Nero

I read somewhere in the forums here that there is already another new disc format in development which is superior to Blue-Ray (and therefore HD-DVD as well). I believe the claim was that it had an even better picture and certainly had a significant increase on the amount of storage. I can't recall what it is called, when it supposed to launch and the specific statistics but I'm sure there is one or more persons here who do know.

So, can someone who does know let the rest of us know all the details? There are several people who have not upgraded to HD-disc players yet and I don't think we want to spend money on the current 2 formats (both in players and in discs) when something much better will make HD-DVD and BR-D obsolete by 2007-ish

Augustes

I think you're referring to the holographic DVD. It sounds interesting.

redford

I think it sound unrealistic.

Nimbus

It's been in development, in many different forms, for a long long time. If it was to come out next year it would still cost around 15K-20K for a player and over $100 for each disc. It's just a little overkill for 1080p material. The technology is better suited for future applications of 4K material, something that studios aren't exactly thrilled to give consumers.

Nero

There won't be another physical media for movies after HD-DVD and Blu Ray. People who think there will be are only denying the inevitable.

Video on demand will be the way of the future.

Augustes

if i buy a movie i wanna be able to put it on my hard drive and then put it back in the case on the shelf so i dont screw my disc up. and then i can stream it all over and watch it on my lap top while i'm taking a crap. this VOD is barf IMO.

redford

That is quite a relief. If VOD is actually the next wave (and I hope it is), then hopefully it is safe to assume BR-D will be the final word in packaged media. I think there will always be a need for packaged media, be it for films, music, books, games or whatever. There are just to many people with collector's mentality, just as it is with our family. It's great to have it on the shelf just as people have always had their books, photo albums, LPs/CDs, etc.

Nimbus

Packageable media isn't about collectors value, its about ownership. We're starting to see this with music, if you start getting your media via VOD, the VOD provider can dictate when, where, how, and how often you watch the media.

I wanted some kind of media that is mine, that I can watch in my room, on my laptop, at my buddy's house, or in the backyard if I want.

Augustes

If VOD replaced packageable media, I don't think it would take off very well. Like clemente (and others) said, people like to physically own things, be it media or something else. Someone saying VOD can replace packageable media could be like someone saying the internet can replace shopping centers. Sure, I could go on the internet and buy something, but I would rather travel to a store and physically buy it.

Nero

Considering there is no real VOD yet, I don't think worrying about that right now matters. All any of the providers have done is offer slightly more flexible PPV and call it VOD as if the world changed. Not to mention the absolute paranoia about copy protection coming from the studios. With DVD, at least they've already gotten you to pony up $15-20 for a physical copy.

Part of the reason CD and DVD have done so well is the form factor. It is a good size, not too big or small. And now it is ingrained in our minds. Even if we had a smaller format come out (we already have it, flash cards), it wouldn't be as big a hit. And there will be no reason for upgrading over BD/HD-DVD unless the TV system upgrades again. I think these will stick around for some time to come. Or at least one of them, eventually replacing DVD when the cost is low enough and player market penetration is high enough. (that's mfgr cost, not consumer price)