Recently, my son asked me if we were buying a Blu-ray. We currently have quite a collection of standard DVDs in our library, but lately we have been watching a lot of movies on-demand. And for the record, we don't have the hi-def screen either although that is a planned purchase. But a blu-ray player is not.
Our viewing habits have switched and the DVDs become more useful for long car and airplane trips, while VOD has become the first choice for watching at home. And I believe we are not alone. "U.S. consumers have given Blu-ray a lukewarm reception, despite buying an increasing number of high-definition TVs, according to Harris Interactive." Somehow owning content, once an important part of the video experience, has given way to the rental. And immediacy and choice has positioned VOD as a leader.
I also imagine that a stand alone blu-ray player is not the best use of funds. As gaming consoles become a bigger part of the TV experience as well, they also offer blu-ray capabilities. Will they be used for that purpose, perhaps secondarily, as gaming use swells in volume. So what will happen to blu-ray. I imagine overtime, PCs, portable players, HDTVs, etc will all e capable of playing blu-ray and standard DVDs. And standard DVDs, like LPs and cassettes will head into the attic, reminding us once again of simpler days.
