Blu-ray to get boost from new players, lower prices, and 3D?

If you've been considering a high-definition Blu-ray DVD player, this holiday season is shaping up as a good time to buy. More Blu-ray players are steadily arriving, with models from Denon, Insignia, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung, and Sony now in stores (and in our Ratings of high-definition DVD players, available to subscribers). In addition, you can play Blu-ray discs on Sony's PlayStation 3 game consoles, which have an integrated drive. A growing number of notebook and desktop computers either come with, or can accept, Blu-ray drives.

Two reasons for delaying a purchase, high prices and a still-evolving format, will be less of an issue as we head into the holiday buying season. We’re already seeing prices for the most basic players, so-called Profile 1.0 models, heading toward the $200 mark. Sony's BDP-S300, for example, has been selling for $229 at Amazon. Predictions from sites such as DealNews call for some even more aggressive doorbuster specials, such as players for $149, and player/movie bundles for $199. As we've seen previously, prices can often bump back up after the three-day Black Friday shopping period (Thanksgiving weekend), but they rarely return to pre-holiday levels.

In addition, there are a growing number of Profile 1.1 models with BonusView picture-in-picture capability, and Profile 2.0 models with BonusView and BD-Live Internet connectivity. A number of players can be upgraded to BD-Live functionality, including some from LG, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sony. Secondary brands, including Insignia, Magnavox, Sylvania, and others, will be introducing Profile 2.0 models this fall, one reason we expect prices for an entry-level BD-Live player to hit $200 by the end of the year.

But hardware is only one side of the Blu-ray story: Hollywood is also getting into the act, hoping to ramp up sales of new discs, which typically sell for $25 or more. Some now offer interactivity and 3D viewing capability. Disney, for example, has loaded its Sleeping Beauty Blu-ray disc with extra features, including games, tons of bonus material, and some cool BD-Live extras, such the ability to access content on the movie studio's Web site. For example, the disc's main menu features a "real-time" castle with weather that reflects the viewer's own local weather conditions. Viewers can also chat with and send video e-mails to friends while the movie is playing.

Blu-ray could also get a boost from a slate of planned 3D releases, which follow the release of Disney's Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds as a 3D Blu-ray title. Warner Bros., for example, is issuing both Polar Express and Journey to the Center of the Earth—originally shot in 3D—in 3D versions for Blu-ray, complete with glasses. With animated 3D movies coming from both Pixar and DreamWorks in 2009, 3D could be a major factor driving player sales.

And coming later this year: a growing number of studios that will include a "Digital Copy" of the movie—a DVD that contains a standard-definition digital file of the film—along with the Blu-ray disc. The Digital Copy can then be downloaded to a computer or portable video player for on-the-go viewing.

—James K. Willcox

Comments

[James]

didn't mention OPPO?

[Marie Maynard]

I am really wanting to purchase a karaoke machine and I have no clue where to begin. I want one that is adult person quality. Not a toy. I am wanting as compact as I can get without sacraficing sound quality. I want to be able to hook to surround sound, key adjustment, 2 person compatible, with option to record. Help

[Terry]

Yet again I am disappointment in the timeliness of a CR report. This test must be 2 years old because it doesn't even include a review of the industry-leading Panasonics. CR? PLEASE put a date at the top of your reports? I just looked for CR's CHOICE tires that have been out of production for 18 months

[Cloak of Winter]

The reason to move to Blu-ray is somewhat academic. Normal DVDs will sustain you for some time, but just as casette tapes replaced 8-tracks and CDs replaced vinyl and casettes, Blu-ray will replace DVDs. The quality is better, the manufacturing is better, the additional content is better and the process is a bit more earth-friendly. The packaging, too, is smaller for most Blu-ray discs, so manufacturers end up using less petroleum-based ingredients in the packaging of Blu-ray discs.

If you have a high-def TV and are not using a blu-ray, you are missing out on the true quality of movies filmed in high def formats. It seems silly, but its a really amazing sound and picture difference.

[Suezanne]

i am looking for the best buy for a complete karaoke machine under $600.
is there a site that compares these machines?

[Dorothy Michiels]

I'm trying to find a review on Karaoke machines.
I need a more professional set up for a Cafe application
Recently I ordered a 52" Sony Bravia LCD with Blu-ray player.
Any chance this set up will also read/display Karaoke if I add Microphones? If not can you recommend Karaoke's?
Thank you,
Dorothy

[Jim]

If one has regular DVD's why should they purchase a Blu-ray DVD player?