4K Players Are Becoming Extinct
- Thread starter nicoff
- Start date
For the majority of people perhaps. But, there are still videophiles that exist that collect and prefer physical copies of their favorite films. I'm sure we have quite a few on this forum.
One can also argue that the physical media (4K ) movies still offer superior uncompressed Dolby Atmos/DTS-X on the disc itself. 4k streaming from Itunes /Vudu when you see Dolby Atmos ; isn't the same as the physical media version.
But... for the joe six pack crew, who cares; stream away.
I wonder if we will come full circle back to physical media and stores? After all only time will how many of these "Streaming Services" customers are willing to have and what they will pay for them.
For example, if Netflix goes to all exclusive content makes sense their own. So, now you need the Disney Streaming, the Sony Pictures one etc.... Amazon ...etc.
Shadowfax
Active member
Question then for Videophiles.
How many different formats do you need the same movie in, and how many times would you actually watch them all more than a few times if that?
I hope it comes back to physical media, but only if they can all agree on one and make it count. It's a shame Sony was so stingy with Beta Rights because it was a better format than VHS, really good for Sound.
How many different formats do you need the same movie in, and how many times would you actually watch them all more than a few times if that?
I hope it comes back to physical media, but only if they can all agree on one and make it count. It's a shame Sony was so stingy with Beta Rights because it was a better format than VHS, really good for Sound.
Format war? We haven't had that since HD-DVD and Blu -Ray. For , 1080p its Blu-Ray and there is no format war for 4k in physical media.
Ultra HD 4K is the only game in town for physical media 4k.
To that end, just as most audiophiles want their music in the best sound quality possible. I want my movies in that same category.
So, for me Ultra HD 4k physical media is still the best choice ; if I want to own the movie. I have no problem streaming of course to access new content or to rent a movie via Amazon/Vudu etc..
Phil A
Member
I don't buy as many movies as I used to. I probably own about 9 UHD discs and have a UHD system with an Oppo 203. There are times when I've debated selling the 203 as it sees so little use (I can use it to play files from my NAS but I have a Lumin U1 in the main system and a couple of Windows 10 music servers in others, including one with a Hegel 190 so the system is just for video). So I understand where Samsung is coming from. My main system is an integrated AV system. I have an Epson 5030 projector and an Oppo 103D and when I play the Blu-Ray disc that comes with the UHD discs, it is not like I feel that UHD blows it out of the water (granted I'm watching on a 100 inch screen from 10 feet away vs. a 55 UHD screen from 7 feet away).
Mr Peabody
Active member
Let's review, you can still buy DVD discs, 4k is the most expensive and I don't think general public understands 4k in the way they didn't and still may not understand HD, the industry expects people to buy 4k when they are already showing 8k, whether it's a way down the road or not you can see the writing on the wall. It's not actually the4k that is as much benefit as HDR.
With that being said, no matter the streaming service you can't watch what you want, only what's available. Meaning, if I want to watch an old favorite, unless it's available on the streaming service, I'm out of luck unless I physically own it.
I personally do not buy or rent movies like I used to. Just not that much interesting any more.
Most people do not belong to a forum unless a hobbyst like us, so with the lack of B&M stores to explain and display, how do people learn about 4k and the set up? Or, anything new in tech.
With that being said, no matter the streaming service you can't watch what you want, only what's available. Meaning, if I want to watch an old favorite, unless it's available on the streaming service, I'm out of luck unless I physically own it.
I personally do not buy or rent movies like I used to. Just not that much interesting any more.
Most people do not belong to a forum unless a hobbyst like us, so with the lack of B&M stores to explain and display, how do people learn about 4k and the set up? Or, anything new in tech.
- Thread Author
- #7
You mention many valid reasons that have led to where we are today. The one that I would add is the convenience of streaming. You can now stream 4k selections before you can buy the physical discs!
Mr Peabody
Active member
How good is 4k streaming? Anyone know if streaming includes HDR or Dolby Vision? I've heard the disc is better than streaming but If not side by side would anyone care.
- Thread Author
- #9
You can stream 4k UHD from several sources including Netflix, Amazon, and Apple. Netflix charged extra for 4k UHD content.
Apple can stream Dolby Vision movies at the moment. Not sure about the others.
KeithR
New member
no surprise - I sold my Oppo BDP two years ago and haven't looked back. prob should upload my BDs to my server though.
CPP
Active member
I think for the majority of high end 4K TV owners,l feel why spend $400 to $500 (if you throw in at least three 4K Blu-ray discs) on a new media source if your TV’s or set-top boxes streaming 4K media apps will let you watch the same movies and more for just a few bucks a month.
I've been thinking about getting a 4K TV. I was in Costco today and a 65" 4K TCL Brand TV was $499. We don't watch TV very much and I have a front projector which is an old Panasonic which does 1080p onto a 100" screen for bluray movies. We have Amazon Prime, but haven't used the TV/movie features of the subscription very much. The 4k TV would just be for casual viewing in another room. I don't see any 1080p TVs around. Not interested in an OLED or other super high end TV. Is the demise of the 4K player going to affect the 4K TV? I don't see any alternatives at a reasonable price point.
Thanks, Larry
Thanks, Larry
- Thread Author
- #13
The reason why you don’t see 1080p TVs around is just because now everyone is looking for 4K TVs. 1080p is old technology.
My projector can do some version of 4K, but not native 4K. Nor will it do HDR (high dynamic range) which many consider to be even more important than 4K.
The demise of the 4K TV player has no effect on 4K TVs. Folks are watching more and more 4K films via streaming. Amazon Prime Vídeo, Netflix, etc have 4K films right now. You can stream them using AppleTV or Roku. You no longer need an extra box (I.e., dedicated player) or a physical disc. The same applies to audio players/transports btw.
The media companies make more money by not having to manufacture discs.
BlueFox
New member
Since I will be canceling my cable to only supply the basic local channels, I will keep both of my Oppo 203 to play 4K movies I buy, and Blue Rays I rent from Netflix.
- Thread Author
- #15
Your Oppo has better video capabilities than many digital preamps. I feed HDMI from my cable box to the Oppo 205 and I get better video and digital audio from it instead feeding the signal to my preamp.
Mr Peabody
Active member
Why isn't there a movie streaming service similar to Tidal, Spotify etc. so I can watch whatever movie pops into my head, at any time? Opposed to these video services which seem to work like HBO, you get what you get until they rotate more get what you get.
Meaning I want access to a video library so I can watch any movie. That's when streaming will get my attention. Seems current services are making money on original programming that gains popularity via watercooler chatter.
Along with the fluff like Transformers, Lord of the Rings, all sorts of animated movies, I also have stuff like No Time For Sargents, Don Knots collection, Doris Day, who remembers, or seen Matt Helm (Dean Martin). I like showing those to my kids, grandkids. I like Hulu for the old sitcoms. I fear a lot will be forgotten and lost. I can't remember the last time I've seen a Jerry Lewis movie on any channel.
Sorry, I think my filter got turned off
Meaning I want access to a video library so I can watch any movie. That's when streaming will get my attention. Seems current services are making money on original programming that gains popularity via watercooler chatter.
Along with the fluff like Transformers, Lord of the Rings, all sorts of animated movies, I also have stuff like No Time For Sargents, Don Knots collection, Doris Day, who remembers, or seen Matt Helm (Dean Martin). I like showing those to my kids, grandkids. I like Hulu for the old sitcoms. I fear a lot will be forgotten and lost. I can't remember the last time I've seen a Jerry Lewis movie on any channel.
Sorry, I think my filter got turned off
- Thread Author
- #17
That already exists. It is called Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Even Tidal and Spotify don’t have everything.
Daudio
New member
You need to check out local digital broadcast TV channels, lots of movies like you mentioned and much more. I'm enjoying some old sci-fi movies and series on the Comet channel (and others).
Plenty of content for me without the expense of cable
Mr Peabody
Active member
True, with each station able to have several options, over the air is better than ever.
You need to check out local digital broadcast TV channels, lots of movies like you mentioned and much more. I'm enjoying some old sci-fi movies and series on the Comet channel (and others).
Plenty of content for me without the expense of cable