- Jul 12, 2007
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Recently I asked in another forum whether an optical drive is necessary in a new PC build, and most of the answers were "no." This lead me to think about the manner in which movies are distributed.
Currently, movies are sold either in a pure digital form (e.g., a download) or on physical media (DVD/BD) sold by retail outlets.
Question - is there some reason why movies are not distributed on USB drives instead of BD/DVD format?
Overwriting concerns are not an issue, as is possible to write lock a USB drive.
Many DVD/BD players and TV's are now USB capable devices and many/most more people are watching media on their computers (other USB enabled devices)
Manufacturing cost seems to be about the same for BD-25 as a 32GB USB (~$2-$3/unit).
Major advantage USB stick would be that packaging costs are likely significantly lower for a USB stick than a DVD/BS, and the packages are much smaller thus requiring less retailer shelf space. They also open up possibilities for kisk based sales. A relatively small kiosk could store thousands of fully packaged USB sticks - certainly many more than fully packaged DVDs/BDs.
Pragmatically - shipping costs for USB sticks should be less than for BD/DVD - possible netflix tie in.
Anyway - just a thought. Maybe I just gave away a decent business model to someone. Oh well.
Also - Sorry if this is the wrong forum.
Currently, movies are sold either in a pure digital form (e.g., a download) or on physical media (DVD/BD) sold by retail outlets.
Question - is there some reason why movies are not distributed on USB drives instead of BD/DVD format?
Overwriting concerns are not an issue, as is possible to write lock a USB drive.
Many DVD/BD players and TV's are now USB capable devices and many/most more people are watching media on their computers (other USB enabled devices)
Manufacturing cost seems to be about the same for BD-25 as a 32GB USB (~$2-$3/unit).
Major advantage USB stick would be that packaging costs are likely significantly lower for a USB stick than a DVD/BS, and the packages are much smaller thus requiring less retailer shelf space. They also open up possibilities for kisk based sales. A relatively small kiosk could store thousands of fully packaged USB sticks - certainly many more than fully packaged DVDs/BDs.
Pragmatically - shipping costs for USB sticks should be less than for BD/DVD - possible netflix tie in.
Anyway - just a thought. Maybe I just gave away a decent business model to someone. Oh well.
Also - Sorry if this is the wrong forum.
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