Itunes comes no where near to blu ray video and audio quality....That matters to a lot of folks.
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Phil Schiller Claims Customers Aren't Asking for Built-In Blu-Ray Anymore
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Itunes comes no where near to blu ray video and audio quality....That matters to a lot of folks.
I know where it may not matter as much, when cheap.
If a new release was the cost of iTunes overpriced rentals, then it may just be good enough.
I don't care if it is built in to the hardware. I just wish Apple offered native support in the OS for the players and FCP.
I got a Blu-ray player with Netflix connectivity for christmas like 3 years ago and in the two years it was in operation it was used as follows:
99% Netflix
1% the occasional DVD
then my wife bought bought me an Apple TV 2 for my birthday and that was the end of my Blu-ray players career. It is currently collecting dust in my basement, it has never even read a blu-ray disc since it was opened. My entire DVD collection was then ripped to iTunes. Disc-free since then.
P.S -my wife didn't realize what the ATV was all about and loved it so much she felt guilty and bought me another present because she saw the ATV as a "household use" item.
99% Netflix
1% the occasional DVD
then my wife bought bought me an Apple TV 2 for my birthday and that was the end of my Blu-ray players career. It is currently collecting dust in my basement, it has never even read a blu-ray disc since it was opened. My entire DVD collection was then ripped to iTunes. Disc-free since then.
P.S -my wife didn't realize what the ATV was all about and loved it so much she felt guilty and bought me another present because she saw the ATV as a "household use" item.
This whole argument reminds me of a hilarious show from Comedy Central called Upright Citizens Brigade.
"This party is totally analog."
"This party is totally analog."
BluRay has superior quality compared to your other methods. You must not care about true HD if that is all you used it for.
I disagree. I almost ordered a Hackintosh from this Russian company primarily for the Blu-Ray Dive until I realized that I wouldn't be able to plug into a US power outlet.
Linux itself is only one part of the equation. The other parts include the dumbing down of software and the move to prosumer level for once professional apps. If Linux offers a serious alternative, there's a good chance more people will move to it.
A case in point is Blender. As a 3D program, it's actually getting pretty good. It does camera matching, character animation, has a radiosity renderer and it's completely open source. It's getting harder and harder to ignore as a serious option for 3D artists, especially in the wake of the Autodesk monopoly in that field.
But I get the cynicism with Linux. Everybody wants it to stay niche and nerdy.
USB Drive > DVD
I backup things to a USB Drive or an external Hard Drive. I also use time machine. I dunno, I would rather have a small USB Drive than x amount of DVDs laying around.
I backup things to a USB Drive or an external Hard Drive. I also use time machine. I dunno, I would rather have a small USB Drive than x amount of DVDs laying around.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
What I find most funny about the split within this thread is that those supporting Apple's case against Blu Ray are some of the same people whining in other threads about wanting "latest & greatest".
In other words, here we have a strong argument being made for "good enough": iTunes video quality is "good enough". iTunes audio quality is "good enough". "I" don't want best quality (picture & sound) because "good enough" is good enough for me.
But, do those people have the iPhone 5? Why isn't the iPhone 4s or 4 "good enough" for smart phone purposes? Why isn't a 2010 or 2011 Mac "good enough" for computing purposes? Why isn't the iPad 3 "good enough" for tablet purposes? iPad mini is DOA to some because it doesn't have retina (high) resolutions but BD is "the past" because iTunes is "good enough"??? There's a TON of comments over in the iPad threads whining how iPad 3 is now outdated or obsolete even though it still can do everything an iPad 4 can do.
In all of that, Apple is basically implying that we need the "latest & greatest" and thus we want it. However, in this particular topic, Apple is arguing against "latest & greatest"- instead suggesting that iTunes quality is "good enough" and some of us happily just follow our supreme leader... and offer up a ton of supporting, diversified spin to try rationalize "good enough" over "latest & greatest".
The best analogy which can be found in history right on this site is how so many here argued that 720p HD quality was "good enough" right up until Apple rolled out the
TV3 with 1080p. Then, where did all those people go, because I see so few of those "720p is good enough" arguments after Apple decided to embrace the higher standard. Those people were so passionate in their "good enough" arguments right up until Apple deemed 1080p as THE new HD standard. Then, they were gone. Actually, their argument was gone (soon some of them were gushing about how much better things were at 1080p).
Obviously, I'm in the camp where maximum quality picture & sound (via BD) trumps very real benefits like max-convenience of iTunes video. Sure I have anTV3 and plenty of Apple stuff. I just don't readily swallow everything Apple dishes out. But I do find it funny to see some people arguing "good enough" in this thread and yet "not enough" in other threads (where they are whining about wanting "latest & greatest" or that what was their "latest & greatest" (iPad3) is now obsolete/outdated only 6 months after launch).
What I'd like to see? If Apple is so anti-BD (and they very obviously are), how about upgrading the quality of iTunes media- or at least giving us an added iTunes media option- to at least match BD in both picture & sound? How about making a digital download cost a little less than a disc purchase? How about facilitating a way to actually and fully own an all-digital purchase like we can own a disc purchase (so that I could sell it to someone else, give it away to someone else, will it to someone else, etc)? Then, it wouldn't be a 1000+ posts argument of "good enough" vs. best quality, it would be an argument of best quality + better convenience vs. same quality. Then, Apple could "win" and we could all feel good about it.
In other words, here we have a strong argument being made for "good enough": iTunes video quality is "good enough". iTunes audio quality is "good enough". "I" don't want best quality (picture & sound) because "good enough" is good enough for me.
But, do those people have the iPhone 5? Why isn't the iPhone 4s or 4 "good enough" for smart phone purposes? Why isn't a 2010 or 2011 Mac "good enough" for computing purposes? Why isn't the iPad 3 "good enough" for tablet purposes? iPad mini is DOA to some because it doesn't have retina (high) resolutions but BD is "the past" because iTunes is "good enough"??? There's a TON of comments over in the iPad threads whining how iPad 3 is now outdated or obsolete even though it still can do everything an iPad 4 can do.
In all of that, Apple is basically implying that we need the "latest & greatest" and thus we want it. However, in this particular topic, Apple is arguing against "latest & greatest"- instead suggesting that iTunes quality is "good enough" and some of us happily just follow our supreme leader... and offer up a ton of supporting, diversified spin to try rationalize "good enough" over "latest & greatest".
The best analogy which can be found in history right on this site is how so many here argued that 720p HD quality was "good enough" right up until Apple rolled out the
TV3 with 1080p. Then, where did all those people go, because I see so few of those "720p is good enough" arguments after Apple decided to embrace the higher standard. Those people were so passionate in their "good enough" arguments right up until Apple deemed 1080p as THE new HD standard. Then, they were gone. Actually, their argument was gone (soon some of them were gushing about how much better things were at 1080p).Obviously, I'm in the camp where maximum quality picture & sound (via BD) trumps very real benefits like max-convenience of iTunes video. Sure I have an
TV3 and plenty of Apple stuff. I just don't readily swallow everything Apple dishes out. But I do find it funny to see some people arguing "good enough" in this thread and yet "not enough" in other threads (where they are whining about wanting "latest & greatest" or that what was their "latest & greatest" (iPad3) is now obsolete/outdated only 6 months after launch).What I'd like to see? If Apple is so anti-BD (and they very obviously are), how about upgrading the quality of iTunes media- or at least giving us an added iTunes media option- to at least match BD in both picture & sound? How about making a digital download cost a little less than a disc purchase? How about facilitating a way to actually and fully own an all-digital purchase like we can own a disc purchase (so that I could sell it to someone else, give it away to someone else, will it to someone else, etc)? Then, it wouldn't be a 1000+ posts argument of "good enough" vs. best quality, it would be an argument of best quality + better convenience vs. same quality. Then, Apple could "win" and we could all feel good about it.
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Yes, recordable discs have 25+ years of longevity, if you use a disc with a stable dye - such as those with Azo dye (most of these DVDs are marked as such and are available from Verbtim, etc.)
In fact, there are no discs with 200+ years of longevity (i.e. m-disc).
I understand yet I feel it started with iTunes and the iPod. Jobs was what, trying to figure out the iPad/iPhone way back and once labels came around to iTunes the window opened. Before that you can't (well you can suggest) tell me people didn't burn cd/dvds and said we want jump drives, no optical, all digital.
I'm just putting it out there that there is still a need. Ever been in a place without internet, power and need to have something sent? I'll just mention because of first hand knowledge in the medical field, legal and so on dvd's are required. Example, in NY the courts require/request DVD-R are what they ask for and any medical forms don't get emailed they are required to be on disc if not written.
I know in schools it is either usb jump drives or dvd/cd for homework as a family member was just given her list and it required both.
I'm not sure why the lack of DVD/Blu-Ray sales other than only a few good movies were really there this past year but that is another topic. I once read that the Adult Industry would or will dictate the next media needs so if it's blu-ray or not it will start there. Not sure about that but I'm thinking it started there with some things
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I still want Blu-ray support
Many customers, myself included, are no longer asking for Blu-ray support because we feel it is pointless, considering Apple's position on the matter. We know that Apple would rather have us buy our movies in the iTunes Store, rather than on Blu-ray. But just because we don't ask anymore, doesn't mean we still don't want it.
Also, highly compressed iTunes store movies are way overpriced compared to the higher quality of Blu-rays, in the same way that compressed AAC albums are way overpriced compared to uncompressed and lossless CDs. If the highly compressed (inferior quality) download versions were half the price of the discs, then it would make sense. At about the same price point, I'll take the discs every time, even if it means I have to rip them myself (audio CDs in Apple Lossless and Blu-rays in full quality MKV, no re-encoding).
Many customers, myself included, are no longer asking for Blu-ray support because we feel it is pointless, considering Apple's position on the matter. We know that Apple would rather have us buy our movies in the iTunes Store, rather than on Blu-ray. But just because we don't ask anymore, doesn't mean we still don't want it.
Also, highly compressed iTunes store movies are way overpriced compared to the higher quality of Blu-rays, in the same way that compressed AAC albums are way overpriced compared to uncompressed and lossless CDs. If the highly compressed (inferior quality) download versions were half the price of the discs, then it would make sense. At about the same price point, I'll take the discs every time, even if it means I have to rip them myself (audio CDs in Apple Lossless and Blu-rays in full quality MKV, no re-encoding).
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Russia has 220v. But almost all power supplies today support both 110v and 220v (which is then converted to 12v). So you could probably just buy a new power cord or a plug adapter.
+1
I've been wanting Blu-Ray stock on my macs for years. I love that the iMac has this new thinner design.. but the games and apps my son plays on his iMac still need a DVD drive, so I'll still need to buy an external drive if I upgrade. And I still want a Blu-ray player for myself. Apple might think Blu-Ray is passe but I and everyone I know still buy them. And I'm sorry but iTunes releases just don't cut it for screen quality. Nor does Netflix.
It's annoying that Blu-Ray drives are not built-in but it's not a deal breaker. If you really need it, an in/external BR drive is cheap (less than $100). I only need it for playing my collection of BR movies, and for that I use my PS3.
For those who think that ATV, etc. can replace BR players, I can't agree. Yes, these streaming/media players are fine to play shows and occasional movies. However, I have a good setup at home that can play DTS-HD MA and Dolby TrueHD sound tracks from my PS3 (in Linear PCM mode) with all its glory.
For those who think that ATV, etc. can replace BR players, I can't agree. Yes, these streaming/media players are fine to play shows and occasional movies. However, I have a good setup at home that can play DTS-HD MA and Dolby TrueHD sound tracks from my PS3 (in Linear PCM mode) with all its glory.
To be fair, Apple's most current lines remove spinning platters entirely. Apple is probably working out how to remove fans as well.
But will they change the spinning pinwheel icon when macs contain no spinning parts?
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Because those are such MOBILE devices? Blu-ray is nice for screen resolution, but the fancy audio setup most mobile devices don't have.... The number of folks with 7.2 HEADPHONES is pretty slim.
Apple doesn't make "living room PCs" although their machines do nicely. The thing to buy now are the Smart Blu-Ray players. That covers all your streaming media needs for the same price as a regular Blu-Ray player.
The PS3 and Xbox 360 are pretty remarkable in that way too years after they were introduced, they have been continually updated and had services added to their offering. PS3 even has a form of all NFL pass. The PS3's Netflix interface is the one of choice in our family.
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This is why I still am using a Sony Internet Blu-Ray player. I picked it up new, on sale, for $99 a few years ago (wired only, which is fine since it sits like less than 10' away from my router). We mostly stream Amazon's TV shows or movies from it.
But there is one other thing I'll point out. While I have some blu-ray disks, probably 90% of my library is still on DVD. Even having a DVD player with no Blu Ray would of been enough for me to switch over.
While obviously the future is going to be something more like Apple's vision, I think their decision not to include at least a DVD player has cost them a lot of users for Apple TV. They would probably have 2, maybe 3 or 4 times as many people who bought Apple TV if they gave an optional for DVD (and possibly Blu/ray). Make it an external device or premium version or whatever but I think it would of sold like hotcakes. Having more customers would in turn allow Apple better leverage in its ongoing negotiations with content providers to get even more products in the pipeline.
But there is one other thing I'll point out. While I have some blu-ray disks, probably 90% of my library is still on DVD. Even having a DVD player with no Blu Ray would of been enough for me to switch over.
While obviously the future is going to be something more like Apple's vision, I think their decision not to include at least a DVD player has cost them a lot of users for Apple TV. They would probably have 2, maybe 3 or 4 times as many people who bought Apple TV if they gave an optional for DVD (and possibly Blu/ray). Make it an external device or premium version or whatever but I think it would of sold like hotcakes. Having more customers would in turn allow Apple better leverage in its ongoing negotiations with content providers to get even more products in the pipeline.
My rMBP almost has no moving parts except for the fans, so seeing that spinning pinwheel would be kind of meaningless.
I wasn't talking about mobile devices. The news refers to both "notebook and now desktop lines". Also, Blu-ray isn't just about resolution.
I do agree that Mac's, particularly the Mac mini (I have one in my bedroom which used to be in the living room) do make for a good "living room PC", but it would've been better if it had a BR drive and there wouldn't be a need to buy a separate Blu-Ray player for those who enjoy their movies in lossless format.
Not asking or just gave up
I am not asking since it is useless. I would love a build in blueray player vs buying an external one.
I am not asking since it is useless. I would love a build in blueray player vs buying an external one.