Physical media all day every day. I have bought over 100 4k blurays in past 3 months. The addiction is real fellas 😆

I’ve been collecting physical media for over a year and I totally agree with your assessment. The Blu-ray Discs just bring everyone to the table. And they’re fun to collect

That's not how audio compression works. It doesn't necessarily affect dynamic range. Lossy audio can absolutely have the same dynamic range as lossless audio. What you lose is detail, not dynamic range.

Great video! I love how you broke down the differences between the bit rate when streaming and when using a physical disc. Puts it into perspective how big the difference can truly be.

I don’t think you can equate network compression directly to audio compression. The network data carries video and audio information, and it isn’t just the audio that takes a hit when the data rate is reduced. I’m not an expert, but I’m guessing that both video and audio at the receiving end is reduced in quality depending on the codec being used and the compression choices made when the original content was encoded. In other words, there are many, many factors. But for a theoretical argument, it is safe to say that there are definitely losses between a 3-5Mbps stream and a 768Kbps stream of data.

Nice video! I always get to hear from people I know how great the streaming services are when I say I want the physical copy of a movie because of the quality difference. The response is always "you have Atmos and HDR with Netflix also, no difference" then the whole compression explanation/discussion starts. Streaming is great but in the end bigger bandwidth wins. Compression has become better but it won't be better than the not compressed counterpart.

You have a unique way of making tech videos interesting, engaging and fun. The attention to detail on video chapters and concise non bloated contents are simply awesome. Keep producing more quality videos, thanks!!!

Nothing's better than physical media. It's a night & day difference.

For my fellow home theatre addicts below, like myself... May I share with you that 4K Blue Rays DEFINITELY have a difference to steaming. Picture and especially sound is more precise, clearer and just much more enjoyable, otherwise why own a home theatre system?... this is why we buy this stuff, to get a better experience when watching a gooood movie! Then, there's the convenience of popping in a selection of movies when guests come over, aww yah! :0) Go physical media, it's worth it. And to top it all off, Mr. Ealan Osborne recommends it! Now you have no choice to believe me. Keep smiling my friends!

There is no inherent difference in the headroom between lossy and lossless encoding, as both are capable of 105dB per-channel peaks and 115dB for the LFE channel. The lossy versions essentially combine data for frequencies that are harder to discern from one another, which is typically in the extreme highs and some bass. This is NOT the same as audio compression as you're describing it, which would limit the dynamic range. The data compression of the lossy codecs does not compress the dynamic range of the audio.

Great video and I agree also when you stream you only ever own the license not the movie! 4K discs are far superior

I notice a HUGE difference between 4k Blu ray disc and streaming apps that offer dolby atmos. The sound is much better on the disc.

Hands down physical media i knew this 10 yrs ago...great video

The same goes for the image, 4k streams at around 16mbps or less, while blu Ray discs have around 80mbps. I just tested Disney plus, Amazon video and netflix. Especially bad with films like ready player one.

Thanks for the easy explanation. Just became a new subscriber.

I was underwhelmed by the audio of Star Wars on Disney+ compared to my Blu-ray. If I really like something, I'm buying on 4k.

I never been one to buy DVD's once I watch the movie I rarely ever watch it again unless it re-air . I recently put together a 9.2.4 Klipsch/Denon home theater and I've been randomly watching movies that are Dolby atoms from Netflix, Prime Amazon and Disney. I guess for a novice to me it sounds amazing. But now that your saying that the sound quality would be even better from a blue-Ray I might have to invest in a blue ray player just to see if I can tell the difference. Your always costing me money lol

I really love your channel and your way of explaining technical stuff. 10/10! Can I ask you a question? Hell I’ll just do it. What do you think of the Jamo S 8 series for home theatre system? I am coming from the LG SN11RN which has too many bugs atm sadly. I want some real speakers without spending all I have. Thank you and keep it up!

Quite sure that the services remove content, NOT because of running out of space. It's because they have contracts that expire. Whenever, they get permission to put content A on their service, it has an expiration date at which point it is no longer allowed to be there. Therefore, content keeps being removed as contracts expire (and aren't renewed) and being added as new contracts are drawn up.

Sorry to correct. DVDs don't have lossless audio. They use the lossy Dolby or DTS audio tracks. Blu-rays, however, may use lossless Dolby or DTS audio tracks.

I use to be big on iTunes movies then made the switch to Dolby true HD atmos blu rays noticed a small increase in sound quality at first then after watching all movies at that sound quality for months I went back to test iTunes atmos and I couldn’t stand it , audio sounded so thin after I was use to true HD atmos / dts x

1. Just because audio is streamed does not mean it it's been lossy compressed. Apple, Tidal and Amazon, and others offer lossless music compression. Steaming video services also can send lossless audio if there is bandwidth available. 2. Audio dynamic range compression is very different from lossy vs. lossless audio data compression. Lossy data compressions can result in loss of dynamic range but they still aren't the same thing. 3. Streaming services get rid of movies because of license agreements, not because of server space.

There's always the third option of streaming 4K full HDR movies with 18 Mbit Atmos TrueHD sound from a Plex/Emby/Kodi server. You can get the full blu-ray bandwidth experience without having a pile of physical disks all over the house providing you know how to source the content. ;)

That “Thanks!” was so much like Gerald Broflovski in Smug Alert 🤣

you are absolutely on the money with your research of testing because yes much difference with physical 4k dvd thats why i still purchase them i have a dolby atmos system and streaming cannot compare not yet anyways! loved the video you the man

First of all your videos are really informative and at the same time fun to watch! So thank you! Atmos Streaming and Atmos from UHD or Blu-ray are noticeably different unless your are unable to hear or process (brain) the difference, which is different for everyone as our brains process things differently per individual as it is with all our senses. For me the quality of the audio is as important if not more important than the placement of the audio, because it enhances directional sound by making it more definitive (providing more audio definition) in the motion of what is happening on the screen. Lossless allows the listener to hear the studio reference that is attempting to mimic a real life moment. My wife will watch a movie and complain that the explosions are too loud and request it be turned down but then she will complain that the vocal dialogue is too quiet. She wants all the audio to come out at the same volume, but referencing sound in a given moment where two people are talking and then there is a sudden explosion or jet flying by, IS, in real life (reference) going to be louder than the conversation in that moment based on its proximity. In real life sound is never at the same volume. I think that lossless audio quality also creates a broader sound stage that helps you distinguish in detail the background music from the action scenes as an enveloping component of the movie. Watching Star Trek Beyond on UHD 4K Dolby Atmos TrueHD I could hear the choir distinctly as part of the background music where when watching the Streaming version I did not realize it was there unless I focused on hearing it. To my ears there is a greater difference in audio quality between Dolby Atmos/Dolby Digital Plus (Lossy) and Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD (Lossless) then there is between Radio AM/Mono and Radio FM/Stereo. Granted some people go to see the movie exclusively for video content and effect and that is enough for them to experience what the director intended. For me, personally, a movie experience is as much about quality sound production as it is about quality video production.

When I listen to an Atmos source on my 7.1 set up I have to boost the CC anywhere between 5-7 db to hear dialog well

I'd like to know what level of AV equipment you are going to need to really notice though - like is mid range soundbar going to make a difference? what about a flagship like a q990b or similar or do you need a discrete system with a high end receiver to really notice the difference?Also you talked about the sound quality but not so much the spatial quality between the 2.

Hey Ealan, I have a few questions for you. I appreciate the content you create and have greatly increased my knowledge in home audio from you. These questions deal with amplification: Since learning the marketing of AVRs and some Amps deal with "Two Channels driven". Do you know how the power is spread? 1. What is a good rule of thumb to determine how much RMS power and how many separate amps you should purchase if your speakers ranged from 75-200 RMS (Klipsch RP Series)? What components should you look for? (Ex. Toroidal Transformers) What brands are good? (I know you recommend outlaw and emotiva. I started looking at Tonewinner after one of your videos but have not heard anything good or bad. They seem to have good value but it could be junk. 2. Your basic thoughts on (Quality All in one AVR VS Separates - All in one AMP vs Separate AMPS): Anthem MRX 1140 8K 15.2 Channel processor(11 channel amp 5 channels rated at 140 watts (Class AB) 6 channels rated at 60 watts (Class D)) VS. Processor + Amps -Anthem AVM 70 8K 15.2 Channel. (Any brand you suggest) Several TONEWINNER AD-5100PA+ 100WX5 vs One TW AD-8300 - 11 CHANNEL AMP - 3X300W & 8X155W? Again thank you for all the effort you put forward to helping us! Respectfully, Rigamorteez

Had surround since 91. Comparing 91 too 21. I know that 4K blu ray is the best. But when streaming in Dolby digital pluss with atmos. I still laughs when i stream in todays quality. It's MIND-BLOWING. 👍 😂😎👍😁

I discovered the difference years ago when I played music in mp3 and the same music on SACD though my Denon DSP and heard more information in the surround channel’s with the higher bit rate music.

Off topic- my apologies. My 6 yr old daughter just read your book Hector’s Song and it was perfect for her reading level. I had her read it and then we would listen to your page and her face would just light up with smiles and happiness. Then we read the next page and then again listen. You absolutely must write another book! Mr. Osborne that book was awesome. Thank you. Please write another book!

you explained so clearly and efficiently. this is why I subbed here... Few suggestions for video ideas, is it true that Netflix only offers DD+ Atmos 5.1.4, which means surround back speakers don't work. Also given the choice what would you prefer 5.1.4 or 7.1.2

Great info this is why I rip all my M2TS files with atmos I get to my movies just as fast a streaming superior audio and picture quality.

Very good comparison of streaming vs physical media I can't really tell the Difference but I do prefer physical Media because I like to won certain movies and tv shows that I like to watch over and over again

Great job and presentation! I've been suffering from 5.1 limitations and I believe you're the guy to ask about how to best stream my audio from my LAN to my 9.2 system? Thanks a million! Chris

I've found movies distributed by Disney have no difference at all. On average I have to raise the volume 5 dB with Dolby Atmos streaming, including Star Wars movies. I have the Star Wars movies on disc, and find I have to raise the volume the same amount. Sometimes there's also a difference in subwoofer level with disc vs streaming (so adjusting subwoofer trim is one thing I toggle on my phone). I think it's also unfair to compare the bandwidth of DD+ vs TrueHD as a baseline of quality. Compression can efficiently save space without degrading perceived quality: but mastering for distribution can have different standards. Acceptable compression also true for 4K discs: which do still have a new video codec that can compress a 10-12bit 4K pro-res video file to something that can fit a 3-4 layer BD. I myself have recently heard quite a difference in dynamics when watching Maverick on BD vs the digital copy: but I think a lot could be difference in mastering standards. If you were trying to match them, raising the levels and subwoofer for streaming probably would get you very close....if you were so inclined as to always going through a sound level procedure every time you switch to Atmos (as on my receiver, normal 5.1 upmixed to 3D doesn't need that 5dB boost).

i do collect vinyls and blu ray discs but gotta admit sometimes the convinience of streaming music or video wherever you are is amazing. people just need to be tought that there is a difference which is not easy with companies constantly lying

768kbps is just not good enough. I'd take 1080p SDR with 1.5mbps DTS sound over 4K with 768kbps.

I prefer physical media for the same reasons. There are so many pros and cons to each. Physical space to store blurays and dvds is one, then there's cost, because 4K blurays are expensive. I have over 2000 movies, half are dvds, and to upgrade those is a big expense. Streaming is convenient, however, you are at the mercy of the reliability of your cable company and after a hurricane, you generally get power way before you get your internet back. The biggest problem for me is that cable companies are imposing data caps and streaming a lot of 4K content sucks up data. I now get warnings and surcharges. Cable cutters? Doesn't matter, Comcast will find a way to yet their money from you.

excellent comments in this video; the bass extension duration difference you mention really makes for all the (cinematic) difference

To be fair it won’t make much difference at all for most people listening on a soundbar with virtual Dolby Atmos, you’d have to have a full home theater setup with discrete components, a receiver and in-ceiling speakers to notice any difference between lossless and lossy.

I actually don't have physical speakers in my home for Atmos, but instead use the Realiser A16 (look it up, it's incredible and really does what it claims. You put mics in your ears and record actual speakers to play over headphones) and because I'm wearing headphones, the differences between streaming quality and physical quality is even *more apparent* than what you would hear with speakers. Every time I watch something streaming that has Atmos, usually it can sound "pretty good" (although sometimes not), but then when I go to the physical version there's just this fuller sound that the streaming just cannot match.

What are your views on physical disc rips? And remux versions digital copy of movies?

I 100% agree with you. I always buy Movies I want to get the best Quality sound and video for my home Cinema set-up (such as for Dune, wow sounds sooo good in 4K with ATMOS). I do 'back-up' all my Physical media so I can easily play them again without having to fish the physical media when I want to watch them again. Have you ever done a video about 3D... I am getting increasingly annoyed by movies that come out in 3D (shown only in some countries) but then they never release Blu-ray versions of them, such as Mission Impossible - Fallout, parts of which were actually properly filmed in 3D but never screened here in NZ in 3D (Paramount grrrrr). I am glad I found a version of Dune in 3D, so now I have the 4K and 3D version... Oh and I have a great 4K and 3D projector, as they sadly don't make 3D TV's anymore

I even prefer a 1080p Blu ray disc over a 4k stream.

Just watched matrix and John wick with Dolby Atmos (dthd), even though every article says they're perfect movies for atmos, i wasn't impressed at all. Even though it's lossy (dd+), Altered Carbon sounded much better. I could actually hear every detail of object based sounds, meanwhile in those movies it all sounded like a regular surround. I'm looking for atmos movies where i can actually hear object based sounds, aka real atmos. Disclaimer: I just bought a klipsch Atmos system, so i need to break them in but even with that in mind, a.carbon Atmos was much better.

I recommend streaming content on a NVidia Shield Pro. To an OLED or IPS LED tv with eARC connected to your sound bar or AVR. Only NVidia Shield Pro supports TRUEHD

But I think... Dolby is only commercial to increase streaming service member... As a newb when I see dolby atmos logo, I feel interested about what its sound be like. I hope I'll impressed with atmos sound be like, but I think its only make sound more imersed

I watch top gun in atmos on My Apple TV library through an Xbox one x... sounded as good as a bluray audio... STEAM audio chip built into Xbox is a killer feature tbh... try that out if you get a chance sir.

What about downloading movies onto a device like an Xbox, Apple TV 4K, Roku etc. Is downloading a movie more similar to Blu Ray disc or streaming?

New to home theater, Dolby codecs, eArc et al. Don't hear any real "Atmos" objects in my Sonos Arc "5.1.2" - LOL, system while streaming from Netflix Ultra HD, Apple TV+ or HBO Max, but am quite pleased overall with the Arc surround system experience. Watched a DD codec DVD "1 Giant Leap"; the disc is 15-ish years old; the film has a ton of music performances in it. The blue-ray player is 10 years old. Set up the player for "bitstream" output with surround "downmix" (not super clear on what this means, it just sounds the best upon cursory play-around with the output settings on this blue-ray player). First disk I have listened to in my Sonos. I was blown away...at how much better disk audio sounds than streaming audio (generally, I did not compare the disk version of the film to a streaming version). Think I'm going to cancel my Netflix Ultra HD as I don't have a 4K display; can't qualify Atmos audio at all, and 5.1 should cover it. Thanks, Ealan!

Kaleidescape has UHD movies and lossless audio based off the master files, but it's really, really expensive.

Great Video thank you - explains a lot. Is there any update to this debate 2 years on?

The audio for HBO Max same-day theatrical premiers has been monumentally horrible in my experience. It sounds like my front stage is stuffed with cotton. I have to increase the volume on the center channel by 6 to 8 db to match the dialogue level with other streaming content that I normally watch.

Conclusion,streaming 100% 4k Dolby Atmos movies is impossible whereas Kaleidescape(different infrastructure ) is the only platform delivers pure or better 4k Dolby Atmos movies.

so technically when playing a Dolby atmos content on Netflix I'm getting a DD+ even though it's a Dolby atmos signal because the metadata and bandwidth are being compressed ? Is that correct?

Which streaming device were you using? They aren’t all the same when it comes to handling Atmos, in my experience.

What are your thoughts on having either 2 or 4 atmos ceiling speakers? I would do 4 but the room is smaller 12 x 14 so I was looking at doing 2. I just didn’t know if I would be disappointed with that. Running 5.2 set up now. Klipsch speakers and Marantz separates.

What a pity, so again we're losing all the fine details and dynamics in streaming services.

No streaming Services is ever going to come even close to the performance of a 4k disc , that’s why every movie I like I’d rather have it on a 4K Disc

DVD’s don’t have lossless audio.

hey Ealan bud!!! It's funny you put this video out cause in last 2 weeks I've been looking at videos about CD's vs Streaming and 4K/Blurays vs Streaming and they are all saying in this case about streaming and 4K that 4K is much much better and superior to Streaming even at it's best in sound and video. CD's still mostly is much much better and superior to streaming but maybe only HI RES streaming like Tidal or Amazon HD come close but still not as good as a CD's WAV or hell even FLAC. I just ordered the Klipsch R-41M Bookshelve speakers on Amazon for $107 but the today it's $102 lol....and I also have the Sony SSCS-5 (don't know if you know them) bookshelve speakers and they are awesome for the price and has 5 star reviews on Amazon. Alot of other KZfaqrs love them and recommend them for descent Audiophile sound. Still waiting on my Klipsch 5.1 surrounds in the mail. takes longer being overseas lol. thank you Ealan for another good video. btw thinkin for future reference purchasing the Emotiva BasX A2 or A3.

4K Blu-ray DVD, where does the best online streaming sit?

It's really got nothing to do with space, as far as stuff getting removed from streaming libraries, it all comes down to licensing costs and exclusivity deals. They got the server space, no doubt. otherwise, fair video explaining the differences.

So is this the reason that the Dolby Atmos logo doesn't show up on my soundbar when I'm streaming? The Atmos logo always shows up on my sound bar when I pop in a disk.

I would agree. The disc is much better. Me and my friend have also done this test a few weeks ago. He has a full klipsch Dolby Atmos system. We tried avengers endgame when thorn comes in to wakanda to fight. First we did google play app. Then we did Vudu app and last we did Blu ray not 4k UHD just the 4k. The google play was garbage. The Vudu was awesome like what you said and the disc was just better. But Vudu is my new stream of choice to watch movies now after that test.

a great source for DVDs can be your local library. even current movies/shows and many libraries will have BluRay versions available. just as an fyi for an alternate source to DVDs beyond RedBox and old school Netflix

Also with discs, you don'thave to worry about the movie/tv show being altered or even dropped by the streaming service. You can also lend them to friends/family. I think the studios are going shoot themselves in the foot by continuing to raise streaming prices and sneakily removing more and more content. BUY THE DISC!

Physical disc unlimited streaming limited and under someone control streaming a person do not have any preference such as sound or picture settings some physical DVD players have settings for sounds plus audio people have taste in sound quality.

True. Physical media is better than streaming AT THE MOMENT. But there was a time before any Internet delivered content included video or audio - even animated GIFs were considered to hog the bandwidth - because we only had dial up. Eventually broadband delivered the bandwidth to allow youtube, now we have bandwidth to watch movies on demand. Once the delivery mechanisms allow it, the bandwidth will exist that surpasses what physical media can offer. A 4k title fills the disk, so that format is already running out of headroom. One day all media will be streamed, even the highest definition multi channel meta-data-embedded content will come down a cable. Just not. quite. yet.

Is the cost is a convenient part? I mean I can rent a movie on itunes in 4k, Atmos for 5$. Now video clubs are dead unfortunately and i can't rent the physical version anymore....

I’m a novice does the same go for video games digital vs disc? I was thinking of the discless PS5 but might do the disc one.

There was never anything wrong with Dolby Digital.

Agree 100% quality > convenience.

2 years later, and yes it still sucks. Just upgraded my TV and Atmos setup and threw on Top Gun Maverick. Compared the Dark Star scene on 4K UHD Blu-ray and Amazon Prime. The sound on Amazon Prime is so lifeless and flat. It's probably fine if you don't know what you're missing. Like driving around in a Toyota Camry, it's comfortable. But then you put on the disc, and all of a sudden everything comes alive. The sound envelopes you with music so rich you'd swear the orchestra was in your living room. Someone has just handed you the keys to a Bentley. You can never go back now.

What is your internet speed and how big of a deal is download speed in you opinion?

Haha. Excellent video. I really enjoyed the actual data comparison but also loved your sense of humour. You, sir, have just earned another sub. 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

You're reminding me of my downstairs neighbor who likes to meditate outside and gets mad when people make noise! But thanks for the Vid.

What about for “spatial audio “ music ? Does a physical disc offer the same improvement of streaming Apple Music of Tidal ?

Does eARC level the playing field at all? Do I get close to physical media bandwidth if my HDMI and receiver both support eARC (for example on Disney+)?

Also I heard the New 4K Release of TOP GUN with the Atmos soundtrack is AWESOME!!!

Just wish disk would come out sooner , like when the digital release of movies

You're conflating dynamic compression and data reduction. Compression and expansion won't get you far to reduce the bandwidth. It's what they used on tapes. Dolby Digital breaks the sound into frequency bands, adapts to the current average level, and saves a difference with as much accuracy as the bitrate allows. The DR of the codec is around 18 bits. At any given instant you of course have less. But you also don't hear a mosquito during an explosion. You can usually adjust compression in the receiver. The dynamics in AC-3 are usually untouched, people complain about it sometimes, and it is compressed on playback following embedded metadata. I doubt that Vudu could have adjusted the levels without invalidating the Atmos data. People now use leaf blowers and lawnmowers every day. Too hard to swing a broom or rake, and have to perform a genocide against grass.

Quite informative. Thanks mate, subbed.

Not bothered about Atmos. Dialogue is the most important and Streaming videos from Netflix & Prime is much Louder at Lower Volumes compared to Discs

Do budget processors like the ToneWinner AT-300 processor upmix to ATMOS? Thank you!

What 4k Blue Ray player would you recommend?

TLDR When doing back to back blind tests, it's more noticeable than one would think. Long Read: I spent the better part of quarantine finally creating a plex account and ripping all of my and my friend's blu-rays and 4k blu-rays as well as accumulating more and more and once i ripped them i would sell the discs. When i was adjusting my own home theater setup i ended up using the opening scene of The Dark Knight and that is only blu-ray 1080p and not 4k (however i do have 4k examples as well). Netflix had same movie in "HD" and 5.1. The clarity in the video was painfully obvious when Joker was holding his mask before being picked up and the audio was very apparent when they blow the window out and cocked the weapon they used to send the line from the building to the bank. The irony is that the blu-ray rip is AC3 5.1 @ 640kbps which should be similar to what Netflix was providing me and my wife is not super picky about any of this stuff and was my "blind test" person and she immediately noticed the difference in both. When the window blew out using the blu-ray rip it actually startled her and when we watched it on Netflix she asked "why did that not seem the same?" I would say it's hard to go back once you hear (and see even though this is an audio channel) disc media over streaming media. I know that Sony is supposed to release a super high quality type streaming service (like tidal for movies) but it's going to be exclusive to Sony TV's or something. I think as broadband becomes more affordable and compression algorithms keep getting better the quality will increase but until then, create your own plex library and enjoy full bit rate. Random: I own all the John Wick's on 4k UHD and John Wick 2 is actually my highest bit-rate video rip @ 83.2 Mbps!

So a friend of mine has a Plex account and gave me access. He downloaded movies in the highest quality he could. No compression. How would that compete with the physical Blu-ray Disc?

Streams you have to be downloading and they need the server space , a disk will always be better or buy download

Sorry but no amount of audio fidelity increase is worth it to me if it costs actual physical space for physical discs.

You were talking about dynamic range compression. While yes. I do notice streaming has less dynamic range, but it isnt necessarily the result of data compression. This being said... streaming dolby atmos sucks...

Osborne..you are just awesome. Good information. I appreciate it.

Tractor Tractor 🚜 Song should be a thing haha Didn’t know about blueray vs 📀 What about popcorn time streaming, the file size can be huge if you pick the Atmos version?

I agree 100% My gf usually calls me "old" when I buy the physical disc lol I explain there is better quality in disc rather than digital. I paid a lot for my Atmos theater set up and I intend to use it to the fullest.

Hi. This was grate 😁 But what is your take on lokal streaming, like plex? I ripp all my video whit no audio compression 🤔 Anny thoughts?

Great videos. Would a blind test be possible? I'm not sure I would be able to tell the difference.

I own 100+ dvds in 2 weeks.

Yes it is!....when nothing but my ears to sample the difference...it was a marked difference, streaming sounded awesome...until i played a blu-ray Star Trek into darkness, and it was a huge difference. it is a situation like so many...you don't know what your missing until you know it... streaming sounds good..but not as good....