So this is something that I've been pondering latetly (based on articles, threads and other blurbs I've read). The digital downloading craze, with the booming popularity of ipods and other mp3 and video players and online capabilities of current and next-gen gaming systems. Seems that we're on the brink of a new frontier. My question is, when that moment comes when software and other applications could essentially be downloaded in their entireity, would you prefer to download said content or would you rather buy the physical product you can get now in the store. Personally, I dont think I would ever want to download a full movie, music album or major video game. There's something about having a physical collection that I enjoy. I'd prefer the idea of downloadable content as an "added feature" to the core material, which is essentially what we have now (and will have in greater depth in the near future). So what does everyone else think? And yes I am aware that you can essentially do this stuff now (though not all legally). My question focues more on when and if phyiscal software packages become obsolete.
Good question. I personally don't have much of a problem either way, although I'd probably lean towards just digital versions for everything. It depends on how things are done, but as long as this method is reasonable, I'd be fine with it. I'd especially like it for something like books. For example, one thing Sony mentioned during their CES presentation was the Sony Reader (think that was the name). It was basically like a book but in digital form. Thanks to the advantages of a digital format like this, you'd be able to get books for much cheaper (in theory anyway, hasn't happened yet), be able to carry all you books with you very easily, and the texts could be updated without much of a hassle. I mainly look at it as a way to replace textbooks for students in high school and college (like myself), although I'm sure there are other advantages to it. That is one thing that I'd like to see transfer over to a digital form in the near future. Perhaps there could also be some sort of middle ground as well. I read one idea on another forum that dealt with buying a disc that would then allow you to download that software (in that example, a game) online. For example, you could get a EA disc for Madden, NBA Live, NBA Street, etc. Then you'd download what you needed online (either the full file, or a small part necessary to make it run); I think there was more to the plan than this, but it basically centered on some sort of hybrid world where both physical and digital "copies" existed while kind of having the advantages of both. Wish I could remember more about it because it was an interesting idea.
It'd problably be best if it remains in both formats, so if your computer crashes you won't lose all the stuff you downloaded.
You've touched on one of my pet issues. I think downloading will eventually clobber both of the new DVD formats which will force the price of the physical disks down down down. There will always be some need and use for physical discs because they are so small and convenient. They just won't be the profit bonanza Sony et al hoped for.
If companies want to really compete price wise i think they are all going to have to convert to some type of online media...if they don't i think the survival of the fitest and price wars come into effect and the hard copies will eventually just die out. Maybe not that soon but eventually.
I agree the money saved on distribution, Manufacturing and storage alone would be too much for others to compete with Rocket River 17.99 for a DVD vs 1.99 to down load and burn u a copy
I'm just not into downloading yet...I still continue to buy my cd's (and don't even have an mp3 player). And for me when I do eventually get one, it more than likely will be to download radio and other obscure hits. If I want the whole album I'd still buy the cd. But I do think it'd be most beneficial for the two to coexist. We haven't really seen this in movie/tv sales yet, but I can envision you being able to dl additional features/discs to complement the movie. So instead of buying a whole new disc to get Matrix Revisited or those Kong production diaries from Peter Jackson, you can download them. Much like that multiplayer map pack for Halo 2. Or, how bout buying like a master disc for a television show that would enable you to download specific episodes instead of buying whole seasons (which can get expensive). Anyways this has been something on my mind lately. I remember reading an article on the 360 awhile back. Part of it touched on why Microsoft opted to not really utilze its HD DVD capabilities (which got me thinking).
Downloading for the mainstream is limited by speed, convenience, and user experience. Much like people who don't trust using credit cards and make limited purchases with them, there will always be people who buy physical products, possibly with cash. I think the industry supports this. Maybe they'll come up with better revenue streams for the digital age, such as commercials while downloading a stream or pay for play options, but most companies are still old school and stick to what they know best.
Our new video camera records on a hard drive inside the unit and it sits in the palm of your hand. You plug it into your PC, you can edit the films and burn a DVD to watch on your TV...simply amazing stuff. DD
The price of DVDs will come down in response. For the slow adopters to downloading who will continue to like owning DVDs, this will be great. Plus, right now, the $1.99 download is only one episode vs. a DVD which has several episodes. On the other hand, these downloads are available the next day after an episode airs vs. the DVD not being available until the end of the season.
