Blu-ray

What's going on these days? Pirates are attacking everywhere. Already bored with DVD, pirates have set their spyglass on Blu-ray.

Authorities in China, home of the most voracious pirates in the video business, seized a stash of over 800 illegally pirated Blu-ray titles, showing that the robust copy-protection that Blu-ray was supposed to have is useless.

A full week before Black Friday, we're seeing a Memorex Blu-ray player for a mere $139.99, plus a flat $5.00 shipping fee. Do you go shopping now?

Not actually, but The Dark Knight is expected to ship more than 1 million Blu-ray discs to stores in time for the December 9th street date. Iron Man, which holds the previous record, sold 500,000 Blu-ray copies the first week it hit the shelves. So maybe it's more Warner Home Video kicks Paramount's butt.

Feeling lucky? How lucky? Do you wait until Black Friday to pick up a Blu-ray player for a great price, or trust that the price at the floundering Circuit City will be your best bet?

The folks who shop at Wal-Mart aren't what people typically think of as audio- or videophiles, nor necessarily trendsetters. But, they do represent Main Street, America. So, when Wal-Mart speaks, we all listen.