I have a K system and I am very unimpressed with their Bluray implimentation you can see my commentary here:

http://www.kscapeowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=742&page=2

In so far as why not just get a disc off a shelf- thats the whole raison d'être of any server. If you have a large collection (I have over 1300 DVDs), having that instant access is nice. Its also real nice with kids who might misplace a disc but they can't misplace something they never took out and you have instant access to their movies. The K DVD system is very very well done and could be worth it for someone depending on your subjective take on what they are doing. The problem is technology has moved on very quickly and now days you can replicate much of what they are doing for a fraction of the cost. It doesnt mean they are obsolete in the market, but IMHO they are closer than they should have ever gotten. And its because they have stood still. Tech is just unrelenting. Great for all of us who are customers but I have sympathy for those who have to continue to innovate.

Keep in mind on the argument of cost someone could say- a Meridian system costs what?!! I can just get a $500 receiver and some speakers and get surround sound. And they would be technically correct though many of us would not call the result they have the same as the result we have.

Best regards,
Jerry
Main System: 861v6, DSP8000s in corners, DSP7000s Center and Sides, 1-9 humans.