Do you still buy physical media?

[Macalicious2011]

Here's the encoding:

View attachment 803887

Thanks. Reviews on amazon are stellar and I don't doubt that the sound quality will be nothing short of spectacular.

This must be the Montreal concert. The only live performance of Queen released on Bluray.
I dont remember the audio quality (and can not check atm), but also the picture is gorgeous. Was filmed in 35mm and the FHD transfer shows how good a 35mm analog footage can be.

Last month I randomly hired a Princess Bride from 1987 on Bluray. It was surreal watching a movie that old with astonishing levels of detail and clarity. The movie has been transfered so well you wouldn't believe its that old.

My girlfriend had watched it when she was young but that was on grainy VHS through on a 19 inch CRT TV. So for her to watch it in 1080p in 16:9 was breathtaking as the makeup, locations and props were real unlike today's movies of CGI and green screen.

This is just one of many old movies which we worth experiencing remastered in 1080p or 2k. Even old actors would be dumb founded to watch footage of themselves 30 years ago in HD quality.

 

[Cave Man]

Very curious to see who still buys dvds and blu-rays and why? Or why did you stop?

Yes, Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D and UHD 4k Blu-ray. Can't beat the quality or convenience of DRM-free video.

 

[dazz87]

If you want the best PQ having physical discs is the only way.

 

[seanrt]

I love to buy DVDs and Blu-Rays. Can't be beat for PQ and Sound.

 

[Michelasso]

Don't want to be a nitpick, but bluray is digital as well!
As digital, as it can get, as a matter of fact

Hmm.. Blu Ray is also physical. The data inside is digital.

But ok, I could write "digital only" or whatever.

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

I love to buy DVDs and Blu-Rays. Can't be beat for PQ and Sound.

I'm sure that you'll find a 4K Dolby Vision iTunes copy wipes the floor with DVD and even BluRay when comparing PQ. iTunes will sound at least as identical to a DVD.
[doublepost=1542195759][/doublepost]All this talk of BluRay and discs is so completely weird to me. It's like going back in time to 1999 or the early 2000s.
That's a really bad thing - it's important to live the moment and look ahead.
Sorry guys, I'm truly not with you with regards to your love of discs. I get as much pleasure watching a film on my iPhone X (in HDR / DV) or on my MacBook as you all do with your TVs (I have an LG B7 OLED but it doesn't get much use).

 

[Macalicious2011]

LG B7 OLED

Send it my way if you don't need your TV

 

[shinkansenwarrior]

I was brought up with analog audio decks and the VHS/Betamax when I was young. You have a fond affection for physical format vinyl, CD, LD, DVD, BR especially collectors editions that is hard to have with a non physical digital product. But that's me. I used to collect rare vinyl analog records in the late 70s so collecting was always my thing. Visually SEEING the product in your Audio Room or AV Room was part of the package. If you were born in the millennium era, streaming and downloading would be a no brainer unless you were not in the mainstream and into being retro. One of my favorite period for movies is the late 50s to mid 70s with Hammer Horror / Amicus productions so I can all of these on DVD/BR but only a select few online. If all stuff I liked was available 100% from the cloud it maybe compelling just to go that route.
For now, it's nice to have both options.

 

[rhett7660]

I was brought up with analog audio decks and the VHS/Betamax when I was young. You have a fond affection for physical format vinyl, CD, LD, DVD, BR especially collectors editions that is hard to have with a non physical digital product. But that's me. I used to collect rare vinyl analog records in the late 70s so collecting was always my thing. Visually SEEING the product in your Audio Room or AV Room was part of the package. If you were born in the millennium era, streaming and downloading would be a no brainer unless you were not in the mainstream and into being retro. One of my favorite period for movies is the late 50s to mid 70s with Hammer Horror / Amicus productions so I can all of these on DVD/BR but only a select few online. If all stuff I liked was available 100% from the cloud it maybe compelling just to go that route.
For now, it's nice to have both options.

This right here! I like having my physical disc's and I like having my stuff in the cloud. Best of both worlds! I did end up getting rid of almost all of my CD cases though. I have a DJ box with my disc's in them and soft and hard copy list of where everything is. No complaints.

 

[steve62388]

You only have to have one purchased product from iTunes go poof! and disappear to remind you why you don't buy from iTunes (or any other downloading service).

I’ve saved hundreds of pounds buying cheap iTunes credit and then buying movies on sale. If I lost a film I would still be way ahead of the game.

I will be very interested to see the reaction when Disney pulls everything from iTunes to populate it's upcoming streaming service, Disney+.

Oh I would be willing to bet that won’t happen. It won’t be long before we find out so remember to revisit this thread when it launches. If anything they will save 4K for their service, so no change there.

 

[phrehdd]

I'm sure that you'll find a 4K Dolby Vision iTunes copy wipes the floor with DVD and even BluRay when comparing PQ. iTunes will sound at least as identical to a DVD.
[doublepost=1542195759][/doublepost]All this talk of BluRay and discs is so completely weird to me. It's like going back in time to 1999 or the early 2000s.
That's a really bad thing - it's important to live the moment and look ahead.
Sorry guys, I'm truly not with you with regards to your love of discs. I get as much pleasure watching a film on my iPhone X (in HDR / DV) or on my MacBook as you all do with your TVs (I have an LG B7 OLED but it doesn't get much use).

Sounds like you have a perfect set up for buying the uhd movies with digital copy. UHD for your LG TV and digital copy for anything else you use to play movies.

I gather you are not very selective or rather, blessed* with being fully satisfied with watching a lower resolution smaller image with most likely stereo sound (iPhone and MacBook).

The problem with streamed movies is that the very best immediately fall short of the best physical disc in comparison on such units as your LG B7 OLED. Often the quality and possibilities of audio are more limited with streaming. Whether it is iTunes, Amazon, Netflix or other, it cannot arrive at the level of quality found in the physical disc. The only "streaming" that does match are archived copies of discs on drive that are fed via network. The archive copies are identical to the original on disc so should the presentation.

Paul, if streaming works for you then you certainly have it made. I tend to prefer the level UHD discs bring. Then again, I was part of that era of high end stereo "stuff" and it morphs into great screen presentation and audio.

 

[cinnabun814]

Occasionally i'll buy a physical video game but that's about it.

 

[tridot]

I’ll buy physical if I plan on selling after I watch it. Basically a rental.

 

[FriendlyMackle]

Owww i'm sure that you'll have the best time with your family buddy!
That is so lucky having a detached house - it's really the only option for sound enthusiasts isn't it. Apartments that I've had, you can hear neighbours sneezing let alone playing music - same with our Victorian house which should have thick walls - you can hear everything. British houses are simply not designed for sound systems

Same with NYC apartments. I don't use a subwoofer. I know it limits the sound, but it's not worth the potential headache with my neighbors downstairs and next door. The guy downstairs has just grown up enough to calm down with the crazy loud music at 3am (sporadically). It's a delicate balance!

But, what I do some of the time is wear wireless headphones when I'm watching TV very late at night (like 3am) so as to not inconvenience my neighbors. That's just no fun (for my neighbors!). I'm a heavy sleeper...I can fall asleep practically next to a jackhammer if I'm tired and it's my bedtime. And, actually, since I do live in NYC, there periodically are jackhammers going at the pavement downstairs from my apartment overnight(!)—they like to do the roadwork/rip-and-replace in the wee morning hours so as not to disrupt traffic during the very busy day. I live adjacent to an intersection, so this is a somewhat regular occurrence. The wireless headphones shut out the external noise and keep it quiet in my apartment: win-win.

Anyhow. I just bought a HomePod two months ago, and I'm thinking about using an AppleTV (instead of my current Roku) for all of my streaming needs.

I've read that I can also output video/tv/movie sound via the HomePod when watching TV. I'm very tempted to try it. But I really like my Roku, and although I do have all Apple devices (iMac, iPad, iPhone, Macbook Pro...) the AppleTV just seems so limited. I do have a lot of old ripped files from bluray/dvds on my network hard drive, and my ancient 2011 LG LCD-TV handles those files relatively easily. The Roku did not handle USB or network media well at all. I'll be upgrading the TV soon, so that will probably relieve the USB/networked media play for the next couple of years. I just do worry as to the longevity of the ATV (iOS can be such a mess each new generation of device where older devices are concerned). Roku has an ugly interface, but it works very well. My model was old when I bought it and it is still working well! LOL.

But, there's no way to do anything other than stream or AirPlay from my computer or something to an ATV. Not even sure why I'm going on about this. Just curious as to your thoughts on home theater sound and video as well as streaming device.
[doublepost=1542351631][/doublepost]

What I have recently appreciated most about a great sound system is the ability to watch Plays and Musicals that I don't have time to attend on Bluray. Yes, watching live is fantastic but on Bluray with a bottle of your favourite wine and snacks is nearly as good. Voices are so crystal clear that is sounds like the actors are singing in my lounge.

I have Les Miserable, NutCracker, Miss Saigon and tend to collect more.

Today I just bid on a Bluray concert of Queen playing live in 1985 and I expect it to be utterly fantastic to watch over Christmas. It's a prime example of were Blurays can enable you to appreciate the live performance of someone who's no longer alive or touring.



I have a couple SACD and the sound is utterly gorgeous. Unfortunately lots of music isn't published in the format and used ones are selling for crazy sums on eBay.

WHOA! Queen LIVE in concert in 1985! Wow. Fabulous. I hadn't even thought about something like that. That sounds like it will be an amazing viewing/listening experience! Enjoy.
[doublepost=1542351905][/doublepost]

Absolutely! I'm with you 100% on this!

[doublepost=1541718087][/doublepost]

Haha great thoughts! I've actually gone the opposite - in my teens I spent hundreds and then thousands on HiFi and video etc. Then came my first car and I bought a BLAUPUNKT system which was perfect and then I got into competing in natural bodybuilding and my love of sports went through the roof along with travelling. I realised that my happiest way to listen to music was not sat in my bedroom listening to a posh HiFi BUT on road trips with friends or running in the street or eating dinner with friends and using a bluetooth speaker. I realised that all of those brought my more happiness. And guess what music system brings me the most pleasure out of every single HiFi component I've ever owned???

My lovely iPhone with its built in speaker!!!

Why? Because it goes everywhere with me, allows me to have a lifetime of music with me and has opened my eyes and ears to new music. For me, it's the best electronic invention of all time. And I actually like the Apple Earbuds - and that's coming from £200 Atomic Floyd SuperDart earphones which were very very very overrated and sadly fell to pieces on me!

The iPhone made me fall in love with music all over again but in an even better way!

It's like they say about cameras—the best one is the one you carry with you EVERY DAY—therefore, for most of us, it's an iPhone (best camera)!
[doublepost=1542352185][/doublepost]

If it helps, I'm 28 and collect Blu-Rays

And I'm 51 and prefer digital-only media (streamed), with physical media such as BluRays only if I know that I will be able to RIP the file to a good digital copy and watch that. I don't even keep a BluRay player connected to my TV anymore. Just to my computer for data archiving and ripping files to MP4s. Though that is not often anymore.
[doublepost=1542352979][/doublepost]

I started collecting CDs back when the format 1st came out (1984 or so) - I couldn't dump vinyl fast enough. Sorry kids, but the sound quality on vinyl is crap.

Digital downloads simply aren't an option for me. 1st - I prefer quality sound, which one doesn't get from digital or streaming services at the moment. 2nd - If the streaming services don't have what I listen to, then the streaming system is worthless. And most importantly:

You only have to have one purchased product from iTunes go poof! and disappear to remind you why you don't buy from iTunes (or any other downloading service).

I will be very interested to see the reaction when Disney pulls everything from iTunes to populate it's upcoming streaming service, Disney+.

What streamers purchase via storefronts such as iTunes is a License. So, your licensed copy will not expire even when Disney removes all of its films from iTunes. Just no new copies could be purchased there.

With regard to OWNING music—I agree with you entirely. Music which I really love and want to always have in my collection, I purchase hi-res audio discs, or in the event the 'albums' are available as lossless digital audio downloads, I will purchase those directly. It's been a while since I have done that, but I used a French service Qobuz to purchase hi-res digital downloads for some music.

But many high-resolution digital offerings are very overpriced. In which case, I'll purchase the CD or SACD or whatever format disc and then RIP those files to lossless digital files. I like to know that when the disc is corrupted and the hd/device dies, I'll still have copies of my treasured favorites. It IS a lot of work. I have more than 10,000 songs as of a few years ago, all converted from CDs. But for the most part, now, I stream AppleMusic. Which just has such an extensive music library that I'm really happy. And for me, it has been a fantastic music discovery tool. I tend to explore laterally within a genre...which can lead all kinds of surprising and beautiful musical places! Especially as my tastes run a very broad gamut and I like to be surprised (acoustically speaking).
[doublepost=1542353361][/doublepost]

Send it my way if you don't need your TV

LOL.
[doublepost=1542353861][/doublepost]

Sounds like you have a perfect set up for buying the uhd movies with digital copy. UHD for your LG TV and digital copy for anything else you use to play movies.

I gather you are not very selective or rather, blessed* with being fully satisfied with watching a lower resolution smaller image with most likely stereo sound (iPhone and MacBook).

The problem with streamed movies is that the very best immediately fall short of the best physical disc in comparison on such units as your LG B7 OLED. Often the quality and possibilities of audio are more limited with streaming. Whether it is iTunes, Amazon, Netflix or other, it cannot arrive at the level of quality found in the physical disc. The only "streaming" that does match are archived copies of discs on drive that are fed via network. The archive copies are identical to the original on disc so should the presentation.

Paul, if streaming works for you then you certainly have it made. I tend to prefer the level UHD discs bring. Then again, I was part of that era of high end stereo "stuff" and it morphs into great screen presentation and audio.

Yet look at those bluray specs for the Queen concert which HDFan posted earlier: the highest resolution audio channels on the bluray are around 2400kbps and the video is at 27mbps total including the audio. That's for only 1080p, true, but with newer HEVC compression (which typically results in a 40%+ size reduction), what is 4K with 6 audio channels? Maybe 50Mbps? I don't have a 4K TV yet, so I can't compare or offer an opinion from experience. Based on the technical requirements though, it sounds like the quality should be comparable as of now (4K bluray vs 4K highest quality streaming). And, for the compression present for streaming vs a disc, would most of us even be able to tell the difference outside of a laboratory?!

 

[George Dawes]

My brother has an enormous collection of physical a/v media - cd's , dvd's , blu-ray's ,dvd-a's , sa-cd's , lp's ( a massive amount including quad ones ) he literally can't move in his room for all the stuff

I conversely have one apple tv 4k and that's about it - oh and Lots of spare room

Oddly enough I spend more time watching films than he ever does !

He has this crazy system with 7 speakers that has so much bass we've banned him from using it when we're in the house...

 

[HDFan]

but I used a French service Qobuz to purchase hi-res digital downloads for some music.

Coming to the U.S. (soon?):

https://www.soundandvision.com/content/qobuz-coming-america

 

[HDFan]

Here's an article from Sound and Vision magazine video/audio/phile reviewer about physical disks:

https://www.soundandvision.com/content/let’s-get-physical

 

[phrehdd]

Same with NYC apartments. I don't use a subwoofer. I know it limits the sound, but it's not worth the potential headache with my neighbors downstairs and next door. The guy downstairs has just grown up enough to calm down with the crazy loud music at 3am (sporadically). It's a delicate balance!

But, what I do some of the time is wear wireless headphones when I'm watching TV very late at night (like 3am) so as to not inconvenience my neighbors. That's just no fun (for my neighbors!). I'm a heavy sleeper...I can fall asleep practically next to a jackhammer if I'm tired and it's my bedtime. And, actually, since I do live in NYC, there periodically are jackhammers going at the pavement downstairs from my apartment overnight(!)—they like to do the roadwork/rip-and-replace in the wee morning hours so as not to disrupt traffic during the very busy day. I live adjacent to an intersection, so this is a somewhat regular occurrence. The wireless headphones shut out the external noise and keep it quiet in my apartment: win-win.

Anyhow. I just bought a HomePod two months ago, and I'm thinking about using an AppleTV (instead of my current Roku) for all of my streaming needs.

I've read that I can also output video/tv/movie sound via the HomePod when watching TV. I'm very tempted to try it. But I really like my Roku, and although I do have all Apple devices (iMac, iPad, iPhone, Macbook Pro...) the AppleTV just seems so limited. I do have a lot of old ripped files from bluray/dvds on my network hard drive, and my ancient 2011 LG LCD-TV handles those files relatively easily. The Roku did not handle USB or network media well at all. I'll be upgrading the TV soon, so that will probably relieve the USB/networked media play for the next couple of years. I just do worry as to the longevity of the ATV (iOS can be such a mess each new generation of device where older devices are concerned). Roku has an ugly interface, but it works very well. My model was old when I bought it and it is still working well! LOL.

But, there's no way to do anything other than stream or AirPlay from my computer or something to an ATV. Not even sure why I'm going on about this. Just curious as to your thoughts on home theater sound and video as well as streaming device.
[doublepost=1542351631][/doublepost]
WHOA! Queen LIVE in concert in 1985! Wow. Fabulous. I hadn't even thought about something like that. That sounds like it will be an amazing viewing/listening experience! Enjoy.
[doublepost=1542351905][/doublepost]
It's like they say about cameras—the best one is the one you carry with you EVERY DAY—therefore, for most of us, it's an iPhone (best camera)!
[doublepost=1542352185][/doublepost]
And I'm 51 and prefer digital-only media (streamed), with physical media such as BluRays only if I know that I will be able to RIP the file to a good digital copy and watch that. I don't even keep a BluRay player connected to my TV anymore. Just to my computer for data archiving and ripping files to MP4s. Though that is not often anymore.
[doublepost=1542352979][/doublepost]
What streamers purchase via storefronts such as iTunes is a License. So, your licensed copy will not expire even when Disney removes all of its films from iTunes. Just no new copies could be purchased there.

With regard to OWNING music—I agree with you entirely. Music which I really love and want to always have in my collection, I purchase hi-res audio discs, or in the event the 'albums' are available as lossless digital audio downloads, I will purchase those directly. It's been a while since I have done that, but I used a French service Qobuz to purchase hi-res digital downloads for some music.

But many high-resolution digital offerings are very overpriced. In which case, I'll purchase the CD or SACD or whatever format disc and then RIP those files to lossless digital files. I like to know that when the disc is corrupted and the hd/device dies, I'll still have copies of my treasured favorites. It IS a lot of work. I have more than 10,000 songs as of a few years ago, all converted from CDs. But for the most part, now, I stream AppleMusic. Which just has such an extensive music library that I'm really happy. And for me, it has been a fantastic music discovery tool. I tend to explore laterally within a genre...which can lead all kinds of surprising and beautiful musical places! Especially as my tastes run a very broad gamut and I like to be surprised (acoustically speaking).
[doublepost=1542353361][/doublepost]
LOL.
[doublepost=1542353861][/doublepost]
Yet look at those bluray specs for the Queen concert which HDFan posted earlier: the highest resolution audio channels on the bluray are around 2400kbps and the video is at 27mbps total including the audio. That's for only 1080p, true, but with newer HEVC compression (which typically results in a 40%+ size reduction), what is 4K with 6 audio channels? Maybe 50Mbps? I don't have a 4K TV yet, so I can't compare or offer an opinion from experience. Based on the technical requirements though, it sounds like the quality should be comparable as of now (4K bluray vs 4K highest quality streaming). And, for the compression present for streaming vs a disc, would most of us even be able to tell the difference outside of a laboratory?!

4k Streaming does not approach the quality of a well made 4k disc. When the original source is mediocre then it may provide a less than stellar presentation on higher quality media. As for 40 percent as your stated number, you may want to look again and find out it is not quite that far and that is only a value on paper. - A theoretical that has absolutely no real world consequence. When a 20 gig 1080p movies is about 60gigs as a UHD movie, you will see that your stated number is off.

When it comes to streaming, dont' expect the ideal* for minimum loss of quality vs 4k presentation to happen. Streaming can compress enough to provide a smooth presentation (no pauses/hiccups/stuttering) but at the cost of some detail and that in turn can make the presentation no better and possibly worse than the blu ray level movies (1080p/24).

It would make the most sense perhaps if you, if desired, explored some sites on the internet which may pretty much say the same thing - if you want top quality, you will go to UHD disc. The difference can be seen and in some instances, heard.

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

4k Streaming does not approach the quality of a well made 4k disc. When the original source is mediocre then it may provide a less than stellar presentation on higher quality media. As for 40 percent as your stated number, you may want to look again and find out it is not quite that far and that is only a value on paper. - A theoretical that has absolutely no real world consequence. When a 20 gig 1080p movies is about 60gigs as a UHD movie, you will see that your stated number is off.

When it comes to streaming, dont' expect the ideal* for minimum loss of quality vs 4k presentation to happen. Streaming can compress enough to provide a smooth presentation (no pauses/hiccups/stuttering) but at the cost of some detail and that in turn can make the presentation no better and possibly worse than the blu ray level movies (1080p/24).

It would make the most sense perhaps if you, if desired, explored some sites on the internet which may pretty much say the same thing - if you want top quality, you will go to UHD disc. The difference can be seen and in some instances, heard.

All very nice and great if disc works for you BUT here in Europe MOST titles are not available on 4K BluRay - if a lot of cases, they are not even released on BluRay disc.
We do not have MoviesAnywhere here either PLUS we do not usually get a free digital copy of a film if we were to buy a disc.
And finally, the sound quality of the films that I have bought this quarter or rented have in the majority been absolutely sparking - and that's coming from me, a guy who has spent 10 years or so working in studios, radio, production.
Also, I have the LG B7 OLED and 4K iTunes Dolby Vision films looked absolutely outstanding. I truly believe that the person who looks for artefacts from compression on a film either needs more exciting hobbies or really needs to socialise more with friends just to put things into perspective. You see geeks talking about things like this, they are never happy, they find fault with everything and sadly are often too busy critiquing the film rather than enjoying it. They are also the same people who hated CD when it was first launched proclaiming it cold, thin in its sound. You can see how a pattern is emerging.
Also don't forget, we've had it so good. Yes, maybe there was a golden era for HiFi but from what I remember, this was also a time of AM radio, hissy FM with tons of compression, Dolby B muffling
trebles, cassette tapes running fast or slow, music centres and cheap BSR turntables So it wasn't al great along with poorly pressed vinyl!
Don't forget that you wonderful 4K BluRay comes from the studio as a 12TB RAW file so by the time that it's 'compressed' to 60GB, it's had in reality as much compression factors added to it as the iTunes file which will be ProRes422HQ before going through Apple's properly best in the business compression!

Personally, we all knew that the disc was dead in 2010 when the iPad was launched! We all said it at the time and quickly moved forward to embrace the exciting future!

In my opinion and experience, we've never had it so good!

[doublepost=1542632300][/doublepost]

My brother has an enormous collection of physical a/v media - cd's , dvd's , blu-ray's ,dvd-a's , sa-cd's , lp's ( a massive amount including quad ones ) he literally can't move in his room for all the stuff

I conversely have one apple tv 4k and that's about it - oh and Lots of spare room

Oddly enough I spend more time watching films than he ever does !

He has this crazy system with 7 speakers that has so much bass we've banned him from using it when we're in the house...

I'm with you 100% on this bro! There's no way that i'd want discs in my house - they look tatty and messy! I want books, art and surfboards in my home not a load of horrible discs!
[doublepost=1542633062][/doublepost]

Same with NYC apartments. I don't use a subwoofer. I know it limits the sound, but it's not worth the potential headache with my neighbors downstairs and next door. The guy downstairs has just grown up enough to calm down with the crazy loud music at 3am (sporadically). It's a delicate balance!

But, what I do some of the time is wear wireless headphones when I'm watching TV very late at night (like 3am) so as to not inconvenience my neighbors. That's just no fun (for my neighbors!). I'm a heavy sleeper...I can fall asleep practically next to a jackhammer if I'm tired and it's my bedtime. And, actually, since I do live in NYC, there periodically are jackhammers going at the pavement downstairs from my apartment overnight(!)—they like to do the roadwork/rip-and-replace in the wee morning hours so as not to disrupt traffic during the very busy day. I live adjacent to an intersection, so this is a somewhat regular occurrence. The wireless headphones shut out the external noise and keep it quiet in my apartment: win-win.

Anyhow. I just bought a HomePod two months ago, and I'm thinking about using an AppleTV (instead of my current Roku) for all of my streaming needs.

I've read that I can also output video/tv/movie sound via the HomePod when watching TV. I'm very tempted to try it. But I really like my Roku, and although I do have all Apple devices (iMac, iPad, iPhone, Macbook Pro...) the AppleTV just seems so limited. I do have a lot of old ripped files from bluray/dvds on my network hard drive, and my ancient 2011 LG LCD-TV handles those files relatively easily. The Roku did not handle USB or network media well at all. I'll be upgrading the TV soon, so that will probably relieve the USB/networked media play for the next couple of years. I just do worry as to the longevity of the ATV (iOS can be such a mess each new generation of device where older devices are concerned). Roku has an ugly interface, but it works very well. My model was old when I bought it and it is still working well! LOL.

But, there's no way to do anything other than stream or AirPlay from my computer or something to an ATV. Not even sure why I'm going on about this. Just curious as to your thoughts on home theater sound and video as well as streaming device.
[doublepost=1542351631][/doublepost]
WHOA! Queen LIVE in concert in 1985! Wow. Fabulous. I hadn't even thought about something like that. That sounds like it will be an amazing viewing/listening experience! Enjoy.
[doublepost=1542351905][/doublepost]
It's like they say about cameras—the best one is the one you carry with you EVERY DAY—therefore, for most of us, it's an iPhone (best camera)!
[doublepost=1542352185][/doublepost]
And I'm 51 and prefer digital-only media (streamed), with physical media such as BluRays only if I know that I will be able to RIP the file to a good digital copy and watch that. I don't even keep a BluRay player connected to my TV anymore. Just to my computer for data archiving and ripping files to MP4s. Though that is not often anymore.
[doublepost=1542352979][/doublepost]
What streamers purchase via storefronts such as iTunes is a License. So, your licensed copy will not expire even when Disney removes all of its films from iTunes. Just no new copies could be purchased there.

With regard to OWNING music—I agree with you entirely. Music which I really love and want to always have in my collection, I purchase hi-res audio discs, or in the event the 'albums' are available as lossless digital audio downloads, I will purchase those directly. It's been a while since I have done that, but I used a French service Qobuz to purchase hi-res digital downloads for some music.

But many high-resolution digital offerings are very overpriced. In which case, I'll purchase the CD or SACD or whatever format disc and then RIP those files to lossless digital files. I like to know that when the disc is corrupted and the hd/device dies, I'll still have copies of my treasured favorites. It IS a lot of work. I have more than 10,000 songs as of a few years ago, all converted from CDs. But for the most part, now, I stream AppleMusic. Which just has such an extensive music library that I'm really happy. And for me, it has been a fantastic music discovery tool. I tend to explore laterally within a genre...which can lead all kinds of surprising and beautiful musical places! Especially as my tastes run a very broad gamut and I like to be surprised (acoustically speaking).
[doublepost=1542353361][/doublepost]
LOL.
[doublepost=1542353861][/doublepost]
Yet look at those bluray specs for the Queen concert which HDFan posted earlier: the highest resolution audio channels on the bluray are around 2400kbps and the video is at 27mbps total including the audio. That's for only 1080p, true, but with newer HEVC compression (which typically results in a 40%+ size reduction), what is 4K with 6 audio channels? Maybe 50Mbps? I don't have a 4K TV yet, so I can't compare or offer an opinion from experience. Based on the technical requirements though, it sounds like the quality should be comparable as of now (4K bluray vs 4K highest quality streaming). And, for the compression present for streaming vs a disc, would most of us even be able to tell the difference outside of a laboratory?!

I'm sure that you'll absolutely love Apple TV. I've been using ATV since late 2010 and me for, it gets better and better. It's got everything now - Auto Frame Rate switching, 4K Dolby Vision, 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, beautiful UI. iTunes store works great and film offer prices are very decent. Plus Apple Music looks great on ATV.

Out of interest, I was given AirPods last Christmas and they work absolutely beautifully with the Apple TV 4K. Everything is in sync - no lip sync issues etc. They are so light and quite a nice experience watching a film late at night in the dark on the big screen whilst using the AirPods.

I'm sure that you will not be disappointed in any way.

PS The new Queen film Bohemium Rhapsody looks incredible! I've pre-ordered it on iTunes. Lets hope that it has a Dolby Atmos audio to go with 4K HDR

 

[ftaok]

I still buy BluRay. I love 3D and the only reasonable way to do it is with a disc. Up until Disney let me down, it was the best of both worlds as the 3D combo package included the digital copy anyway.

But, of course, Disney being Disney, they dropped 3D and now I'm left with a difficult choice.

1. Import the 3D movie from the UK (amazingly, it's cheaper than the 3D pack were in the US) and wait a month after the movie is released in the US.

2. Get the BD/Digital package in the US and forgo 3D.

So for Disney movies, I've been importing the 3D for Marvel/Star Wars. And getting the US versions for Pixar/Animated. The digital copy is easier for the kids to deal with as they can watch on their computers or devices.

Luckily, other studios haven't joined in with Disney's stance on 3D. I can still get WB and Universal movies in the 3D combo pack that includes digital.

 

[Jack Burton]

I'm a huge movie, vfx, and animation buff. Comically so. People that know are surprised to find that I own very few movies.

I don't own many. But when I buy them, they are my favorites and I want the best quality possible: 4K Blu Ray. I love it. I will settle for Blu-Ray in a pinch if it isn't available in 4k.

 

[HDFan]

When it comes to streaming, dont' expect the ideal* for minimum loss of quality vs 4k presentation to happen. Streaming can compress enough to provide a smooth presentation (no pauses/hiccups/stuttering) but at the cost of some detail and that in turn can make the presentation no better and possibly worse than the blu ray level movies (1080p/24).

You don't lose any quality if you stream direct play which has no compression. Special clients are required however..

Don't forget that you wonderful 4K BluRay comes from the studio as a 12TB RAW file so by the time that it's 'compressed' to 60GB, it's had in reality as much compression factors added to it as the iTunes file which will be ProRes422HQ before going through Apple's properly best in the business compression!

PS The new Queen film Bohemium Rhapsody looks incredible! I've pre-ordered it on iTunes. Lets hope that it has a Dolby Atmos audio to go with 4K HDR

Although this is not a concert film, I have been waiting for years for the 1980 campy Flash Gordon film with a Queen soundtrack to be available on Blu-Ray. It is now available on Amazon.us.

 

[priitv8]

PS The new Queen film Bohemium Rhapsody looks incredible! I've pre-ordered it on iTunes. Lets hope that it has a Dolby Atmos audio to go with 4K HDR

Went to see it yesterday.
Sound is the best part of this movie and the big open arena (plus definitely the "standing in the rain") scenes would gain a lot from Atmos sound. I also see this one as another soundtrack, where having a lossless Atmos is a must-have. So I preordered the UHD bluray on Amazon

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

Went to see it yesterday.
Sound is the best part of this movie and the big open arena (plus definitely the "standing in the rain") scenes would gain a lot from Atmos sound. I also see this one as another soundtrack, where having a lossless Atmos is a must-have. So I preordered the UHD bluray on Amazon

Sounds incredible! Some of my friends have seen it and they say that it is very emotional and truly beautiful!

On the 4K BluRay front, for those who love it, it's nice to see that 'professional' quality players are entering the market as opposed to the cheap, plasticky offerings from SONY, LG and SAMSUNG. Pioneer have just entered the European market with two models priced at £1000 and £2100 along with Panasonic's offering at £850. Surely, these are the players for which the disc format is meant to be played on.

I picked up 'Love, Simon' on iTunes yesterday. The 4K BluRay is £35 on Amazon UK. The iTunes 4K HDR copy was £4.99 along with iTunes Extras. Who the heck would pay £35 for a film that wasn't in their say, Top 5 of all time???

 

[chanerz]

Not anymore. I just stream or rent.