by Rachel Croft
Now that online video streaming has become a popular method in which individuals view their videos, both legally and illegally, video rental stores have been trying to find a way to increase revenue.
Blockbuster has recently launched a new plan for movie rentals on SD cards. Customers will be able to purchase an SD card for $1.99 with the film on it, and a digital rights management (DRM) that will allow the customer to start the film within 30 days and when the movie starts, they will have 48 hours to watch the video.
So far, Blockbusters new idea is facing some concern. Some laptops do not have an SD card slot and many televisions do not have them as well. Paramount pictures will also begin selling films on USB memory sticks. There is also the concern that physical media will have no future, and the venue of video rental stores will soon be a part of the past. Media and technology can be an unpredictable phenomenon, so no one knows yet what the result of this venture will be!
Williams, Stephen. “Card-Carrying Movies”, The New York Times, November 11th, 2009.
