I haven’t bought a BD player yet because: 1) it’s still evolving (Ironman incompatibilities, anyone?); 2) the quality/performance isn’t available at my price point–I’m not going to sit around for 3 min waiting for Java-based discs like Pirates of the Caribbean to load; 3) getting the ‘full’ experience would require upgrading my receiver, too, adding even more cost; 4) I don’t hook up things to the internet, so much of the industry’s push for BD Live (not to mention firmware updates & streaming) is wasted on me.

Sell a quality, fast, robust machine that does what it should without the bells & whistles for $200, and I’ll buy it today.

The quality of the DVD image compared to the VCR was readily apparent, and the special features like outtakes and chapter navigation added a gee whiz coolness. Even the size of the disk made video tape look dowdy.

Blu-ray has none of that value for most people. It’s like vinyl records going from 78 to 33 and 45 rpm.

No denying with the proper monitor and cables the image is amazing. But the jump isn’t enough to persuade most folks to spend the money to upgrade.

Gotta wonder when it will sink in that all this format and standards war crap does more damage each time it happens and serves no real purpose. It’s not like the better technology always wins.

Why would I toss out my current DVD recorder and replace it with a device that can play only? I don’t have a DVR like some, so that would leave me unable to record my favorite shows. Until the makers of these things put recording ability on them, I won’t buy one even at $50.00.

If BDA doesn’t cut their licensing fees to get unit prices down, they won’t be competetive in this market. Cheap hardware will happen regardless, its the software cost that is the barrier. People don’t so much care about the player prices, thos are one shot deals. The average Joe looks at the movies and says “I can’t afford those when the DVD is half the price”.