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[El Jackal]

So I've decided that since I have around 400 DVDs, and that I barely watch them anymore.. I should get rid of them now before they become obsolete just like my VHS collection. I must have close to 100 VHS still hanging around that I can't get rid of, but can't bring myself to throw out. There's a place in town called Entertainment Exchange that do trade ins.. I'm gonna keep the classics like Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, etc. You guys reckon it's worth getting rid now, before Blu-ray takes over?

[Fan]

DVDs will be around for a very, very long time. Don't expect them to just drop off the face of the earth in a few years like VHS did when DVD came around. This is very different, a lot of households don't own a Blu-Ray player, and a lot of people just don't care about going high-def. A lot of people who do have BD players will keep their DVDs anyway because a) up-conversion works extremely well with a vast majority of titles, and b) most of the big titles won't be re-released on blu-ray for years to come.

[gungrave17]

hey el jackal, where do you live?, cause there is an entertainment exchange in my area

[Advocate]

I am still slightly skeptical that Blu Ray will not be the system.  Not that I do not think people want it, but I have a feeling something better will come around.  Laser discs were once the way to go.  Same with 8-tracks.  I do think Blu Ray stands a better chance than both systems, but I think there is still chance that it will not get enough adopters quick enough before the next system comes out.

Plus, I am starting to think that Video on Demand and online renting/buying (where you can get the movie transfered electronically) holds more potential.  Think about it.  If I can buy an electronic version of The Dark Knight in HD that is stored on my tv receptor, then why would I want a disc?

[The Headliner]

Think about it.  If I can buy an electronic version of The Dark Knight in HD that is stored on my tv receptor, then why would I want a disc?

Lots of reasons. Hard copies will always be more secure. Your TV receptor isn't portable. And, for current generations at least, people still like to hold shiny objects that they've bought in their hands and display them on a shelf. Speaking of which, whether shelf space or hard drive space is the bigger commodity will be different from person to person.

In terms of becoming obsolete and worthless, one thing that DVD has going for it in the transition to Blu-ray, over VHS to DVD, is that many Blu-ray players can still play an old DVD. VHS/DVD combos weren't so common.

But I'd say if you've already made up your mind to sell them because you no longer watch them, the sooner the better, because as a general rule I think they'll only go down in price, no matter how suddenly or gradually.

[MaximumMitch69]

It basically comes down to whether or not it's a revolution, and blu-ray is not, from vhs to dvd was a revolution, cassette to cd, cd to ipod.  That new type of functionality is what gets the previous generation thrown out the window.

[Advocate]

Think about it.  If I can buy an electronic version of The Dark Knight in HD that is stored on my tv receptor, then why would I want a disc?

Lots of reasons. Hard copies will always be more secure. Your TV receptor isn't portable. And, for current generations at least, people still like to hold shiny objects that they've bought in their hands and display them on a shelf. Speaking of which, whether shelf space or hard drive space is the bigger commodity will be different from person to person.

In terms of becoming obsolete and worthless, one thing that DVD has going for it in the transition to Blu-ray, over VHS to DVD, is that many Blu-ray players can still play an old DVD. VHS/DVD combos weren't so common.

But I'd say if you've already made up your mind to sell them because you no longer watch them, the sooner the better, because as a general rule I think they'll only go down in price, no matter how suddenly or gradually.

- but MP3s have taken off and CD sales are fading away
- You can insert a USB stick into your receptor and make the movie portable

I agree that there is definitely demand for the hand held product, but I believe you are overestimating that demand.

[Advocate]

It basically comes down to whether or not it's a revolution, and blu-ray is not, from vhs to dvd was a revolution, cassette to cd, cd to ipod.  That new type of functionality is what gets the previous generation thrown out the window.

Well it is all about the product life cycle.  When DVD's, CD's, and MP3's were in the same stage, it was not evident that they would be successful products.  Actually, they were on the market for a while before sales really began to pick up.  Here is some information on the product life cycles:

http://www.trumpuniversity.com/business-briefings/post/2008/04/product-life-cycle.cfm

[The Headliner]

- but MP3s have taken off and CD sales are fading away
- You can insert a USB stick into your receptor and make the movie portable

I agree that there is definitely demand for the hand held product, but I believe you are overestimating that demand.

I think you've misinterpreted the intent of my post. I wasn't saying these factors will ultimately prevent downloads eating into, or even surpassing disc sales one day. You asked why you would want a disc when you can download the movie, and I listed some reasons as to why you might.

[El Jackal]

I should add that I won't be starting to buy Blu-ray movies for quite some time, even when I've sold my DVDs.. as I don't own a Blu-Ray player and I am not that interested in one at the moment. This is purely from a logical point of view, as in I don't use my DVDs very often.. so perhaps the money I get from selling them could help towards something more practical that I could use.. driving lessons for example?

EDIT: Well I took my CSI DVD's in today and exchanged them, it was either £31 cash or £55 store credit, so I took the store credit because I wanted to get Prototype for the Xbox360, which they had in stock. I pretty much got the amount I wanted for my DVDs, so I'm thinking I may make another trip shortly with some more.