After Xtra-Vision

recipio

Being from the Jurassic era I used to rent blu-ray from xtra-vision. I like the visual quality and even the sound from blu-ray.
What to do now. ? I don't think online streaming has the crisp HD quality I like and postal dvd sites are a pain - I don't like making lists of 10 dvds and setting up direct debits etc. Is there any easy and efficient way to rent blu-ray ?

flazio

Check your local supermarkets to see if any of them have an Xtra-vision kiosk installed. Other than that Apple and Google movies, Netflix etc have won the day.

super_furry

No way to rent really, you're just going to have to buy I think.

L1011

The postal option is gone now too - Screenclick went under last month.

Buying second-hand somewhere like Chapters or an equivalent and cycling them back for the resale value is cheaper than buying new if you don't want to spend that much.

recipio

Thanks all.A kiosk would be ideal. Not too keen on spending 14 euro in Tesco just to watch a movie.No doubt better technology will evolve.

rubadub

I remember years back getting dvd collections, like buying 10-20 at once, half of them I did not really have an interest in but you could sell them as a collection on for around the same price after watching, or hold on to what you do want.

But usually collections like this would not have the latest releases. But you are not fiddling around with selling or buy them singly at a time.

recipio

Update folks. I found that I could connect my Sky box to my broadband and started to watch 'The Martian' with Matt Damon.Bloody hell, if that is online streaming then Sky can keep it. It is not a patch in clarity compared to Blu-ray. I went to delete it and found I am to be charged for the movie :eek:
Anybody else do this ?

_Tombstone_

recipio wrote: »

Update folks. I found that I could connect my Sky box to my broadband and started to watch 'The Martian' with Matt Damon.Bloody hell, if that is online streaming then Sky can keep it. It is not a patch in clarity compared to Blu-ray. I went to delete it and found I am to be charged for the movie :eek:
Anybody else do this ?

What broadband provider have ya....or what's the best provider you have access to??

recipio

_Tombstone_ wrote: »

What broadband provider have ya....or what's the best provider you have access to??

Vodaphone. It doesn't help that that the movie opened with a sandstorm However, I don't think the quality was there. I also wonder about scenes being cut with online movies. With a disc you get the cinema version and more on blu-ray.

ED E

Amazon video might be a good option, but dunno what licensing is like this side of the pond (selection could be smaller, a la Irish Netflix).

High Definition (HD)
High Definition (HD) provides a high quality picture, with display resolutions up to 1080p. This is similar to what you would see with a Blu-ray disc. HD videos also feature an enhanced sound experience and 5.1 multi-channel audio (for available titles, and with compatible sound equipment and devices).

Most Amazon Video titles are available in HD, and you can watch videos in High Definition on most compatible devices. High Definition videos require a high-speed Internet connection for smooth playback.

Ultra High Definition (UHD)
Ultra High Definition (UHD) offers a "4K" picture resolution that is four times greater than HD. At this time, Ultra HD playback is supported on the following Amazon Video devices:

Amazon Fire TV (2nd Generation)
Roku 4
Samsung Ultra HD TVs (2014 or newer models)
Sony Ultra HD TVs (2014 or newer models)
LG Ultra HD TVs (2014 or newer models)
Vizio Ultra HD TVs (2014 or newer models)
You need a high-speed Internet connection of at least 15 Mbps to watch videos in UHD. You may also need to upgrade the firmware for your compatible Ultra HD TV to the latest version. You'll know you have the latest version if you see an Ultra HD icon on the Amazon Video Home screen.

"HD" with the tv providers is still only 720p and OTT services like on demand see higher compression that broadcast if my memory serves me.

Its kinda funny how the illegal viewers can get the content they want in high bitrate 1080p w/ 5.1(7.1) with just a few clicks and anybody trying to legally watch gets hit with brick wall after brick wall. Hollywood is still in the goddamn dark ages.

Cabaal

Amazon Instant Video won't work in Ireland without VPN showing as UK or USA (depending on which site you subscribe to),

recipio

Cabaal wrote: »

Amazon Instant Video won't work in Ireland without VPN showing as UK or USA (depending on which site you subscribe to),

Amazon do a postal service called 'Lovefilm' but only in the UK ?
Its a bit pricey having it posted to PM in Newtownabbey.

Joo0

You could buy second hand blu rays in CEX and then trade them back in for credit when you are finished watching. The cost would work out about the same as the rental fee for Xtra Vision.

Cabaal

recipio wrote: »

Amazon do a postal service called 'Lovefilm' but only in the UK ?
Its a bit pricey having it posted to PM in Newtownabbey.

They do but its being phased out bit by bit in favour of Prime Instant Video and Amazon Fire TV sticks (makes sense to be honest),
Would be an awful waste of money to use it with ParcelMotel

_Tombstone_

recipio wrote: »

Amazon do a postal service called 'Lovefilm' but only in the UK ?
Its a bit pricey having it posted to PM in Newtownabbey.

I sent you a PM a few days ago recipio.

recipio

_Tombstone_ wrote: »

I sent you a PM a few days ago recipio.

Thanks, PM sent.

Mick Murdock

My local Supervalu in Dalkey has a vending machine which I think is Xtravision Xpress or something to that affect? They have some kind of deal with Musgraves so might be worth checking their stores in your area. I've also seen them in Spar shops. I have never used it so can't comment on the selection available..

Edit: http://xvxpress.ie/locations/

recipio

Mick Murdock wrote: »

My local Supervalu in Dalkey has a vending machine which I think is Xtravision Xpress or something to that affect? They have some kind of deal with Musgraves so might be worth checking their stores in your area. I've also seen them in Spar shops. I have never used it so can't comment on the selection available..

Edit: http://xvxpress.ie/locations/

Thanks. Are they not stocked by XtraVision who are now kaput ? No supervalu locally unfortunately
I managed to set up a free one month trial for online streaming with Amazon by entering the PM address. The quality on the computer is fine but I don't have a HDMI port on the computer. Would any other cable do ?

Mick Murdock

From what I gather they are still focusing on the vending machines post store closure. Check other Musgrave locations like Centra and Mace (not sure if they have all been rebranded now).

I'm probably not best positioned to answer your question but I thought the Chromecast and Apple TV boxes etc. Eliminate the need for a hdmi port on your laptop. Maybe look into those. They are pretty cheap.

recipio

Postcript. Joined Amazon's Lovefilm as a free trial. Blurays are posted to PM so they are costing me 3.90 at present. Watched 'The Martian' this weekend and there is simply no comparison to the poor quality of streamed video.Maybe I'm a perfectionist ( ok I am ) but am I in a minority of one ? :rolleyes:

Curb Your Enthusiasm

recipio wrote: »

Postcript. Joined Amazon's Lovefilm as a free trial. Blurays are posted to PM so they are costing me 3.90 at present. Watched 'The Martian' this weekend and there is simply no comparison to the poor quality of streamed video.Maybe I'm a perfectionist ( ok I am ) but am I in a minority of one ? :rolleyes:

are you seriously paying €3.90 to PM everytime for each blu ray rental? hilarious!

recipio

Curb Your Enthusiasm wrote: »

are you seriously paying €3.90 to PM everytime for each blu ray rental? hilarious!

Well, I used to pay 5 to Xtravision - I'll be cancelling when the free trial runs out.:rolleyes: