Why DVD will fail. Article from 1996

Illinoisguy1 · 23 Aug 08 :: 16:03

http://www.robertsdvd.com/failure.html

Some of the statements which are funny to read now.

About machines not being able to record
then the machine will be useless to them and a waste of money.

Just because DVD will have a (supposedly) better picture quality than VHS will play no part in their decision. it doesn't record, therefore, it is crippled and worth less than VHS

Point is moot since DVD Recorders are available.

Features
Also, DVD movies are supposed to have features such as multiple aspect ratios, and different languages and ratings and subtitles. There is really no true hope that any of these features will come to pass on general releases.

Huh, just about every movie on dvd has multiple languages & sub-titles. Some DVDs have Full Screen & Widescreen on the same disc.

Different Versions
And just where are these differing versions (read:ratings) of films going to come from? A director shoots a film, and in the vast majority of cases, the movie is finished at the rating the director aimed for. Additional scenes are not shot and edited to make differing rating versions of a film. Are the studios going to call back entire casts and crews to revise a film so they can produce a DVD version with differing ratings? If they don't, will the studio elect to do it themselves and edit without the directors approval? I don't think so... This argument alone is enough to shoot the whole "features" aspect of DVD right out the window.

This guy must never heard of Unrated Versions.

Rental
Availablitly of titles for rental is another area of concern. How many stores are going to stock DVD and take up selling space that could be better stocked with something else?

I seriously doubt that most stores will offer DVD for rent for longer than 2 months after the launch.

And where is VHS now in the rental chains?

Picture Quality
And now we get into THE most controversial aspect of the entire DVD debate. PICTURE QUALITY, or the lack there of.

Huh?

Mass Market suppy
and it is correct to ask whether or not the companies can make discs to the exacting standards required by DVD in the large quantities and speeds required by the mass market.

12 years later and they sure are doing a good job of supplying dvds for the mass market aren't they.

Destroy the market
I think it is going to destroy the market.

When it ultimately fails, they will lose hundreds of millions of dollars. Many companies, such as Sony, who have a recent history of product failures and are already struggling in a tough market, may be taken down from it and go out of business entirely or be forced to downsize and restrict their company to only a few select areas.

I guess it could of happened. But that prediction was completely opposite of what happened, they've made millions off dvd and continue to do so.

Bad idea
DVD is just a bad idea. It is being forced upon a uncaring and unwanted public and is an inferior product that simply isn't needed or desired.

Wow, inferior product??
Wasn't desired - by whom?

Last edited by Illinoisguy1 (23 Aug 08 :: 16:12)

TeeJay · 23 Aug 08 :: 16:05

I especially like this guy saying DVD is an "inferior product". Just yesterday I threw out a few VHS tapes because I have the movies on DVD now.

-TeeJay

domesticelefant · 23 Aug 08 :: 21:45

That reminds me of that guy who said there is only need for five computers in the whole world.

Simon · 24 Aug 08 :: 16:52

Thanks for that Illinoisguy1. You really put a smile on my face today.

Chnyst · 30 Aug 08 :: 08:44

This was great IG. I remember feeling pretty frustrated when I first heard about the DVD format back in the 90's, especially after having a large collection of VHS tapes. Well, about 2/3rds of those tapes are gone now because I have the content on DVD now.
Oh, and I also purchased a PS3 a few months ago , so by default, I also own a Bluray player now. Have yet to buy a BR disc though...

Illinoisguy1 · 30 Aug 08 :: 15:12

One nice thing is how quickly Blu-Ray is coming down in price. They can be found on sale for around $15 each.

If and when I buy a Blu-Ray player it would be the PS3 as well. Already own the PS2, so don't need another videogame system. Plus PS3 is backwards compatible.

Chris Marquette Message Board

#1 23 Aug 08 :: 16:03

Why DVD will fail. Article from 1996

#2 23 Aug 08 :: 16:05

Re: Why DVD will fail. Article from 1996

#3 23 Aug 08 :: 21:45

Re: Why DVD will fail. Article from 1996

#4 24 Aug 08 :: 16:52

Re: Why DVD will fail. Article from 1996

#5 30 Aug 08 :: 08:44

Re: Why DVD will fail. Article from 1996

#6 30 Aug 08 :: 15:12

Re: Why DVD will fail. Article from 1996

Board footer