another bit from PSP Fanboy from the
Heroes of Microsoft decission making...
"Microsoft execs have been quick to point out that the Xbox will not be integrating Blu-ray into their console any time soon. Microsoft's European boss, Chris Lewis, is committed to bringing digital downloads to consumers, and believes that's where the future is. "Going forwards, digital downloads is really where it's at," Lewis told GamesIndustry.biz. Xbox Live Video Marketplace currently supplies downloadable HD rentals of movies and television shows. Sony's PS3 does not currently feature a similar service.
"Before very long we will look back wistfully at shiny discs as something that was somewhat a historic phenomenon in a way that we kind of think about vinyl or VCRs today," Lewis stated. While the Microsoft-backed HD DVD format has "died" in the next generation format wars, Lewis believes that Blu-ray will follow the same fate. When will digital distribution take dominance? "I think that's going to be the case in the next 12-18 months."
Digital distribution would be great if the movie selection and video quality could match the offerings of a disc-based medium. Blu-ray discs offer 1080p video, uncompressed video and special features. Without the proper infrastructure and bandwidth to support such large files, we think digital distribution of HD video will take much longer to truly proliferate. Ultimately, only time will tell."
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so right, they honestly think that the world is going to go download only?? are they insane? I agree that it is the future, but i certainly dont agree that in 18 months Blu-Ray or disk format will be dead, thats just incredible, and i would love to see where they got their figures from.
at the end of the day people will always want substance over digital invisible data. To go and buy something from a shop.. to go home and play or listen to it will die out in many many MANY years to come imo. To try and force this upon the public like MS could do in the near future is a crazy thing to do.
bBt we'll see. MS may have a hold over the world of the PC, but that side is Blu-Ray OK, but to basically say that in 18 months the Xbox will be download only is mad, because not only are they not set up for such a thing (ie: 360..HDD not big enough), they are talking about gamers.. gamers who like going in to shops and buying the latest game. Console gamers are not PC gamers, totally different breed.
imo Hardcore PC gamers think in a different way, they want instant perfect gaming, they require uber performace and probably couldnt care less if they got a rare version of star ocean or not, why would they care..? but the Console gamer does care. that imo is the difference! thats why download only would not work, no until it becomes the norm to do so.
anyway, thats my opinion, and i have the right to totally change my mind if and when the moment suits me
