Quote:
Originally Posted by pizza
Well, if those studios feel that the majority of the public is too cheap to buy $30 discs, then they can pull the plug on HD and BR right now because it's never going to go totally mainstream at those prices. I used to buy LDs for $40 a pop and I find it difficult to pay that much for a disc now. If they're happy to keep it to an elite few (such as LDs) then that's fine. But if they really want to have the general public give it a big warm, fuzzy hug, then the discs prices have to come down. Meanwhile, after buying my $99 player, I immediately bought the $99 Heroes set as well as two other titles.  (But I did use coupons and trade-ins.  ) |
The discs will get cheaper. Initial DVDs went for $24.99, and such.
I remember when tapes sold for $50 to $100, and the rental store made you sign a credit card form to rent them in case you lost one.
You bought LDs at $40 and that was the lesser priced LDs. They often went for much more, even over $100, depending upon the product, except in Japan where they were cheap enough to cause a rather large segment of the population to buy them.
The cost of manufacturing isn't always related to the eventual selling price. The cost of manufacturing HD and BD discs is not going to be any more than the cost of standard DVDs once things get rolling.
It's going to happen and there will be no turning back on hi-def product. The only things of uncertainty are:
Which format will eventually dominate, and when?
Will movie theaters begin to lose significant numbers of customers?
When will a major studio release bypass the theater route and go right to HD discs, and who will do it?