There’s a definite move away from physical media to digital media. And a number of devices and delivery methods are contributing to the growth of this trend.
However, while Netflix is hoping to add another device to its distribution network, it’s still confident that physical media will last for another 20 years, with DVDs being mailed out until at least 2010.
Netflix Streaming
I’ve covered Netflix’s streaming service, ‘Watch Instantly’, quite extensively here on WebTVWire, because I believe it’s going to prove to be a major part of the online video sector going forward.
Netflix has recently caused controversy by forging a new deal with Warner Bros. which sees new releases held back on DVD by a month but more of the company’s titles being available to stream. Thus proving the way the company sees things going.
Games Consoles
Netflix’s ‘Watch Instantly’ is already available on two of the three major home games consoles. The Xbox 360 has full support, while the PS3 has part support by way of a streaming disc, with full support promised in the future.
And it looks as though Netflix will also be coming to the Nintendo Wii soon. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings hinted at a deal back in October, and confirmed this while talking to Peter Kafka at CES 2010 by stating the chances of a deal are “excellent” and that it should “work out over time.”
Physical Vs. Digital
However, that’s not to say Netflix sees the move from physical to digital media being a speedy one. In fact, Hastings stated he’s confident the company will still be shipping DVDs and Blu-ray for the next 20 years, which would be 2030.
I agree that it won’t happen overnight, and in fact, it’s already taken a umber of years to get to this point. But momentum is building and I personally can’t see physical media playing any kind of role in the world in 2030. Maybe I’m naive or just hopeful, but that’s a long time for the current status quo to continue.
Conclusions
is going to be a big part of the streaming future, and so are games consoles. And while the PS3 and Xbox 360 represent state of the art technology, the Wii is the mainstream success which Netflix needs to be a part of. The BBC has already managed it with the iPlayer, and Netflix is destined to be next.
