Hi all, I'm not sure if it's legal to bring up this topic. Is there a big difference between original Bluray vs BDR (ahem) for someone who is not a videophile? Lately a lot of places we can source for BDR as compare to 1-2 years back. Don't get me wrong I do buy original Bluray but usually for classic titles such as Saving Private Ryan or LOTR. But lately since it's easier (not to mention cheaper) to buy BDR, I've been stocking up on some titles.

The question here is, is there a huge difference in terms of video/audio? I've got a few titles to compare and to be honest I'm quite happy with the quality of the BDR. I know an original Bluray has a bigger capacity (up to 50G dual layer) as compare to a BDR (25G or 50G), therefor the quality is compromised. Maybe there's a difference for full hd tv as compare to HD ready? Even the audio for BDR we still get HD audio since my Yamaha amp could still detect Dolby True HD & DTS HD Master Audio.

I've even tested the 3d titles (50G BDR) which comes with 2 versions (2d & 3d) of the film. As ever I'm quite impress with the 3d effect. However for some older titles such as Jurrassic Park I notice a lot of grainy pictures during night scenes, perhaps due to the limitation of BDR capacity? What do you guys think?

Please don't get me wrong, I'm not in any way promoting BDR (ahem) over original Bluray. Just wanna see what would be the response for this topic. Feel free to share fellas!

No difference (ahem) I think. The quality (.. cough.. cough) depends entirely on the (Ahh Choo !!) amount of data encrypted. More detail imagery will (Sneeeze... ) have bigger data to store. Hence (** fart **) the fact that its (Ptttui.. )BDR or BD source does not (uwek!!) matter .

Hope it (...cough... ah ptui !) helps.

the "grainy" is in the content itself the film, and has nothing to do with the disc capacity.

Re-compression doesn't produce grains, in fact it reduces them.

So u mean if we could re-compress a few more cycles the grainy part will be reduce?

Well for the audio part, even the older DVD which is from malam modify to detect hd or dts. That only depend on how they want to do it. Is preference of the buyer to judge on original or not

Yes, but lose details as well, its a process to shrink the file size.

You have a point here based on old malam DVD which we still could choose Dolby 5.1 or DTS. But the current BDR's audio could still bring the house down during scenes with LFE. But of course we could detect the details lost if one were to use hi-end speakers???

I can assure for the loud "boom" and those so called LFE can be reproduce even with bdr easily as what it was done those pasar malam DVD. Sound without quality is just noise

This post has been edited by sonerin: Dec 6 2011, 07:40 AM

If you care to check the bit rate from the display button of your remote, you may see that the 'ahem' stuff has lower value than the original one, especially for PQ. It all depends on how much the 'pirate' would want to compress the original during the production stage.

I think the Dolby True HD & DTS HD MA is not really lossless as I have compared BD vs. BDR (although not same movie) BDR seems alot softer (most shows need to crank to 15) and heavily rely on the centre speaker while BD is louder (normally watch at 25) and audio separation is better.

For the video part not much difference (mayb my 6 yo LCD not so sharp as LED)

I do compare few before, PQ wise certain movies had big impact on it, certain not, depends on the BDR quality as well the origin film in transfer.

Anyway, origin can assure play fine, I do face certain BDR is skipping and even worst having skip frame record before.

Beside this, BDR is not really cheap actually. You can get nicer price on older titles or promotion titles anytime at Amazon.

Always check here for great deal.

http://www.blu-ray.com/deals/?sortby=time&category=bluray

This post has been edited by Andrewtst: Dec 6 2011, 10:13 AM

I agree on the pricing. Just recently i bought x-men first class for 9.90 USD only

actually DTS THD and DTS MA have separate the audio between center speaker and left&right speakers...

as my previously silly mistakes, i no able to hear any vocal (talking & speech & converstation) from left&right speaker at all, only the action background sound only... thought my movies files problem or my amp or my media player problem... but i found out that i forgot to reconnect my center speaker cable back to amp... means the any vocal come from center speaker only and never come from other speakers....

here ... have a panadol. sounds like you're falling sick.

tested a few BDR from friend, packing and printing quality a bit cheap (not clear)
didnt find a problem when playing movie with [DD] and DTS tracks
i it cost cheaper but definately not for movie collectors

i've heard PQ not much difference but alot of difference in AQ. BDR always carry the risk of disc skipping or even unplayable

BDR is readily available with less titles choice whereas original by standard shipping can make one wait hell a lot of long time and carry the risk of holding-up by ketam . keep me in suspense while waiting for purchases arrival

originals are price reasonably nowadays but one need to keep following those internet websites for price change almost daily

i would say originals are much more worth it so go for it

This post has been edited by sunnyK: Dec 6 2011, 01:49 PM

I think u tested wrong format-la.

Mayb AVI or MKV ripped into BDR coz BD ripped Audio comes in lossless (DTS THD or DTS MA) not DD or DTS and the PQ is definitely better then DVD (at least 720p?)

I would say it is at least 80% ori quality (in terms of AQ & PQ) at 10% pricing.
Besides, only a minority uses BDlive or listen to in movie commentary ect.

---

Added on December 6, 2011, 5:18 pmBDR has more titles then BD - check out the new releases, not out for BD but your local shop already stock the BDR

Probably upscaled DVD9 with simulated 'DTS MA'

I know it is the politically correct thing to say but seriously??? RM150 for a movie when our average household income is RM3k? You mean only the very rich 5% of the population have the right to enjoy FullHD while the rest of the us go watch obsolete tech.

I will risk being ban by stating that it is way more worth it for RM20 BDR even if PQ & AQ is < RM150 BD

This post has been edited by rakyat: Dec 6 2011, 05:18 PM

Take it cool buddy this is a discussion thread. No right or wrong

But also indirectly promote pirated copy.

Gasp...!!!! Taboo to promote ahem ahem cough cough here....!!! Just kidding, there's no harm in sharing your opinion. Anyway what's the difference between buying BDR vs downloading .mkv movie files??? As though those downloaders are paying for them?

Anyways, back to the topic which is BD vs BDR, I feel that you can only enjoy the maximum quality of an original BD provided you have 1.)At least 50'' full hd tv - to appreciate the clarity. 2.)A good quality bluray player?? - am not sure if this makes any difference since I read in cnet that when we use hdmi as connecting medium for video/audio the info signal either reach or don't reach at all (meaning there's actually no difference in quality whether it's entry level Phillips or high end Oppo bluray player). 3.)High end receivers to read HD audio - Dolby True HD/DTS HD Master Audio. 4.)High end 7.1 speakers (which includes a mean ass subwoofer) to have a cinematic experience.

As compare to average user with 1.)32-50'' HD ready tv. 2.)Entry level Phillips player. 3.)Entry level Yamaha 5.1. 4.)Jalan Pasar bundle 5.1 speakers.....I believe BDR will be sufficient.

Well said.

I do share ediaikau's opinion.

To be honest, i dont really see much difference on the PQ when watching ahem disc. For AQ, yeap there's drawback here.

Last time tested ahem Avatar vs the origin i bought in LYN... The AQ is totall incomparable. U can really hear alot of details, especially on those minor things around u.

To be honest, sometimes i do buy those BR convert as its really much more affordable than true BR disc, even if its ahem version.

Of course, i do buy originL copy for those worthy collections such as Avatar, LoTR, Mummy, First Class... Etc..

Ahem ahem cough sneeze cough cough.......this flu is contagious...

So conclusion is there is for sure different quality. This should end this discussion on this thread

Of course BDR can't compare with BD due mainly to the storage space, currently BDR (50G) vs BD (50G dual layer) but I believe in the near future when 50G dual layer BDR is affordable then the gap in quality will be reduce significantly. Remember last time with DVD D9 could you actually tell the difference between Speedy ori vs Petaling Street Boutique????

Lol

Yeap.

Why so eager to end this thread? It's not like I'm promoting piracy. Sharing is caring;)

not much difference actually... but still, pls buy original

LOL i bewildred by this post and suprised that no one spoke out

- first, typical original bluray is only about RM80 for new movie and not RM150. older movie or during sales season it can go down to as low as RM30 and for boxset less than Rm15 per movie. Did you like even try to find cheaper alternatives or try to buy original to comment?

- secondly, to equate enjoy FullHD to being a right is a joke. It is a luxury and if you cannot afford it then too bad. Living in Malaysia has produce this type of mentality. It is just like saying i'm driving a proton but isn't it my right to have 6 speakers ICE, sunroof and 6 airbags. Isnt it my right to have those too? hence it makes its alright to go and rob a beemer

- lastly, piracy is a crime like stealing no matter how you see it or justify it. Blame the goverment cuz this high price is due to lack of control for media items and also open out piracy but also our much much weaker ringgit malaysia. I'm no saint, i buy pirated stuffs, download porns and don't pay summon but hey at least i don't try to justify it - at least not this way and i do buy original stuff once a while and support movies in cinema

No reason to speak out since we should respect each others opinion. Anyway this is not the main purpose of this thread whether buying BDR is right or wrong. More towards any difference in PQ/AQ if one were to watch BD vs BDR with entry level home theater & tv.

You are very funny. BDR with unauthorized movie burn/copy into it, in itself already breach the laws, why need to compare it with BD in the first place?

You keep talking just want to compare the PQ and AQ, but you do realize you are indirectly promote or support piracy. Do you?

Yes, i do see the better quality in br ripped of D9 vs those ori DVDs. Experience on Tansformers 1.

Everyone just be cool... Chill....

We're only trying to provide some feedback to TS' enquiry, nothing more than that.

Lets keep this thread clean and nice..

bdr more cheap lo only rm15 now.just wacth tranformer dark of the moon ehem bdr the sound should be dolby true hd but my avr show dts master crazy lo

Agree with what X-Zen comment "piracy is a crime like stealing no matter how you see it or justify it".

If piracy keep continuing, one fine day no any studio will continue filming.

Supporting on piracy = indirect educated your next generation on crime.

This post has been edited by Andrewtst: Dec 7 2011, 01:24 AM

Well is not crazy because it is altered in the disc to make your system recognize it that way. Strategy by the people who ripped for better sale.

No I'm not promoting piracy. I sure didn't introduce it. We're just doing a comparison just like .mkv downloads. It's there to be compared. Are you saying I just opened a can of worms? Looking at the response BDR actually plays an important role in introducing HD movies to the masses. It's now up to them to decide do they want to upgrade to more high end HD product to enjoy the full benefit of BD. Do you understand...?? Do you?

You are indirect promote piracy actually. Answer is given, this thread shall be close.

This post has been edited by Andrewtst: Dec 7 2011, 09:16 AM

Funny that in Lowyat Forum we can read thread about how to rip a cd or how to Jailbreak my IPad (ain't both of these also consider stealing?) but we can't have a discussion on BDR.

I'm not questioning anyone's moral high ground and I sure don't like mine to be question. Maybe this site should be rename HypocriteForum.com. So I'm gonna stop giving comment. Don't blame me if someone else still has a thing or two to say about BDR.

imho, ppl go for Blu-ray its because ppl want maximum PQ/AQ on their HT setup

if u can "compromise" the PQ/AQ and settle for a BDR, why dont straight go for high quality rips. (even save more $)

lets compare :

BDR
Pros = Cheap?
Cons = Altered contents, compressed PQ/AQ, substandard disc quality, "illegal" property

Original BD
Pros = Original contents, Extra contents (Bonus features, BD-Live, Digital Copy, etc), maximum PQ/AQ, better disc quality, better packaging, Legal property
Cons = Pricier than BDR?

at the end of the day, its all about cost/$$ (personal preference and choice)

what happen if u can purchase original BD at the price of BDR? will u still choose BDR?

This post has been edited by wiNd: Dec 7 2011, 10:04 AM

bluray is digital media...containing data...i.e ones and zeros...
so 10101010101 be it on a normal disc...gold disc... pariah disc...or file format... end of the day...is still gonna be the same 10101010101....

This post has been edited by yonggoh: Dec 7 2011, 11:41 AM

Combination of correct 101011 etc is very costly.

Wah, this thread is getting interesting. So I'll just throw in something I posted in another thread to add some confusion.

"This is not an endorsement for ahem BDs but truth must be told. Though most ahem BDs are 25GB vs most orignal BDs at 50GB, it is not really half the quality. There are two portions here, the audio and the video. As far as the HD audio is concerned, there is vitually no loss of quality but you may not have the full range of audio options (some languages not available, maybe only 5.1 vs 7.1 in original or no audio commentary, and so forth.) There is some loss in the video quality since the bit-rate will be lower because of the reduced capacity but it is probably only noticeable viewing in high end equipment or if comparing side by side. For pratical purposes, it is almost the same. You may also lose some of the extras found in the original but video quality is still much better than DVDs, even the original. The 50GB ahem BDs will probably have everything in the original but at RM40, it is more expensive than some original BD. The physical quality and reliability of the ahem BD is of course unknown. Just my view so others will disagree.

Considering the above points and price of some of the original BDs on offer, I agree that it is definitely not worth getting the ahem BDs. Just a current example, the Alien Anthology (6-BD set) is on sale at Amazon UK for GBP13.97 which works out to less than RM13 per disc including shipping. You get the original with the full works so in conclusion - no fight - buy Original!"

BTW, there are different quality of ahem BDs depending on the source so buyers will have different experience and you will not know what you'll be getting or what will be missing. Thus safer to buy original and even cheaper for some titles! Unless you don't really care.

This post has been edited by ronaldkwok: Dec 7 2011, 01:01 PM

I have both BDR and Original BD. To me they are the same as long as it is one to one copy without any compression on SQ or PQ.

yo buddy, never admit yourself of owning any pirated disc.

---

Added on December 7, 2011, 1:31 pmwow, interesting topic for discussion, i guess most of us from bluray thread will not support pirated disc, not only the quality dif, in term of packing & reliability, besides original is getting cheaper, pls support original

PS: i just heard from a friend, he bought the "P" disc from china, only cost him RM6/disc

This post has been edited by johnbluraylover: Dec 7 2011, 01:31 PM

as long as original BDs prices remain reasonable and easy to obtain , there will be demand

omg , RM6/disc and P somemore, oh those chinese are so smart

Hahaha did I say pirated? No I only said BDR, I used BDR to backup the original mah

Agree with you bro wiNd, if a genuine BD price cheaper than BDR, would anyone go for a truncated materials? I'm sure some will due to the availability. This is beyond the authorities control to bust piracy as most of it decided diplomatically. So govt should take severe actions on those mongers first , that ensure people comparing genuine item and non-genuine item..

Just a thought..

I think BD prices now is quite reasonable. During the VHS days we used to pay around RM40-RM50 for the original VHS tapes. Now the BD price is around that range also. But i wish it will be cheaper

What a good statement!!

Its the same logic that applies to high and low quality hdmi cables..

Sorry I can't help it but to return my comment here although I did made a vow not to, (sorry to disappoint those airheads who can't make any concrete comment apart from 'this thread is close'). Like I mention before this topic has been in everyone's mind just that no one wants to open the pandora's box and be accused of 'promoting piracy'.

Let's face the facts, who here can claim that in their lifetime they have never download torrent films/music, buy ahem cd/vcd/DVD? It's not that I'm trying to justify whether or not it's right or wrong. It's definitely NOT right to buy any form of piracy. But actually we're here to make a genuine comparison whether there is a difference to a low budget HT kaki in terms of AQ/PQ. If we can convince/educate people that there is actually so much benefit we can gain from getting a BD then I strongly believe we can eradicate piracy in the form of 'ahem ahem cough cough BDR'

Everyone has a right to enjoy HD movie, irregards of BD or BDR. No one has the right to criticize or look down on those who stand on the 'wrong' side of the fence (ahem ahem cough cough). Everyone needs to start somewhere right? By learning to appreciate the plus point of BD only will more consumers take the Full HD leapt of faith to join the genuine BD supporters group.

Even myself would love to learn to appreciate the finer side of BD, to buy the best equiptment from HTkaki or get my calibration from Anfield Dude. That is why I started this thread....to learn from all the experience members here. But I have to start my learning process the hard way with my hd ready tv, entry level Yamaha receiver, Pasar Road 5.1 speakers, BD & BDR to compare. To be honest with my entry level HD gadget I can't tell any bloody difference.

I'm sure a lot of members here would be able to identify or share my predicament. And that is the whole point of having a forum, to share and learn from each other. I sincerely would like to thank those who had contributed valuable info in this thread. I learn so much from you guys. To those holier than thou whatever you call yourself......"and therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee."

This post has been edited by ediaikau: Dec 8 2011, 12:28 AM

My experience
50G BDR
PQ - Good
AQ - Good but cannot trust, Some it shown DTS-HD 5.1 but only 2CH from FL & FR.. (make me understand how good they brag, still something missing that we don't know)

25G BDR
PQ - Good
AQ - At least still got 5.1 but sometime notice the sound not that great, but don't expect much since already know this is 25G
Special feature - normally can't play as already taken away so the movie can store in 25G

One thing that above BDR annoying me is when I want to playback on other language or some features that written on the cover and realized it was not available.

Blu-ray from Amazon or imported version bought at local store (now have some Blu-ray with Local Packing which I don't have any yet)
PQ - Good
AQ - of course is good, and get everything as written on the cover.
Special feature - get everything as written on the cover
Bonus - depend on which title or which version that you bought

PQ that I say good for all this 3 kinds of Blu-ray because I can't tell major different from my eye.. May be with higher end gadget which I do not own.

Certain BDR is fake, it not running official release BD, example obvious I check last time was "Gone with the Wind". It is pre-loaded with old copy DVD.

Beside this, I also found before two titles that record with skip frame (look like record with 12fps), and etc etc....

Nothing is promising for BDR, depends on the record source and record method.

This post has been edited by Andrewtst: Dec 8 2011, 09:17 AM

i think majority ppl r using entry level equipments to watch Blu-ray (not many can afford high-end stuff)

if u cant differentiate BD/BDR's PQ/AQ... its fine...you may stick to BDR, but u cant deny in overall, original BD will give u the ultimate Blu-ray experience. something you will appreciate more rather than a piece of disc

besides that, original BD will have resale value...(BDR, i dont think so..illegal so sell)

yeap... to be frank sometimes i encounter popping sound from my 10' sub while watching BDR titles, especially explosive scenes...

the one i remember clearly was a 50GB BDR IronMan2... damn potong stim wei~~

Might or might not be a BDR issue, it could also be your sub is bottoming out because it cannot handle the explosion.

Can't agree more.

^^^ then you should watch digital broadcast since it is 10010 also

The whole value chain with lossy compression is not so simple. When every thing can be lossless then it is true.

hey, DVD also uses 101010 data info

so DVD = BD ?

........................... VCD also 1010101............

Sumting for nuthin .. or close to it..

Who dont want tat.. But lets be fair and do the rite ting.. buy original so de magic can continue..

Aftr saying tat .. bootleg stuff can never be trusted to offer wat de original does, eg.. it says dts hd but offer only dts core only.. if u can live wif tat , then fine and gud.. if not , why complain since when u pay peanuts..

D