| Jack's Corner -Jan 99 Archive | ||||
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Happy New Year !!!!!!!! Ok Houston we have a problem here !!!! Houston are you listening ???? Many years ago when the earth was young home video started to take hold albeit at a very expensive dollar figure. Yes, This was the birth of Beta… and it was good !! Unfortunately Beta although a better product, was soon overtaken by the evil VHS format. Why ?????, because VHS could record much longer and the mere mortals on this terrain ground made a choice. Length over quality, and it was not good. Beta then took over and provided not only a longer recording time in the fast mode, 3 hours as opposed to 2 hours for VHS but also introduced Beta HIFI and this was good. VHS then countered with HIFI but it was still not good. Why, because Beta became Super Beta and… it was good. No matter, the average citizen spoke, they wanted VHS because they could record an amazing 6 hours in a mode that for all practical purposes was all but unwatchable, but, the consumer had spoken. Beta was better but VHS took off an became the king. I still remember the early VHS machines wherein I could record a program on my machine that would not play on another VHS machine whereas Beta would play fine on all machines I tried. ( I still have a Beta HIFI machine ) Then came Laser Discs, no not the kind with the stylus but true Laser discs. This was heaven, a good picture with quality sound even in the original analog format. This was good !! There was a time when we could choose whether we wanted Pan and Scan or widescreen, letterbox or whatever you want to call it. The move to a semi digital sound format with additional audio tracks was a way good thing. Still the average consumer had little interest especially when the manufacturers started releasing only in the widescreen format. Back then the average sized television was about 20" and watching the WS version of Ben Hur on 1 of those was for all intentional purposes a joke. I tried to explain to the neophytes of Audio and Video that it was important to allow the film to be shown in its proper "Aspect Ratio, however it was a bit difficult trying to explain how a band aid sized picture on their TV could be enjoyed as art. Go Figure. Accordingly the average American flocked to VHS, not because it was better but because it was cheap, easy, available and full screen. Laser Discs were after all expensive, widescreen and non recordable. Now the in the twilight of Laser a new format has entered the ring with promises of multiple aspect ratios, wonderful picture and sound not to mention a very reasonable price. There are tons of options available to us the consumers in way of multiple audio channels, extra special super groovy information, ease of handling, storage and no side changes. Even the players are relatively cheap. And this was very very good !!!! It is called DVD !!!! (The audience goes wild at this point.) But wait a minute Houston we have a problem looming on the horizon. It would appear that some manufacturers are cheaping out here. I recently viewed 2 discs that were stunning in all ways except that there was no choice of on screen format. We are being given 1 side that is widescreen and the opposite side that has a cutesy labeling or picture on it. WHOAH there Hoss, I thought that the consumer was to be given a choice here. We still must be aware that the majority of viewers are still without a large screen television and will not accept a movie that is recorded at an aspect ratio well over 2:1. NO NO NO NO NO!!!! If this product is to be accepted by the masses it must include that which will benefit said masses when it is put together. A DVD has the ability to appeal to EVERYONE, without the loss of quality for those that demand such things. WHY OH WHY would the manufactures of these wonderful little discs, knowing what the average consumer wants slap said consumer in the face again and again. I mean it may sound stupid but who needs a logo of Blade or Armageddon on one side of this compact disc sized format. This wastes an opportunity to reach all people that may have accepted this medium even without the ability to record. When these little silver platters were released I remember thinking I need to jump on this bandwagon because it will be big. I think I was right, kinda. Now I see the prices slowly going upward and the options slowly going downward. I am lucky enough to have a large screen television, but what about the people that love movies as much as I but for whatever reason cannot afford such a luxury. Should they be ignored ?? I would hope not, because their money is as good as anyone else’s and that money may just be the key to making this new format not only survive but escalate to wonderful heights. C’mon you manufactures out there, get this thing together and do it the right way before VHS finds another way to bury you. This would include the way stupid problem as in Amadeus wherein the disc must be turned over. I thought multi layering was pretty well accepted as well as very easy to do. Please don’t wreck this new and wonderful format. Make this good for all those wishing to participate. If the days of $100.00 discs return and the manufactures once again ignore the public I will be really really angry !!! Ok so that is not a real threat to have me angry but it made me feel good for a second. I mean look at Divx….what a load of crap that is. Maybe the public is becoming aware. Imagine the possibilities… People out there that agree let me know and also let the manufactures know as well. Give kudos to those that deserve it such as Warner Brothers and the ones that blow it in your eyes scream out loud…I am mad as Hell and I am not gonna take it anymore !!!! Ohhh by the way I have seen the future and it is on the Avengers Disc…WOW What clarity. But more on that later… Thank You I am done now :-)
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