DVD vs. DIVX
Why do I prefer DVD over DIVX?
No. 1 --DVD has become an accepted format for computer software, although currently there is not much software available on DVD, many new computers are being manufactured with DVD-ROM drives built in.
No. 2 -- Movies on DVD are yours. When you purchase a movie on DVD you don't have to rent it. You can play it as many times as you wish.
No. 3 -- DIVX is a fancy name for rental. Why should you pay for machine to play rental videos, they should be giving away DIVX players for free. To buy a DIVX player only to rent videos is absurd, those little satellite dishes are available, and they have pay-per-view that is cheaper than a DIVX disk, with the same quality, plus you don't have to leave your house to get it. Digital cable is also becoming available with the same options of the mini dish satellites.
No. 4 -- What happens if DIVX goes the way of the beta format of videotapes? What if the service centers that validate your rental go belly up? Then what value does this vast video library which you have accumulated have? (other than making nice coasters)
No. 5 -- Privacy, do you really want a database out there which contains your personal viewing habits? What movies you watch and how often you watch them? Have no doubts. The validation centers will keep these records, and the information will be sold.
No. 6 -- Can you really trust a format that was largely financed and promoted by retail electronics giant Circuit City?
It all comes down to ownership. Currently you can buy a VHS tape and even though all rights are reserved, you still own that tape. You can play t as often as you like without having to validate each viewing, or viewing session. DVD is the same thing that we are used to: you buy movie, you own the movie, you can watch it as many times as you want, and anytime that you want, and it won't be public information that you watch "Austin Powers", or whatever, on a weekly basis.
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