@Nate - You've identified the problem, yet you are going about the solution in the worst possible way. I’m actually really surprised that people seem to find this workaround acceptable. Instead of replacing all portable DVD devices with brand new, pricey BD decks, Hollywood companies need to focus on implementing combo discs.
Let me ask you a question: What makes more sense; replacing the DVD/Navigation combo you just spent upwards of $1200 dollars on in order to play the BD you just bought or have that studio produce a disc that is compatible with your current system and your BD deck? Are we seriously suggesting that people replace 7” portable players to play a format where they will be (practically) no performance gain on such a screen so small as opposed to the more logical alternative (combo discs)? So, unless I re-buy ALL of my DVDs, I would have to have TWO portable players in the backseat for the kids – one to play DVDs and the other to play BDs?
If I choose to upgrade a movie I really like and get the BD version (assuming it’s the combo version), my current DVD could serve as a copy for the car, laptop, whatever. You can already see the alternative w/o me typing it out. Blu-ray will never go mainstream and rid itself of the ‘niche’ tag if the BDA expects people to shell out for portable players while they are finding it hard enough to get people to purchase a single, dedicated home theater deck. Produce a disc that plays in both, however…..any lights turning on out there Engadget readers?
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@Nate - You've identified the problem, yet you are going about the solution in the worst possible way. I’m actually really surprised that people seem to find this workaround acceptable. Instead of replacing all portable DVD devices with brand new, pricey BD decks, Hollywood companies need to focus on implementing combo discs.
Let me ask you a question: What makes more sense; replacing the DVD/Navigation combo you just spent upwards of $1200 dollars on in order to play the BD you just bought or have that studio produce a disc that is compatible with your current system and your BD deck? Are we seriously suggesting that people replace 7” portable players to play a format where they will be (practically) no performance gain on such a screen so small as opposed to the more logical alternative (combo discs)? So, unless I re-buy ALL of my DVDs, I would have to have TWO portable players in the backseat for the kids – one to play DVDs and the other to play BDs?
If I choose to upgrade a movie I really like and get the BD version (assuming it’s the combo version), my current DVD could serve as a copy for the car, laptop, whatever. You can already see the alternative w/o me typing it out. Blu-ray will never go mainstream and rid itself of the ‘niche’ tag if the BDA expects people to shell out for portable players while they are finding it hard enough to get people to purchase a single, dedicated home theater deck. Produce a disc that plays in both, however…..any lights turning on out there Engadget readers?