Red Queens and Increasing Returns

When you decided to obtain a DVD for your science fiction assignment in Module 4, where did you go to find a movie based on a Philip K. Dick book? Did you rent or purchase a DVD, or did you view it digitally on your computer using Netflix or a similar vendor of video-on-demand?


When I chose a movie for my science fiction assignment in Module 4, I selected a movie available on Netflix instant streaming and watched on my computer. I selected Blade Runner because it was the only movie of the options listed that was available on Netflix instant streaming.


Is the current competition between DVDs and video-on-demand an example of increasing returns or Red Queens? 


I think the current competitions between DVDs and video-on-demand is an example of Red Queens. Thornburg describes Red Queens as competition between two forces results in rapid development of both (2008). I think Netflix and other similar video on demand sites are seeing tremendous growth in their customer base because viewers can choose from a variety of movies at any time. However, their selection of new releases tends to be limited. I think that as HD TV grows as the standard format for televisions, the customer base for Blu-Ray DVDs will also grow especially if Netflix continues to be behind in releasing newer movies into their database.  


Where do you think DVDs and video-on-demand are on the four criteria of McLuhan’s tetrad?


I think both DVDs and video-on-demand have made VHS completely obsolete. I think there will be a time when eventually one of the two technologies surpasses the other. If I had to make a prediction, I think that video-on-demand will make DVDs obsolete. Digital media is more portable than a collection of DVDs. I think DVDs will eventually join VHS as an obsolete technology.




Reference:
Thornburg, D. (2008c). Red Queens, butterflies, and strange attractors: Imperfect lenses into emergent technologies. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.