How about DVD vs. ADSL, etc.? Not necessarily an apples to oranges comparison, if you consider each a method of delivering entertainment content. High bandwidth has premium value if there is content. My guess is that if content were available, there could already be video on (slightly delayed) demand.
My reason for mentioning DVD, is that I just got one. Leaned along the way that DVD's are different in different "regions" of the world. No doubt a system set up to placate the content providers, in that pirating becomes harder, in that DVD's for one region will not work on DVD's made for another region. And for about $3.50/pop, you can rent DVD's through the mail. DVD's being small, can be delivered efficiently and fairly cheaply by the mail. So you have video on (much delayed) demand. Still, it avoids the trips to the stores, and gives a much wider selection. I suppose the studio's are quite happy with DVD's. As more people get them, there will be more DVD movies available, and the mail system will probably have distribution centers spread out more, so that you will be getting your DVD a day or two after ordering. I think the studio's like this possible future, and will be slow to participate in any system that encourages the build-out of bandwidth. They feel they have more control with DVD's.
I know this observation may seem slightly askew to the board, but marketing and financial decisions relating to content will have a big influence on the board's subject. The logjam on content--what will break it?
GTW |
