Blu-Ray Players Not a Good Gift

Who would know we’re tinkering on the edge of recession here in Canada?¬† The stores are packed, mall parking lots are as aggravating as ever, and it isn’t even December.¬† With more North Americans planning to wait for their coveted items to hit the sale rack, perhaps many of today’s shoppers are simply making their list, and checking (the price tag) twice.¬†¬†While Americans plan to spend 50% less this Christmas than they did in 2007 – from $859 to $431,¬†Canadians are¬†less inclined to cut back, according to a study by Deloitte, with only 40% of shoppers planning to spend less this holiday season.¬† And, thanks to credit cards and debit card overdraft, Christmas budgets are easily¬†blown when facing the temptation of shiny new merchandise surrounded by red and green cheer, carols crooning¬†through the store speakers.¬†

More than ever, there is an abundance of high-priced electronic items on the gift wish list.¬† The video game consoles will still be a hit among families, not to mention the games that go with them.¬† But, think twice about buying a¬†Blu-Ray player this year.¬† The price of these high-tech players have been slashed from US$400 to US$230 to encourage better sales this Christmas.¬† The technology, however, is a threatened species in the world of high-definition video.¬† Consider that DVD prices are lower than ever, at $15¬†(versus the inflated Blu-Ray DVD’s at $30), video-on-demand and internet streaming are more readily available, and critics say the quality of the picture is not substantial enough to warrant the heftier price tag.¬†

A new DVD player can cost as low as $50 in Canada while the hyped up technology of Blu-Ray is about five times the price.¬† With the possibility of Blu-Ray going the way of the Beta, consumers should think twice about investing in it.¬† Personally, I’m glad I scoffed at the merits of Blu-Ray that the sales guy espoused when I when DVD player shopping a few weeks back.¬† I asked the question: Why buy this if I have to then re-purchase all my kids’ DVDs with more expensive versions?¬† He insisted the quality of the picture made it worth the extra cost.¬† I wasn’t convinced and, thus,¬†added a measley $70 to his commission-based sale.¬† My new DVD player works great,¬†as do my kids’ DVDs, and I’m only $70 poorer.¬† Time to do some more shopping!