With a recent announcement from Netflix that they would begin to offer a streaming only package for their service, one can only imagine that such a move is another indication that the beloved DVD format is standing to take another blow. But, while many critics and skeptics have begun ominous forecasts, we must consdier a few things:
1) There is still a large chunk of this country that does not have nor will be getting home internet access anytime soon ( the stats of rural areas can be pretty sobering, look them up sometime). While they may still use the DVD service by mail, they also are utilizing on-demand and Satellite options for rentals.
2) Even with a streaming option, the question of how to get it into the living room still requires a myriad of ways ( game console, Roku box, Blu-ray player, etc.). Many people still don't even have wireless capability to support such service in their own homes.
3) And most importantly, it is always an imperative to keep formats alive. This is one of the oldest rules of learning ( or should be), as how information is absorbed and then used to entertain, provoke thought, or what not is to be decided by the individual consuming, not those that are providing.
Will I use Netflix streaming only option when it works out the ancillary and technical issues? Absolutely. But it still will not detour me from collecting box sets and Criterion re-issues. I am just old fashioned that way I guess.
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