When I first learned that we had to watch a Philip K. Dick book-based movie, I immediately searched the shelves in my TV room. I knew I had the Minority Report as I had purchased it some time ago and I have watched it occasionally. While I am familiar with Netflix and have video on demand through DISH Network, I like having choices for selecting movies to watch.
Dr. Thornberg tells us that the idea of the Red Queen is when two competing companies drive other competition out of business by vying with each other for business. In the not so distant past, video rental companies like Blockbuster and Hollywood Video competed with each other for this niche of the economy. Other smaller video companies could not compete with them and went out of business. This is the example of the Red Queen. In my area of the country, neither of these companies exists any longer. The current competition between DVDs is between Redbox and Netflix. Netflix can be streamed on your computer, broadband, or you can order a disc. Redbox locations are everywhere and you can get a movie for a dollar. Video on demand is available through satellite companies, and in my area of the two main companies are Dish Network and Comcast. They compete with each other and other companies have very little if any of this market; another example of the Red Queen.
DVDs and videos are fast approaching the obsolete phase of MeLuhan's tetrad. The cost and demand of videos have driven this market to the point where people are looking for the next way movie companies will distribute their wares to the public. Streaming video over the airwaves or bandwidth may be the wave of the future. This may help with the cost and the demand along with the quality of the product. I think we are ready for an innovation.
References:
Thornburg, D.D. (2008) Emerging technologies and McLuhan's Laws of Media. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornberg Center for Space Exploration.
Redbox Automated Retail. http://www.redbox.com
Let's Watch TV. http://www.dishnetwork.com
LaVerne,
ReplyDeleteI completely forgot about Redbox and I love getting movies from there! You can not beat a movie for $1!! However their collection of movies can sometimes be interesting. Blockbuster is still pretty strong where I am just north of Atlanta, but we also have a good amount of Redboxes as well. I do think Blockbuster is on its last leg and they might be extinct soon.
Sarah
LaVerne,
ReplyDeleteI love the information that you have provided in your blog. Renting a movie has change so much from the last decade. Going to Blockbuster was a great tradition for a family to spend quality time. Now, after picking up some mcnuggets, fries, and a smoothie from McDonald's, you can get a movie from the local Redbox as well for just a buck! Wow! Technology has provided the human race with wonderful goodies. Great post!
LaVerne,
ReplyDeleteI also believe we are ready for an innovation. I have noticed more and more people are not going to the movie theaters. People are watching movies online or on demand with a cable company. I guess with the way the economy is, it is cheaper to just stay home. i can't remember the last time I went out to the movie theater.