When should I buy Blu-Ray?

Question

First of all. Is there going to be a complete format change-over? Like the change from Video Casette to DVD a while ago?

Secondly, if there is going to be a change-over, would it be better to buy a Blu-Ray player sooner or later? Financialy speaking. Would I save money buying one now before the change or would it be better to buy one later on?

Answer 1

The intention of blu-ray is to eventually phase out DVD much like DVD did to VHS. Now would be a good time to buy a blu-ray player. Make sure it is a profile 1.1 compatible player, most new players and the ps3 are. Eventually there will be cheaper players but right now it's $300+ which is not so bad they were over $1000 not that long ago so it's nice to see them drop the price so soon.

Answer 2

A Blu- Ray  player will cost you around $360.00 and the DVDS  are 10 to 15 dollars more than regular DVDS.

Answer 3

Financially, you would be better to wait as the prices will continue to fall.  But if you really want one, then get one now.  I couldn't wait, got one last november.  It was well worth the $400.  Beware though, if you are an avid movie watcher, buying blu-rays can be addicting!!  I can't get enough blu-rays!  It's like crack for a AV fan!

Answer 4

It is your decision. If you want to buy a blueray player then you can go and buy one if not then wait. But if you are going to buy a blueray player then get a PS3

Answer 5

when the Star Wars Trilogy is released .

Answer 6

I read an article that said that now is not a good time to buy Blu-Ray.  First, they have 2.0 coming out soon, and none of the current movies are in 2.0 format.  Wait for 2.0 and for prices to drop.  Another year would probably be best.  I agree about the person who said that if there will be another changeover, it won't eliminate DVD's for a long time.  Things change so quickly in this technology, that waiting will be best to get the best price and the latest technology of that kind.

Answer 7

For your first question:  It's uncertain.  Blu-ray players can still play regular DVDs - which wasn't the case with DVD & VHS.  Second, even if that IS going to happen, remember that VHS was STILL available until just a few years ago - over a decade(!) after DVD had been on the market.  So, there's no reason to think that DVD is going away any time soon.   Furthermore, DVD still account for more than 95% of all home media revenue.  In fact, a single DVD release still outsells the total number of blu-ray sales for an entire year.

As for when to buy, I don't think there's any rush.  In fact, I'd wait as long as possible.  Many elements surrounding Blu-Ray are still in flux.  Older blu-ray players are now unable to deal with some of the newer features that you'll find on movies now - and there's no reason to think that more changes will occur down the road.

If you MUST buy a blu-ray player now, get a Playstation3.  It's by far the best player on the market.  It's easily upgraded via the internet.

Realistically though, I'd wait.  There really isn't a whole lot available on blu-ray, and even then, discs are roughly 30-50% more expensive than the regular DVD version.

Prices will come down, and the library will increase.  There's no rush to switch over.