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This is a topic from the The 1990's forum on inthe00s.
Subject: The End of Videos?
Written By: Indy Gent on 01/11/02 at 06:39 p.m.
The media is talking about the end of the videotape as we know it because DVDs are more "convenient". Yeah, if you can afford $50 DVDs and $10 rentals, let alone the player itself. Blockbuster has drastically reduced the videotape rentals and added DVD titles. This would be a mistake, considering the still-breathing popularity of the videos and the ease of recording movies. What next? A DVD movie camera?
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Hairspray on 01/11/02 at 08:03 p.m.
In order to even ENJOY a dvd player, one has to own a very big TV with high-definition and surround sound.
A dvd player is not used to its full potential otherwise.
One has to have mondo bucks to update one's entertainment equipment.
Most people have the same TV they've had the last 10 years! Of course, most are analog, have no high-definition or digital capabilities. Digital capabilities may not be necessary per se (I don't think, anyway), because dvds may turn their digital signal to analog before it even reaches the TV.
But who the heck has the time to watch enough TV to justify spending that kind of money on a theatre set-up?
I sure don't. I'm perfectly happy with my awesome vcr. I sure hope that the market doesn't continue to try to force dvds down our throats. I'd rather go movie-less in the future If I have to. :(
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Jessica on 01/12/02 at 01:38 a.m.
I thought I was the only one that didn't much care for dvd's. I think its pretty stupid that they add all the extra footage that was cut out. For example, The Fast and the Furious. They added like six hours of extra footage that you can watch. Who would want to watch that movie anyway, let alone all those extra hours of it? What happened to just enjoying the movie itself? Also, you can't find some movies you want on dvd. So I will also stick to my vcr and pray to god it never gets to the point where its all dvd's all the time.
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Mystery Woman on 01/12/02 at 02:42 a.m.
I have to agree with Hairspray that in order to get the full effect of DVD (to notice much difference between that and VHS at all), you need some very expensive equipment. And up until last year, I never even would have considered spending that kind of money on a home theatre system. I simply don't watch enough tv to warrant it, and I almost never rented movies. I was perfectly happy with my VCR, which has one up on a DVD player in that I can record my favorite tv shows to watch whenever I do get around to it.
But then last year, I came into some money with an interesting catch. My Mom left me $3,500 (part of my inheritance that was separate from the rest), with the strict instructions that I had to do something I would never otherwise do with it, and that it wasn't allowed to be for anyone else. She knew the rest of what I received would be put into savings, given to charity, and used to spoil other people (I love buying presents!). After thinking about it, I realized that I had always said "some day" I'll have a big screen tv. So that's what I bought, along with the receiver/decoder, DVD changer, surround sound speakers, etc. And I bought the Top Gun DVD. When I play it, the planes doing their fly-bys actually shake my walls. And I have to admit, I do enjoy the volleyball scene life-sized...
But is it worth it? Well, I do notice a difference because with the whole package, DVD is a higher quality than VHS (especially the sound). Would I spend MY OWN money on this set-up? Probably not.
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Crazy Don on 01/12/02 at 06:28 a.m.
I can say that the VCR does have one advantage over a DVD player and that is you can record with it. DVD's have a higher-quality picture on them. I have a DVD drive on this computer, and I played a DVD movie on it and I was amazed so I went out and bought a DVD player as a Christmas present. I also got a new TV for Christmas, but I found out it had only one jack on the back and that was for cable, so I routed the DVD player through the VCR. I thought that would compromise the picture quality due to the copy protection on the DVD's but as far as I know it doesn't. Some more advantages to DVD's are that there are a lot more cool things on a DVD than on a VHS tape. For example, I could watch a movie with a French soundtrack and turn on the English captions so it would look like I'm watching a foreign film! DVD's have things that a VHS tape does not have. Sometimes there are games and documentaries on the discs. And another advantage is that when some movies come out on video, sometimes the DVD is so much cheaper than the VHS tape simply because the VHS version is "priced to rent," that is, it comes with a $100 (or so) price tag so it would be cheaper to rent it to see if you like it. (The price comes down later on.) Another thing I like about DVD's that some people think is a disadvantage is that a lot of them are letterbox, which means that there are black bars on top and bottom of the picture, but it allows the movie to be seen as it was in the theaters. Now some DVD's are coming out in a "pan-and-scan" version which allows the full use of the screen but cuts out the left and right sides of the picture to get the effect.
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: My_Sharona on 01/12/02 at 07:05 a.m.
I recently bought a DVD player, and for me, it's just as easy to rent out DVD's as it is to rent out videos. DVD's to rent are 4 for $5 (Australian dollars that is!!) at the local video ezy so I'd hardly call that expensive. And the extra footage is great. For me, when I got Girl, Interrupted out on DVD, the movie was already amazingly special to me, but after seeing it in DVD form with all the extras, it was even better. For example, you could have the director's commentary running throughout and for me it was amazing to see the stuff I did and didn't pick up on, and it was also amazing to hear the director's thoughts. Therefore, what I'm trying to say is that the extras add an extra dimension to the movie.
In order to enjoy the DVD experience, all you have to do is watch a good movie and be open to it, I believe that it is exactly the same way with VHS. And we don't have any fancy TV equipment, but the picture IS better, the extras DO make it more interesting.
In conclusion, I'm sure plenty of people were worried when the compact disc or CD system came out, but it turned out much easier (and as time went by much more cost-effective) than the record player. However, record players have never completely been phased out, just like VCRs won't be, the DVD system just allows people to get more enjoyment out of watching a movie, so really, what is wrong with that?
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Indy Gent on 01/12/02 at 02:18 p.m.
You can burn DVDs but you would need to add a DVD burner to your PC, and I don't think anyone can afford a music CD-Rom/CD-RW burner, and a DVD burner on one computer.
Quoting:
I can say that the VCR does have one advantage over a DVD player and that is you can record with it.
End Quote
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Crazy Don on 01/12/02 at 02:43 p.m.
Quoting:
You can burn DVDs but you would need to add a DVD burner to your PC, and I don't think anyone can afford a music CD-Rom/CD-RW burner, and a DVD burner on one computer.
End Quote
They do have DVD recorders for home use, but they cost about $1,000. And besides, there are about five competing formats for recordable DVD's, which means if you have a DVD burner in your computer, it may not work in all DVD drives. And who needs to spend $1,000 for the privilege of recording onto a DVD when you can get a VCR for $50? You can get DVD players for as low as $80 these days. But please don't record your DVD movies onto a VHS tape 'cause it'll look like crap due to the copy protection!
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: kjayangel on 01/12/02 at 04:09 p.m.
I agree with Hairspray that you need a big screen tv and surround sound...I got a dvd player for Christmas and a few dvds(I can't afford to go buy them otherwise)...I got the dvd Fast and the Furious which is a good movie and a good dvd however my boyfriend and I went over to a friends house and they were watching the movie on their 70 inch and I was blown away at the difference compared to my 27 inch.It felt and sounded like we were actually at the movies...
However the movie rental place here in town rent dvds 1.00 cheaper than the videos(I don't know why)...
I like dvds I'm just ready for them to get cheaper and for me to win the lotto so I can go buy a bigger tv... ;D
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Hairspray on 01/12/02 at 04:15 p.m.
kjayangel,
In answer to your post:
"However the movie rental place here in town rent dvds 1.00 cheaper than the videos(I don't know why)..."
That's simply to get people excited about renting them.
"I like dvds I'm just ready for them to get cheaper and for me to win the lotto so I can go buy a bigger tv... ;D "
Amen, sister! ;)
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Marci on 01/12/02 at 06:26 p.m.
Quoting:
In order to even ENJOY a dvd player, one has to own a very big TV with high-definition and surround sound.
A dvd player is not used to its full potential otherwise.
End Quote
I agree. My husband was so into the idea of getting a DVD player..I said no way, we have a perfectly good VCR, what's the point? He went on and on and on...needless to say, his mother bought him one for Christmas a couple of years ago. I'm sorry, but I wasn't impressed, and I told him so. Then, of course, I got the "Well, for you to really get the full effect, we need these speakers, and this particular kind of TV, this stereo system, blah blah blah ......" Sure, I have nothing better to do than buy all this expensive equipment so when you watch 'Snatch' or any of your Star Trek movies we can get the "full effect"..please! Seriously, though, I have bought some of "my movies" on DVD just because I do like the outtakes and some of the cut scenes. That or I really like a movie and you have to buy it on DVD if you want it in the next 6 months.. ::) But overall, I don't really see the big deal. Personally, I have seen more problems on a brand new DVD than I ever saw on a new videotape. We've had a couple of them that would just stop running, and pause on a particular scene..no hairs, no scratches, just stuck in one place..how frustrating! :-The Fast and the Furious, I did buy it the day it came out..it really was a decent movie...course, that has nothing at all to do with my weakness for a certain bald fellow in the movie... ;)
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: merry-beth on 01/12/02 at 06:46 p.m.
I bought a home theater system as a Christmas present for myself, and I love it. I, of course, hooked up my VCR to it so that I could watch all of my favorite 80s flicks. Now all I need is a bigger TV (which, oddly enough, costs about twice as much as the system). As far as the end of vidoes is concerned, it bothered me at first (the cost,etc.). Then I remembered when VHS first appeared, it was more expensive than Beta. Gradually, the prices dropped, which is what I think will happen with DVDs. I am already able to buy DVDs that I didn't even know existed (purchased Mr. Mom and Wargames recently for about $9 a piece....love 'em). Another perk is being able to skip to the exact spot in the film without the pain of play-fast forward-stop, etc. (no "movie-trailer" movie, either)
Now that I think of it, I still have my Beta.... :)
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: BadAngel on 01/13/02 at 08:07 p.m.
I have to say, I hope that DVDs don't completely eclipse video tapes. I have a cheapo VCR, but I see no point in getting the DVD system with my little 25 inch tv screen. I sold my hubby on getting a PS2 for my son for Christmas because it meant that we could rent DVDs. The sad part is, I notice no difference between a DVD and a video tape, because I don't have the expensive equipment required to take full advantage of it. The only difference is the DVD has extra footage and the interview with the director. Yippee.
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: ThunderVamp9 on 01/14/02 at 00:05 a.m.
I have a DVD player in my computer, with a DVD Decoder card installed. I run the cable from the back of my computer to my TV and a sound cable from the computer to the Audio system.
I have to say my VCR rarely gets use these days, excpet to watch movies I don't have on DVD now. They're just as cheap to buy, you get more features. I bought a real el-cheapo surround sound system ($50 at a local store), a 27" TV to replace my extremely aged 19" ($100 at same store), and hooked my regular stereo speakers up to it all. Cost of the DVD drive was $89 at computer shop (I saw stand alone DVD players at Wal-Mart, that could also play MP3 CD's for sale over the holidays for only $99). Decoder card was $50 off eBay. Total cost of less than $300. Sure, it's not a big-screen TV, but I have NO trouble viewing the movie from across the room, and the quality is EXCELLENT. Blows away any of my VHS tapes.
Plus, I love the extra features. Like ALIENS Special Edition. One of my favorite movies of all time, made even better on DVD by the addition of about 20 minutes of footage that was cut out originally. Made the movie more engrossing, to see parts of the story I hadn't seen before.
My advice is this: DON'T BUY NEW! Almost all of my components are used. I get them at a lower price that way, and I get to test them out before I buy them to make sure they work. I saved a bundle, and IMO have an excellent system for watching movies. Like MW, there's nothing like watching your favorite movie, and hearing the effects travel around your room while you're captivated by the superior image quality.
As for recorders, they're out there. They're expensive as hell, but only a couple of years ago so were CD recorders. They're dropping in price quicker than you think, and getting more standardized. I can say I fully expect the death of VHS, and if things stay on the track they're on, it won't be a bad thing.
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Gis on 01/14/02 at 06:57 a.m.
This whole DVD thing is to me like the whole CD's, noone buys vinyl anymore scenario.I swore bind I would not be spending a fortune replacing my favorite records with cd format but over the years I have.My fiance is making noises about buying a DVD player and I know as soon as they make them so you can record on them he'll get one.It makes me mad to think of all the money I'll spend replacing current VHS favs with DVD's but I'm pretty sure I'll end up doing it anyway SIGH.
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: ChuckyG on 01/14/02 at 08:38 a.m.
I swore I wouldn't replace all my VHS movies on DVD, but I've been replacing some of the ones I like. The problem with VHS is that the tapes do wear out over time, they only have a shelf life of 20 years tops (I have old tapes, and trust me, when I play them, they show their age)
The nice thing about DVD, is you can get widescreen editions of your movies. I don't have a big TV (32"), but I do prefer seeing the entire picture, not the pan and scan rendering of it.
Also, many of the TV series that get issued on VHS, don't come out a season at a time. A lot of stuff like the X-files, Monty Python, the Avengers, etc are coming out in big season sets, which are usually pretty cheap compared to how their VHS counterparts were released. Star Trek the Next Generation will be coming out on 7 DVD sets, covering an entire season for $100 per set. On VHS, the best you could do was 2 episodes per tape, and they were $20 a piece.. which makes them twice as expensive.
The extras are interesting to people who either love the movie, or want to learn more about the movie making process. The special edition MIB has a scene editing workshop, where you can see how various scenes would look from different camera angles. If you don't care about how a movie is made, you can skip it, if you do care, it's quite valueable.
If you want to see how clean something can look on DVD without expensive equipment, look at the first Simpsons collection or the Disney Sleeping Beauty restoration. I have an expensive DVD player, but a normal TV and I can usually tell the difference between VHS and DVD, unless it's a brand new VHS (which means the first two or three plays).
I've probably got around 200 DVDs or so now. I won't even touch VHS if I have a choice. Sure you can't record to it, but hey, buy a TIVO if you need to record a lot. You'll thank yourself in the long run.
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Gis on 01/14/02 at 08:48 a.m.
It would appear that DVD's are one of the few things that are cheaper in the U.K than the U.S I guess that will change soon!!
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Kryllith on 01/14/02 at 10:33 a.m.
I've pretty much stopped buying videos since my roomate got a DVD player (less I can get the video of a buck or so). I've a decent size tv and surround sound (which isn't set up), but that's really important to me anyway. Reason I buy DVDs is
1) widescreen format and 2) extras... lots of extra. I like being able to see what I missed and I like having it integrated into the film if they do that as well. Why? Because one of the reasons they aren't put in the films to begin with is because people have a hard time sitting on their butts in a theatre for so long. I'm looking forward to Fellowship of the Rings on DVD because they're supposed to be tossing in an extra 30-40 minutes directly into the film. Besides, I like seeing all the behinds the scenes stuff too.
As for cost... we'll it's basically just like any technology. CD players, VHS, Beta... they all cost tons when they first came out. Heck, my copy of Far and Away still has a price tag of $99.95 on it (I bought it used for $15)... Nowadays you can buy CD/RW for about $100, which used to cost $500 or so... and if you buy preview DVD, you can get them for about $8-15 anyway. It's not that expensive, and the newer players will get cheaper too...
Kryllith
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Indy Gent on 01/15/02 at 07:07 p.m.
I am buying a DVD player for my dad, an Avia I got at HSN for $198.49 + S&H. But he might want to stick with the VCR until he's used to operating it. ;)
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: rip_jeans on 01/16/02 at 04:13 a.m.
I can live with a vcr for now as I do a lot of recordings. Like crazydon said earlier, dvd recorders run at least $1000. On top of that, a single dvd-r disc runs at least $25. :o So, until the prices of the dvd recorders and disc remain that high, i will stick with my vcr. With dvd movies at about $20 each i would save money (about $10) and time (1 day) everytime i buy a dvd movie than by renting it and burning them. And by not buying the dvd recorder, i can use that $1000 to buy a regular dvd player, receiver, pair of speakers, equalizer and a couple of movies. :)
As for a actually buying that regular dvd player, i will not get one until i get a wide screen tv. Hopefully soon. (By the end of this year) The reason for this is most movies are formatted in wide screen (16:9 ratio) So why spend money on a big screen tv (4:3 ratio) when the movies are formatted in wide screen version? If you buy a big screen tv, you would still not get the full benefits from your dvd's as the picture will still be cut on the top and bottom of your tv, making your big screen tv smaller than it really is.
Dvd's will not end the VHS tape any time soon. The reason for this is people still want to record their favorite programs, but are not willing to spend thousands of dollars to do so. VCR's are the best alternative. So until the prices of both dvd recorders and disc drop to affordable level the vcr and video tapes are here to stay for now.
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: ChuckyG on 01/18/02 at 03:58 p.m.
I was just checking out dvdfile.com, and noticed an ad for 40 free DVDs, so I followed through, and subscribed to the magazine to get the discs...
the neat thing, is they have another offer, for $100 to get a cheap DVD player, and the 40 DVDs
http://www.insidedvd.com/subscribe02.html
since the site mentions the discs aren't going to be released for another few weeks, I won't be holding my breath waiting for them.. but if you were thinking of starting a DVD collection, this might be the way to start off cheaply. And you get a movie on DVD with each issue
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Indy Gent on 01/18/02 at 04:18 p.m.
These are older titles ("Potemkin" is nearly a century old). And the player didn't include speakers. Sounds like a gyp to me, but it's your call. :-/
Quoting:
http://www.insidedvd.com/subscribe02.html
End Quote
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: ChuckyG on 01/18/02 at 04:40 p.m.
Quoting:
These are older titles ("Potemkin" is nearly a century old). And the player didn't include speakers. Sounds like a gyp to me, but it's your call. :-/
End Quote
DVD players don't usually come with speakers..
most of the movies are of the "I could care less" variety, but there are some neat ones in there.. the price point is decent enough in my opinion...
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Indy Gent on 01/18/02 at 04:49 p.m.
The Avia model I bought for my dad has the swivel speakers that you can invert for sound that "bounces" off the wall. I got it sale at HSN for more than half the retail value of $449.99. That's probably the least you can spend retail on a DVD with speakers.
Quoting:
DVD players don't usually come with speakers..
most of the movies are of the "I could care less" variety, but there are some neat ones in there.. the price point is decent enough in my opinion...
End Quote
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Goreripper on 01/21/02 at 04:11 a.m.
Record companies did the same thing to bring about the accelerated demise of the vinyl record in the mid-80s. I would never have bought a CD player when I did if it weren't for the fact that by 1988 trying to get my favourite artists on vinyl was well nigh impossible.
I still don't have a DVD player, and I still only have a cassette deck in my car. Cassettes... remember them?
If you think the pressure's on to switch to DVD, the government here wants to make digital TV broadcasting compulsory within the next five years, so if you don't have a digital TV, you won't be able to watch it.
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Crazy Don on 01/21/02 at 11:46 a.m.
Just saw a commercial for the video release of the movie "Kiss of the Dragon." It ended with the line "Rent it on VHS or own it on DVD." Seems to me that they're pushing it on DVD, maybe because the VHS copy retails for about $100 while the DVD copy retails for about $20 or $30…
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: ChuckyG on 01/21/02 at 03:07 p.m.
Quoting:
Just saw a commercial for the video release of the movie "Kiss of the Dragon." It ended with the line "Rent it on VHS or own it on DVD." Seems to me that they're pushing it on DVD, maybe because the VHS copy retails for about $100 while the DVD copy retails for about $20 or $30…
End Quote
actually reminds me of the real reason I got started on DVD.. the release of the South Park movie was priced for rental only on VHS at $75, DVD was $20... comes down to how often you want to watch a movie. If it's something I like or think I will like, I will buy it outright so I can watch it multiple times.. considering a rental is at least $4, plus the time and gas you use to go to the store (and find it, and wait in line behind ten other people).. I think it works out ok..
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: SheRa340 on 06/07/03 at 03:51 a.m.
Panasonic DVD player-$219
37" Panasonic TV-$369
Sony Mini HIFI stereo sytem w/ optical input(which everything is hooked up into)-$237
The ability to go to your favorite part of the flick without rewinding or FF'-PRICELESS
LONG LIVE DVD's!!!!!
PS Circuit City, Best Buy and Discorama offer the BEST prices on dvds.
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: DaChazman on 06/07/03 at 09:39 a.m.
Thank God I have a DVD player :)
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: cyclonus5150 on 06/11/03 at 10:06 a.m.
I like DVDs because you don't have to rewind them. I also use netflix so I can pick them online and they are mailed to me and I can keep them as long as I want. They have a return envelope that I can send them back in when I'm done too. I just pay like 20 a month for that and watch tons of movies.
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Bobby on 06/13/03 at 04:52 a.m.
I'm going to be a little contentious here and say 'Hey! I quite like DVDs!'
I didn't pay through the nose for a dvd player (you can get them as cheap as £50 ($30?) in the shops).
I got a surround system for about £110 ($70). I know you can get them cheaper than that.
You don't need a state of the art Television! All you need is a telly with a Scart socket on the back.
The picture is clearer with a digital picture. The sound is great and you get extras when you buy DVDs (normally). I'm certainly not telling anybody to chuck away their video players though - I wouldn't be able to watch half of my film collection!
Just wait until DVD recorders come out in full force! :D
As a footnote, the pound/dollar equivalent I have given is a very rough approximation. I am not too good with that kind of thing. ;D
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: boris66au on 06/13/03 at 04:58 a.m.
I only agreed to getting a DVD player when I noticed it had a Karaoke funtion built in....makes housework alot more fun
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: kayhepburn on 06/19/03 at 04:49 a.m.
Here in the UK, you very rarely see video's on sale now. Its all about DVD's. Alot of titles are only available on DVD.
I don't think its true that you have to have the best, most expensive equipment to enjoy them though....
My Sony portable DVD player was only £114.00 and I use it with a very average and small television.
Also, DVD's must be cheaper over here because each one I've bought has been in between £4.00 and £20.00.
I personally love the quality of them and they take up much less space which is always a bonus!
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Hairspray on 06/19/03 at 09:44 a.m.
The industry is most certainly forcing DVDs down our throats, slowly but surely. When places like "BlockBuster" hardly have any VHS tapes left on their shelves available for rental, it's definitely not a good sign for VHS tapes and the people who love them. :-/ I guess I will have to eventually trash my entire collection of hundreds. :'(
Subject: Re: The End of Videos?
Written By: Arcfire on 06/25/03 at 05:01 p.m.
No HS it wont, it will not be any "more" different than say upgrading from cassette tapes to CDs. Thank God that DVDs dont wear out!! That is one thing that I hated about VHS (especially when you have 4 nieces who watch alot of Disney videos! The prices on DVD Players have come down and you can find a pretty good one for less than $70 online these days.
I like watching the cut scenes, in some movies you have to ask why did they even cut them out? For instance in Gladiator, there was a cut scene that showed Joaquin Phoenix's character standing in front of an archery fireing squad asking his general why these men had betrayed him. I felt that they should have left this in the movie since it showed how much of a control freak he was, knowing some history of Rome, what he did to his father was just one more emperor dying at the hands of his successor. (wasnt the first, and it certianly wasnt the last)