Here's what they had to say:
It's easy to draw that correlation for many people, but I think it's like saying libraries make bookstores obsolete: digital distribution is a great tool for people who like to sample a lot of different categories, or niche content or to try something new, but there will always be collectors out there. I should know: I have the most comprehensive library of streaming media available to me … and I maintain a DVD collection of my favorite titles regardless.
— Liz Wright, Business Development and Sales, AEBN
VOD and digital distribution will not render DVDs obsolete entirely. As the main mode of adult movie viewing, VOD will supplant DVDs for sure. However, there will always be a need for physical product of some sort. DVDs started as a collectors medium similar to laser disc, and that is the realm to which physical product is going to go. DVDs will be made obsolete most likely by high-definition formats, as studios will bank on higher picture and sound quality coupled with more and more extras. There are some people that will always want something to hold in their hand, but most of us will have moved into something as discreet and immediate as VOD.
— Justin Brand, Content Manager, SugarDVD
I would say that would be a big, gigantic no. First of all, there are customers who will always enjoy the shopping experience. People like walking in the stores, touching and feeling it, and paying for it and walking out with it. The Internet has been around for a long time, and according to the Internet people there are going to be no stores left at all. I think we're generations away from that. VOD definitely has increased, there's no two ways about it, and I think it will still continue to increase, but things like Blu-ray and HD DVD and new technology will keep people going back into the stores. I think we have a couple of years left. After that, I may be looking for a job at Nordstrom in the shoe department.
— Howard Levine, National Sales Manager, Club Jenna
Can you still buy 8 track tapes? No. Can you still buy cassettes? They're a little easier to find but not much. CDs? Absolutely. But they'll one day go the way of the 8 track. There's a natural progression in any technology that will inevitably make its predecessors obsolete. The only question is: when? Look at the paysite model itself and how it has evolved from store-bought content to limited distribution content to fully exclusive content. While it's clear DVD sales have dropped and will continue to drop, they'll still be around for a while. The day is fast approaching though, when DVDs will be used for nothing more than signup bonus giveaways.
— Ron Stewart, Director of Sales and Marketing, Webmaster Paradise
