On Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:28:35 -0500, "Reginald P. Smithers III" "Reggie is
Here wrote:

John H. wrote:
On Thu, 31 Jan 2008 08:24:56 -0500, HK wrote:

Eisboch wrote:
"HK" wrote in message
...
wrote:
On Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:24:25 -0500, Eisboch wrote:


Unlike a conventional DVD player, the Blu-Ray players are basically
controlled by an internal and v-e-r-y slow microprocessor.
Running Java, I believe. I'm guessing that sluggishness might be DRM
related. The Blu-Ray standard requires the software to do a lot more
than just play the movie.
So...I should wait a while before buying a Blu-Ray player and another
restored copy of Casablanca in black and white?

I would. I can't believe people can tolerate technology that has bugs and
problems. I was reading the manuals last night and you are supposed to log
on to the manufacturer's websites and download firmware updates from time to
time. That's too much. If it doesn't work as advertised out of the box, I
have little use for it.

I re-hooked up the regular, $99 dollar DVD/CD player to my system. The amp
does an "upscaling" of the video image and, although not high definition, it
looks fine on most regular DVD's.

Now, what the heck do I do with all the free Blu-Ray disks that are supposed
to be sent? (I also bought another 46" LCD HD television and between it
and two Blu-Ray players, I have 15 free movies coming plus got a $300
rebate ... $200 at time of sale and another $100 when I send all the
paperwork in.)

I'll keep the Blu-Ray systems, but will also keep the old player hooked up.

Eisboch



Well.

I don't mind downloading updates from time to time. Hell, I do it all
the time with Windoze, and I've already downloaded two software updates
for my Garmin 4208 and various other electronic devices.

My real problem with buying yet another device to play programming on a
TV set is that the programming itself is so ****-poor. That's why I
mentioned Casablanca, of course. The "restored" B&W version of that
classic is gorgeous, but it isn't even wide screen. :)

Like most folks, we have a couple of hundred moves on DVD. We watch very
few of them more than a couple of times, and I would state without
equivocation that at leat 95% of the new movies coming out these days
are absolute crap, not worthy of watching. Of the ones that are, very
few I have seen incorporate any sort of visual effects that would take
advantage of what I see on the Blu-Ray displays at the video stores.

I'm certainly not anti-technology, but I'd want to see some really good
programming available that I'd want to watch a few times before blowing
cash on Blu-Ray hardware.

Damn, I feel horrible. We've got about ten movies, mostly Disney stuff for
the grandkids and a few Christmas presents.

Why would anyone buy a couple hundred movies on DVD?

Anyone?

That is why God invented Netflix.

We use the Blockbuster's version, which is a good deal for us 'cause
there's a Bb about three blocks away. I guess if I were going to Madagascar
for twelve years, I might buy a couple hundred movies to take along.


--
John H