Blue Ray

[Inactive]

That is fine for upgrades that improve the system Simon, however if it is to do something against the owners wishes, like altering/barring region coding, then it is certainly not, it is a touch of Big Brother in my book.

[Simon]

I suppose if the upgrades are via PC downloads, or CDs, it is up to the owner whether they apply them or not, and any firmware upgrade would, by nature, reset all of the machines settings to defaults, wouldn't it?  I don't believe it's anything more sinister than that.  You can actually buy US machines, but of course, they would only play Region A (1) or non region coded discs.  That would suit me just fine, as I would import most of my discs anyway, but you then have to buy a voltage adapter, and it all starts to get a bit 'iffy'.  I'm sure, as with DVDs, there will soon be a better way round region coding.

[Inactive]

I'm sure, as with DVDs, there will soon be a better way round region coding.

Indeed Simon, it just pisses me off that the film industry/ DVD Makers can get away with this sh*t.

[Simon]

I agree, In, especially when there's no logical, or even financial reason for it now.  Not that I can see anyway.  Surely a DVD purchased from the USA would bring in the same revenue to the film industry as one purchased in the UK?  The only difference is the level of tax imposed on the consumer.

[madasahatter]

I agree, In, especially when there's no logical, or even financial reason for it now.  Not that I can see anyway.  Surely a DVD purchased from the USA would bring in the same revenue to the film industry as one purchased in the UK?  The only difference is the level of tax imposed on the consumer.

I don't think that's necessarily the case Simon. Historically, Region 2 DVDs have usually been more expensive than region 1 - it's just another example of companies knowing that they can get away with charging more outside of the good old US of A.

[Simon]

Is it not just the UK VAT though, Mad?  I would happily be corrected, and learn from this, by the way. 

[Rik]

AFAIK, Simon, the price differences are way more than the tax differences - even iTunes manages to charge twice as much here as in the States, and the product is identical.

[Inactive]

Rip Off Britain as usual.

[madasahatter]

Is it not just the UK VAT though, Mad?  I would happily be corrected, and learn from this, by the way. 

For years we have been paying a lot more than our American friends for things like CDs, DVDs, gaming consoles, most electronic goods etc. Yes, the higher rate of VAT as against US purchase tax does make a difference, but not enough to explain the difference in price.

The last major example was the PS3, which in America was over a third cheaper (allowing for exchange rates) than the Uk price on release.

[Simon]

All the more reason to get a multi region player then.   

[madasahatter]

Very true  8)

[sobranie]

Looky here;

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117951183.html?categoryid=1009&cs=1

[madasahatter]

I like the "to keep a lid on piracy" bit - NO - it's to con us so that they can rip us off - greedy so and sos.

I sometimes wonder if these companies REALLY think we are so gullible.

[Rik]

Some people are, sadly, Mad. They are also the ones who don't use AV or secure their wireless routers.

[Simon]

Some people are, sadly, Mad. They are also the ones who don't use AV or secure their wireless routers.

Indeed, you would have to be mad not to! 

[Rik]

   

[madasahatter]

Some people are, sadly, Mad.

Suppose some are, but I think it's more a case of there not being much choice. To the average punter on the street, the price of a DVD is the price that it is - they may think its expensive, but they still want it and buy it. If you go to Currys for instance to buy a DVD player, they don't have multi region players, so I suppose a fair proportion of the public don't even realise that they exist. Like a lot of things, it's ignorance, rather than gullibility, coupled with a lack of power tochange things that allows these companies to get away with it.

[Rik]

We do have the power to change things though, mad. If we all simply refused to buy goods at inflated prices and told retailers why, they would soon apply pressure.

[madasahatter]

Yep - totally agree, but unfortunately, I can't see any such campaign overcoming the general apathy in this country to be honest 

[Rik]

No, and that's why we will continue to be ripped off.

[madasahatter]

Some of us anyway

[Rik]

I was speaking as a national whole (and stop and think before you respond to that one peops    )

[madasahatter]

no one wants to answer that one now!!! 

[Inactive]

I was speaking as a national whole (and stop and think before you respond to that one peops    )

I thought that read " national whore "..I was kind of thinking Amy Whinearse.

[Rik]

Nice sidestep, In.