The High Definition format war (Blu-Ray vs. HD DVD) appears to be over. But before I comment on that, let's discuss fiber to the home (FTTH). This is the techi-based amenity now being offered in a few new communities. Will this quickly end the need for the physical disk, no matter which format it is?
Some people have a perception that downloadable and/or streaming HD content will replace optical media soon. Every time I read a blog about HD DVD or Blu-Ray, there's always some percentage of people that chime in to say they don't care about HD (high definition) optical formats because downloadable movies will replace them anyway.
I personally don't see that happening nearly as soon as people seem to think it will.
First of all, movie studios aren't going to release downloadable HD movies as their primary revenue stream. They will continue to release optical discs because they make a ton of money with them. Plus they are inherently more secure (from piracy) than downloadable content.
Secondly, the vast majority of broadband infrastructure is not ready for massive HD movie downloads... yet. You can't compress HD video and audio without losing it's "HD-ness", and probably 90% of the country doesn't even have internet speeds that would allow 20-50 GB downloads in reasonable, reliable timeframes.
And thirdly, people still like physical media. Look at how long the music industry has had to continue selling physical discs even though digital audio is very easy to distribute electronically. Since an HD movie requires massive storage, just imagine trying to play a movie in your SUV that you downloaded at home, or take it to a friend's house for movie night, or take it on a trip to watch on the plane or in a hotel. HD video content is just not as portable as digital audio content is.
The days of not wanting a physical movie disc for one purpose or another is still at least a decade years away, and it requires a lot of infrastructure and technology investments from many sectors to accomplish. It's all coming and many local players are beginning the ground work to make sure they are in the game when it does finally happen.
I wanted to follow-up concerning my previous
article, since that was about peoples' perception of whether SD (standard definition) DVD format was good enough. I'm sure that perception has changed a bit more since I wrote that and now more people are buying HD players, thanks to lower prices for the holidays and such.
Since the format war looks to be over (Blu-Ray the victor with the signing of Warner Brothers), there's another "tipping point" to watch for. That will be whenever a major film is released ONLY in HD format and not standard DVD. It will signal the beginning of the end of DVD and start driving the next wave of consumer buyers into HD marketplace.
Do I have it wrong? Feel free to comment (below). This is an open forum and all home related technology discussions are welcome and encouraged. If you have a question or would like more information on any of the topics discussed in this blog, email me-Media Mike @ mike -at- mydigitalauthority -dot- com. Find out more about Boise Idaho Home Technology (Home theaters, media rooms, whole-house audio, home healthcare, lighting and automation) at www.mydigitalauthority.com