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Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

#1
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1/10/08 at 10:09am
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Before you spend anymore of your hard earned cash toward HDM, check out the links to see if this service is worth waiting for. Perhaps Bill Gates is right in that the future of HD home entertainment is with downloads.
XstreamHD details continue to emerge - Engadget HD
The link below is to their homepage.
XStreamHD
I wonder if anyone here has seen the demos at CES 2008 and can do a report?
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#2
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1/10/08 at 10:48am
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

i doubt it since with HDM you can bring you discs to other peoples homes and such(also renting discs would become obsolete)....

with a hard drive you would have to transport an entire unit. (unless it becomes more like an ipod. but i highly doubt that any time soon)
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#3
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1/10/08 at 10:53am
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Don't know about obsolete, but if it works out, I guess it'd offer serious competition for HDM, especially for the average consumer who are not into collecting media, and could very well kill off the traditional rental market. Certainly, I'd like to see how that works out in practice and might end up spending my $$$ split between something like that and an actual collection of HDM. But quality-wise, I doubt it'll surpass HDM though. If anything, it might end up forcing HDM into a niche market where HDM ends up offering higher quality HD that's demanded by enthusiasts/cinephiles while downloads offer lower quality HD to the masses. I can also see how the download model might do something like featuring new releases w/ quality equal to HDM and then falling back to lower quality after a certain point to free up disk space for instance.

_Man_

Just another amateur learning to paint w/ "the light of the world".

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#4
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1/10/08 at 11:03am
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Wake me when and IF anything like this actually gets into production. Till then, I'll continue to happily purchase hdm via bluray.
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#5
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1/10/08 at 11:09am
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

I want to OWN physical product. Not something stuck on a hard drive, or memory stick. Maybe when the teens of today become my age, cause they could care less about owning anything, will a DL of any kind become the norm. I think a collectors market will always exist, even if it is a niche.
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#6
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1/10/08 at 11:10am
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

To me the most important feature would be content. As a "veteran" of the DVD campaign, I remember waiting and waiting as the years slipped by for titles like "Doctor Zhivago" to be released. If a service can deliver quality titles like this in a fraction of the time it would take Blu-ray, I am in!!!

You know it's kinda funny but I was one of those people that passionately preferred physical media. But than all I have to do is run my hands over the hundreds of standard DVDs still sitting on shelves in my home theater room and this feeling takes on less importance.

Added to this, I just had a HD-DVR installed and it's so convenient to just click your way to HD movies that I've already downloaded. Nice.
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#7
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1/10/08 at 11:16am
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Well the VOD we've had for the last few years killed off DVD ........... not.

and why did say "Blu ray obsolete already" and not HDM obsolete already? Is HD DVD gonna survive this onslaught they are predicting?
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#8
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1/10/08 at 11:17am
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

I can actually see this working. The clincher was the phrase " to your home via satellite". Offers the best of both worlds for those who want speedy VOD but want to own the movie as well.

I personally would rather own the physical media, but I know there are so many people who don't care about having something in their hands.
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#9
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1/10/08 at 11:21am
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigluigi
To me the most important feature would be content. As a "veteran" of the DVD campaign, I remember waiting and waiting as the years slipped by for titles like "Doctor Zhivago" to be released. If a service can deliver quality titles like this in a fraction of the time it would take Blu-ray, I am in!!!

What makes you think that's even remotely possible. Why would WB deliver to these guys but not to bluray, even supposing for a second, they could actually sign up WB.
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#10
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1/10/08 at 11:24am
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Quote:
Originally Posted by RickER
I want to OWN physical product. Not something stuck on a hard drive, or memory stick. Maybe when the teens of today become my age, cause they could care less about owning anything, will a DL of any kind become the norm. I think a collectors market will always exist, even if it is a niche.
I'm 64 years old. I still have old Betamax and some VHS tapes on display in my home theater room. Not to mention laserdiscs here and there. They LOOK great as examples of outdated technology but are hellish to dust.
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#11
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1/10/08 at 11:27am
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Quote:
Originally Posted by PeterMano
What makes you think that's even remotely possible. Why would WB deliver to these guys but not to bluray, even supposing for a second, they could actually sign up WB.
What makes you think Warner Bros wouldn't dump Blu-ray in a second if it was in their best interest to go with this service or others like it?
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#12
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1/10/08 at 11:35am
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigluigi
What makes you think Warner Bros wouldn't dump Blu-ray in a second if it was in their best interest to go with this service or others like it?

Why don't spell out your true agenda for this thread, because if you think you're fooling anyone, you're not.
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#13
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1/10/08 at 11:36am
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

I'm holding off buying a new truck because I hear flying cars are almost here.
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#14
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1/10/08 at 11:37am
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Quote:
Originally Posted by PeterMano
Why don't spell out your true agenda for this thread, because if you think you're fooling anyone, you're not.

Could not agree more. Just check out his post history.
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#15
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1/10/08 at 11:43am
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

I for one like to have the physical product in my hands.

However, I can see a market for something like this. I have my doubts about this device overtaking home-video though, it would have to jump some hoops to convince the average person who may not have broadband.

From the sounds of it, in order to do what they describe in their press release, it would still take a significant amount of time to download a single film over broadband. I'm not sure people would be willing to wait for that when they can simply rent the DVD.

Far from making BD or HD-DVD obselete IMO.

-Keith-

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#16
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1/10/08 at 11:50am
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Quote:
Originally Posted by Man-Fai Wong
Don't know about obsolete, but if it works out, I guess it'd offer serious competition for HDM, especially for the average consumer who are not into collecting media, and could very well kill off the traditional rental market. Certainly, I'd like to see how that works out in practice and might end up spending my $$$ split between something like that and an actual collection of HDM. But quality-wise, I doubt it'll surpass HDM though. If anything, it might end up forcing HDM into a niche market where HDM ends up offering higher quality HD that's demanded by enthusiasts/cinephiles while downloads offer lower quality HD to the masses. I can also see how the download model might do something like featuring new releases w/ quality equal to HDM and then falling back to lower quality after a certain point to free up disk space for instance.

_Man_
My point exactly. I'm for anything that can "stir up the pot" and provide competition between the various HDM sources. Let the "source" that can provide the most content at the most affordable price survive and thrive. They will get my buck.
If Blu-ray sits on its ass and only releases a few titles a month..let it die.
If download services can spur DBS clients or cable providers to offer more HD content....is this bad!
These are exciting times ladies and gentlemen. Technology is steadily evolving and so must we.
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#17
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1/10/08 at 12:08pm
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

I'd never buy a product where they show their hip edginess by spelling 'Ex' as 'X'.
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#18
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1/10/08 at 12:23pm
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Quote:
Originally Posted by PeterMano
Why don't spell out your true agenda for this thread, because if you think you're fooling anyone, you're not.
Don't shoot the messinger, boys. I didn't make this up. Look...for some old foggies like myself that dread waiting until Blu-ray finally gets around to releasing our old favorites, download services may provide a viable alternative. That's all....well, I guess I'm also saying don't put all your eggs in one basket.
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#19
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1/10/08 at 12:25pm
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

I don't think that "the latest content from leading studios" equals 'Doctor Zhivago.'

Content is the big "if" here.
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#20
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1/10/08 at 12:42pm
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigluigi
Don't shoot the messinger, boys. I didn't make this up. Look...for some old foggies like myself that dread waiting until Blu-ray finally gets around to releasing our old favorites, download services may provide a viable alternative. That's all....well, I guess I'm also saying don't put all your eggs in one basket.

Whatever, your thread is pure FUD, your motivations transparent.
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#21
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1/10/08 at 12:52pm
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

2 words: Unity Motion

They tried a very similar thing years ago. 24/7 HD programmiing via satellite.

They went kerplunk! I bought one of their recievers at fire sale prices and piggy backed it to my C-Band setup for HD reception on Sat/Cable/Ter.

I don't see wide acceptance for this.
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#22
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1/10/08 at 1:19pm
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

This will be a niche market at best...that is if it ever even really gets moving.
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#23
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1/10/08 at 1:30pm
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Price
This will be a niche market at best...that is if it ever even really gets moving.

Why does that sound familiar?
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#24
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1/10/08 at 2:01pm
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Fogey?
Yumbiosis - all things Yumbo
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#25
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1/10/08 at 2:05pm
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scooter
2 words: Unity Motion

They tried a very similar thing years ago. 24/7 HD programmiing via satellite.

They went kerplunk! I bought one of their recievers at fire sale prices and piggy backed it to my C-Band setup for HD reception on Sat/Cable/Ter.

I don't see wide acceptance for this.

I'm not saying this will work out, but I don't think past history necessarily dictates how this thing would shake out. The argument reminds me of how silly many villains in comic book type stories (or stuff like the Bond series) can be. They try one scheme that fails, and then, they never try a better execution or version of that scheme ever again even though the previous failure might've hinged on something easily addressable.

Anyway, I suspect the satellite approach -- if they're pushing/broadcasting the video downloads to be archived on your local device instead of doing actual VOD for the downloads -- might be more realistic than other approaches like cable. At least it won't require the kind of infrastructure building that cable and such would require. Still, it's gonna take a whole lot of local storage, if they're gonna push all the content you would possibly want before you request it...

_Man_

Just another amateur learning to paint w/ "the light of the world".

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#26
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1/10/08 at 2:45pm
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scooter
2 words: Unity Motion

They tried a very similar thing years ago. 24/7 HD programmiing via satellite.

They went kerplunk! I bought one of their recievers at fire sale prices and piggy backed it to my C-Band setup for HD reception on Sat/Cable/Ter.

I don't see wide acceptance for this.
Whoa....Unity Motion, never heard of this one. "Years ago," huh...no wonder it failed. Obviously, the service was not ready for "prime time."

It remains to be seen if XstreamHD can, "step up to the plate." Content and affordability still to be determined. You got to admit...those specs sure look juicy i.e. 1080p, 7.1 channels of DTS-HD MA.

With so many more HDTV sets out there now, maybe , just maybe, XstreamHD can hit a "home run." Boy, do I love idioms.
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#27
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1/10/08 at 2:50pm
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Boy... some of you guys are pretty hard on bigluigi.

Anyway, as a long time collector, I have slowed down quite a bit recently since I'm tired of witnessing technology change new media formats making my old copies virtually obsolete. I do prefer improved, hand held media but my wallet, not so much. In the end, though, what I get is a library where I can watch what I want when I want.

Why not a virtual library. This seems a viable approach where studios could actually be freed up to release more of the property with little cost in production, marketing, packaging and the like. Actually, studios themselves could have all their property on their servers which would feed services (or maybe direct from them) to subscribers. In the end, I still get a library where I watch what I want when I want. Storage is fairly cheap these days.

There are a few caveats to this approach... I want the best possible presentation in video and sound... no compression as is done with cable. Also, I would like to have available are the extras and commentaries. The latter is questionable since I am not sure studios could recover their costs in producing these. It would depend how it is implemented and the business model used. And of course, new internet technology where you have access to huge bandwidth, affordably, where such downloads are quick and convenient. So this is really not viable with current techology.

However, if there is a future in this type of media, it will be subplanted by something else later on to be sure.

Now I gotta get home and watch my HDM
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#28
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1/10/08 at 2:54pm
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Quote:
Fogey?

Slang for old guy, geezer, etc.

HTF Rules 
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#29
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1/10/08 at 3:53pm
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

That was a spelling correction.
Yumbiosis - all things Yumbo
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#30
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1/10/08 at 3:59pm
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Re: Is Blu-Ray Already Obsolete???----Now Comes XSTREAMHD

Quote:
Originally Posted by Yumbo
That was a spelling correction.
Thanks for the help. Your better than "spell check."
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