Netflix, DVD and p2p

I’m becoming more and more impatient with our video distribution systems. For example, say I’d like to see season 2 of the 4400. I can either rent it at blockbuster, buy it, netflix, or download it. I don’t mind paying a reasonable amount. If i rent it from netflix it takes at least 2 days, about twice as long as downloading it. If I get it from blockbuster or buy it I could have it right away, although I would have to locate it at a blockbuster, or spend over $20 for the dvd. I don’t really want to own the dvd, I just want to see it once, so that option is out. Both netflix and blockbuster have the scratched dvd problem, which is actually what promoted me to write this entry. The 4th option is downloading it. I can do that, get it in less time than netflix, and in guaranteed quality, but you have to break the law. Again, I don’t mind paying, but I am not allowed to. It’s stupid, and the exact problem that music was in a few years ago, although this time they actually are stopping companies who want to make them money.

Netflix wants to make downloads available, but can’t because the MPAA is never happy with their DRM. You know what? go with no DRM, who cares, some people will still pay, and that’s money you didn’t have before!