It seems we can't go a day without hearing that a new gadget has hit the selves, ready to blow every other techy toy out of the water. The latest smartphone that claims it's smarter than all others, a smaller music system that holds even more tunes than the last, and a TV that boasts the highest resolution and best 3D output; each company trying to outshine all others, and leaving no stone left unturned in the process. But, what does this all mean for DVDs? Is 20th century technology, which can only be described as fairly new in terms of technical development, already on its way out?
We all know the DVD isn't dead yet; vast numbers of individuals have a disc collection which they still love to watch, and the rest of us still enjoy settling down in front of a rented DVD. This seems likely to continue for some time yet, especially considering most of us are kitted out with DVD technology. However, the future certainly looks bleak. Videotapes, which once dominated the market, are a thing of the past so surely it is inevitable that the DVD will face the same future?
Blu-ray discs, already becoming more and more popular, have been invented for a purpose. They can store 10 times the amount of data than a DVD and with the evolution of high definition video, this is a fundamental feature. For as long as technology continues to develop there will be demand for gadgets that support the advancements and if the mobile phone industry is anything to go by, the newest and most improved technology will always come out on top.
Having said that, Blu-ray players aren't flying off the shelves. Trepidation and mystery surrounding the up-and-coming technology can be partly to blame for this. A lot of consumers who are expected to buy into Blu-ray are the same people who had to be convinced to switch from VHS to DVD no more than 15 years ago, or maybe as little as five years ago, if they were late to jump on the bandwagon. And when technology does the job it is meant to, people will question why it needs updating again. Why should they spend money modernising their own equipment to accommodate the times? But, whether you like it or not, it seems this new system is definitely set to stay, for now anyway, because it is needed. It is needed to uphold the industry developments, and with time these developments will begin to affect every household.
Damning evidence that the landscape is changing is news that Microsoft's new Windows 8 system, released next month, won't play DVDs. Instead consumers will have to pay for the privilege if they should want it. This decision comes after evidence suggests there is a sharp decline in DVD use on computers. The sudden surge in streaming and online purchasing will certainly have played its part in this decline and will undoubtedly affect the future of the DVD industry in its entirety.
On-demand streaming services have taken off in the last few years resulting in a decrease in DVD revenue, and with companies like Netflix and LOVEFiLM battling to be the best, online film services are only going to get better. Relatively cheap monthly payments and unlimited access to films which are downloaded straight to your computer, is a much more appealing film experience for many. Netflix revealed in April that UK consumers have "an unusually high level of understanding and awareness of streaming services" and they are experiencing high subscription numbers because of it.
The strength of the UK online film market means we are slowly killing the retail sector. HMV have had to close numerous stores over the past few years after their prices were undermined by internet downloads and supermarkets, and they have recently started an online service to try to secure sales. Rental giant, Blockbuster have also had to explore new options in a desperate plead for custom by offering reward schemes to soak up gamers left from the GAME fallout. Choices UK on the other hand, failed to keep up to date and have entered administration completely.
However, it seems with each retail misfortune comes further success for internet companies who are ready to take advantage of the current trends and technology. musicMagpie, for example, will offer you money for your unwanted DVD collection. They have clocked on, that for some, their collection of discs are now just sat gathering dust, victims of the internet boom.
Technological progression in the form of online streaming and Blu-ray ultimately means the end of the road is imminent for the DVD. However, several factors will slow the process. Streaming needs to reach a better standard. At the moment even the best streaming services only just reach the same quality as a DVD, most fail to reach even this. Mediocre downloads will discourage online use. Finally, until consumers can afford to change their home technology or are forced to do so in another digital switchover, people will continue to buy and rent DVDs. Retail and rental shops will have to ride out the bumpy road and adapt as well as they can. But in the not so distant future DVDs, and even Blu-ray will eventually reach a dead end.