Video downloads will never really take off (Score 1)

This is a key example of why downloads will continue to be a niche product and will probably not replace physical media for at least the next couple of decades. Content providers are refusing to release their media without strict DRM controls, and customers are refusing to "purchase" this media at purchase price when it is technically a rental.

Even five years after music downloads have entered the market, they are still a niche market, covering less than 20% in the US and even less here in Europe, even though most people listen to their music on MP3 players (ripped from CD or downloaded illegally, of course - most people I know do the former). The record labels are finally being forced to give way because they know that DRM encumbered music does not sell anywhere near as well as they would like it to).

I personally will never pay for a video or music download with DRM controls - knowing that I am limited in where I can watch or listen to the media, I would much rather pay a much smaller rental fee for a DVD. I tried download rentals once, and I was not at all enthusiastic about the quality of the video either.