[Publib] Blu-Ray DVDs

[Daniel Messer - LIBRARY]

Heya!

Well, we've got a small but growing Blu-Ray collection here and the
reviews have been mixed. The biggest problem we have is people checking
them out not realizing that they're Blu-Rays, then they bring them back
saying that it won't work in their (regular) DVD player.

Though to put one thing to rest, Blu-Rays are actually supposed to be
sturdier than regular DVDs. I don't know how true that is. But according
to the FAQs, they're covered with a hard coat making them more scratch
and fingerprint resistant. Me, I wouldn't know because I treat both of
them as if they're made of glass.

You're right about the HD set needed to really get the full benefits of
the disc. I've got a decent little kit at home including a PS3 (more on
that in a sec) and an HDTV. And really, I notice the difference and
stuff, but it's not enough to make me jump up and buy every single movie
that comes out on Blu-Ray. Even when I rent something, I couldn't care
less what the format is.

The biggest thing I've heard from patrons I've talked with about this is
the buy-in and initial investment needed. Right now, the PS3 is one of
the cheaper Blu-Ray players on the market and it's still not what I
would call cheap. Add that to the cost of even a mildly inexpensive HDTV
and yeah, there goes this month's paycheque. But I've also found that
the whole thing is kind of like a club. In other words, those who know
what a Blu-Ray is, what it does, why it's (supposedly) better, and all
that; they're the ones who tend to have the equipment to play them
anyway.

Those who don't know any of that stuff? They're still using the regular
DVDs.

So, from here:

PROS- Better sound, better video, new and exciting format, lots of hype
on telly so lots of people are curious about them, those who know what
they are don't need any help figuring them out, and ironically a low
theft rate because why steal what you cannot use?

CONS- High buy in which is really not reflective of many of our patron's
incomes, niche audience, BIG titles still aren't out on Blu-Ray (no
original Indiana Jones or Star Wars for instance), and a low circulation
rate because why check out what you cannot use?

My two cents is that they're a great format for rental, but there's only
a very select group of movies I'd buy (or re-buy) on Blu-Ray. And that's
coming from a flickhead and computer geek.

Yours,
~Dr. Gonzo!


---
Daniel Messer
Circulation Supervisor
Queen Creek Library
21802 S Ellsworth Rd
Queen Creek, AZ 85242
danielmesser at mcldaz.org
602-652-3362
In advance, I apologize to those who expect a consistant position from
me. ~Dr. Clifford Stoll

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Tatar, Becky
Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 5:01 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Blu-Ray DVDs

Hi, all,

Sorry for any cross duplication.  I've been asked to collect pro/con
information on acquiring Blu-Ray DVDs for our collection.  I recently
asked the staff to let me know if we were getting any patron inquiries
about Blu-Ray, and basically, no one has asked, to my knowledge.  I know
that Blu-Ray has supoerior sound, video, and hold tons more information.
But I hav also heard they are more delicate than regular DVDs, connot be
cleaned/sanded on the same machines that do DVDs.  I know they can't be
used with a regular DVD play, and that you basically need a 1080p
television to really take advantage of Blu-Ray.  If you have any
experiences, good or bad about Blu-Ray, that would be great.  Thanks in
advance!

Becky Tatar
Periodicals/Audiovisuals
Aurora Public Library
1 E. Benton Street
Aurora, IL   60505
Phone: 630-264-4100
FAX: 630-896-3209
bltata at aurora.lib.il.us
www.aurora.lib.il.us




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