I'd like to hear your opinions, especially also from people closer to the source (meaning the US).

Recently, I think to have noticed a trend whereby TV-series are no longer published by DVD, but by online publication only (Amazon, iStore).
Just as an example some Nickelodeon series:

iCarly: first one and a half season on DVD, than some partial compilations only
True Jackson: first half season, then nothing
Big Time Rush: announced, then withdrawn
Victorious: ?

It may be the economy, but all of this occurred more or less in the same time frame, making it look like a real turning point.

I am not saying any or all of these deserve to be brought out on DVD, but they are available for downloads. And contrary to older series, copyrights (music or otherwise) should not be an issue, since DVDs can be taken into account from the start in contracts.

My problem with digital downloads (apart from DRM issues) is of course that they are made available only for users in the US, giving a level of control that effectively does not exist fpr physical media. Plus, we have nothing to profile in DVDP!

I do not think that VOD will replace DVD or Blu-Ray, the Blu-ray market is insanely growing. And with the holiday season coming another boost is expected.

So far all the bigger tv shows I watch get a release on DVD and most also on Blu-ray.
it might be that smaller and more unknown shows, where the companies think, the DVD sales might be too little, will only be released on VOD, cuz it is cheaper for teh right holders.

cheers
Donnie

In the long run the Download will take a considerable share from the DVD / Blu-Ray market.

Just take a look at the CDs to see what will happen.
Only two things keep me from downloading today: Quality and Price. Since permanent downloads (not VOD) usually come as DivX files they normally don't reach the quality of DVD/Blu-Ray. But once this is solved there's one reason less.
Price now is something completely different, since the industry still doesn't seem to realize that high prices for content (and by this making the customers pay for the thieves) only makes piracy more interesting.
Sell the content for $ 5 or less per license (with unlimited viewing/hearing) and piracy will soon be nothing more than a niche problem.

EDIT: Whispering is correct of course, there is a third reason why I'm not downloading at the moment: DRM, but since this problem seems already to be solved in the music section (DRM is removed from more  and more download portals), I'm hoping that it will be solved for video content soon too.

Quoting TheMovieman:

Quote:
Answer to that question: eventually, but not anytime soon. I use my Comcast's On Demand service (not sure if it's the same thing) to catch up on certain shows yet will still buy that season set on DVD or if available, Blu-ray.

Could not have said it better.

Actually I believe that VOD will end up killing cable tv before it affects DVD and BD sales. With Netflix, Hulu and network streaming available and less expensive than cable, I believe that streaming is where television is heading. I've already made this move and my cable bill was cut in half. Unless VOD services start offering the special features, such as commentaries, it's going to be awhile before VOD takes over the home media market.

Quoting huskersports:

Quote:
I think part of your post is to mean that some sets aren't being made available in stores lately.  Do you mean the sets are Amazon.com Exclusives, Warner Archive, etc.?  As for VOD and downloads, I'd rather have a professionally, legally made set rather than a download/VOD that doesn't have captions or subtitles.  Also, I have no desire to watch TV series online.  I don't need to spend any more time at my computer that I already do.

No these are rather recently broadcasted TV-series, that are available as VOD, but are not available on DVD/Blu-Ray at all. In the case of some seasons they would appear to break off in the middle.

Quoting Mighty Mike:

Quote:
In my living room I have my PS3, which can now stream netflix at 1080p in 5.1 without a disc and picture looks great.

Quote:

increased my internet speed to 5mbps, which is a recommended speed to watch steaming videos.

That sounds unbelievable. I have 8mbps connection and streaming 720*576 with stereo sound is just on the limit. Same thing with my fiancée who lives in Germany at the moment and uses copletely different ISP.