.
"I think Blu-ray and downloading will exist together for a long time," Grossett said. "A huge part of the market is already comfortable with the idea of movies on disc, and many people lack the high-speed Internet connection you need for smooth downloading. Plus, I think people still like the idea of holding the physical object in their hands."
Cook said the competition that Blu-ray faces from the Internet might prevent it from achieving the mass popularity that standard DVD has. He pointed out, however, that Blu-ray players are popular enough that Abt can barely keep them on the shelves.