"Did you know that DVD just turned 5? Hard to believe a format which feels like it's just 'getting big' has actually been around for 5 years. To mark the occasion, many of the major studios got together to celebrate, discuss and lament over DVDs first five years at the DVD at 5 Conference held in Marina Del Rey, California. While there were no amazing revelations at the DVD at 5 conference, I did get a strong sense of how the studios look at DVD, where they're putting their focus and where they see it going. It was an interesting insight into the past, present and future of DVD." [DVD Talk]

It's difficult to believe the DVD format is only five years old. It's taken off faster than the internet, thanks to the combination of standards, low pricing, and desirable content. You'd think the entertainment industry would look at this equation and understand what they need to do with music to stop widespread piracy, but then the ebook industry isn't paying attention, either.

Geoffrey goes on to note the following about the conference:

"I sat through a panel on 'Digital Rights Management' where some of the panelists tried to justify proposed copy protection schemes. It was absurd to hear some of the panelists try to justify some of the studio views on copy protection, as they plot a future of incompatabilites and viewing limitations all in the name of protecting viewers from violating their viewing license. Can you imagine a world where you record a pay-per-view movie to watch later and the DVD would only let you watch it ONCE? Well that's the license that you get when you buy a pay-per-view and studios are under the impression that Recordable DVDs should enforce that!?! Give me a break!...

While I didn't have an opportunity to sit through the late afternoon session on DVD-Audio, I did want to note something that really impressed me. At the awards dinner John Beug from Warner Bros Records came up to accept an award and he stated something about music and DVD that I thought was profound (it was his entire speech): 'DVD IS the future of music, period'. So while DVD-Audio may not be taking off as quickly as studios may have hoped, look for music and DVD to come together in a big way in the not so distant future."

So basically the industry is going to endanger its currently booming revenue stream by pursuing restrictive digital rights management that will alienate consumers, but yet they want those same paying customers to move from CDs and MP3s to DVD audio. Tell me again why I would want to do this? I have no plans to buy DVD audio discs any time soon - do you?

Side note: DVD Talk also notes the following deal -

"HKFlix.com has a very special deal for DVD Talk Members: Get the Malata DVP-520 Region Free DVD Player for $274.95 with free UPS Ground Shipping. The Malata DVP-520 will let you play DVDs from any region and will convert PAL DVDs for NTSC TVs. Sale is open to US residents only and is limited to 'stock on hand' which means if you're interested in this deal you should jump on it!"

Suh-weet! Grab 'em before they become illegal to import into this country.