The Original blu-ray spec called for cartridges. Who is upset that the cartridge didnt make the cut? I was actually looking forward to them and saw the cartridges as an advantage. Yes they are more expensive but when they become mainstream how much can they possibly cost?

The problem with cartridges, as I see it, is that it makes BR's backwards-compatiblity more complicated. CDs and DVDs did not use cartridges (though some early players did require aftermarket caddies), so to maintain that compatibility, a BR player would have to be designed to accomodate discs both with and without cartridges. It'd be a lot harder to design laptop PCs to use BR for that very reason.

Plus, the general public is used to the five-inch disc. The familiarity with the physical form-factor will help adoption.

I, personally, would have no problem with carts, but I'd hate to see it stifle BR's adoption.

I like the idea of cartridges on recordables, but on rom... no thanks.

I've seen trays that can accodomate a DVD-RAM catridge. In fact, BD recorders in Japan have those kinds of trays.

The main disadvantage of catridges is that it costs more to manufacture than just the disc. By using a hardcoat on BD, the reason for the catridges is eliminated.


fuad

Fuad: HC is good, but I would have prefered cartridges, can't beat a plastic case for protection. I also agree, it was not a player issue but a more costly disk issue

I wanted the cartridges. The need for them for me has not been eliminated. Especially for rentals. I've gotten Netflix of both formats scratched to hell almost every time.

I'm not upset about the cartridges. Blu Ray is not a portable format, so it doesn't really need it. I played with a few of them in cartidges last May when I was in Japan at the Sony Expo showroom. I've always been a Minidisc user, and have loved how rugged they are. But, I use it strictly for portability. I also don't rent, so scratched discs are not a problem for me.