I was at Blockbuster the other day, and they currently have a wall of Blu-ray disks. Someone must be renting them or they wouldn't dedicate that much space for this format. Blockbuster online also has about 100 titles in the HD DVD format. My feeling is that the general public is holding off on the Blu-ray until the street price drops below the $200 price ceiling. The software also needs to come down in price. In the last 6 months, almost everyone I know has purchased flat panel tv's as they feel the price has become affordable. They will also purchase Blu-ray when it hits the "magic price".
Blu Ray or Oppo?
It so happens that my VCR and DVD player are nearing their end together, in a coordinated sort of way. To replace them I am thinking of two componets:
(1) A DVD recorder + VCR combo. Considering Panasonic DMR EZ47VK, because it seems to get good reviews, but other recommendations are welcome (should have built in tuner).
(2) A better dvd player. This is where I am confused.
The best regarded dvd player seems to be Oppo. But they don't make Blu Ray.
If I get Oppo, it would be great quality and I can live with it until they or somebody else comes out with a well-built Blu Ray. Downside: I have to keep buying standard resolution dvd's, and I won't be happy with those when I do get my Blu Ray player.
If I get Blu Ray, my fear it will be a cheaply made machine which might start flaking on me (Amazon reviews). Upside: I can start building up my Blu Ray collection right now.
What would (or did!) you do?
All comments and advice appreciated.
(1) A DVD recorder + VCR combo. Considering Panasonic DMR EZ47VK, because it seems to get good reviews, but other recommendations are welcome (should have built in tuner).
(2) A better dvd player. This is where I am confused.
The best regarded dvd player seems to be Oppo. But they don't make Blu Ray.
If I get Oppo, it would be great quality and I can live with it until they or somebody else comes out with a well-built Blu Ray. Downside: I have to keep buying standard resolution dvd's, and I won't be happy with those when I do get my Blu Ray player.
If I get Blu Ray, my fear it will be a cheaply made machine which might start flaking on me (Amazon reviews). Upside: I can start building up my Blu Ray collection right now.
What would (or did!) you do?
All comments and advice appreciated.