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Cable Aims To Make Brick & Mortar Rental, Theaters Obsolete
Cablevision launches same-day-as-DVD video on demand

Cablevision has launched a new "Popcorn DVDs On Demand" VOD service that makes "select" DVD titles available the same day they hit store shelves. Existing customers can head to this URL to set up a profile. Users can browse the selection of films via the iO Digital TV user interface, or directly on Channel 500. New release films are priced at $19.95, plus shipping, while older library titles cost between $9.95 and $15.95, plus shipping.

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Once you place an order, you'll get the DVD in the mail within a few days, but can watch your film anytime within 24 hours from purchase. It looks like DVD prices will be slightly more than what you could expect to pay at Amazon, and judging from the press release, the initial title selection seems somewhat limited:
quote:
New releases available from Popcorn at launch include: The Bourne Ultimatum, The Kingdom, Eastern Promises and Sydney White. The two-time Academy(R) Award-nominated blockbuster American Gangster will be available on February 19th.
Note that this is different from ongoing efforts by some cable providers to offer VOD films the same day they hit DVD shelves. Those efforts would not involve a physical DVD sale. In Cablevision's model, the majority of revenue goes to the film studios, with Cablevision and Los Angeles-based Popcorn Home Entertainment getting progressively smaller slices of revenue. In other models, cable operators would get a much larger share.

Comcast in particular has been eager to eliminate the traditional window that exists between VOD and both rental and theater release. They've been running trials in Pittsburgh and Denver that offers DVD-same day VOD. More ambitiously, earlier this year they stated they'd love to implement a service where customers pay $35-$40 to get VOD titles the same day they hit brick-and-mortar theaters.

Theater owners aren't particularly happy about the idea, and have said it will erode the "magic" of the movie-going experience (sticky floors, chatty viewers, popcorn that requires a second mortgage?).
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pokesph
It Is Almost Fast
Premium Member
join:2001-06-25
Sacramento, CA

pokesph

Premium Member

o.o

And I can get that same DVD at Target or Wally-world for 9.99 - 12.99 and not have pay shipping and still be able to view it that same day.

en102
Canadian, eh?
join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA

en102

Member

Re: o.o

I can go to the grocery store, and rent a DVD for $0.99 on Mondays, or $1.50 any other day of the week.

TechyDad
Premium Member
join:2001-07-13
USA

TechyDad

Premium Member

Re: o.o

I can go to my local library and rent a DVD for free.

Seriously, though, that's how my wife and I tend to classify movies. There are a select few that are "must watch in theaters", some that are "rent it when it comes out", some that fall into the "borrow it from the library" category, and rarely one or two that go into "buy the DVD." The vast majority of films, however, go into the "don't want to see, ever" category.

en102
Canadian, eh?
join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA

en102

Member

Re: o.o

Likewise...
The vast majority ends in the 'never see' unless it comes on TV.
A few ~ 12 / year make it to DVD rental
A couple might make it to the theater.
dlr_graph
join:2002-02-03
Elizabeth, NJ

dlr_graph to TechyDad

Member

to TechyDad
I agree. Some are not even worth watching for free.

supergirl
join:2007-03-20
Pensacola, FL

supergirl to pokesph

Member

to pokesph
$35-40? Are they nuts? I can just borrow my friend's movies--she downloads everything. I saw Star Wars III before it hit the theater--she works for the movie biz as a casting director. If you want to be an extra in a movie or TV show and are in Calif., let me know. I was an extra in a Desperate Housewives eppy. Just a woman at a party. Teri Hatcher is a sweetheart. Eva was/is absolutely gorgeous. I was even an extra in Superman Returns--on the street when the Daily Planet thing starting falling. Tall blonde in a dark suit if you wanna check. Cocktail dress in the DH eppy. Season 2.

I'd rather just watch Erotic Movies for Women. Not to worry guys, you wouldn't like it; they actually have a story to them, good lighting, and the guys don't look like 'roid freaks! Cinemax After Hours is like them. LOL!
SilverSurfer1
join:2007-08-19

SilverSurfer1

Member

What about the "hogs"

This business model will be killed in the cradle by providers forcing bandwidth caps. So much for the the punish all the "bandwidth hogs/pirates" argument.
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

openbox9

Premium Member

Re: What about the "hogs"

What does being a bandwidth hog and capped service have to do with mailing new release DVDs to customers?
Expand your moderator at work

RadioDoc

join:2000-05-11
La Grange, IL

RadioDoc to SilverSurfer1

to SilverSurfer1

Re: What about the "hogs"

said by SilverSurfer1:

This business model will be killed in the cradle by providers forcing bandwidth caps.
Re-read the article. The bandwidth providers are the ones fluffing this idea. It runs over digital cable, not your Internet connection, and reveals the real reason they are so hot to cap "excessive downloaders"...the competition from much cheaper and much better services like Amazon and Netflix.
SilverSurfer1
join:2007-08-19

SilverSurfer1

Member

Re: What about the "hogs"

said by RadioDoc:

Re-read the article.
Not all ISPs are capping bandwidth. Notice the gist of the article is being propounded by Comcrap, not TWC, the nost notable implementing the above-referenced caps.

RadioDoc

join:2000-05-11
La Grange, IL

RadioDoc

Re: What about the "hogs"

This has nothing to do with Internet use. It's Video on Demand...you know, regular cable stuff.
SilverSurfer1
join:2007-08-19

SilverSurfer1

Member

Re: What about the "hogs"

said by RadioDoc:

This has nothing to do with Internet use. It's Video on Demand...you know, regular cable stuff.
Ever wonder how bandwidth is actually distinguised by providers with both BB and cable services from the same provider? Dunno bout your personal situation, but Cox in this county plays fast/loose with bandwidth and doesn't really distinguish cable v BB. Bandwidth is bandwidth.

RadioDoc

join:2000-05-11
La Grange, IL

1 edit

RadioDoc

Re: What about the "hogs"

High speed Internet via DOCSIS is carried via RF channels just like any TV channel is. This, though, is not an Internet service. I seriously doubt Cox would be throttling a cable VoD channel they provide and charge for, should they choose to offer a similar product.

This Cablevision story is about a service they are putting on their own systems, not something they are offering to the world via Internet.

For some reason you don't seem to be able to separate captive video services from Internet data.
b10010011
Whats a Posting tag?
join:2004-09-07
united state

b10010011

Member

This is fine if...

You don't mind watching crappy compressed pixelated VOD.

Stefania
Jezu Chryste, Kubi
Premium Member
join:2003-03-17
Chicago, IL

Stefania

Premium Member

I like this idea, but...

I don't buy DVD's anymore, DVD is dead.

bigunk
Gort, Klattu Birada Nikto
join:2001-02-10
USA

bigunk

Member

Re: I like this idea, but...

I'm curious. What's next? Or shall I say what's now?
Pictor Guy
join:2004-06-21
Sammamish, WA

1 recommendation

Pictor Guy

Member

Re: I like this idea, but...

Blu-Ray. It's been a while since I purchased a DVD as well. I may consider services like AppleTV when it starts offering HD Titles but 480i+Compressed audio found on DVDs just don't cut it anymore.

Thaler
Premium Member
join:2004-02-02
Los Angeles, CA

Thaler

Premium Member

Re: I like this idea, but...

said by Pictor Guy:

Blu-Ray.
LOL.

Yeeeah, maybe its the fact that I don't own a super entertainment depo, or that I just like to watch the movie for the actual content, but one of the deal-killers to HD/Blueray is that media is almost 2x the price. In an era where the MPAA is mass producing epic amounts of crap, shelling out an extra $10-20 for a new release in HD just isn't attractive.

I haven't seen a "must own" movie in ages. At least when I go and pick up a DVD, I get to see the content quick-n-cheap. Paying more to see the pores in the actors faces in "The Game Plan" just seems like a waste of money still.
tlniec
join:2004-08-02
Cedar Rapids, IA

tlniec

Member

Re: I like this idea, but...

said by Thaler:

said by Pictor Guy:

Blu-Ray.
LOL.

Yeeeah, maybe its the fact that I don't own a super entertainment depo, or that I just like to watch the movie for the actual content, but one of the deal-killers to HD/Blueray is that media is almost 2x the price. In an era where the MPAA is mass producing epic amounts of crap, shelling out an extra $10-20 for a new release in HD just isn't attractive.

I haven't seen a "must own" movie in ages. At least when I go and pick up a DVD, I get to see the content quick-n-cheap. Paying more to see the pores in the actors faces in "The Game Plan" just seems like a waste of money still.
I don't disagree with you regarding most new releases. Crap is crap, no matter how you slice it.

However, there are many great catalog titles / classic films that have been released on high-def media. Generally speaking, these have been scanned from high-quality masters and look great. In a many cases, they're absolutely stunning. Film's resolution far exceeds 1920x1080, so even movies dating back many decades can look far better on HD DVD/Blu-Ray than on standard DVD.

Thaler
Premium Member
join:2004-02-02
Los Angeles, CA

Thaler

Premium Member

Re: I like this idea, but...

said by tlniec:

However, there are many great catalog titles / classic films that have been released on high-def media. Generally speaking, these have been scanned from high-quality masters and look great. In a many cases, they're absolutely stunning. Film's resolution far exceeds 1920x1080, so even movies dating back many decades can look far better on HD DVD/Blu-Ray than on standard DVD.
I dunno. The only real movies that make me go "WOW" about HD are the newer releases that have been designed for such a market. However, all re-releases I've seen on demo/display require me to make hard contimplative comparisons to actually notice a difference beyond DVD quality.

Now, the "OMFG amazing" difference in picture quality between new releases in HD and DVD...I could see purchasing in the near future - if there was media worth playing. However, almost all the content I actually care about looks just as good in HD as it does on DVD. HD is certainly pretty, but the movies that actually make good on the technology are crap. I just don't see myself paying an extra premium for pretty-looking class-B movies.

...unless its a flick from a porn studio. In that case, yeah...the "story" to that media is moot. The more graphics, the better - perfect for HD.

en102
Canadian, eh?
join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA

en102 to Stefania

Member

to Stefania
said by Stefania:

I don't buy DVD's anymore, DVD is dead.
Even if it isn't officially dead, there's no use in purchasing DVD's / BluRay / HD-DVD. Within a few years, standards will change, and your movies will be useless.
How many people have a large collection of old VHS movies ?

bigunk
Gort, Klattu Birada Nikto
join:2001-02-10
USA

bigunk

Member

Re: I like this idea, but...

I'm just gonna build a media server with scads of storage, maybe 8TB or so. Rip what I can to it and watch it when I want. That way, standards can change and I only need to do updates to handle new media formats. Sound like a reasonable idea?

Stefania
Jezu Chryste, Kubi
Premium Member
join:2003-03-17
Chicago, IL

3 edits

Stefania

Premium Member

Re: I like this idea, but...

Absolutely. I don't believe in media anymore, it's too much trouble to deal with. Especially when 500GB hard drives are 100$ these days. I'll buy a movie, but the format is just archival to me. I'll encode it and store the media somewhere safe. Digital distribution is the future, and you can back that up as much as you need.

Better yet, use usenet and download 720/1080p movies for free. Not that I'm advocating copyright infringement, but it is convenient.

I have no VHS movies, and I'm looking to get rid of my DVD's now.

Edit: Also, AppleTV offers 720p movies now as soon as they release the take 2 firmware update.
The Antihero
join:2002-04-09
Enola, PA

The Antihero to bigunk

Member

to bigunk
said by bigunk:

I'm just gonna build a media server with scads of storage, maybe 8TB or so. Rip what I can to it and watch it when I want. That way, standards can change and I only need to do updates to handle new media formats. Sound like a reasonable idea?
I built one just last summer, as well as three media PCs (one for each TV in the house.)

The server is a RAID 5 array with eight 750GB drives, giving me a total of 5.25 TB. We have over 400 DVDs in the house, so I needed a lot of space.

One of the first things I did when I started this project was take a sampling of 30 or so DVDs to get an idea of the size. Some of the simple, no-frills ones were 4 GB or so, while some of the feature-packed ones were closer to 8 GB. The average size was about 6 GB.

I used the free version of DVDFAB HD Decrypter to copy them, and Media Portal and Power DVD to play them. It's nice having all those movies at my fingertips, and even if I loan one out, I still have it at home to watch. I don't even use the actual discs anymore, except one time to copy them.

If you need any advice from someone who's already done this, let me know. I'll try and answer any questions you might have.
ctggzg
Premium Member
join:2005-02-11
USA

ctggzg

Premium Member

Re: I like this idea, but...

said by The Antihero:

I don't even use the actual discs anymore, except one time to copy them.

If you need any advice from someone who's already done this, let me know. I'll try and answer any questions you might have.
I have a question. How many years in jail?
The Antihero
join:2002-04-09
Enola, PA

The Antihero

Member

Re: I like this idea, but...

said by ctggzg:

said by The Antihero:

I don't even use the actual discs anymore, except one time to copy them.

If you need any advice from someone who's already done this, let me know. I'll try and answer any questions you might have.
I have a question. How many years in jail?
Are you trying to be funny, or simply trolling?

If you're thinking I'm renting or borrowing movies and copying them, you're mistaken. I could, but I do not and will not, no matter how corrupt I believe the MPAA is.

Every single movie on my server is a copy of a disc that I legally bought and paid for. I do not upload them anywhere on the internet, just the server that is accesible only by the computers on my personal network.

Granted, I'm going against the DMCA by using a tool that defeats the copy protection, but all I'm doing is exercising my Fair Use right to make a backup copy of my legally purchased discs.

TechyDad
Premium Member
join:2001-07-13
USA

TechyDad to bigunk

Premium Member

to bigunk
I believe that there was a company a few years back that began to market a set-top device that would rip your DVDs to a local hard drive for easy viewing. The MPAA sued the company until they stopped offering the device. While it was never a consumer level device (IIRC, it cost $10,000), it would likely have been the first wave of similar devices which would eventually have landed into the consumer price range. I, for one, would love to have a set top device that could take my DVDs and make them all available to me at the push of a button.

milachy
@optonline.net

milachy

Anon

Re: I like this idea, but...

the name of the product is called the kaleidescape. It was sued but a judge ruled Kaleidescape is in full compliance with the DVD Copy Control Association's license to the Content Scramble System.

If it wasnt so much money I would already have this since I have over 1200 dvds and it would make things much more conveinient.

TechyDad
Premium Member
join:2001-07-13
USA

TechyDad

Premium Member

Re: I like this idea, but...

Thanks for the information. I was under the impression that they were sued out of existence. Glad to hear that they beat back the DVD CCA. (I just found this via Google about the win: »www.floppyhead.com/2007/ ··· lawsuit/ ) Hopefully, this enables us to have more consumer-priced DVD storage systems in the near future. We don't have as many DVDs as you do (probably around 200), but it is still a pain to find the disc that you want while keeping all of the others organized. (Especially with kids around.) It would be so much easier to select the DVD with the remote and have it load up.

Thaler
Premium Member
join:2004-02-02
Los Angeles, CA

Thaler to en102

Premium Member

to en102
said by en102:

Even if it isn't officially dead, there's no use in purchasing DVD's / BluRay / HD-DVD. Within a few years, standards will change, and your movies will be useless.
Isn't that true of all technology? If that's what folks should do, why ever buy computers, media, etc. at all? You buy things that work for you in the here-and-now. Waiting for tommorrow's technologies will leave you waiting forever.

I personally like to live on the "dull edge" of technology. That way, I get to enjoy most of the tech offerings of the day, but I don't get burned so bad when technology/offerings change.

en102
Canadian, eh?
join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA

en102

Member

Re: I like this idea, but...

I agree... I have 'some' movies on VHS, and 2 computers (one is corp laptop).
There's no reason to go and purchase the bleeding edge, as it will lose most of its value in the first few months.

I typically stay at the 'dull' edge as well, as there's no real benefit to me otherwise.

I do have a DVD burner, which burns from TV to Divx format, and accepts RF (NTSC) channel 3/4 style connection, which allows me to get anything off DirecTv / old VHS, etc.

jt65
@comcast.net

jt65 to en102

Anon

to en102
everything changes in time. so do you stop living life or what?
dlr_graph
join:2002-02-03
Elizabeth, NJ

dlr_graph to en102

Member

to en102
There was a big gap in years between VHS and DVD, and even when the gap berween Blu-Ray and DVD is shorter I think the format will still be around for several more years. As others pointed out, I don't see a reason for paying twice as mush for a Blu-Ray movie.

When DVD started there was a big hipe about how much contendt and features the disc would hold but it was never used. One was multiple angles. This feature was never used by the studios with the exception of the adult industry.

How many people can actually see a difference between a DVD and a Blu-Ray (or HD DVD) at a distance of 6' or more?

en102
Canadian, eh?
join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA

en102

Member

Re: I like this idea, but...

Yup - once the medium changed from magetic tape to purely digital format, the time from DVD to BluRay (and its demise) will be shorter. Digital media is much more portable.
Many still don't have an HD-set, so 1080p is still not even worth it for many, similar to 720p.

A few more years before 720p is the current 'standard'
tlniec
join:2004-08-02
Cedar Rapids, IA

tlniec to dlr_graph

Member

to dlr_graph
said by dlr_graph:

...
How many people can actually see a difference between a DVD and a Blu-Ray (or HD DVD) at a distance of 6' or more?
I can from 14'. But my screen is also 106".

That's why I'm a little concerned that high-def media could become a niche product. For those who have front-projection systems, or large televisions with close seating, I think the benefits of HDM are sufficient to justify the costs. Standard DVD, even when run through an excellent scaler/upconverter, doesn't match HDM in those situations.
But outside of a home-theater environment, the value tapers off. In a bedroom/living room/kitchen, for example, the screen size to distance ratio is likely to be rather small and viewing is probably not going to be so critical as in a theater setting. In those cases, DVD is probably more than sufficient.

CylonRed
MVM
join:2000-07-06
Bloom County
·Metronet

CylonRed

MVM

I would buy the DVD before this VOD

simply based on the price alone. It would be double the price of seeing it in the theater (in my area) with a better sound system and screen. A no brainer for me - the theater would win if I wanted to see it bad enough. Certain movies need to be seen on the big screen any way.

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

2 edits

FFH5

Premium Member

New titles from Amazon.com from $9.99

I can get a DVD for "just released to DVD" movies from Amazon.com for as little as $9.99. Why would I want to use a system from the cable companies to see it 1 day sooner and pay more too boot.

•••

BodyBumper
join:2004-06-21
Beverly Hills, CA

BodyBumper

Member

Question

Who rushes out to buy DVDs the same day they're released?

Thaler
Premium Member
join:2004-02-02
Los Angeles, CA

Thaler

Premium Member

Re: Question

When you're a fanboi of the content, then yes, you normally hit the stores on the first day. Case in point, I bought the "Back to the Future" Trillogy the day it hit DVD. Maybe I paid extra, but as a total nutfan to the series, I don't regret the purchase one bit.
apollo80
join:2002-01-31
Richmond, VA

apollo80

Member

Re: Question

said by Thaler:

When you're a fanboi of the content, then yes, you normally hit the stores on the first day. Case in point, I bought the "Back to the Future" Trillogy the day it hit DVD. Maybe I paid extra, but as a total nutfan to the series, I don't regret the purchase one bit.
You might have actaully paid less. A lot of stores, BB for example, have sales for the first week or so of a new release. Then the price goes back up to it's normal price.
backness
join:2005-07-08
K2P OW2

backness

Member

and..

What if you don't like the film,

You get to watch it once and not like then you've already purchased the DVD

•••

Dread
On course
Premium Member
join:2005-02-28
Bronx, NY

Dread

Premium Member

Nothing for me

I already moved on to Blu-Ray

wifi4milez
Big Russ, 1918 to 2008. Rest in Peace
join:2004-08-07
New York, NY

wifi4milez

Member

And the point is......

This confuses me a little bit. TWC currently offers the same exact service, however you dont need to purchase a DVD! Furthermore, the TWC service doesnt cost any more than a regular On Demand movie. The real question is, why on earth would someone want to pay $20 to watch a movie on demand, only to receive a copy of it (a DVD) a few days later? Unless you are one of those people who watches the same movies over and over again, this doesnt make any sense. They clearly already have the capability to show you the "just released" movie without requiring you to purchase a DVD, so they should just stick with that. As the others have mentioned, if for some reason you MUST have a DVD of a movie that is already on demand, you can buy it for less at Amazon or a similar website. This seems to be yet another example of some marketing idiot deciding that they are going to charge more money for a pointless service that is easily attainable elsewhere! Kind of reminds me of the TWC branded Sprint wireless which was $20 more per month than the same service offered directly through Sprint. Where these marketing people come up with these "brilliant" ideas is beyond me.....

Dogfather
Premium Member
join:2007-12-26
Laguna Hills, CA

1 recommendation

Dogfather

Premium Member

Same day as theater and you have a deal

I'd like to see $30 same day as theater release.

For families this would be cheaper and the theater experience is getting worse and worse. People refuse to leave their screaming brats at home, refuse to turn off their phones and simply won't STFU.

I'd gladly shell out $30 to see a movie on release day if I could see it at home.

•••••

cypherstream
MVM
join:2004-12-02
Reading, PA
·PenTeleData
ARRIS SB8200

cypherstream

MVM

Renting is better than VOD

I'd rather rent a movie via Blockbuster or Netflix than get it with VOD. For example, Comcast is charging $4.99 per movie. You only get to watch it within a 24 hour period. I could pay less and get the movie from Blockbuster and keep it for a friggin week if I wanted to.

Paying $4.99 plus tax for a movie with only a 24 hour window is too risky for me. Anything can happen where I don't get to the movie within that time frame. Sure HD VOD is nice, but now you can rent BluRay and HD-DVD's.

wifi4milez
Big Russ, 1918 to 2008. Rest in Peace
join:2004-08-07
New York, NY

wifi4milez

Member

Re: Renting is better than VOD

said by cypherstream:

I'd rather rent a movie via Blockbuster or Netflix than get it with VOD. For example, Comcast is charging $4.99 per movie. You only get to watch it within a 24 hour period. I could pay less and get the movie from Blockbuster and keep it for a friggin week if I wanted to.
You are missing the point though. You only select the movie (from on demand) when you are on the couch about to watch it. Its not like you wake up, check the on demand listings and buy movies you "might" watch later that day. The whole idea is that you pay to watch the movie at the very instant you want it. Its also a lot more convenient (you dont need to return it!). I highly recommend VOD, I just wish they had a larger selection available at any given time.

cypherstream
MVM
join:2004-12-02
Reading, PA
·PenTeleData
ARRIS SB8200

cypherstream

MVM

Re: Renting is better than VOD

Well I'd hate to order it and then be called into work, or get an emergency phone call, or some visitors show up and we decide to put it off a bit.

If I'm paying the same or more in terms of dollars I should get similar or better value. I suggested to Comcast to keep it in the "Saved Programs" list for longer, such as 48 or 72 hours, to better compete against chains like Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. The CS manager loved my idea so much that I got 5 free VOD movie coupons in the mail. Used one this past weekend to watch Mr. Woodcock HD. Great movie.

tuaris
You Clicked on the Apple
join:2001-10-19
Naples, FL

tuaris

Member

This is expected.

Movie theaters will soon go the way of drive-ins and soda shops.

Everything will be released directly to DVD (Bluray & HD-DVD are doomed and streaming will never work). Disney is already doing with their classics. Remember how they used to go to theaters?
The Antihero
join:2002-04-09
Enola, PA

The Antihero

Member

Re: This is expected.

said by tuaris:

Disney is already doing with their classics. Remember how they used to go to theaters?
Yes, and I also remember when they released original movies. Now it seems that everything they release is one of their classics with a "II" or "III" at the end of it.

VG
@frontiernet.net

VG

Anon

Or, to save on postage:

I'll just go to my local Gamestop and take advantage of the "Buy 2 get 2 free" sale they always have going on used DVD's.

Cause the majority of the DVD's are brand-new ones that got traded in by crack-heads looking for quick cash. That or stolen DVD's getting fenced.

djrobx
Premium Member
join:2000-05-31
Reno, NV

djrobx

Premium Member

Re: Or, to save on postage:

You must live in a rough neighborhood.

ATTGUY
@comcast.net

1 recommendation

ATTGUY

Anon

No Theaters?

That's just dumb!

Who are these people who sit up there in the confrence room during the Wednesday afternoon managers meeting and come up with these ideas?

It takes months for a BIG BLOCK BUSTER movie to hit store shelves. I go to the theater to see it on the BIG screen and to hear loud music and explosions that I can't listen to in my apartment because of the neighbors.

Why would I wait 6 friggin months to see a great BIG movie on a little dinky 20 inch TV even if it costs half the price of a movie ticket?

koolman2
Premium Member
join:2002-10-01
Anchorage, AK

1 edit

koolman2

Premium Member

No thanks

Until the cable company can provide my movies on a 40 Mbps channel (that's one QAM-256 channel out of a total of about 130 for those who care) in MPEG2 or 20 Mbps in AVC/h.264, no thanks. I don't like pixelated crap.

RR Conductor
Ridin' the rails
Premium Member
join:2002-04-02
Redwood Valley, CA
ARRIS SB6183
Netgear R7000

RR Conductor

Premium Member

Not going to happen

They said TV would spell the end of the Movie Theaters, didn't happen, then VCR's would kill the Movie's, again, didn't happen, sorry cable, keep dreaming. It's kinda funny, but people actually like to GET OUT OF THE HOUSE once in a while, mingle with other people, see a video on a HUGE screen.

Madness
Like a flea circus at a dog show
join:2000-01-05
Lynn, MA
·DSL EXTREME

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Madness

Member

Re: Not going to happen

Hey, I still remember back around the early 80's when it was predicted that cable would kill off movie theaters (haha!). Oh yeah, & at that time, basic cable was $2 a month!!!

As for rentals, I'm perfectly happy taking a stroll down the street to the supermarket (open 24 hours) just after midnight on Tuesday mornings to get the new releases from the Red Box ($1/night).

totallylate
@verizon.net

totallylate

Anon

clueless in woodbury...

with internet subscribers gorged on first run & pre-released pirated movies, content providers will have a harder time selling content at any price. btw, the internet killed the Brick and Mortar audio cd sales (Tower Records), and until recently, not movie sales because the bandwidth & ease just hasn't gotten good enough for video.. but it's coming. the days of passively watching tv channels is coming to an end.. on-demand content will play a greater role in consumer's lives and to that end, watch cable tv subscriptions dwindle as much as POTS subscriptions are going the way of the dinosaur. cable-tv is not a good quality service as it used to be with the flood of infomercials, advertisements, product placements, and DIRT CHEAP junk programming (you know which shows I'm talking about without pointing fingers), it's time to put TV on OUR terms, price & schedule and filter out the junk.. that all can be done with the internet and cutting out the middleman.