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USB drive vs Blu-Ray
saint:
You own it, and you can choose from various formats including MP3 and AAC. We own a pretty big Audible library. If you lose it for some reason, they maintain an online library for you of titles you bought and you can re-download at will. It's really well done. :)
Ginsu Victim:
At least they let you redownload. Some places don't (like iTunes).
ChadTower:
I just don't care what format new stuff comes on so long as it isn't forcing me to upgrade my TV, media player, network, driveway, mailbox, boxers, shoes, and flatware. What ticks me off is when formats change without real tangible benefit or marginal quality improvement. I still haven't gone HD because I just don't have the motivation to upgrade the dish, the multiswitch, and all of the Tivos. Nor am I motivated to pay more money for DirecTV service just to get the content in slightly better quality than the SD I'm already getting. It's not worth the extra effort and money on a set of 32" TVs.
And somehow, contrary to my collector's nature, I have no desire to collect a massive movie or music library. I watch movies and then get rid of them. I listen to music until I'm tired of it and then toss it. For every person that proudly displays their collection of 1000 DVDs there are dozens who don't and could care less if packaging looks good on a shelf.
wp34:
--- Quote from: saint on August 28, 2009, 08:50:55 am ---You own it, and you can choose from various formats including MP3 and AAC. We own a pretty big Audible library. If you lose it for some reason, they maintain an online library for you of titles you bought and you can re-download at will. It's really well done. :)
--- End quote ---
Excellent. That is all I needed to hear to get off the fence. I am going to give them a try. Thanks for the info. :cheers:
RyoriNoTetsujin:
Going back to the OP; seems to me that the main difference between USB and Blu-ray as physical media delivery systems lies in the fact that USB keys are not easy to store and organize for Joe User.
The "novelty shape" gimmick that DD mentioned, while perhaps clever, points at the problem. There is no standardized size/shape for a USB key, beyond what it needs to adhere to the form factor. Any standardization of USB keys for this purpose would include some sort of proprietary tech now anyway (see below.)
(Personally, the whole USB key idea smacks of "Fisher Price: My First Media Player." Yes, despite the fact that I own and love cartridge-based game consoles. ;D)
On the other hand, the "disc" form factor (CD, DVD, Blu-ray and on) is monumentally ubiquitous, having already been agreed on by the major global electronics distributors better than 25 years ago. "Newer isn't always better." ;)
Anyway, the way I see it, all these businesses want is steady cashflow, with a minimum of loss (to piracy, competition, etc.) Proprietary, set-top digital distribution (OnDemand, the PSN Network, etc.) gives them total control. I don't like it, you don't like it, but that is the future... eventually.
However, the question is: Is that really so bad? If a subscription service was reasonably affordable (and that of course is key,) contained the complete spectrum of "rich media" you care to consume, while making it instantly accessible, wouldn't you want that?
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