Two main factors convinced me it was time to upgrade to Blu-ray. First, the falling prices of Blu-ray players. Second, the availability of Blu-ray rentals at services like Netflix and Blockbuster. I use Blockbuster Online, because I like that it offers 5 free in-store exchanges (I live less than a block away from a Blockbuster store). These exchanges can be used for Blu-ray discs.

I am incredibly disappointed with Blockbuster Online when it comes to renting Blu-ray movies. Every single Blu-ray movie in my Blockbuster Online queue has a status of Long Wait. For those unfamiliar, popular movies sometimes are in such high demand, they may not be available when their time comes up in your queue. The problem is, even Blu-ray movies that are 3 years old have a Long Wait.

It seems this problem is not confined to Blockbuster Online. Engadget’s Ben Drawbaugh reported similar long waits with his Netflix queue in a post called Is Everyone’s Hi-Def Netflix Queue This Backed Up?

The one saving grace for Blockbuster is the Blu-ray renting experience at its brick-and-mortar stores. Even though the Blu-ray inventory is not as large as DVDs, I haven’t had any problems finding new release Blu-rays.

Conclusion

The long waits for new release Blu-rays makes Blockbuster Online a complete bust for me so far. The one saving grace for the service is the free in-store exchanges. The availability of Blu-ray movies in their brick-and-mortar stores is very good, and it’s the one thing they’re doing right.

Pioneer’s line of Kuro Plasma TVs are some of the best HDTVs out there, especially when it comes to deep black levels. This may not be a bargain for most people, but if you’re a Pioneer fanboy, it’s a good deal for all five of you. Amazon.com also has it for the same price, but keep in mind that with Costco, you get a two-year extended warranty and 90-day return policy. The Kuro is the HDTV owned by Engadget HD’s guru Ben Drawbaugh.

Deal Link:

Costco.com link (also in-store).

Helpful Links:

Sound & Vision’s review of the Pioneer Kuro PDP-5010FD.

Buying an HDTV at Costco.