opinion

DVDs are dead, long live DVDs

There has been a lot of talk about how DVDs will be completely dead in another year or so, replaced by digital video, etc.

While DVD sales are down in general, I think you need to look deeper to see if online sales are up and will make up the difference.

Judging by the gripes of affiliates and paysite owners, they are feeling a decline in sales just as much as the DVD side.

I see the issue that what will be down is the concept of the full-length DVD. The fast-forward button on the VCR, Tivo, YouTube, etc., has proven that consumers' attention span has shrunk.

What I see is the potential for DVD to make a "cum back" by releasing compilation DVDs.

Look at record albums on the BillBoard Top List; for a while it was compilation CDs. The current top 100 list at Billboard has 3 compilation CDs of the top 10.

Look at stores like iTunes that allow people to purchase a single track rather than the whole album.

DVDs are tangible items. You can replay the content over and over again.

With digital video, it's in a streaming or downloadable format.

With streaming video, you watch it one time and can't replay it. Downloadable content is good (as long as it is not locked up by DRM) and can have replay value, but it requires downloading large files and then ultimately burning them to DVD for storage and playback.

If the consumer wants a variety of video as clips rather than a full length feature porn movie.... give it to them. Release a DVD that has the content they want.

Some would argue that shooting gonzo clips will take away from "the art." It's porn; the art is in the quality of the climax.

As video companies move towards internet distribution, don't forget about DVDs. Offer members/consumers of the internet paysite the ability to purchase a DVD, but this time, don't charge $24.95/DVD.

It doesn't cost much to replicate DVDs on-demand. Create compilation versions that are clip based, and have the tangibleness to hold onto the DVD (as well as other things) in hand, rather than just as a bunch of digital files.

A lot of internet-based websites were releasing DVD's this last year and more of them won AVN awards.

How interesting it is to see DVD/video folks look towards the internet, while internet folks are looking towards DVD.

Fight the convergence crossroads!

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

A Guide to Having a Successful Adult Retail Trade Show Experience

Pleasure industry trade shows offer a vital platform for showcasing the latest toys and other products, building connections with potential buyers and generating industry buzz. However, simply attending isn’t enough — you need a strategic plan to stand out from the crowd.

Vincent Renou ·
opinion

Identifying and Preventing Transaction Laundering

Recently, a few merchants approached me after receiving compliance notifications from their acquirer about transaction laundering. They were unsure what it meant, and unsure how to identify and fix the problem.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Extreme Pleasure Gets a Sequel in 'Fist First: Second Helping'

When you think of gay porn, your mind may not immediately jump to “first timers.” If so, co-directors Ben Rush and Alter Sin are here to change all that.

Ness Miller ·
opinion

Pleasure Brand Marketing and PR Trends to Watch in 2025

From the lockdown boom to the economic pressures of a post-pandemic world, we have seen shifting technologies, evolving consumer expectations and a hunger for authenticity shape pleasure product marketing and public relations.

Scarlett Ward ·
profile

WIA: Jennifer Jolicoeur Reflects on Passionate Home Party Journey

Nearly 30 years ago, Jennifer Jolicoeur became the first adult toy party planner in Rhode Island. She gained experience with another company before launching Athena’s Home Novelties from her apartment in 1998, with the mantra “Educate. Empower. Entertain.”

Women In Adult ·
profile

Sepanta Arya Shares Insights on Building an Indie Enterprise

Sepanta Arya is a family guy who feels grateful to have grown up in a warm and supportive environment with strong values. With a close-knit family that never judged him, he says, he has enjoyed the luxury of always being honest about what he does professionally and personally, and about his choices in life.

Alejandro Freixes ·
opinion

5 Things to Look for When Vetting Industry Fundraisers

As adult content creators, we are passionate about supporting fundraisers that align with our values and make a tangible impact on our community — but not all fundraisers or organizations are created equal.

Miss Mei ·
opinion

Tips for Embracing Diversity Through Language

We are all used to slang terms shifting from generation to generation, as words or phrases get co-opted and acquire new meanings. It is a much rarer occurrence when some of the most fundamental words in our language undergo a major transition in a short space of time, but that is exactly what is happening right now with pronouns.

Claire Sass ·
opinion

Navigating Copyright, Fair Use in Digital Content Creation

As a content creator, you strive first and foremost to produce captivating and original work that will resonate with your audience. Sometimes, however, you must also navigate daunting technical and legal challenges. One such challenge involves copyright and fair use.

Megan Stokes ·
profile

Johnny Bravo Reflects on Stardom and What Drives Him

For as long as he can remember, Johnny Bravo says, he was always obsessed with sex. Though he never dreamt of becoming a porn star, he knew that he wanted a highly sexual life, and his determination to figure out how to please a woman made him well-regarded by his sexual partners.

Alejandro Freixes ·
Show More