In an article I read on Boston.com entitled “Online movie-streaming options may turn discs into dinosaurs” Haiwatha Bray talks about how the dvd and blue ray will eventually go the way of the laser disc and vhs tape  as streaming movies through the internet becomes ever increasingly popular.

I agree with a good amount of what the author is talking about because just like any advancement in technology, something old has to go due to a decrease in usability.  What bothers me though is that she writes “And a Netflix spokesman said his company fully expects to be renting discs by mail for the next 20 years”. I wholeheartedly disagree with this statement because it only took dvds a few years to take over the VHS market and now with the technology available to stream movies straight to Internet ready televisions in pristine 1080p resolution with no lag its only a matter of time before every household will want to use this technology. There is also a huge advantage for the environment by going through the Internet because there will be less dvds being produced which means less broken discs.

I have only had the chance to use the Netflix application through friends xbox 360’s and I was very impressed with it. one part that really impressed me was that the streaming helps the movie studios cash in on compulsive spending because alot of people are willing to watch a certain movie at a certain time but they either do not want to drive to the store or they do not want to wait the 2-4 days it takes Netflix to reach your mailbox depending on your location. Also with dvd by mail you run the risk of the dvd arriving in a damaged state which can be very frustrating because that means another week of no movie while you wait for them to send you a new one

(click the image above for more information from CNET.com)

Time Warner, INC. is looking to force its way into the online streaming battle with Netflix.  Will they be successful or are they destined to experience the ‘Blockbuster” failures that other entertainment behemoths have experienced?

HBO has recently announced plans for a new online service called “HBO go” which will provide users with direct access to the cable giant’s movie catalog.  HBO plans to offer the service to its existing customers at no cost.  Yes, you read that correctly; NO additional cost.  This is clearly the companies opening salvo at retaining its enormous paying customer base (currently 38 million +).

One of the major selling points in this new service from HBO/TimeWarner will be the ability to stream newer Hollywood movies. Currently Netflix offers its customers an array of online viewing options, but the vast majority are constituted of older films.  HBO is currently not planning to pull its offerings, and will presumably have all of its movie library available.

As a paying subscriber myself, I am certainly all for additional services, especially when they come at no cost.  As companies like Netflix manage their way into the entertainment medium, it forces the legacy companies like HBO and Blockbuster to counter with enhanced services for its customer base.  As Blockbuster learned the hard way, even the most powerful companies can be brought to their knees by smaller start up companies such as Netflix, Redbox and others.  HBO has to hope they are not too late and can contain the momentum.