Playstation 3 w/ Blu Ray reading technology

[Arnwyn]

Also, what I see happening is that in the computer world, Blu-Ray will thrive, whereas the studios will adopt HD-DVD (for god only knows what reason).

'Cause it's cheap. (Just like VHS vs. Betamax.) Historically, consumers have always chosen cheap over superior technology... I see little chance of that changing when it's Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD. However, including Blu-Ray movie-reading in a (very popular) video game system will push it leaps and bounds into mainstream acceptability.

And I'm sure the movie studios will hardly be crying if they release movies in a different format that what's happening in the "computer world". In fact, I'm sure that will be their preference.

 

[driver8]

It seems that everything the media companies come up with ends up screwing the consumer. I'm sure in the corporate boardrooms they're outlining a legislative strategy that will have all content DRMed to prevent ANY copying, even time-shifting, and will have licenses that mandate payments whenever content is viewed. I'm already worried about what the broadcast flag will mean for the next generation of media devices.

I agree. The major movie studios have always balked at formats like VHS and DVD. Hollywood and TV wanted the VCR outlawed in its infancy over piracy fears. They didnt like the DVD for piracy etc.. they wanted DVD to be a limited use item that only allowed a few viewings before it went inert. And of course, DVD sales now put even the worst movies in the black.

Hopefully the powers that be will realize that the vast majority of us buy their stuff lawfully and want ownership of the media. But with the industry's bullying of TiVo and many pay per view and cable channels looking at recording blocking/limiting technolgy, I fear we consumers are going to get pushed around.

I wish someon in the entertainment industry would lead instead of constantly knee jerk reacting to the challenges put up by technology. In their eyes we are not the consumer, but potential targets of litigation. (music industry , ahem)