Today’s episode of You Asked delves into the current state of Blu-ray technology. Is it still relevant, or is it on its last legs? And what is the connection between the decline of Blu-ray players and the industry? Additionally, we explore how to connect analog audio devices like turntables to the Sony Bravia Theater Quad and whether Samsung’s top soundbar supports Dolby Vision.
Blu-Ray on Life Support? Samsung Soundbars & Dolby Vision | You Asked Ep. 57
Checking in on Blu-ray
John Siracusa raised concerns about the dwindling presence of Blu-ray players in the market, especially in the budget-friendly segment. Despite the unmatched quality of 4K Blu-rays, the convenience and popularity of streaming services have eclipsed physical media. The outdated software and lack of consumer interest continue to challenge the Blu-ray industry’s prospects.
While enthusiasts appreciate the superior quality of Blu-rays, the majority of consumers prioritize convenience over fidelity. The decline in disc sales directly impacts player sales, exacerbating the industry’s challenges.
Modernizing Blu-ray players would require significant investments in new technology, but the shrinking market makes it a risky proposition for manufacturers.
How to connect a turntable to a Bravia Theater Quad
Praveen seeks guidance on connecting his turntable to the Sony Bravia Theater Quad, which only accepts HDMI inputs.
To integrate a turntable into the Theater Quad, an analog-to-digital converter is necessary to bridge the gap between analog audio output and HDMI input. Quality of the analog-to-digital conversion is crucial for sound fidelity. Utilizing an HDMI switcher may be required to manage audio sources effectively.
Samsung soundbars and Dolby Vision support
Zoraver inquires about Samsung Q990D soundbar’s compatibility with Dolby Vision on non-Samsung TVs.
The Samsung Q990D soundbar can pass through Dolby Vision signals to a TV, but it does not process the Dolby Vision content itself. It serves as a conduit for the signal, letting the TV handle the visual enhancement feature.
