Mine are already free - oops, I wasn't supposed to reveal that.

WRT physical media. I haven't met a single person yet that hasn't fallen in love with the idea and implementation of local digital file/stream distribution once they've seen it in practice, usually here in my installation.

Friends with kids immediately see one of the enormous benefits - no more scratched discs. Wives love the fact that the space around the TV is much cleaner by losing disc-playing boxes. And that's speaking only of movies, because as far as music goes, I can't think of anyone whom I've seen play a CD in the past 5 years (or longer). I've been 100% server-streamed for over 6 years myself.

i beleave blu-ray is a dead format, a 2TB harddrive might cost $60 and can hold 40 blu-ray movies(dual layer), i would say it's a much better solution if you want to have a copy of the film. i beleave blu-ray quality streaming isn't that far away either. i guess blu-ray had a point 2006 when hard-drives where much more expensive per GB and internet much slower.

40 layers and 250GB per layer would result in 10TB of maximum storage per disk which would be enough for even 3840*2160 without lossy compression.

twistybox: I have - several - most people I know only stream on the go with their MP3's and iPod's. Otherwise, they don't do NAS or PC streaming at home.

anjora: Keep in mind that all hard drives will fail, so you'd have to back up your primary TB drive.

I'm loosing my patients. I'm considering the Marrantz 7005. Does anyone know approximately how much the new outlaw pre/pro is going to be if it ever actually comes out?

Agreed on the lifespan on bluray. 1080p streaming is already available on Kalaidescape. Now to get it on the cheap side of life.

Wait a bit until the fall or so and then pull the plug. The Marantz is no slouch and a good unit. I will go with that if the 978 is too expensive. I'm hoping the 978 is no more than $1599.00. If it goes to 2k then "SO LONG".

Supposed to be around $1500. Not counting the $200 Outlaw loyalty discount.

Blu Ray is dead? Really? Maybe I am behind the curve but I believe Cinavia will eliminate the abilty to rip a bluRay to a HD for playback. I do believe you are correct in your belief that BR streaming is not far away. But BR sales are increasing, the quality is superb, and it really is not much work to put one into a $50 or a $500 BR player.

In regards to the 4 year announcment date and will the new PrePro be ready by September; I doubt it will be released by then. We have been teased over and over about the release date, just to be let down over and over. Last summer we were told it would be released by last quarter of 2011....ho hum.

I believe Kaleidoscope costs thousands of dollars. Thats a lot of money for most people and could be spent on buying discs (or renting from redbox).

And are they in the process of being sued or being court ordered to stop? I recall reading something about them recently...