Would you use a Video on Demand service?

Dman001 · 15-07-2009 11:52PM #1

I was just thinking, Ireland lacks a decent Video on Demand service and it got me thinking that would anyone in Ireland use one? I think I'd use one if it was a similar service to Netflix in the US. But to be honest, I think Im a minority and I think alot of Irish don't have the knowhow to use such services.

norrie rugger · 16-07-2009 09:52AM

Why would you bother, every town has an xtravision?

America has homes that are in the middle of no and where, so a service like this works. How many Irish homes are more than a half hours drive from an xtravision?

Dman001 wrote:

But to be honest, I think Im a minority and I think alot of Irish don't have the knowhow to use such services.

Oh and you truely are a prince amongst men. You really are Da Man. Go you.
I'm sorry but that is a very silly comment, in all fairness

*edit* most broadband is also not fast enough, for HD downloads. Or the download caps will kick people in the teeth
*reedit* the download is not even of DVD quality??

bnt · 16-07-2009 10:01AM

This may sound strange, but I voted No because I have technical objections to the idea. To have millions of households downloading individual movies is a colossal waste of bandwidth, especially now that we have 1000-channel digital cable and Tivo-type recorders.

An example of how I think this could work more efficiently:
- the cable company sets up a website where subscribers can nominate and/or vote for movies they want to see;
- if a movie is selected for broadcast, people can buy it individually (rather than subscribe to a channel)
- it goes out on an unused digital channel at an odd time e.g. 4am, and the DVR records it for later viewing.

Most of this can be automated, of course - with your DVR programmable through the website, you'd just have to click on "purchase". It could be a lot cheaper than "on demand", so you could build up a small library of movies you want to see, in advance. A movie is a lot of data, so I think it's unrealistic to expect a company to deliver a decent range of movies instantly, on demand. Maybe they can, but that doesn't mean they should! :rolleyes:

Goodshape · 16-07-2009 10:20AM

I'd pay (not much, maybe ~€1.50 max) to be able to click and watch a film in good quality from a reliable and fast server whenever I wanted, absolutely.

Though my preference would be to pay more for a download of the film in a good quality DRM-free format. Wouldn't pay tuppence for a DRM/restricted download.

I'd consider myself a bit of an early adopter when it comes to this sort of tech but I strongly believe, given a couple of years, that this will be the norm for video. Reminds me of the early days of MP3 downloads. The music industry made huge mistakes there by crying foul and trying to further restrict their physical media (Sony's Rootkit, lawsuits upon lawsuits, etc.) instead of tapping-in to the potentially huge new market and offering consumers what they want.

I'm not an advocate of piracy but I am a huge advocate of digital media. At the moment I'd pay a few quid per download if it meant I was guaranteed quality, supporting the artist(s), and cutting down on time spent searching for and downloading the film I'm after.

You can get a wee harddrive for under your TV that will house hundreds of films for less than €200 these days. Discs are antiquated.

norrie rugger · 16-07-2009 10:50AM

Goodshape wrote: »

I'd pay (not much, maybe ~€1.50 max) to be able to click and watch a film in good quality from a reliable and fast server whenever I wanted, absolutely.

Though my preference would be to pay more for a download of the film in a good quality DRM-free format. Wouldn't pay tuppence for a DRM/restricted download.

I'd consider myself a bit of an early adopter when it comes to this sort of tech but I strongly believe, given a couple of years, that this will be the norm for video. Reminds me of the early days of MP3 downloads. The music industry made huge mistakes there by crying foul and trying to further restrict their physical media (Sony's Rootkit, lawsuits upon lawsuits, etc.) instead of tapping-in to the potentially huge new market and offering consumers what they want.

I'm not an advocate of piracy but I am a huge advocate of digital media. At the moment I'd pay a few quid per download if it meant I was guaranteed quality, supporting the artist(s), and cutting down on time spent searching for and downloading the film I'm after.

You can get a wee harddrive for under your TV that will house hundreds of films for less than €200 these days. Discs are antiquated.

Discs are in deed but what about when you want to go to the next room cause the other half is watching corrie? Or if you are going for a few beers in the mates place and want a movie to watch.
Handy to have the disc to carry around. Very good idea is what some Bluray releases are doing. BRD disc and a digital copy disc for PC
Also Ireland's network is not capable of this, on a grand scale

Mossy Monk · 16-07-2009 10:51AM

I wouldn't use it because I don't have the technical know how about how to use such an advanced and complicated system.

norrie rugger · 16-07-2009 10:55AM

Mossy Monk wrote: »

I wouldn't use it because I don't have the technical know how about how to use such an advanced and complicated system.

How are you operating the inter world wide net???

Goodshape · 16-07-2009 11:35AM

Mossy Monk wrote: »

I wouldn't use it because I don't have the technical know how about how to use such an advanced and complicated system.

Search, click, watch. It's advanced, but it's not complicated. I remember the same thing said to me when I was championing MP3's back in the day.

norrie rugger wrote:

Discs are in deed but what about when you want to go to the next room cause the other half is watching corrie?

We've got a harddrive connected to the wi-fi router in our apartment. It's pretty much plug and play (maybe not for novices quite yet, but they'll get better) so it doesn't really matter where I am or what device I'm using. Our set-top box picks it up or, if someone is watching TV, the various lap-tops in the house do too.

Or if you are going for a few beers in the mates place and want a movie to watch.

USB keys are dime-a-dozen... throw a few films on there and away you go (which is why I'd not pay for DRM content which restricts that). Much handier than carting around a load of DVDs.

Very good idea is what some Bluray releases are doing. BRD disc and a digital copy disc for PC

Are they doing that? Haven't seen it but sounds good. The extra restrictions on BluRay (don't work on Mac or in Linux, much more difficult to rip to the harddrive, which is what I tend to do with my DVDs) have kept me away from the format.

Also Ireland's network is not capable of this, on a grand scale

You're probably right for the time being. But that'll hopefully improve.

I think most people voting 'no' will turn around once the service is actually available. "It's too technical for me" will be out the window when you're sitting on the couch pressing click to play. More can be done with a bit of extra technical knowledge but it won't be necessary for most. It's the natural evolution of things imho.

Ponster · 16-07-2009 12:14PM

I already use such a service. 3euro for a HD-quality flick after about 30 seconds to buffer. I can't see myself ever renting another DVD again.

norrie rugger · 16-07-2009 12:37PM

Goodshape wrote: »

USB keys are dime-a-dozen... throw a few films on there and away you go (which is why I'd not pay for DRM content which restricts that). Much handier than carting around a load of DVDs.

Are they doing that? Haven't seen it but sounds good. The extra restrictions on BluRay (don't work on Mac or in Linux, much more difficult to rip to the harddrive, which is what I tend to do with my DVDs) have kept me away from the format.

Come here I would love a dime a dozen Bluray capacity USB key;)

I have seen it a few times here but seems to be primarily US Bluray.
My Death Race, Incredible Hulk, Rambo all have a digital DVD copy also. So I get the HD quality on the main screen and DVD for the bedroom

Dman001 · 16-07-2009 01:13PM

norrie rugger wrote: »

Oh and you truely are a prince amongst men. You really are Da Man. Go you.
I'm sorry but that is a very silly comment, in all fairness

I was simply stating that I am a minority that would use a VOD service and, judging by the poll, I am right.

Many of the Irish population wouldn't even know what I mean by Video On Demand, and there is a bit of a knowhow needed to use these VOD services.
For example, if I wanted to use Netflix streaming service on my Mac, I would have to download Silverlight. If I want to use the RTE Player, I have to install Flash etc. I know it is a very straightforward process to download these plugins and software but if people don't know what to do, they won't use it.

Goodshape · 16-07-2009 01:26PM

norrie rugger wrote: »

Come here I would love a dime a dozen Bluray capacity USB key;)

Well, maybe not quite dime-a-dozen

, but here's a 16gb stick for €33. Not much more than a BuyRay disc. 720p HD rip comes it at, what, couple of gigs max?

Ponster wrote: »

I already use such a service. 3euro for a HD-quality flick after about 30 seconds to buffer. I can't see myself ever renting another DVD again.

What's the service? I've not been able to find one that works, above board, in Ireland.

Dman001 · 16-07-2009 01:27PM

Goodshape wrote: »

I'd pay (not much, maybe ~€1.50 max) to be able to click and watch a film in good quality from a reliable and fast server whenever I wanted, absolutely.

Though my preference would be to pay more for a download of the film in a good quality DRM-free format. Wouldn't pay tuppence for a DRM/restricted download.

I'd consider myself a bit of an early adopter when it comes to this sort of tech but I strongly believe, given a couple of years, that this will be the norm for video. Reminds me of the early days of MP3 downloads. The music industry made huge mistakes there by crying foul and trying to further restrict their physical media (Sony's Rootkit, lawsuits upon lawsuits, etc.) instead of tapping-in to the potentially huge new market and offering consumers what they want.

I'm not an advocate of piracy but I am a huge advocate of digital media. At the moment I'd pay a few quid per download if it meant I was guaranteed quality, supporting the artist(s), and cutting down on time spent searching for and downloading the film I'm after.

You can get a wee harddrive for under your TV that will house hundreds of films for less than €200 these days. Discs are antiquated.

I agree that DRM content is not the way to go. But going back to Netflix again, you can stream content on a Mac or PC and you get unlimited access for only $8.99 a month.
The likes of Flash and Silverlight is capable of HD, but TBH it still looks below DVD quality. But eventually, I'm sure we will be able to stream HD content that is Blu Ray quality.

norrie rugger · 16-07-2009 01:41PM

Goodshape wrote: »

Well, maybe not quite dime-a-dozen , but here's a 16gb stick for €33. Not much more than a BuyRay disc. 720p HD rip comes it at, what, couple of gigs max?

What is the point of a 1080p TV if you are happy with 720p?
also audio is important to me, actually going to upgarde the audio set up soon.
link has some movies sizes
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=760714

I would love a direct download service but do not think that they are of high enough quality. Also my 10m conection from NTL would still be too slow, IMO.
Bluray DL disc is 50gig.
When the quality is good enough, easily portable and playable on multiple drives then I will use it

norrie rugger · 16-07-2009 01:42PM

Dman001 wrote: »

I agree that DRM content is not the way to go. But going back to Netflix again, you can stream content on a Mac or PC and you get unlimited access for only $8.99 a month.
The likes of Flash and Silverlight is capable of HD, but TBH it still looks below DVD quality. But eventually, I'm sure we will be able to stream HD content that is Blu Ray quality.

I think that your question should have a "Not Yet" option
I voted no as Netflix is not of a high enough quality for me to use.

When the infastructure is in place for direct downloads, then my answer wil lbe yes.

Ponster · 16-07-2009 01:46PM

Goodshape wrote: »

What's the service? I've not been able to find one that works, above board, in Ireland.

Sorry Goodshape but I'm not in Ireland...

norrie rugger · 16-07-2009 01:52PM

Ponster wrote: »

Sorry Goodshape but I'm not in Ireland...

Of course you are not, you have something that works!!

Ponster · 16-07-2009 02:16PM

norrie rugger wrote: »

Of course you are not, you have something that works!!

lol

I think we just have more competition than in Ireland.

Most cities have 100Mb fiber connections for 30euro per month so vod is becoming very popular especially with parents who can call up kids movies within seconds to keep those buggers quiet

Mossy Monk · 16-07-2009 02:25PM

norrie rugger wrote: »

How are you operating the inter world wide net???

Goodshape wrote: »

Search, click, watch. It's advanced, but it's not complicated. I remember the same thing said to me when I was championing MP3's back in the day.

Yes it is that easy but the OP thinks a lot of people in this country wouldn't know how to operate such technology.

Goodshape · 16-07-2009 02:30PM

Ponster wrote: »

Most cities have 100Mb fiber connections for 30euro per month so vod is becoming very popular especially with parents who can call up kids movies within seconds to keep those buggers quiet

Now that's what I'm talking about. When we get to that level of connection, or even half of it, things are going to get interesting.

norrie rugger wrote: »

What is the point of a 1080p TV if you are happy with 720p?
also audio is important to me, actually going to upgarde the audio set up soon.
link has some movies sizes

Should probably have said that convenience and the ability to do what I want with the media I own (not tied to that one blu-ray player on that one HD tv in the house) trumps quality for me, and I think -- despite what sony et al. would love to be true -- that's the case for most consumers. Interestingly it's my less technically minded friends who really don't give a hoot about quality -- happily streaming blockbusters over YouTube etc. Couldn't do that myself, but 720p is more than enough.

A flat-rate (Dmann mentioned $8.99 a month) for click-to-watch streaming alongside a few quid per DRM-free download would be ideal.

Dman001 · 16-07-2009 02:36PM

Mossy Monk wrote: »

Yes it is that easy but the OP thinks a lot of people in this country wouldn't know how to operate such technology.

Yes but if you're talking about streaming services, plugins or other software is needed and, like I said, if people don't know how to use it, they won't use it and head down to Xtravision.

Ponster · 16-07-2009 02:41PM

Dman001 wrote: »

Yes but if you're talking about streaming services, plugins or other software is needed and, like I said, if people don't know how to use it, they won't use it and head down to Xtravision.

I don't think that it will be much of a problem as such. VOD, at least in France, is a service normally provided by the ISPs who offer triple-play services (internet/telephone/tv). The movies are ordered via your TV remote and the interface often resembles something like Sky+ so there isn't any surfing or typing in of CC numbers.

http://www.neufvod.tv/mode.php

If ever you have used Sky+ or ordered a movie in a hotel via the remote then you know how easy it can be.

Other non-ISP companies offer vod which are a little more complicated e.g you need a PC, you need to download and install the correct software/codecs. I imagine that this is the model that the OP is refering to when they say that it may be difficult for some to operate.

Running Bing · 16-07-2009 03:15PM

I'd rather not spend hours downloading a film that turns out to be lower than DVD quality and then watch it on a 17 inch screen.

I think thats the bottom line for many people. Maybe someday 32 inch computer monitors, lightning quick internet and high quality downloads will be the norm but until then nobody would do it (I am aware all those things are doable now but for the average household its just not an attractive option).

I also think it will a long long time before movies in digital form outsell whatever tangible medium is out at the time. People want something they can hold and touch and transport with minimum fuss.

Goodshape · 16-07-2009 03:58PM

Running Bing wrote: »

I'd rather not spend hours downloading a film that turns out to be lower than DVD quality and then watch it on a 17 inch screen.

I think thats the bottom line for many people. Maybe someday 32 inch computer monitors, lightning quick internet and high quality downloads will be the norm but until then nobody would do it (I am aware all those things are doable now but for the average household its just not an attractive option).

I also think it will a long long time before movies in digital form outsell whatever tangible medium is out at the time. People want something they can hold and touch and transport with minimum fuss.

Very same arguments were put towards MP3s. "Why would I want music on my computer" / "dont want to spend time downloading" / "quality isn't as good".

You'll have a relatively inexpensive set-top box for the TV, download speeds will always improve (they're already not too bad tbh) and quality -- which will improve along with DL speeds -- will become less of an issue for most consumers as the whole thing becomes much more convenient.

Discs aren't going to disappear, but it'll be more for those films you really love and want the extras or the physical 'thing' to hold in your hands. Guaranteed most people will be downloading much more than they buy in the shops before too long.

Fysh · 16-07-2009 04:20PM

Goodshape wrote: »

Interestingly it's my less technically minded friends who really don't give a hoot about quality -- happily streaming blockbusters over YouTube etc. Couldn't do that myself, but 720p is more than enough.

I'll be honest, I'm generally pro-new-technology but I have thus far succesfully refused to care about HDTV or Blu-ray, because none of what I've seen has actually added to what I'm looking for in my entertainment, either in gaming, TV or film. There are some very specific areas where I can see HD adding value (sports & nature documentaries, chiefly) but I'm not interested in either area enough to be pushed.

I don't think HD takeup is significant enough to make this a serious factor in whether people would use VOD or not, though. I think network infrastructure is the biggest stumbling block, with media companies that have failed to grasp the extent to which they've been left behind by current technology coming a close second...

Dman001 wrote: »

Yes but if you're talking about streaming services, plugins or other software is needed and, like I said, if people don't know how to use it, they won't use it and head down to Xtravision.

Oh for crying out loud, are you seriously trying to tell me that this would be a problem? Most of the time installing a plugin for silverlight or flash is a case of "go to page > if plugin not installed, click link on page > install plugin > go back to page > watch content". I work in IT support, I have a constant reminder of just how stupid people can be at times when it comes to computers, but I don't think that using a plugin in a web browser is something so difficult that it would stop anyone from using VOD. More than likely it would result in the less technically-savvy asking friends/family who know what they're doing to call over and sort out that yoke so they can watch movies on the telly with the computer.

Running Bing wrote: »

I'd rather not spend hours downloading a film that turns out to be lower than DVD quality and then watch it on a 17 inch screen.

I think thats the bottom line for many people. Maybe someday 32 inch computer monitors, lightning quick internet and high quality downloads will be the norm but until then nobody would do it (I am aware all those things are doable now but for the average household its just not an attractive option).

I also think it will a long long time before movies in digital form outsell whatever tangible medium is out at the time. People want something they can hold and touch and transport with minimum fuss.

There are plenty of TVs out there with VGA ports on the back. Those with sufficient concern for high-resolution graphics have the option of buying a decent graphics card with HDMI outputs, and a full-HD TV with HDMI inputs.

The bigger problem is the time involved in downloading films, and that won't change any time soon because realistically you'll be needing fibre-optic connectivity to enable the necessary bandwidth.

I think you're wrong about digital not being desirable, but I don't understand why it would have to be an either/or thing. I'm itching to get my hands on a decent, non-DRM'd VOD service. I'll still be buying DVDs, but a VOD service at a reasonable price would effectively replace using torrents as a way to check out films I'm sort of interested in but not sure are worth paying to watch. I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels this way, either.

Running Bing · 16-07-2009 05:48PM

Goodshape wrote: »

Very same arguments were put towards MP3s. "Why would I want music on my computer" / "dont want to spend time downloading" / "quality isn't as good"

And mp3 sales are only really getting a foothold now (plus lots of people still prefer CD's). In addition I dont believe quality to be such a concern for mp3 v cd and there is a big difference between sitting in front of a computer screen watching a movie and having an mp3 on a handy portable player (which is in itself an advantage over cd).

There are plenty of TVs out there with VGA ports on the back. Those with sufficient concern for high-resolution graphics have the option of buying a decent graphics card with HDMI outputs, and a full-HD TV with HDMI inputs.

Like I said you can make it work now but what proportion of the general public could be bothered? It suits some people but most (including myself) would rather just whack a dvd on a big tv and sit back and enjoy it. (for the time being).

I think you're wrong about digital not being desirable, but I don't understand why it would have to be an either/or thing. I'm itching to get my hands on a decent, non-DRM'd VOD service. I'll still be buying DVDs, but a VOD service at a reasonable price would effectively replace using torrents as a way to check out films I'm sort of interested in but not sure are worth paying to watch. I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels this way, either.

Still how many people would be willing to trade up their DVD collection now for a digital catalogue?

Again I agree with you its not an either or thing, Im just saying it will be a long time before digital dominates.

Eventually of course things will progress and household entertainment will become more integrated. It will make more sense then but Im just saying for the moment I really cant see the appeal.

Dman001 · 16-07-2009 05:50PM

Fysh wrote: »

I'll be honest, I'm generally pro-new-technology but I have thus far succesfully refused to care about HDTV or Blu-ray, because none of what I've seen has actually added to what I'm looking for in my entertainment, either in gaming, TV or film. There are some very specific areas where I can see HD adding value (sports & nature documentaries, chiefly) but I'm not interested in either area enough to be pushed.

I don't think HD takeup is significant enough to make this a serious factor in whether people would use VOD or not, though. I think network infrastructure is the biggest stumbling block, with media companies that have failed to grasp the extent to which they've been left behind by current technology coming a close second...

Oh for crying out loud, are you seriously trying to tell me that this would be a problem? Most of the time installing a plugin for silverlight or flash is a case of "go to page > if plugin not installed, click link on page > install plugin > go back to page > watch content". I work in IT support, I have a constant reminder of just how stupid people can be at times when it comes to computers, but I don't think that using a plugin in a web browser is something so difficult that it would stop anyone from using VOD. More than likely it would result in the less technically-savvy asking friends/family who know what they're doing to call over and sort out that yoke so they can watch movies on the telly with the computer.

There are plenty of TVs out there with VGA ports on the back. Those with sufficient concern for high-resolution graphics have the option of buying a decent graphics card with HDMI outputs, and a full-HD TV with HDMI inputs.

The bigger problem is the time involved in downloading films, and that won't change any time soon because realistically you'll be needing fibre-optic connectivity to enable the necessary bandwidth.

I think you're wrong about digital not being desirable, but I don't understand why it would have to be an either/or thing. I'm itching to get my hands on a decent, non-DRM'd VOD service. I'll still be buying DVDs, but a VOD service at a reasonable price would effectively replace using torrents as a way to check out films I'm sort of interested in but not sure are worth paying to watch. I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels this way, either.

I was just giving an example as to a problem that some non-technically minded people could run into, although probably a bad example.

Obviously a Non-DRM service is the way to go but that won't happen soon, but eventually pirating will become so big that the Studios won't have a choice. Price is major factor too. The films would have to be reasonably priced and have simultaneous price drops with DVDs.

Goodshape · 16-07-2009 06:02PM

Running Bing wrote: »

And mp3 sales are only really getting a foothold now (plus lots of people still prefer CD's).

Aren't basically the entire charts dominated by downloads these days? Honestly, I could be wrong -- will check into it when I get home from work.

big difference between sitting in front of a computer screen watching a movie and having an mp3 on a handy portable player

How about a film that will work on your computer, on your tv, on your portable device, on whatever-and-whereever-you-want? VOD doesn't mean you're stuck at the computer watching your films.

Like I said you can make it work now but what proportion of the general public could be bothered? It suits some people but most (including myself) would rather just whack a dvd on a big tv and sit back and enjoy it. (for the time being).

for the time being, maybe. But this thread is titled would you use a Video on Demand service. And IF such a service, like the one Ponster described, became available I think a lot of people would happily whack on a VOD on their big TV and sit back and enjoy it, without much thought needed re: the how's and why's of the technical bits and bobs behind it. It'll just work.

Fysh · 16-07-2009 08:58PM

Running Bing wrote: »

And mp3 sales are only really getting a foothold now (plus lots of people still prefer CD's). In addition I dont believe quality to be such a concern for mp3 v cd and there is a big difference between sitting in front of a computer screen watching a movie and having an mp3 on a handy portable player (which is in itself an advantage over cd).

Yes, but the point is that making the same content available in more formats means that you've got a wider potential audience. I don't think I've ever heard of a digital music enthusiast advocate the end of CDs, for instance - but I've got a subscription with eMusic because I've found that it suits me more than buying CDs. You having a preference for CDs or vinyl or audio tape or 8 track or whatever bloody format you want to favour is fine, but you shouldn't assume that everyone else shares that preference, or that there's only one choice.

Running Bing wrote: »

Like I said you can make it work now but what proportion of the general public could be bothered? It suits some people but most (including myself) would rather just whack a dvd on a big tv and sit back and enjoy it. (for the time being).

What are you basing that "most" on? I'll be honest, I've been wanting a VGA input on a TV for about 10 years but they've become more commonly available and widely used within the last 5 as far as I know. In terms of "making it work", it's as hard as having a VGA lead that goes from my computer (whether laptop or desktop) to the TV and then changing the channel. There's a point at which you're going to have to accept that the issue isn't the technology being hard, so much as you assuming people can't cope with the contemporary world.

Running Bing wrote: »

Still how many people would be willing to trade up their DVD collection now for a digital catalogue?

Again I agree with you its not an either or thing, Im just saying it will be a long time before digital dominates.

Eventually of course things will progress and household entertainment will become more integrated. It will make more sense then but Im just saying for the moment I really cant see the appeal.

You seem to think that the Netflix Police are going to kick your door down and confiscate your DVD collection when you sign up to the service. If it's not an either/or offering, why would you give up your DVD collection? You can still have DVDs, and if you want to use VOD as a way of trying out films you wouldn't be arsed owning on DVD then you can use both, and if you're not interested in having a physical film collection you can just use the VOD.

I really don't see what's so hard to grasp about this.

norrie rugger · 17-07-2009 08:39AM

Goodshape wrote: »

Very same arguments were put towards MP3s. "Why would I want music on my computer" / "dont want to spend time downloading" / "quality isn't as good".

You'll have a relatively inexpensive set-top box for the TV, download speeds will always improve (they're already not too bad tbh) and quality -- which will improve along with DL speeds -- will become less of an issue for most consumers as the whole thing becomes much more convenient.

Discs aren't going to disappear, but it'll be more for those films you really love and want the extras or the physical 'thing' to hold in your hands. Guaranteed most people will be downloading much more than they buy in the shops before too long.

There is a small difference here, I will listen to music in the gym, running, travelling.
I watch the movie, in the comfort of my own living room. I have an expensive TV, Player, Sound system, Comfy chair so I am not going to skimp on the smallest thing of the disc.

When Hard drives are big enough to take my hundreds of DVD's at their quality and my dozens of BRD's with the HD image and flawless sound, then I will glady embrace this tech.

I really think that it is just a question of time. The tech is getting there but not yet. I would love to have all the space cleared up in my living room. I have no affinity to the disc but it offers me much more, at the moment, than media drives.
Soon I will follow you to the digital age

paulieeye · 17-07-2009 08:46PM

to the 2 people who voted 'Yes' and not 'Depends on Price'..are you willing to pay any money at all for this service?

Can I have some money?

Running Bing · 17-07-2009 11:09PM

Goodshape wrote: »

Aren't basically the entire charts dominated by downloads these days? Honestly, I could be wrong -- will check into it when I get home from work.

How about a film that will work on your computer, on your tv, on your portable device, on whatever-and-whereever-you-want? VOD doesn't mean you're stuck at the computer watching your films.

But thats my point, for most people now that is exactly what it does mean. As I stated it can be done well right now but most people lack the equipment, motivation or technological savvy to do it. In the future this will change.

Running Bing · 17-07-2009 11:16PM

Fysh wrote: »

Yes, but the point is that making the same content available in more formats means that you've got a wider potential audience. I don't think I've ever heard of a digital music enthusiast advocate the end of CDs, for instance - but I've got a subscription with eMusic because I've found that it suits me more than buying CDs. You having a preference for CDs or vinyl or audio tape or 8 track or whatever bloody format you want to favour is fine, but you shouldn't assume that everyone else shares that preference, or that there's only one choice.

What are you basing that "most" on? I'll be honest, I've been wanting a VGA input on a TV for about 10 years but they've become more commonly available and widely used within the last 5 as far as I know. In terms of "making it work", it's as hard as having a VGA lead that goes from my computer (whether laptop or desktop) to the TV and then changing the channel. There's a point at which you're going to have to accept that the issue isn't the technology being hard, so much as you assuming people can't cope with the contemporary world.

You seem to think that the Netflix Police are going to kick your door down and confiscate your DVD collection when you sign up to the service. If it's not an either/or offering, why would you give up your DVD collection? You can still have DVDs, and if you want to use VOD as a way of trying out films you wouldn't be arsed owning on DVD then you can use both, and if you're not interested in having a physical film collection you can just use the VOD.

I think your taking me up wrong Fysh. Im not being antagonistic to the idea of digital.

The question was posed would you be interested? I would'nt, quite simply because I dont have the equipment or motivation to get the right equipment.

Now I believe Im pretty average, Im computer literate, use the net a lot, love my films and have some interest in technology (especially audio-visual) but it just doesnt appeal to me.

Maybe I am completely wrong but I thought it would be pretty clear cut that most Irish people would not be bothered with getting the necessary equipment to make it work right now (just as at one stage most people didnt bother buying a tv, or a video recorder, or a dvd player, or a mobile phone, or Blue ray).

Im not saying digital is the devil, Im just saying I dont feel the demand is there right now and some form of tangible format will still be around for a long time.

I really don't see what's so hard to grasp about this.

Again nothing hard to grasp about it. I think your to quick to jump to conclusions based on my posts, you thingk Im saying something Im not.

Would you use a Video on Demand service?

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