Steve Jobs Suggests Blu-ray Not Coming to Mac Anytime Soon

[xbjllb]

Okay, you're threatening to leave, but ...to where will you go?
-hh

Been already decided for a long time now. BOXX running windows.

So... does the 10.7 beta have Blu-ray support?

Most likely, yes. They will be forced, by their stubbornness, though, to sneak it in at the very last minute in the last beta release and will not be able to make a big deal out of it without looking like complete idiots.

They'll treat it like a useless crumb they tossed to maggots.

However it will be received much higher than that and will significantly increase sales of everything from the portable lines that will continue to carry optical drives up.

If they don't, the company won't last past 2015.

 

[iEdd]

So how exactly can I purchase a movie from iTunes with peace of mind knowing that most likely at some point I won't be able to play my purchased movie at some point?

If you've paid for it, and you only use it for personal use (no broadcasting), and there comes a time where somehow you can't play content you've legitimately paid for, then I fully condone just pirating it buying it again.

 

[MacNewsFix]

You are comparing an SD digital download movie vs. a Blu-ray. Not exactly fair. The HD version of Unstoppable on iTunes will most likely be $19.99 when it becomes available. So the question becomes do you want to get an external BD drive and do a little work or not.

My biggest gripe is the DRM found within the iTunes movie purchases. I know there is software to strip it from SD purchases, but there isn't for HD movies. From what I understand I can play my iTunes movie purchases on a total of 5 different computers, and no more. So how exactly can I purchase a movie from iTunes with peace of mind knowing that most likely at some point I won't be able to play my purchased movie at some point?

True. But I think you would agree that the average Blu-Ray is still running above $20.00 (USD). In fact, Unstoppable at Best Buy, Fry's, and Target (where I would likely buy a film last minute if I didn't have the time to wait for it from Amazon) is running $29.99 (USD), though you may be able to find it at some retail location cheaper.

I'm not arguing that a 1080p film should cost the same as a 720p film, BTW. Film studios, et al. should be able to charge more for it.

I agree about the DRM in iTunes purchases and avoid them for that reason, so I'm not sure about what stripping mechanisms are available. The DRM in Blu-Rays, while it has become a bit of a joke, is still b*** s***, as it the "Managed Copy" found in their accompanying digital files. Hopefully, the movie industry will recognize that the only ones they are punishing are honest customers and hurting their own sales.

I'm not sure about the limit of where you can house your iTunes movie purchases. I would guess it is akin to the iTunes music DRM mechanism of old, before the music industry woke up, in which once you reached your max number of computers, you could reset the list. I was never crazy about that setup, too, though it sure beat Sony BMG installing a rootkit on my machine.

Who knows. Maybe Apple will allow us to backup our movies in the cloud with the new MobileMe set to launch soon.

 

[KnightWRX]

True. But I think you would agree that the average Blu-Ray is still running above $20.00 (USD). In fact, Unstoppable at Best Buy, Fry's, and Target (where I would likely buy a film last minute if I didn't have the time to wait for it from Amazon) is running $29.99 (USD), though you may be able to find it at some retail location cheaper.

So because one retailre gauges you, it's an indication of blu-ray prices ? Unstoppable is 19.99$ at Amazon :

http://www.amazon.com/Unstoppable-Blu-ray-Chris-Pine/dp/B002ZG99TK

But wait, need to have it now instead of later ? Walmart is even cheaper :

http://www.walmart.com/ip/15711107

Something to note here, your 19.99$ purchase gives you a physical copy of the 1080p movie and the 720p iTunes digital copy.

Not to mention you picked a new release from November 2010...

Blu-ray is darn cheap for what you receive for your money.

 

[MacNewsFix]

So because one retailre gauges you, it's an indication of blu-ray prices ? Unstoppable is 19.99$ at Amazon :

http://www.amazon.com/Unstoppable-Blu-ray-Chris-Pine/dp/B002ZG99TK

But wait, need to have it now instead of later ? Walmart is even cheaper :

http://www.walmart.com/ip/15711107

Something to note here, your 19.99$ purchase gives you a physical copy of the 1080p movie and the 720p iTunes digital copy.

Not to mention you picked a new release from November 2010...

Blu-ray is darn cheap for what you receive for your money.

I'm not arguing you might not be able to find it cheaper elsewhere and mentioned that fact (everyone has sales now and then) in my quote you cited. I also mentioned in a recent post that Amazon has it for $20 (USD), just don't forget shipping fees.

Do you disagree that the average Blu-Ray is not running in the $20's (USD)? Maybe they are cheaper in Canada, but most places I see in the U.S., the vast majority run around that cost. Also, does the iTunes copy have "Managed Copy" technology? If so, no thanks.

BTW, I stay away from Walmart. It is a gulag where employees wear vests. Examples: Link and Link and Link

 

[takao]

actually new release prices are dropping like _crazy_

in december the Inception Blu Ray launchedfor 12.99 euro on amazon.de and didn't increase in price until new year
that disney movie with nicolas cage: 14.99 launch day price

the mentioned Unstoppable is on preorder for 16.99 on amazon.de and that is the version including the DVD and a digital copy,
around here that is the normal launch price (16.99-17.99) and within 1-2 months 12.99 to 14.99 is standard.. for the big great selling blockbusters the prices drop fast below 10 bucks within 3 months

19.99 and more mostly means
a. disney animation movies
b. steelbook / special edition releases
3. 3d blu rays

edit: in germany blu ray shiping from amazon.de is free

 

[KnightWRX]

Do you disagree that the average Blu-Ray is not running in the $20's (USD)?

Nope, I don't disagree. As shown for even your new release, average blu-ray prices are running in the $10's (USD).

Everyone can quote a merchant that does price gouging. That's your problem if you won't shop where the prices are right.

Also, does the iTunes copy have "Managed Copy" technology? If so, no thanks.

Of course it does. But why does that matter ? I haven't even redeemed any of the digital copies. It's a convenience they include with Blu-rays, for what is basically the same price as the iTunes copy itself in most cases (but you get the physical blu-ray on top of the download... wow, and you say Blu-ray is expensive ?).

BTW, I stay away from Walmart. It is a gulag where employees wear vests.

Convenient to your point.

 

[MacNewsFix]

Nope, I don't disagree. As shown for even your new release, average blu-ray prices are running in the $10's (USD).

Wait, you don't disagree or you disagree? My claim is that, at least in the U.S., most of the Blu-Rays I'm seeing are running in the $20's, though they are coming down and some older releases are finally coming out that are priced below $20.

Do you have any evidence besides individual cases, say a recent article citing the average price? I'm not finding any. Most are two years old (Example).

Everyone can quote a merchant that does price gouging. That's your problem if you won't shop where the prices are right.

So I mention three of the most competitive big box retailers in the U.S., and they are price gougers? TARGET?!!! (Thanks, I just spit my coffee out after reading that one.).

Of course it does [regarding Managed Copy (sic)]. But why does that matter ?

I hate DRM. Just my preference. Same reason I don't buy movies in iTunes or the Xbox or the PS3.

Convenient to your point.

Yep. I don't determine their business practices, but I do decide where I spend my money. Feel free to shop there if it is ok with your conscience.


Once again, I was attempting to point out that downloads do offer multichannel audio and tend to run cheaper than Blu-Rays. That's it. If you want to buy a Blu-Ray, I'm not stopping you and wish you all the best.

 

[KnightWRX]

So I mention three of the most competitive big box retailers in the U.S.

I think that's the point, those big box retailers aren't competitive at all if all it took was 2 minutes on the web to find a retail price 33% cheaper in another big box store you conveniently don't "want to shop at".

 

[Riot Nrrrd]

At this point ... who really cares?

At this point does it really much matter if Apple supports Blu-ray or not?

I've got a Pioneer BDR-206BK Blu-ray writer in an external FireWire 400/FireWire 800/eSATA case, and the whole thing cost under US $200. The raw drive is down to US $109.95 here in the States. It works like a champ with Toast Titanium 10 + the Blu-ray plug-in and I am happily burning BD-R's and BD-R DL's (thanks to my Canon HD camcorder ... and my unlimited Giganews subscription ).

I suppose some people will say "But I want to be able to watch Blu-rays on my screen with DVD Player!" but who wants to do that really? Other than on a plane? If you're at home, play it on that nice big high-def flatscreen TV you have

 

[MacNewsFix]

I think that's the point, those big box retailers aren't competitive at all if all it took was 2 minutes on the web to find a retail price 33% cheaper in another big box store you conveniently don't "want to shop at".

You really want to hammer that issue home about me taking a stand against Walmart. There are kids on the bus that sell $5 Blu-Ray rips out of their backpacks; shall we include them? If so, I concede.

In the meantime, because you found a store with a sale on that one particular movie does not dispel my belief that the average cost of Blu-Ray films still hover in the $20's (USD) and tend to be more expensive than their digital competition. Again, let me know if you find some solid evidence. I'm very curious.

BTW, if you have had your BD player a while, it may not play the Manage Copy file. Just FYI. LINK and LINK

 

[Porco]

My biggest gripe is the DRM found within the iTunes movie purchases. I know there is software to strip it from SD purchases, but there isn't for HD movies. From what I understand I can play my iTunes movie purchases on a total of 5 different computers, and no more. So how exactly can I purchase a movie from iTunes with peace of mind knowing that most likely at some point I won't be able to play my purchased movie at some point?

Well, in fairness, you can de-authorise old machines if you need to in the future, or occasionally reset all of them and add back the ones you want to. But yes, it is an uncertain pain in the backside, and yes, Apple have changed the terms in the past and could do so again in the future, rendering what limited flexibility we have now with iTunes purchases useless (if Apple went bust or just decided to be evil about it you'd be stuck on the machines you had your content authorised to forever).

 

[KnightWRX]

you found a store with a sale on that one particular movie does not dispel my belief that the average cost of Blu-Ray films still hover in the $20's (USD)

That's your problem. You're using 1 movie to justify the average price of all Blu-ray movies.

Find your own evidence. In my own experience, Blu-ray is much cheaper. Your anecdotes don't trump mine and at least I bothered to dispel yours.

 

[takao]

In the meantime, because you found a store with a sale on that one particular movie does not dispel my belief that the average cost of Blu-Ray films still hover in the $20's (USD) and tend to be more expensive than their digital competition. Again, let me know if you find some solid evidence. I'm very curious.

solid evidence ? most of those 20dollars+ new releases at amazon are in fact triple play (or as i said 3d versions/ multi disc special editions)
obviously if you leave out the digital copy and DVD pack ins it should be 13-17 easily for new releases
that's why it's cheaper on average here .. because nobody here wants to pay extra for digital copies and packed in dvds

also it's hardly rocket science to compare prices ... in fact most people do that ... wait, i forgot i'm on a mac forum

side note: last week i bought the Inception blu ray in a very nice collectors steelbook for 8.99 euro (including 20% tax), how can digital downloads compete with those prices ? and that is coming from somebody who didn't like HD movie disks _at all_

 

[LethalWolfe]

References (if I failed to list any, please let me know):

As much I as I like it when people provide links the 'wall of links' approach is a bit overwhelming, IMO. It's helpful to others to have links appear next to the text of the argument they support (kinda like a citation in a book or Wikipedia). If there are certain parts of your post that I find more interesting than others I'd like to be able to quickly follow the links that are related to that section of your post as opposed to having to click through a bunch of links hoping to find the relevant one(s).


Lethal

 

[linux2mac]

At this point does it really much matter if Apple supports Blu-ray or not?

No, it doesn't matter. Apple is on to bigger industry innovations with the introduction of Thunderbolt. I am looking forward to a Thunderbolt equipped Mac Mini more than I am for BD support in Macs.

Start with a Light Peak-equipped Mac Mini. Need more horsepower? Just get another Mini and connect with Light Peak. Grand Central will automatically distribute the load across multiple devices. A 2U rack will hold eight Mac Minis that, tightly coupled, will run rings around an Xserve.

http://www.cringely.com/2011/02/attack-of-the-minis/

I suppose some people will say "But I want to be able to watch Blu-rays on my screen with DVD Player!" but who wants to do that really? Other than on a plane? If you're at home, play it on that nice big high-def flatscreen TV you have

+1

 

[Eidorian]

No, it doesn't matter. Apple is on to bigger industry innovations with the introduction of Thunderbolt. I am looking forward to a Thunderbolt equipped Mac Mini more than I am for BD support in Macs.

I am sure that makes up for all the years of abuse.

 

[linux2mac]

I am sure that makes up for all the years of abuse.

Quality is not for everyone.

 

[Eidorian]

Quality is not for everyone.

Masochism is not either.

 

[linux2mac]

That's your problem. You're using 1 movie to justify the average price of all Blu-ray movies.

Find your own evidence. In my own experience, Blu-ray is much cheaper. Your anecdotes don't trump mine and at least I bothered to dispel yours.

Renting is cheaper via the likes of AOD and iTunes. I rarely watch a movie more than once. BTW - since when is this a "trumping contest?" Hard to trump someone while in T.O. and I am not talking about Terrell Owens - LOL

 

[blairh]

True. But I think you would agree that the average Blu-Ray is still running above $20.00 (USD). In fact, Unstoppable at Best Buy, Fry's, and Target (where I would likely buy a film last minute if I didn't have the time to wait for it from Amazon) is running $29.99 (USD), though you may be able to find it at some retail location cheaper.

I think you are pushing it here with "If I didn't have the time to wait for it". That's just being impatient. Yes, if you want to watch a newly released BD immediately then I guess for now you have to pay a little more vs. Amazon. But personally I'm never one who can't wait a few days for Amazon or whoever to send it to me. But then again, I don't purchase BDs, I just currently rent them via Netflix.

 

[linux2mac]

But then again, I don't purchase BDs, I just currently rent them via Netflix.

Same here, its cheaper than buying a movie that I will usually watch one time. Its a no brainer! I regret spending the money I did on my 400 plus DVD collection and will not be doing that again.

 

[blairh]

Well, in fairness, you can de-authorise old machines if you need to in the future, or occasionally reset all of them and add back the ones you want to. But yes, it is an uncertain pain in the backside, and yes, Apple have changed the terms in the past and could do so again in the future, rendering what limited flexibility we have now with iTunes purchases useless (if Apple went bust or just decided to be evil about it you'd be stuck on the machines you had your content authorised to forever).

I'm not exactly clear on this issue. I read this, and I'm still not entirely clear. So if I deauthorize the purchases I make on iTunes with my current MBP (for example) and then get a new Mac, I can play my previous purchases on my new Mac and it won't count against my 5 computers limit? Also, are you forced to use Quicktime to play movie files you purchase from iTunes? Because I prefer VLC for all my video files.

 

[blairh]

Same here, its cheaper than buying a movie that I will usually watch one time. Its a no brainer! I regret spending the money I did on my 400 plus DVD collection and will not be doing that again.

My reasoning is a bit different. I'm just done with purchasing physical media. Digitizing my movie collection makes it easier to travel with too.

 

[linux2mac]

My reasoning is a bit different. I'm just done with purchasing physical media. Digitizing my movie collection makes it easier to travel with too.

Actually I am in the same boat as you. I too am done with buying physical media. Digitizing keeps my home entertainment room free from the clutter of jewel boxes and makes travel easier. Seeing a wall of BDs is unsightly for my decor. Plus doesn't look too cool either.

P.S. I did pre-order the Star Wars BD set due to my Star Wars collector needs but that will most likely be the extent of my BD physical media.