I say with honesty that I hope Walmart’s UltraViolet movie conversion service fails miserably. I really hope nothing but the worst for the retail giant and the studios that are part of the scheme to charge users again for the movies they’ve already purchased. This is the plan to get consumers to come to Walmart stores to have their DVD or Blu-ray movies converted to digital versions and placed on the cloud.
The Cost of Conversion
The price has been tipped to cost between two dollars and four dollars per disc depending on if the user chooses SD or HD versions of the content. This pricing structure raises significant concerns about the value proposition for consumers. The insinuation has long bothered me that if I buy a CD or DVD and then make a digital copy to take on my iPad, I’m somehow stealing. If you pay for something, you should be able to use it wherever and however you want.
Moreover, the cost of converting a single movie seems disproportionate when you consider the actual expenses involved. Some estimates think the cost is about $.02-$.04 at most to stream a movie to a user on the UltraViolet cloud. That leaves a lot of extra that consumers are paying to watch the content they own by streaming. This discrepancy between the cost to the company and the price charged to consumers feels like an exploitation of loyal customers who have already invested in physical media.
Consumer Rights and Digital Ownership
The issue of digital ownership is a contentious one. When you purchase a physical DVD or Blu-ray, you own that copy of the movie. However, the transition to digital media has muddied the waters of ownership. Digital rights management (DRM) and cloud-based services like UltraViolet often come with restrictions that limit how and where you can use your purchased content. This is a stark contrast to the freedom you have with physical media, where you can watch your movie on any compatible device without additional costs or restrictions.
For example, if you buy a DVD, you can lend it to a friend, watch it on any DVD player, or even sell it if you choose. With digital copies, these freedoms are often curtailed. You can’t easily lend a digital movie to a friend, and selling it is usually out of the question. This shift in ownership rights is a significant drawback for consumers who value the flexibility and control that comes with physical media.
Furthermore, the idea of paying again for a digital copy of a movie you already own feels like a double-dip by the studios and retailers. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the principle of paying twice for the same content. This practice undermines consumer trust and can lead to frustration and resentment.
Another point to consider is the longevity of digital services. Physical media, if taken care of, can last for decades. Digital services, on the other hand, are subject to the whims of the market. If a service like UltraViolet shuts down, what happens to your purchased digital copies? This uncertainty adds another layer of risk for consumers who might be hesitant to invest in digital conversions.
Will you be using the service? For many, the answer might be a resounding no. The combination of additional costs, restricted usage rights, and the potential impermanence of digital services makes the UltraViolet movie conversion service a hard sell. Consumers are increasingly savvy and aware of their rights, and many will likely choose to stick with their physical media or seek alternative digital solutions that offer better value and more freedom.
In conclusion, while the idea of converting physical media to digital formats is appealing, the execution by Walmart and UltraViolet leaves much to be desired. The high costs, restrictive usage rights, and potential risks associated with digital services make this a questionable proposition for consumers. It’s essential for companies to respect consumer rights and offer fair value if they want to succeed in the digital age.
via
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
