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Claudelle Naidoo
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Next-generation DVD players: What consumers want
George Santayana's adage "those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it" is particularly appropriate in the market for consumer video formats and players. Consistently, manufacturers have been unwilling or unable to develop formats compatible over a broad range of CE devices, and consumers have suffered as a result.
It seemed, when the industry established a single (and ultimately successful) DVD format in 1994, that manufacturers had learned from the VHS/Betamax format conflict. Fast forward to the 21st century, and we find electronics manufacturers have not heeded Santayana's warning.
The industry has failed to agree on a single standard for HD content, the successor to the DVD format. While the HD DVD and Blu-ray formats have more similarities than differences, they are not interchangeable and have forced another battle similar to the VHS and Betamax clash of the 1980s.
While other factors such as studio support and technology advances will have an impact on the adoption of next-generation DVD players, the providers of these products must ensure they are meeting the expectations and demands of consumers to be truly successful. Those who offer a high-quality picture a wide variety of content at a reasonable price will dominate.
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