When deciding which DVD to view for our assignment in module four, I choose Minority report. To get the DVD I went to my library (I have two on the list, Minority Report and Total Recall). If I did not have it, I would have ordered it through Netflix (instant watch if it was available). My TV and BluRay player both have the capability to stream from Netflix so that would have been the most convenient method.
The current competition between DVDs and Video-On-Demand (VOD) fits Thornburg’s description of Red Queens whereas two competing entities are rapidly developing their product to maintain their market share (2008). DVDs have moved from the video store to the more convenient (and cheaper) online or at-the-market kiosk. VOD is increasing the title availability but still lags in the “new release” category often several weeks behind the other methods. Netflix actually offers both services putting them in the unique position of probable sustainability with either format prevailing.
As far as DVD and VOD as referenced to McLuhan’s tetrad (enhances, obsoletes, reverses, and retrieves) I think that VOD enhances availability and obsoletes the DVD. As VOD libraries improve and more people get connected, the idea of having to load a DVD and deal with the potential problem of disc damage and getting and returning them, will relegate DVDs to those people who want to have the enhanced content material.
Web Resources
- The Staying Power of the DVD vs. VOD
The current competition between DVDs and Video-On-Demand (VOD) fits Thornburg’s description of Red Queens whereas two competing entities are rapidly developing their product to maintain their market share (2008). DVDs have moved from the video store to the more convenient (and cheaper) online or at-the-market kiosk. VOD is increasing the title availability but still lags in the “new release” category often several weeks behind the other methods. Netflix actually offers both services putting them in the unique position of probable sustainability with either format prevailing.
As far as DVD and VOD as referenced to McLuhan’s tetrad (enhances, obsoletes, reverses, and retrieves) I think that VOD enhances availability and obsoletes the DVD. As VOD libraries improve and more people get connected, the idea of having to load a DVD and deal with the potential problem of disc damage and getting and returning them, will relegate DVDs to those people who want to have the enhanced content material.
Web Resources
- The Staying Power of the DVD vs. VOD
(This post is dated as it reffers to the now defunct Blockbuster Video store as an example, but still has relevance).
- Studios Giving Up on DVD, Pushing VOD Instead
Reference
Thornburg, D. (2008). Red Queens, butterflies, and strange attractors: Imperfect lenses into emergent technologies. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.
- Studios Giving Up on DVD, Pushing VOD Instead
Reference
Thornburg, D. (2008). Red Queens, butterflies, and strange attractors: Imperfect lenses into emergent technologies. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.
