Streaming vs. Owning

This page will set up the next HD battleground...

or rather opportunity for the future of content ownership as we know it.

Now that the media battle has been decided between Bluray and the defeated HD-DVD, what's next?

If you didn't already know,   allows paying members to stream a selection of movies right to their PC to view. All you have to do is have high enough download speed, a TV hooked up to your computer, and a monthly membership. So the question is...Is this better than spending $20+ for a disc that you own? Or are you ok with having a virtual copy that you can view on demand?

This is the launching ground of the next battle that will take place. Having your content when and where you want it, on any device, regardless of the media. Virtual Ownership without the media taking up space or getting destroyed.

Streaming Media... Coool   

A few things to keep in mind.

1. Bandwidth...Most people may not have enough download speed or virtual memory on their computer to support it! This would require large investments in newer computers and either Fiber Optic networks or RF based transmissions. Both of which are being implemented as we speak by various companies.

Bluray also offers Multichannel Audio just like when you saw the movie at the theater, and this is not provided in downloads because of the lack of bandwidth for it. So you can get HD quality Video, but not Multichannel Audio to support it.

2. The amount of content available is not there yet, but a few companies do offer some big full length episodes online in High Definition right now-check out ABC! 

 3. DRM or Digital Rights Management issues need to be worked out with every content creator and provider so as to make it legal to stream and potentially copy to other devices, such as portable video players.

Now you may be thinking...Why would I buy Bluray if this is on the horizon?

For the exact reasons I pointed out above, and for what Bluray will do for you in the interim.

1. Bluray has different profiles that are upcoming and allow you to unlock bonus features of the content you purchase. Basically, this year when profile 2.0 is introduced into movies and players, the enabled players will not only connect to the internet to upgrade itself, but also sync up to servers that are supporting the movie. This means extra games that you can play against others who are using the movie at the same time, promotions surrounding the movie, up to date previews and biographies of the actors.

2. Sadly, older players will not have this capability, as they didn't have the port to do it. That's what happens when you have two competing formats, you have to push what you have forward to show you are in the game. Then add the stuff they've been working on later. You should still be able to view the movies, you just won't have access to the bonus features. If you don't care about that, you are fine. But as technology and streaming are entered into the equation, you may want to consider selling your current one to late adopters and upgrade to the newer players due out in summertime.

3. Another cool development is the portable copy. Some BD movies starting with Godzilla (SONY) will actually allow you to make a portable copy of the movie for your portable device, like a PSP or Video Ipod.

4. Multichannel Audio. Bluray has the capacity to put Multiple layers of audio that support everyone's equipment, so you can enjoy better quality audio in addition to Multichannel 5.1 or 7.1 uncompressed audio.

So you can see, Bluray is the interim step to streaming and having your content wherever you like. Until the internet can support full streaming, Multichannel Audio, and unlimited copies of content, we will have disc based media.