Streaming vs. DVD

[shutterspeedfilms]

I'm currently debating someone regarding the future viability of the DVD format.

Does anyone know where I can find some hard facts pertaining to blu-ray/HD-DVD sales vs. DVD? As well as DVD vs. streaming and/or HD viewership? Professional forecasts, etc.?

Thanks!

 

[filmman]

This is a good debate. Associated with that, there's the question also of selling by download. Most people, I would think, would rather just download a movie than wait for the DVD in the mail. What do you think?

 

[Zak Forsman]

I work in the DVD/BluRay business... creating behind the scenes content for the motion picture releases of all the major studios -- fox, warner bros, universal, disney. the consensus is that both formats will be dead or dying in 5 years in favor of digital distribution... new HDTV models are being developed to have internet capability built in. so HD content can be downloaded without the aid of a PC.

http://www.gearlog.com/2008/01/netflix_and_lg_partner_for_str.php

 

[shutterspeedfilms]

I think convenience always trumps. How far away do you think we are until we can download streaming video (and in the future, HD video) through out internet-compatible HDTVs?

Is the biggest obstacle to this simply bandwith? Would satellite companies have an easier road beaming HDTV on-demand content to HDTVs?

(Again, if anyone has any hard facts/information regarding this issue, please share.)