My Digital Life

Apple TV’s Lackluster Sales may be the Crack in the iPod Armor Zune HD Needs

With the official announcement of Zune HD, Microsoft may have the opportunity to crack the iPod's armor. Not that I think the Zune HD will be so wonderful, but because Microsoft currently owns the digital living room's eco system. Microsoft's foray and success into the gaming world, with the Xbox, gave them an opportunity to capitalize with a device designed to be connected to the internet and the TV. To Microsoft's credit they are capitalizing on this functionality with the ability to purchase music and videos, stream from NetFlix's online library (1 million Xbox subscribers), and access one's own media center content. Xbox 360 has accidentally turned into the living room media device Microsoft has been talking about forever and according to Silicon Alley Insider is "kicking Apple's butt".

What made the iPod, what it is today was not that it was revolutionary device (there were plenty of MP3 devices around), but the integration with iTunes. Although the iTunes application is not that great (still no multi user functionality), it made the process of purchasing and synchronizing your music with the iPod child's play. That simplicity was a key factor in popularizing the iPod. The same can be said about the X360 marketplace, it simplified the process of purchasing and renting HD content. In addition to its primary mission as a world class gaming console, the integration with Media Center allows the Xbox 360 to be the bridge between content stored on a PC and the TV. The Zune HD will be able to take advantage of this functionality to seamlessly integrate into the Xbox 360 eco system.

If you currently own an Xbox 360 and an iPod, the Zune HD maybe the next device in line, especially when you can convert the DRM free iTunes Plus content. I think the two remaining items Microsoft needs to do to insure the Zune HD's a viable Touch competitor is Xbox gaming as well as Windows Mobile application support. And, of course phone integration.

NETFLIX’s Blu-Ray Tax

I am a big fan of the NETFLIX service. The entire process of selecting, receiving, and returning DVDs is pretty mindless and with my ROKU box streaming works very well (NETFLIX just needs to keep pushing to add more content). On the mail side, NETFLIX started charging $1 per month for Blu-Ray disk service last November, although I did not like the charge, it was reasonable. Now less than 6 months later they have decided to double the fee to $2 per month on my 1 DVD at time subscription plan starting April 27^th. At this point, I am not sure that Blu-Ray is worth an extra $24 per year, especially with the letterbox aspect ratio matter I described in this post. The bigger problem has been the availability of Blu-Ray disks (one of the reason stated for the price increase), I have had wait over a month for some recent titles. On that front, it does looks like NETFLIX is delivering; this morning Quantum of Solace became available (now status) in Blu-Ray less than 3 weeks after release while the DVD is on short wait. I have two more weeks before making my final decision and will monitor availability. I love the image quality of Blu-Ray, but is it that much better than DVD. I would have to say no, it is not like going from VHS to DVD which was a no brainer.

		Your Account | Queue | Help
	Dear Stephen, You are receiving this email because you added unlimited Blu-ray access to your account for $1 a month. The number of Blu-ray titles has increased significantly and will continue to do so. As we buy more, you are able to choose from a rapidly expanding selection of Blu-ray titles. And as you've probably heard, Blu-ray discs are substantially more expensive than standard definition DVDs. As a result, the monthly charge for Blu-ray access is increasing for most plans and will now vary by plan. The charge for monthly Blu-ray access on your 1 DVD at-a-time (Unlimited) plan will increase from $1 a month to $2 a month. The price of your 1 DVD at-a-time (Unlimited) plan is not changing and remains at $8.99 a month. The new charge for Blu-ray access will be automatically added to your next billing statement on or after April 27, 2009 and will be referenced in your Membership Terms and Details. If you wish to continue unlimited Blu-ray access for $2 a month, you don't need to do anything. If not, you can remove Blu-ray access anytime by visiting Your Account. If you have questions about this change or need any assistance, please call us anytime at 1-888-923-0898. -The Netflix Team
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