STREAMING vs 4K BLU-RAY REVISITED | Discussion | Audio Topics | Dolby Atmos

I wanted to revisit the topic of streaming audio versus uncompressed audio on physical media after having some eye-opening situations between the two formats lately. So I did some tests and got some interesting findings. Check it out!
Game of Thrones: The Complete Series
Amazon - amzn.to/3LMwgDt
Best Buy - howl.me/ciaxfCibF8q
Target - howl.me/ciaxgMc7EKv
Jumanji: The Next Level
Amazon - amzn.to/3SzdjX0
Best Buy - howl.me/ciaxh7nVPRg
Target - howl.me/ciaxi5Qu3lr
Dune (2021)
Amazon - amzn.to/3E1E1Ud
Best Buy - howl.me/ciaxkHxgALV
Target - howl.me/ciaxlsOGhUc
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MY HOME THEATER SETUP
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65” LG C1 OLED TV
Crutchfield - howl.me/chNr9ONsB1Q
Amazon - amzn.to/3lTcHMQ​​
B&H Photo - bhpho.to/2SDJpYg
Marantz SR7015
Crutchfield - howl.me/chNr9OFKp3N
Amazon - amzn.to/3F1VmcZ
B&H Photo - bhpho.to/3p9zWpb
Outlaw Audio Model 7000x Amplifier
Amazon - amzn.to/3NO6oGZ
Peachtree Nova300 Stereo Integrated Amp
www.aperionaudio.com/collections/peachtree-amplifiers/products/peachtree-nova300-stereo-amplifier-gloss-ebony-mocha?ref=xgnDvScPYS9H3
Emotiva BasX A3 Amplifier
emotiva.com/collections/amps/products/basx-a3-three-channel-power-amplifier?aff=11
FRONT LCR
Aperion Audio Verus III V8T Towers
www.aperionaudio.com/collections/verus-speakers/products/aperion-audio-verus-iii-v8t-tower-speaker?ref=xgnDvScPYS9H3&variant=636581026746774
Aperion Audio Verus III Grand V6C Center Channel
www.aperionaudio.com/collections/verus-speakers/products/verus-iii-grand-center-channel-speaker?ref=xgnDvScPYS9H3
FRONT WIDES & VOICE OF GOD
Aperion Audio Novus Slim N6SC LCR
www.aperionaudio.com/collections/novus-speakers/products/novus-slim-lcr-dual-6-5-on-wall-surround-speaker-single?ref=xgnDvScPYS9H3
SURROUNDS
Aperion Audio Verus III Grand V5B Bookshelf
www.aperionaudio.com/collections/verus-speakers/products/verus-iii-grand-bookshelf-speaker-pair?ref=xgnDvScPYS9H3
SURROUND BACKS
Aperion Audio Novus N6T Tower Speakers
www.aperionaudio.com/collections/novus-speakers/products/aperion-audio-novus-6t-2-way-6-5-tower-floorstanding-speaker-single?ref=xgnDvScPYS9H3
ATMOS HEIGHT SPEAKERS
Aperion Audio A5 Height Module
www.aperionaudio.com/collections/novus-speakers/products/aperion-a5-immersive-height-module?ref=xgnDvScPYS9H3
LG UBK90 4K Blu-ray Player
Best Buy - howl.me/chNr9OziN0X
Amazon - amzn.to/2UtSnZ0
B&H Photo - bhpho.to/3zeOg1G
AppleTV 4K (4th Gen)
Target - howl.me/chNr9OzNkRT
Amazon - amzn.to/3kGQ1R9
B&H Photo - bhpho.to/3eCueWU
Nintendo Switch
Target - howl.me/chNr9OyO7uf
Amazon - amzn.to/2Tqra96
B&H Photo - bhpho.to/3x2Ea2B
14 AWG Copper Speaker Wire
Amazon - amzn.to/3cmGoCP​​
B&H Photo - bhpho.to/3dqdVMc
Monoprice Low Profile 22 Lb Capacity Speaker Mounts
Amazon - amzn.to/3ckelDM​​
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MY VIDEO GEAR
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Audio Interface - Focusrite Saffire Pro 40
Amazon - amzn.to/3stZ6y0​​
Sennheiser MKE600
Amazon - amzn.to/3slMidQ​​
B&H Photo - www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/878340-REG/Sennheiser_MKE_600_Shotgun.html
Sony A7 II Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
Best Buy - howl.me/chNr9OV8FEQ
Amazon - amzn.to/3GJqFty
B&H Photo - bhpho.to/3GLtnik
Canon EOS Rebel T5i
Amazon - amzn.to/2Y432rp​​​
DJI OM 4 SE
Best Buy - howl.me/chNr9OV8FEQ
Amazon - amzn.to/3zXAYcY​​
Shure KSM32 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Crutchfield - howl.me/chNr9OEjHIG
Amazon - amzn.to/2QEVuLr​​
B&H Photo - bhpho.to/3dpC3yQ
XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable
Amazon - amzn.to/3lYz1ED​​
B&H Photo - bhpho.to/2U6ikNH
JOILCAN 81" Tripod
Amazon - amzn.to/3hn7RoS
B&H Photo - bhpho.to/2Ua1LAr​​​​
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LINKS
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Everything you need can be found at the link below! Woohoo!
linktr.ee/ealanosborne
#4k #streaming #hometheater
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DISCLAIMERS
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I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites

[@Rockovissi]

I always prefer the disc over streaming. Dolby True HD/Atmos vs. Dolby Digital +/Atmos. Know what I’m sayin’?

[@killroy2014]

dolby digital+/Atmos is not really Atmos for me. it needs a uncompressed source. you hit the nail on the head👍

[@StevenYoungEtc]

Dang, I could never explain this to the people in my house, regarding why I have a Netflix DVD subscription in 2022, but you've so clearly stated my experience with 4k Blu Ray discs. Well, those modern 4k players also help when putting an ancient Hollywood classic on a modern screen.

[@uhoh7541]

I didn't know netflix still rented discs via mail 🤔 I may have to sign up for that depending on library and if they have blu ray and or 4k. I've been buying movies i know I'll only watch once just to get the extra quality. I thought rental was in hospice, guess it's intensive care.

[@marvinvargas4988]

Netflix doesn't rent 4K unfortunately, and given the shrinking market I doubt they ever will. Would love to know if there's any reasonably priced alternatives for 4K rentals.

[@JasonMorgant7]

Does Netflix have their shows on blu rays to rent ?

[@cheapaudioman]

I would rarely run a center channel in my bedroom and could get away with almost every streaming service except for Netlix. For me, they absolutely have horrible dialogue mixing. I actually added a receiver to simply add a center channel for anything through Netflix. I've been buying up some 4k blurays too. Nice video!

[@ealanosborne]

Thanks, dude! I’ve been looking into a kickass 3.1 (or 3.2) system for my future living room (in our house being built). Which AVR did you go with, out of curiosity? Too bad there are no 3.1 AVRs…

[@uhoh7541]

I got rid of netflix some time ago and recently got a month for ozark. I didn't test this with any other shows, but i was convinced it sounded better on the super cheap 2 channel setup i have in my workout room than my 7.2.4 klipsch/SVS setup. Is it possible they're expecting people to watch it on their phones or other subpar setups and mixing it to sound better on low quality equipment?

[@stephantranquille6681]

I read this exact situation a few years on What Hifi magazine. I own well over a thousand blu rays and 4k discs. The difference is so apparent, I'm not about to stop purchasing 4k discs anytime soon. I enjoy the full clarity of the picture and sound way too much.

[@mikeortiz2139]

You know, I've been putting together a HT of my own, and I just realized, I've never watched a 4K UHD disc. I use to go to the movies years ago, but not anymore. I'm in for an awakening.

[@ealanosborne]

Just like building a HT, collecting 4K Blu-rays is kind of...addicting. :D

[@tvolkman88]

The better the sound system, the larger the gap BTW physical and streaming. Especially bass. Physical all the way.

[@mustangfred2006]

Right on Ealan! Nailed it! Love the physical media. Hope it never phases out

[@deepredson]

Absolutely excellent vid. Great pointers. I know this stuff, but it's the way you tell it!!! Thanks Barty

[@josephtompkins5479]

Absolutely correct! When I stream I automatically turn up the center channel and the main L and R’s!

[@rsolsjo]

I've discussed and thought about this until my head has turned blue, been around and around in discussions, contemplated leaving discs entirely, contemplated leaving streaming entirely but at the end of the day there is only one conclusion: if YOU think streaming looks and sounds good enough, use it and enjoy it. That's all.

[@ExcelsiorTech]

I seriously thought I was going crazy a few years ago when I was A.B. testing soundtracks between streaming versus physical . I felt like the streaming things I was watching just had a lifeless track to it compared to the physical media version. One that you can hear real clearly is the bass response in the boom at the end of the lion king opening song. It’s seems like it’s not there very much on Disney+ but if you play on any sort of physical media, even a regular DVD with old Dolby digital, that boom is much more pronounced.

[@TravionMusic]

Even with a soundbar dialogue is low because you can’t adjust the center channel on some of the more expensive soundbars, I’ve setup AV receivers on systems with center channels that sound really good

[@XinYu-Xi]

That is a good thought and I agree. The sound is quite different. Also it I'd nice to own a disc.

[@guly3584]

GoT on 4K Blu-ray is the only way. The battle of black water bay is… intense to say the least. Clarity in visuals and audio is some of the best I’ve seen on my 7.1.4 setup.

[@OrlanCEO]

Is it really worth it to pay $200+ to buy GoT physical for a slightly better quality experience? I'm thinking about getting into 4K Blu-ray but we're talking thousands of dollars to watch the same amount of movies and shows I could watch for a couple hundred dollars on streaming in a year.

[@sebastian7539]

It's funny you mention this. I recently got the GOT Collection on sale for $100. I decided to watch it for the first time on HBO Max and got to Season 3 before the purchase. I've made it to Season 8 now on 4k Blu-ray. Even using my Xbox Series X as my playback device, the discs are MILES better than what I was accustomed to on HBO Max. Intro music is way more dynamic, dialogue is more transparent, and surround is more convincing. During the significant battles and 1-on-1 fight scenes, it actually feels like you're in the scene, whereas surround audio and atmos seem like an afterthought when streaming.

[@ealanosborne]

Good to know! Because of this video, it's now on its way and should be here in a couple days. I'll let you know how blown away I am! :)

[@Total_Vidiot]

Just caught your video and I wanted to congratulate you on your purchase of your Aperion Audio L/R/C speakers! We have a shared taste in GREAT SPEAKERS!

[@ealanosborne]

Hell yeah, dude! 😁🤘

[@jeremyball116]

I’m watching game of thrones for the first time on 4k and its incredible. Especially with Dolby vision and atmos. I’m so happy I didn’t see it as it aired in streaming hd

[@jamesh3185]

Huge dynamic range and quiet dialogue have been an issue since well before streaming. Infact, I recall it getting “worse” when uncompressed audio and Blu-ray became a thing. The reason discs might sound better is DTS, as it’s usually mastered louder. Unfortunately, it will sound about the same if level matched. Actual fixes include… Boosting centre channel Down mixing Dialogue enhancers Dynamic range compression Smaller speakers I bet not one person here can reliably pick out an uncompressed track in a level matched, double blind test.

[@MrSmith-zo6po]

Great video. I will always choose physical discs over streaming. I am currently watching Game of Thrones on the 4K discs, and the audio is quality is absolutely phenomenal. I am counting down the days when Top Gun: Maverick is available in 4K blu ray.

[@ealanosborne]

I’m just now going through GoT on 4K for the first time. I’ll be making a steaming vs disc comparison video just for that series (hopefully soon)!

[@MrSmith-zo6po]

@@ealanosborne Awesome, can't wait.

[@rgarc514]

Funny I mentioned something similar about LG channels that is mix of fast channels from the likes showtime amc Pluto Tubi etc. Pluto or Tubi from their on app sounds way more compressed but through the LG channels via Dolby Digital 5.1 and it really opens up

[@alanhsimette287]

Very good explanation

[@ealanosborne]

Thank you! 🎉

[@je19921]

Best for me is disc quality (blu-ray remux) ripped to a plex server. Convenience meets no compromises in quality

[@ealanosborne]

That too! Anything that’s full quality!

[@Lee-zf3xp]

I have been watching 100% streaming content since i setup my 5.1.4 system. Decided to pick up a 4k blu ray player and a disc to try since i already watched the movie in IMAX(Jurassic world: Dominion). And OMG, such a huge difference!! The dinosaurs took down the house!

[@ealanosborne]

I keep hearing about the incredible audio of that movie on 4K. It’s on my Holiday Shopping list for sure! 🤘

[@Guerilla_law3516]

Experienced this on Guardians of the Galaxy vol 2. Streaming sounded bad to me, but Im an audio nerd. Once I popped in the 4k blu, everyone in the room noticed the improvement.

[@ealanosborne]

Awwwww YEEEAAHHHHH! 🤘

[@jonnyfive5000]

I’ve noticed the same with audio. I have to turn it way up when streaming and it can vary between the streaming apps. I also enjoy how my player upscales blurays and DVDs. It can make those formats a lot better as my tv cant do to much for an ok stream. I prefer some movies and shows on dvd rather than sitting through a bad sd stream. Also some movies and shows still can’t be purchased or watched on stream yet. And 4K remasters brings new life to movies. It can be a new experience with a great transfer.

[@ealanosborne]

Totally agree!

[@LADENTRJ]

great video. I try to explain to people all the time why I still have a ton of physical media it's just hands down better over all then steaming. they don't listen but the aways come to my house when the internet down.

[@jaredb9281]

I'm loving your videos. I've learnt more in the last fortnight avout this stuff than in the last couple of years! Many of the other KZbin home theatre channels seem to be a bit like a 'subwoofer' measuring competition! The themes of your videos are far more practical- whether it's learning about the Atmos soundbar con, how to set up systems, your foray into homemade sound panels... all great stuff. And yes! I completely agree about the sound issues from streaming (and I thought it was just me!). Cheers, and greetings from a new subscriber in Finland! 😁

[@ealanosborne]

Thanks for your kind words! Truly appreciated! 🤘

[@bid712]

If atmos or dts:x is offered on Blu-ray I will get that instead of 4k on some movies. But there are movies that I will absolutely buy on 4k. I will alway prefer physical media no matter if it’s available to stream.

[@NakeanWickliff]

Curious if you have ever measured your LR from your main listening position? Disk will for sure be better but you may be leaving a lot on the table without knowing what you are getting at your listening position. Disk may have been mastered differently as well. It may not be compression vs non compressed content.

[@NakeanWickliff]

Streaming video is definitely garbage in comparison! I should stream less but it's so convenient.

[@jessechristensen6028]

I Watch top Gun Maverick with some friends a few days ago over streaming and softer moments of dialogue were hard to hear and were easy in the theater. I’m glad I bought my 4K of it.

[@Michealfarmer]

I love VHS.

[@weiguo9887]

Keen to see a comparison between Bluray vs iTunes version

[@justinbyrne5736]

I run a 2.1 system with my AV Receiver and have found that using a 4K Firestick and set the audio to Best Quality on the Firestick, then set your TVs HDMI Audio to PCM the Dialogue on Netflix, Prime Video and Disney Plus is a lot louder than using TVs apps I now never struggle with Dialogue from Netflix, Prime Video and Disney Plus it's always loud enough, at low volumes I find that Dialogue is Louder on Netflix, Prime Video and Disney Plus at lower volumes than on Disks using my settings

[@FriendOfaCoolFriend]

Not coming at you so don’t take my post as that. I had FOMO so last week I purchased the midtier Panasonic Blu-ray player ($450). I have a 4k projector. Full surround 7.4.4 with Rotel amps. I put 3 4k uhd Blu-ray’s against the latest generation Apple TV. And was blown away by streaming. I was looking and wanting Blu-ray to win. I was after a system improvement but returned the Panasonic. I ensured settings were correct regarding pcm. Both Apple and Panasonic were Dolby atmos. I paused. I repeated scenes. I switched back and fourth on the marantz. I even purchased a pc Blu-ray player the day before the Panasonic and again, streaming with an Apple TV I could not tell a major difference in video or audio. In fact, video looked better on Disney + for the marvel movies than the 4k uhd player. Audio was a tiny, tiny slight different. I had to turn the Apple TV up 10db to match the Blu-ray. But all the quality and detail was there. The difference was so minuscule that is wasn’t worth getting the 1k Panasonic (what I intended to purchase if there was a difference. Store didn’t have it on the shelf so I couldn’t test) and buying physical media again. Streaming is really, really close to physical quality in my opinion. Both me and my wife could not spot the difference in blind tests. I was totally not expecting that result. But it was the case. I’m aware of the bitrate differences but I will swear by my testing. There was not a difference to justify the cost and ease of use streaming offers. We tested Disney + and iTunes purchases.

[@ealanosborne]

Thanks for your insight! Out of all the streaming players, I do agree with you that Apple TV 4K is by far the best of them out there. I’m sure it made a difference since I was listening to a 2.1 system on a 60 watt amp. Another factor could be internet speeds - I use Starlink, which is great out in the country, but not the fastest. Not sure where you live, but you might have some kickass ISP with screamin’ hot download speeds, too, which would help tremendously. With all that said, I still think I’d hear a difference, given my audio engineering background. But I do agree that picture quality is damn near bit perfect with Apple TV 4K. An incredible piece of equipment, I tell ya! 😄 Makes me wanna A/B test your killer setup! 🤘

[@FriendOfaCoolFriend]

@@ealanosborne I believe there was a minor difference. It was soundstage and “openness”, but it was so minimal. I had to be looking for a difference. I was surprised that the upper end and lower end didn’t feel trimmed. The bass was about the same as well as high frequency sound effects. Voices seemed louder in some parts, but turning up the Apple TV around 8-10db seemed to normalize the differences. If I had to choose one, I feel the pc Blu-ray player had a bigger difference in audio than the stand alone Blu-ray player. But the Blu-ray player had better video (out of the box). With tuning and Madvr potentially I could get the PC on par and maybe better, but again, I’m looking at all this from setup time, time to start watching a movie, management over time to maintain, etc.

[@servare2599]

I have been testing extensively as well, and have to say you’re not wrong. The difference from Apple TV to 4K is minuscule that the cost is not worthwhile for me anymore. Setup is a 77” LG C1 + Pana UB450 + Samsung Q950A I have 500+ Mbps download which makes the Apple TV a no brainier, sure it caps out at around 25-35 Mbps but that’s not going to be the case in the future. 4Ks are out for me now.

[@P-LOWN1997]

I have the game of thrones boxset and i’m so impressed with the audio and the video such a good boxset i love it. 4k disc are so much better than streaming.

[@samphelps856]

Is there a chance that Netflix is doing what's called a "fold down"? Fold down is the "automatic" process (built in algorithm of either streaming service or local device or both) of a mix being converted to another mix. So if they upload a surround sound but you only have stereo, that will guess the fold down. On Blue Ray it has all the submixes and swaps to the one that fits your set up. Audio engineers do multiple versions especially LoRo (left only, right only) where they would remix the dialogue to be louder/clearer because there is no centre channel dedicated to the dialogue. As an audio professional, I'm not sure that all the blame can be on the audio codecs, it doesn't help but it wouldn't be the only answer to this problem.

[@ealanosborne]

No, fold down is also probably contributing. Another reason I prefer physical media still. I understand convenience, but I’ll still make an effort to grab a 4K disc and walk over to a Blu-ray player even if I could more easily stream it. 😄

[@shanghaichica]

Videos need to compare purchased digital content vs physical media. There is a difference between media on subscription services and purchased digital content.

[@ealanosborne]

True. Downloaded content that’s not actively streaming from a server over the internet should (in theory) be better. Something I might explore in the future. 🤘

[@Speed_-vt7iq]

I have a 5.2.2 and have been streaming everything. I just got an old blu ray player from upstairs and watched a couple of my old blu rays and I definitely felt like it sounded great. Want to watch an action movie next. Was looking at a new ultra blu ray player and some 4k discs do you think it’s worth it over buying just other regular blu rays to watch on my old player? My projector is 1080p so I was mainly looking for the audio advantages. Thanks!

[@ealanosborne]

Well, I remember when I still had a 1080p Samsung TV, I started collecting 4K discs because they usually come with a Blu-ray copy, and I knew I would eventually upgrade to a 4K TV and 4K UHD player. So if you have similar plans, might as well start collecting now, right? 😁

[@BobbyDeniroX]

I will always buy blu ray. I luv it I want minidisc to return man. Anything on that?

[@sboeke91]

My brother and I recently have been really into 4K Blu-ray. We’ve been doing a weekly movie nights where one of us purchases a movie we want to watch, and we watch it. The quality is leaps and bounds better than streaming, and we are building a large collection of content we love. The audio and video are just so much better! Dolby Vision and Atmos are fantastic.

[@ealanosborne]

Dude, that’s awesome! I love the weekly movie night you got goin’ on. Owning a copy is (I think) so much cooler than “renting” everything with steaming platforms. 🤘

[@klaasgent8245]

When is the 4 vs 6 Overhead Speaker video coming? 😁 I have never been so excited for a video before

[@ealanosborne]

Haha! In October, for sure! 🤘

[@klaasgent8245]

@@ealanosborne apparently some atmos tracks are mixed with only two overhead speakers in mind supposedly Ready Player One as well. When you have 6 overhead speakers in these cases only the top middles seemed to be getting used. I read online that in these cases the overhead activity gets a bit dulled down since you don't have the spaciouness provided by 4 speakers, so having 6 overhead speakers is kind of a downgrade. Would you mind checking if really only two are used and if so it really is a downgrade?

[@emanue2ls]

Does this happens with video games?

[@SpaceCaptainLord]

I may just have a sound bar (its not too bad but isn’t a full sound system… yet. I’ll have one soon enough haha) but the difference between streaming and 4K disks is phenomenal. No question disk are better in every way.

[@madcrabber1113]

I like all forms for different reasons.

[@cruzgallegos5071]

Streaming is coming around, it's getting better. Until the ISP providers upgrade to 1 TB data speeds for customers, we are stuck with a limited experience for streaming. I enjoy both streaming and 4k blu ray and regular blu ray movies. In the end, any format has a place for the home theater experience.

[@luckyyluck]

so true

[@TheArtOfJerry]

Today, I experienced the same. Blu-ray rules and overruled any streaming. My room was undergoing redesign. I was using TV stick plugs into my Projector for easy to use. I was watching movies streaming... Sounds dead.. the audio doesn't have the cinema feel. Not until, today my room complete, I plug in my Blu-ray player to my Projector, also plugged in my Altec Lansing pc speakers to my Projector. It sound amazing. I very much more enjoying my Avengers Endgame Blu-ray 📀. Simple setup, but it is way way better than watching streaming of Disney+ and Amazon prime. I can feel the intensity of the Endgame final chapter when the Thanos forces bomb the Avengers HQ. It is super satisfying. If you are seeking for true cinema experience, Blu-ray 📀 is the way to get it. Clear dialogue is also a plus. I love to listen to clear dialogue.

[@ealanosborne]

Totally agree! 🙌

[@davidgunther1282]

I have to turn my tv up to 100% (100/100) when streaming Marvel movies on Disney+ during dialog. Then the music or explosions start and it blows out my eardrums.

[@sjsphotog]

Id love to have a physical 4k disc for Mando all seasons and Obiwan for sure. We all know physical discs will always be better.

[@ealanosborne]

Me too! And especially Andor, since it looks straight out of Rogue One. Gorgeous set pieces!

[@davidleingang5591]

Lately been borrowing 4K BluRay discs from local library. Nice option if you don’t want to purchase just yet.

[@ealanosborne]

Excellent resource! Yes! 🙌

[@Snoopy101a]

I've been a streamer for quite a few years now. But now that I own a PS5, I find myself looking at more 4K physical copies, especially limited/collectors editions. Ex. 25th Anniversary Steelbook Starship Troopers, being released 01Nov22. As well as many classics, Labyrinth, Never Ending Story, Legend, The Last Unicorn, etc. I haven't had a chance to test out the audio capabilities of physical, but I look forward to the uncompressed/lossless audio so I don't have to constantly turn up/down the volume all the damn time.

[@ealanosborne]

Yay! Yeah, you got the idea, dude. Pick up the classics that you know you’ll watch for generations to come! 😁

[@mc25141]

I also prefer physical media, especially 4K/Blu-ray in some case over Streaming Service. But sometimes some films are really hard to find on a physical media like film on Mubi for example. Luckily they released some of their own exclusive released on their physical media catalogue, quite nice quality compare to the criterion collection. I just got the police story trilogy 4K (Boxset) from Eureka Entertainment. I've never seen Jackie Chan's Film in such a good pictures and sound mix like this before, mind blowing 🤯

[@ealanosborne]

Oh man, a Jackie Chan box set sounds amazing!!! 🤘

[@unholydonut]

Here we go again, MP3 VS . You know where this conversation going to end up.

[@kira5348]

Also a good business for physical media some of us just Keep the 4k sell the BR and digital code.

[@dlaw8155]

Have you tried Sony's bravia core.. what's your opinion on it.. I have Sony XR X94J 65 Inch, I also use Sony XF9000 sound bar, nice clean sound. I find Bravia core has good picture and sound.. what do you think. 😁👍

[@ealanosborne]

Haven’t experienced Bravia Core, but I’ve heard good things, especially since there are exclusive IMAX enhanced titles you won’t find anywhere else. 🤷‍♂️

[@dlaw8155]

They also use DTS audio and with my soundbar it goes load.. I'm running over 100mb through my TV and get fantastic picture and audio..

[@akshitkapoor21]

How about loseless Dolby Atmos rips played on nvidia shield.

[@ealanosborne]

Sure, that’s cool. A 4K Blu-ray player is still technically “streaming” data to your TV, so if it’s an uncompressed, bit-perfect source file, that’s cool too! 🤘

[@NazidKimmie]

Right on, just updated my UHD bluray player to the Panasonic UBP 820 and sonically (as well as visually especially with HDR) its far superior to any streamed content equivalent. Just watched LOTR and Hobbit trilogy again in UHD and nothing came close to the experience from physical media. It's still king until streaming compression improves. Oh, I only purchase those films/TV that are classics or favourites that bear repeat watching, so I still stream if I need to.

[@ealanosborne]

Exactly. I do the same thing, only getting 4K UHD titles that I know I’ll watch multiple times. Steam everything else. 🤘

[@mlk4life]

once you get into home theater more seriously i feel you quickly see how crappy streaming media is compared to physical disc.

[@KaitenKenbu]

Oh man just watched 2001: a space odyssey on 4k blu ray. Miles better than the streaming version. I believe even 1080p blu ray has a higher video bit rate vs streaming 4k let alone the miles ahead lossless audio. Streaming is nice and convenient and has cool trick HDR compared to standard blu ray but physical media all the way. And laserdisc on CRT with a lossless 2.0 digital track or ac3 dolby digital/dts has a magic all it's own still. I may be wrong but i think dts surround on laserdisc is still a higher bit rate and lower compression than streaming atmos with DD+.

[@ealanosborne]

I think you’re right about Laserdisc… 🤔

[@craigosterberg5045]

4K discs have a better picture and sound than streaming. Volumes are different on some streaming. Some people like my girlfriend could care less about the sound. She just wants to hear the voice on the tv speaker.

[@AtomicAus]

I recently moved house for the first time, and bought an expensive native 4K HDR projector for our living room, along with a 4K bluray player that it’d wanted for ages. Watching a Film off physical in that high of quality was one of the most amazing experiences I’d had in years. I’ve always been of the opinion that physically owning media is best, as you can’t have it taken off of you because of licensing issue, but seeing just how amazing of an experience it is watching a film in awesome quality at home, absolutely cemented my preference.

[@gasternecross]

true

[@SuperRiccoSuave]

Everyone should always have a small collection of their favourite movies on physical disc because if the internet goes out then you’ve always got something to watch.

[@ealanosborne]

Hahaha! Exactly! You never know! Or like in my case, I'm glad I have a decent collection, since I can't get internet out to my shed theater (yet). 😄

[@justinbyrne5736]

Shoe Internet never goes down, not really a thing, be more like the electricity goes off in a power cut

[@philipmcfarlane]

@@justinbyrne5736 Streaming platforms however can (and frequently do) pull content at any time meaning you can't always watch what you want, when you want, unlike physical media. There are plenty of examples of people saying that they got to a particular season of a show only for the platform to pull the remainder before they got to watch it.

[@Lee-zf3xp]

@@philipmcfarlane Yea absolutely. Just recently, disney+ pulled Avatar as it was re-released at the cinemas. Disgusting move. And other examples like Star Trek discovery pulled from Netflix as well.

[@SirDerpsalot1]

mando on dvd 😆

[@scottbaylor6215]

I guess streaming is okay, for convenience. Music or movies, it's convenient. But if you really like it, I prefer physical media. The next physical media purchase is Top Gun Maverick, or it will be added to my Christmas List. 😃

[@ealanosborne]

That’s definitely on my Christmas List too! 😁🤘

[@Lakshyakapila]

You will owe nothin and u will be happy - wef

[@fenderman6127]

I’ve been doing quite a bit of research. I’ve been streaming all my movies and haven’t had a blu ray player since like 2012. In hesitant to start buying 4k copies when I can just watch them for free but I’m just going to to have to get a blu ray player and see the difference in the audio

[@ealanosborne]

I get the convenience of steaming. But it’s not just about audio and video quality, but collecting your favorites to be viewed whenever you want. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to watch something in particular and it’s not streaming anywhere. But if I OWNED it, ahhhh, there’s the difference. Food for thought. 😉🎉

[@Lighthouse3D]

To answer your MCU movies in "IMAX" ratio for physical media, they're on the 3D Blu-rays, except iw/endgame, they all have the variable ratios, and since you have a 3D tv, a great one at that, you should try them out! They only have the DTS HD MA 7.1 tracks but better than the Atmos streaming I bet

[@ealanosborne]

Yeah, I’ve been creating a 3D Blu-ray wish list that will hopefully be purchased this holiday season! 🤘

[@Lighthouse3D]

@@ealanosborne nice, then you can get into the realm of "remuxing" a lot of 3D Blu-rays don't have Atmos or DTS:X like their 4k or even 2k Blu-ray counterparts, so people like to rip the audio tracks and put them on the 3D Blu-ray, I personally do a poor man's remuxing where I get two players and sync the Atmos/DTS:X to the 3D picture, not ideal but as long as I don't need to pause all good

[@ealanosborne]

@@Lighthouse3D Huh...never tried remuxing before! That's cool that there's a whole community of sorts behind it. :) Good to know!

[@nicketheridge9431]

Annoyed my Samsung 75q90r doesn't have 3d when my older Panasonic 65dx900 does. I think they had just stopped doing it when that tv came out. Now I have a load of 3d blurays, which in the case of of top gun is only 3d no bluray, that are now unwatchable. Grr 🤨

[@erecher005]

agreed - would love Mando and IMAX enhanced MCU movies released on 4k BRD

[@polishdude001]

I watched transformers 2007 today in Dolby vision atmos, fibre internet, with earc Samsung q90r. And calibrated Sony 65A8H, I can honestly say we’re so close to disc that I I might be selling my ub820 soon.

[@cpt.hindsight]

👍👍4k disc is better, but to my suprise, ive been watching the terminal list, reacher and the boys streamed via nvidia shield and I think its actually good. I have been tweaking my nvidia shield and yamaha aventage, best settings, pcm etc. I have 7.4.2. I think its worth it to test different settings. I also had to change the setting on my 4k player to get it to play its best..

[@ealanosborne]

Nice! Like I said, streaming has comes leaps and bounds and is almost there, so yeah - if you tweak and tweak, there are ways to make anything sound incredible. I just LOVED The Boys! Such an incredible show!

[@mantisrider]

Great point indeed. I just decided to buy a 4k player and start buying media again like i used to own vhs and dvds before streaming. Back in the old netflix dvd by mail days and the long lost blockbuster days 😢

[@ealanosborne]

Yeah, dude…I remember getting the Blu-ray by mail service from Netflix before they focused on streaming. And I’m old enough to remember renting a PlayStation from Blockbuster for the weekend to play Tekken 2 nonstop. 😄🤘

[@mantisrider]

@@ealanosborne haha one thing u didnt mention in ur video is the quality of downloaded movies say from itunes and owning the digital copy, which i guess is the same as the digital copies u get when u buy a blu ray movie, or maybe not the same. ??

[@ealanosborne]

@@mantisrider Yeah, I want to see if there’s a difference between downloaded content vs streaming it live. Having a digital copy still means you’re technically streaming it, though, since it’s still a stream of content coming to you over the internet. Like with my VUDU library. But if it’s downloaded onto a hard drive of sorts, technically that should be better quality. Something to test, for sure!

[@mantisrider]

@@ealanosborne same goes for movies and shows dowmloaded on netflix for oflline viewing….

[@medic17508]

Streaming 4k is great but it still doesn't hold up to physical or owned data specially in audio

[@bigikes4137]

Team physical media.

[@aisidapatrick2781]

Why not just download them? 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@frederiknielsen9023]

Is dts hd with hight channels or Dolby true hd i know dd+ has but not the best i so confused

[@ealanosborne]

DTS:X has height channels, and travels on a DTS-HD Master Audio Signal. Dolby Atmos has height channels and travels on a Dolby True HD audio signal. DD+ is Dolby’s compressed, streaming audio signal, which compressed Atmos travels over. 🎉

[@frederiknielsen9023]

@@ealanosborne so dd+ has height channels but compressed

[@ealanosborne]

@@frederiknielsen9023 Not always. DD+ is the compressed streaming version of Dolby Digital. It’s usually the codec that is used with streaming platforms like Netflix, etc. If you’re watching a Netflix show that says it is a 5.1 mix, it will be a DD+ signal. If it’s a Netflix show that says it’s mixed in Atmos, it will be a DD+ signal that ALSO has height channel information. 👍

[@frederiknielsen9023]

@@ealanosborne okay Thanks for the answer 😁 love you videos btw

[@ealanosborne]

@@frederiknielsen9023 Thank you very much! 😊

[@jeffwagner1649]

In this video you really promote 4K dvds. I was wondering how do blu ray 1080p movies compare (to streaming and true 4K) when upscaled to 4Ki?

[@ealanosborne]

If they're recent releases, Blu-ray is actually pretty dang good! Or if it's a classic that's been recently remastered on Blu-ray, those are good too! DTS-HD tracks have been the standard on discs for a long time, so they'll still sound really good! I usually get Blu-rays for kids movies since my daughters don't care how it sounds or looks, but I still get a kickass DTS-HD audio track while spending less than a 4K disc. :)

[@nicketheridge9431]

I've heard atmos most of the time adds little to the experience offered by dolby True hd, especially in relation to the cost involved in upgrading.

[@okonemorecoffee2678]

Excellent video Sir. I have a mix of physical and streaming titles, and to be honest I generally don't notice much of a difference but I usually don't go very loud either. One season of Westworld (I think Season 3) was mixed horribly, so I wouldn't go by that. I had to boost my center channel way up just to watch it. Cheers !

[@MrMegatron85]

I had GoT in my Amazon cart for a couple months. Was a little out of my price range so I just let it sit there. One day I looked in my cart and low and behold, it was on sale for $90, so I had to immediately buy it

[@ealanosborne]

Yeah, I remember that sale. Mind blown!

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Infinitely disc over streaming. ALWAYS…. Also why in the world would Disney release a dvd version(incognito) of Mando but not Blu Ray or 4K 🤦‍♂️ Oh that’s right they want your subscription. *sigh*…

[@vaderman212]

Complaining about Disney not putting their Disney+ stuff on Blu-ray (4K or no) has become one of my favorite pastimes. Why should Clone Wars season seven, The Mandalorian, Book of Boba Fett, the MCU shows, etc be stuck to Disney+ with no home media release? It's like the Disney Vault but worse since they never even give you an opportunity to buy them before they "go away forever".

[@user-jaim67]

Up until now streaming 4k movies,bit rate doesn't even come close to 4k disc.Physical disc still going strong.Unless they have kaleidescape system,they can ditch physical disc.

[@zztop7000]

Do you know when will Disney release a Tron Legacy in 4k player? I do prefer 4k disc over streaming the sound is just way better than streaming the dialog is clear and loud you don't have to increase the volume at night.

[@ealanosborne]

I don’t know. 🤷‍♂️ Disney is being weird with their catalog on physical media. I hope it gets a 4K release… 🤞🤞

[@zztop7000]

@@ealanosborne Tron Legacy 4k would be AWESOME 👌!

[@stonesfan285]

I buy Blu-ray. If I get to a point where I have no more room I will just switch to digital rentals when it's something I really want to watch, otherwise it's free streaming for me.

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Honestly I would never buy another disc if I could afford a Kaleidescape. But until I hit the lottery, 4K disc beats all streaming services.

[@ealanosborne]

Exactly. The convenience of streaming with the quality of 4K Blu-ray? Best of both worlds. But I too would need to win the lottery first. 😄🤘

[@Miguelc271086]

It would be awesome if streaming platforms allowed you to download 4K versions to your device

[@ealanosborne]

No kidding! 🤞

[@JCperfection]

Physical is better. I've tried to watch a few movies stream vs physical and I found that, while I can't tell any difference in visual, the audio is definitely miles ahead when it comes to physical. It had a certain punch and boom to it compared to streaming.

[@ealanosborne]

Precisely. I know exactly what you mean about the punch and boom. 🤜 💥

[@thecrashbox3506]

My latest problem with this was with Top Gun Maverick, The Vudu version. It was so underwhelming. I won't watch it again until the 4K Disc drops.

[@ealanosborne]

I'm so looking forward to that one

[@TheSubZero187]

I stopped buying Marvel movies because of the IMAX enhanced. And now because of budget and space I’ve been a lot more picky with my movies. I prefer physical whenever I can but streaming is convenient mainly away from home. Since I have my Vudu account I can basically set it up at anyone’s house which has come in handy.

[@gary4593]

I think apple tv is best for streaming.

[@davonfranklin5158]

I have to say, Its streaming for me. I have a hand full of movies on Blu Ray only because they rarely are found on any streaming apps. Problem is there aren’t many movies I will watch over and over and over again to justify the cost. In my home theater its streaming all the way.

[@MrViper7121]

Lame

[@servare2599]

@@MrViper7121 carrying on doing what makes you happy, calling someone lame for doing what works well for them is just stupid asf. Make your self feel better about those expensive $30 titles on your shelf that you’re probably never going to watch again.

[@MrViper7121]

@@servare2599 your a loser too for agreeing that streaming is better than Blu-ray

[@servare2599]

@@MrViper7121 where have I said that streaming is “better” than Blu-Ray? in terms of quality yes they have the slight edge, but it’s a minuscule difference for most.

[@MrViper7121]

@@servare2599 slight edge? Ok explain why my 1080p Blu-ray copy of Total Recall and The Amazing Spider-Man looks far superior then the 4k version on Netflix. BIT-RATE!!!! Let alone the audio. Total Recall encoded on Dolby True HD and Spider-Man in dts hd master audio

[@mr_movieguru]

My 4k collection is getting pretty big🤦🏾😁 i started in 2018.

[@ealanosborne]

Keep going, my friend! 😄🤘

[@jim60631]

1) Buy equipment to rip/store blu-ray/4k discs 2) Buy physical media 3) Rip bought media 4) Load into your preferred Plex/Emby/Kodi/etc 5) Sell bought media 6) Lose very little $. Lastly, discs > streaming, you'll notice a bigger difference in audio versus video HOWEVER you're still relying on the audio engineer who mixed it. Some mixes are just bad and/or mixed in a specific way to the director's preference.

[@dextermorgan1]

This is why I don't do streaming. For anything. I just don't like it.

[@aaronlesley5855]

I stream, but I've always preferred physical copies

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

Food for thought - soundbars suck and so do cheap center channel speakers.

[@bbump1828]

For me video is pretty solid on streaming and it’s much harder to tell the difference between the two. Audio is not even close, 4K disc wins that by a mile.

[@ealanosborne]

Exactly! 🤘

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Facts

[@frankthetankricard]

Not something a native English speaker will have to explore but you could try a bluray disc with multiple language audio tracks and compare those. You will find that the dubbed audio tracks are always in a lossy format and sound distinctly worse than the original. I can usually tell the difference through laptop speakers. Even the non-dialog parts are destroyed. Sometimes similar to streaming quality but mostly even worse.

[@ealanosborne]

Interesting insight! Thanks!

[@stevel4329]

Any top movies I want I only buy on 4K for this reason being #1.

[@laartwork]

I rented a UltraHD blu ray and 10 minutes in it started to skip and then froze. Yup. I am done with physical media.

[@stonesfan285]

4K Blu-rays are incredibly fragile. I have had more than a few bad pressings to where I just do not buy anything on that format anymore. The only ones that ever worked for me are the Japanese imports or the German-pressed discs. It can also be due to your player. I know some players have trouble with the 100gb discs. I went back to buying regular Blu-ray. They look fine to me if the studio does a decent quality with the transfer. Unless you have an expensive OLED TV, I don't think 4K matters all that much anyway.

[@JL-ku7wo]

I did a quick search and it appears there are only 10 blu ray movies that have IMAX Enhanced Video and Audio. So ill stick to streaming until the list grows or becomes the standard in the future. Disney+ has IMAX Enhanced movies visual only not audio but it should be good enough for now.