The MPAA says streaming video has surpassed cable subscriptions worldwide

This isn't that surprising because the best content (like movies) can only be found on streaming services. The only reason I still use cable TV is because of live events (like sport) and because of certain TV shows that are not available on Netflix.

And only Netflix seems to have perfected video streaming, but people often complain about other services that stream directly via the internet. That's why cable companies are currently migrating to IPTV, so that streaming is done via the "closed" cable network, but quality still needs to be improved.

 

...also mentioned in the MPAA report:
DVD and Blu-ray sales nearly halved over five years, MPAA report says
The MPAA report is chock-full of interesting figures about a changing industry
April 12, 2019
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/201...arly-halved-over-five-years-mpaa-report-says/

Full Report (PDF - 11.0 MB): https://www.mpaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MPAA-THEME-Report-2018.pdf

 

This also isn't a surprise, because with some DVD's they force you to watch ads that you can't skip. This stopped me from buying more DVD's. I wonder just how dumb people can be.

 

This is a situation they are creating. Many shows I was collecting on Blu-ray are no longer being released on that format. Some have gone back to DVD only. Still some aren't being released on either. This is all a push to get us to use streaming services so that we can't own copies of anything. No more pay once and watch whenever. It's keep on paying an hope the series you were in the middle of does not get dropped from rotation before you finish it.

Cable TV really needs to die though. In the old days most of it was commercial free because you were paying for cable TV (network stations excluded obviously). Now the bills are ever increasing with 40+% commercials on all channels for yet another round of re-runs. I don't miss it any.

 

So you're saying that they probably make more money via online streaming? I'm not sure, but now that I think about it, the fact that so many movies are available on streaming services (in the USA) may be the reason that a lot of people don't bother to buy DVD's anymore.

I'm planning to buy a couple of more DVD's, because I realize that I will probably never get to see certain movies anymore if I don't buy them. But it should ALWAYS be possible to instantly start the movie, without having to skip multiple ads, this needs to be regulated. I had this problem with a couple of DVD's, so this stopped me from buying more. It's a matter of pure stupidity from their side, they should know not to annoy people.

 

I don't know that they do, yet. But if you can buy a disc, you can rip that disc and share a cop[y online. Or share the disc with others, etc. If they stream it to you in an encrypted stream you stop everyone but the most advanced and determined users from getting an actual copy;. It's probably an anti-piracy move.

And yes, I hate ads in DVDs. I paid for the disc. I shouldn't have to deal with commercials. Especially the same commercials every time I insert the disc. It's not going to make me buy more of them.

 

Netflix only shows are widely available via torrents. Online streaming does not stop piracy.

 

Most attempts to stop it don't actually work.

 

This reminds me of Filmstruck, which went offline, causing various rare films to no longer be available.

I suppose my point is that I'd rather not rely on companies to make not just certain movies but even music and books available all of the time.

 

I now see your point. And yes, how dumb can you be, those ads are meant to promote other DVD's, but because of annoyance I didn't buy them. BTW, I'm surprised that so many movies (even old school horrors) are still available on DVD's, but for how long is the question. Some are only available as second hands product, I'm not into this. But perhaps I should start to spend some money before it's too late.

 

I'm collecting everything I want now. It may be gone later. I bought a bunch of DVDs back when Amazon had their gold box of the day deals. I never see those anymore.

 

Yes, this topic has changed my mind. I can't count on streaming services, and it's cool to own stuff. I do think DVD's should not cost more than 10 bucks. On the other hand, 55 euro for all nine seasons of King of Queens isn't that expensive.

https://www.bol.com/nl/p/king-of-queens-complete-collection/1002004010679434

I was surprised that certain movies and series aren't even available on streaming services, very annoying. So now I will look for them on DVD.

 

are you a "criterion-phile"?

 

I have no idea what that is. But I just realized you are a probably a fan of IMDB, right? I also love this site, I'm currently making a list of my favorite movies.

 

Guys, this is my list. Of course they are not all masterpieces, but still highly entertaining. The bad news is that about 50% of these movies are not being broadcasted anymore on Dutch cable TV. The good news is that a lot of these movies are now available on Netflix and Prime Video (Dutch versions). I will try to collect most of the missing movies on DVD. Small tip, the easiest way to navigate the list is by selecting the grid-view, at least this is what I prefer.

https://www.imdb.com/list/ls046424878

 

BTW, I bought Child's Play on DVD and after the movie was finished it forced me to look at copyright warnings for 3 minutes, I couldn't skip it. Is it possible that most DVD's are produced by people who are completely insane?

But anyway, I came to the conclusion that I prefer movies that are stored on HDD's. I've read you can buy movies via Apple TV, but those aren't stored on disk. And when bought movies are removed from Apple's database, you can't access them anymore! This is insane, they should allow you to download movies and make back ups of them.

 

I was watching a TV series on DVD earlier today., There was a copyright notice after every single episode. I'm surprised they don't just watermark it during the entire episode... I guess I shouldn't give them ideas.

 

Yes, I was in shock. I couldn't even stop the DVD, now that can't be right? Or perhaps there is something wrong with my DVD player (from Panasonic). But what also bugs me is that I can't rewind and fast forward as smoothly with DVD's.

BTW, I think I misunderstood, it IS possible to download movies from iTunes Movies, but I'm not sure yet if you can also copy them to other drives. I also don't know if you can use Apple TV for this or if you should use a PC with iTunes installed.

 

They have DRM protection. To watch them on another device, you will need software to remove the DRM protection. You can't access any content on an Apple TV with a computer.

 

Nope, nothing wrong with your DVD player.I find it greatly irritating that you cannot stop or eject a disk if they don't want to to be able to.

 

What the hell, so DVD's can basically block control over the DVD player? This is so stupid, I almost can't believe it. Have you never thought about downloading movies from Apple iTunes? I think this is my best option, and I will of course need to transfer them to some kind of media player, with a lot of disk-space. BTW, I don't care for 4K quality, Full HD is good enough for me.

OK, so basically I have to buy and download them via iTunes on a PC, and then remove the DRM protection, and only then will I be able to play them via some media player that I can connect to my TV? Have you ever tried this?

 

I've never tried it, as I don't even use iTunes, but a quick Google search will lead you to software than can remove DRM.

 

I found everything on torrents, with great quality, however with a light delay.

All those streaming services are scammers, Spotify being the king of them, they don't deserve my cash.

 

I'm not an Apple guy, so it won't likely happen.