There is a lot in the news about Blu-Ray.  By now, everyone knows what it is, and since it “won the war” with HD-DVD, it is the only high definition portable media currently on the market.  But, is Blu-Ray in trouble?

Some would think so.  Due to the recent economic downturn, many experts are forecasting a bitter Christmas in the retail sector.  With Blu-Ray discs being a commodity, people may decide to stay away unless they can be otherwise enticed to purchase.  Wal-Mart has slashed prices on many Blu-Ray discs, some of them now being well under $20.00.  The new releases are still priced higher, at approximately $34.00 per movie.

Furthermore, the advent of digital downloading via iTunes and other media sites will put a dent into Blu-Ray sales as well.  High Definition Digital Media is on the forefront of being released, and when it becomes more widespread a ripple effect will undoubtedly be seen throughout the Blu-Ray world.

Digital Media has an inherent advantage in that it can be viewed immediately after download on the downloader’s PC, iPod, Zune, PSP, or iPhone.  A Blu-Ray player is not required.  Blu-Ray players are still priced in the $300.00 range, which is not an insignificant expense for the average consumer.  Following that, they have to shell out for the movies.  HD Digital Media will likely be priced at $9.99 for a new release, and less than that for older releases.  This represents a significant cost savings to the average consumer right off the bat.

It is also interesting to look at the cost of producing a blu-ray disc.  Have you ever wondered why small, independent studios do not release their product on Blu-Ray?  The answer is that it is too expensive!  A sample cost breakdown looks something like this:

1. DVD Authoring Program (such as Sonic Scenarist) can run in the neighborhood of $40,000 for a volume licence.
2. Blu-Ray reproduction is approximately $20.00 per disc.  This is printed and sealed in a case.
3. AACS Encryption.  This is the copy protection that is on a blu-ray disc.  Notwithstanding the fact that it has already been hacked, the costs include a $3,000 one time fee, $1,600 per project, and a fee of $0.04 cents per disc.
4. Blu-Ray logo fee of $3,000 per annum.  This fee gives the publisher the right to use the Blu-Ray logo.

One major advantage that Blu-Ray has over digital media will be in the sound department.  Digital Media is currently restricted to AC-3 (Stereo) sound.  For audiophiles, blu-ray media is the only way to go to get that 5.1 (or better) sound.

Still looking to purchase a Blu-Ray player?

If you are in the market for a Blu-Ray player consider purchasing a PlayStation 3.  They are more expensive than your typical blu-ray player, but they offer up a few advantages as well.  The first and most obvious is the ability to play games.  All PS3′s will play the PS2 and PS3 games, but only the original model has PS1 support.  In my world, playing the original playstation games is not a big deal, as they are a decade old (though there are hard core geeks out there with a modded original x-box who also have a playstation emulator installed that would disagree with me vehemently).

Secondly, the PlayStation is auto-upgradeable through your LAN – plug it in, and it will acquire and IP and auto-update itself.  No more nasty firmware updates!  Firmware updates are necessary because some discs will just refuse to play without the latest firmware installed.

The PS3 also has the ability to interface with your personal computer as a digital media center.  You can play video, mp3′s, or look at photos through your LAN.  While this does require some configuration, it is definately worth the hassle.  Mine is setup in this fashion and it is one of the best things that I have done.  A blu-ray player that doubles as a digital media interface.

Lastly, the interface is easy to use and understand.  My mother, who is technologically impaired, has no trouble with the menu system.  That in of itself should illustrate the ease-of-use factor.

Any questions?  Post them here!