by Marc De La Rosa

Created on: July 25, 2008   Last Updated: March 16, 2011

PROS:

Blu-Ray is a very good technology. It is also a very complex machine. This is why the profiles are changing and newer machines will be able to support features that first generation machines don't. It is not true that many disks don't work in all Blu-Ray machines. Blu-Ray is a very good technology. It is also a very complex machine. This is why the profiles are changing and newer machines will be able to support features that first generation machines don't. It is not true that many disks don't work in all Blu-Ray machines. On some of the newer disks there may be features that are not supported by first generation machines, like picture-in-picture, or multi track audio. This is the price early adopter always pay. HD DVD also used a blue-laser diode just like blu-ray. It did produce a great picture, as good as Blu-Ray, but its theoretical limit was virtually reached at launch. I think overall it is a moot point.

Blu-ray player, which can display video in 1080p, offers the best HD picture on the market. Better than cable, satellite, off-air antenna, you name it. With the format war over, the studios are expected to soon release more titles in Blu-ray. Even better, NetFlix and Blockbuster both say they will dramatically expand their Blu-ray selections in the coming weeks. Some TV manufacturers are now bundling free Blu-ray players with their televisions. If you're in the market for a new set, this would be a good time to come home with a free Blu-ray player as well. And if you have a large collection of DVDs, the Blu-ray player includes an upconverting feature that will enhance the picture on a standard-def DVD. While upconverting does not make your standard-def DVD image as good as a high-def picture, you will notice an improvement. And despite what some might tell you, the Blu-ray player will play your current library of standard-def DVDs!

CONS!:

Blu-Ray player are really expensive! Blu-ray players cost at least $399 at retail. But if you wait until the 2008 holiday season, the price will likely come down to $299 or perhaps even as low as $199.

Blu-ray titles are still pricey, with some around $30 or more, roughly twice the price of some standard-def DVDs. The Blu-ray disc price is likely to fall later in the year, which could be a reason to wait until then.

Upconverting DVD players (without Blu-ray capability) can be purchased for under $100, far less than the cost of a Blu-ray player. If improving the picture on your standard-def DVD is what's important to you, there's a cheaper way to do it.

But if you are really a couch potato, Blu-ray is what you should get! Way more pros than cons! But I don't personally don't own a Blu-Ray player or a PS3, I'm not a couch potato.  Only a good old Pioneer DVD-v555 dvd player, and a very old 1995 Sony 32 inch tube TV.

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