By the sound of it Foxtel is already saying that the end of the local video store is near, as said by foxtel "Why should you drive to your video store when you can get the new release movies at a press of a button on VOD (Video On demand)" Yes you will be able to sit in your lounge, select what movie you want with your Digital Pace Decoder Box it will dial a data base ( It has an Internal Modem permantly connected to your phone line) which will order the movie for you and Bingo you will be watching the movie within minutes.<br />But what they don't tell you is that this Digital decoder can do a time and motion study on your viewing habits, in other words they will know what time you turn on, what time you turn off, what channels you like watching???? Hummmmmmmmm Mr So and so likes watching the Porno adults channel every night does that mean he is a person of low morals? Police can use this evidence against you and so can thieves who get their hands on this information, they know what time your home and what time your not home.<br />Hummmm is this is the future<br /><br />Phil <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/default/confused.gif" />

In addition, who pays for the Phone Call?<br />I bet the consumer <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="images/icons/default/mad.gif" /> <br />but they already can keep a track on your viewing habits with cable TV ( that’s a two way cable isn’t it that’s how there hi speed internet works two way coms don’t forget ) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/default/shocked.gif" /> <br /><br />There are now developments in broadband over the Mains wires from you supply authority to your home (your humble 240v outlet- GPO) you can already do this in your own home of office with gear obtained from Dicky smiths Straight plug in stuff no knowledge needed <br /> They are in the process off getting approval for the utilities like your electricity supplier to supply data services over mains network <br />Just think of what can be achieved if you are a white good manufacturer installs a mains modem after the 12 mths warranty is up makes the equipment fail increase sales shit I am getting some hairy ideas of what can be done.<br /> Who has to say that it not already here you know you buy some thing electrical and it stops working after 12mths has this happen to you ?<br /><br /><br />Phil time to make some Mains Filters <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/default/grin.gif" />

Video Shops will be around for a while yet.<br />Broadband Internet was supposed to be the end of Television and Video. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/default/rolleyes.gif" /> <br /><br />Privacy is a thing off the past unless you go and hide in the bush.<br /><br />Jason <br />I thought they already had the white goods thing covered with that little timer that causes the product to fail a few days after the warranty runs out.

Jason/SPLog<br />How are you all? Yes I heard about internet by the mains that will solve my not having ADSL problem but Jason what happens if you get a power surge ???? does that make you download faster HEEEEEEE Only joking but don't laugh, some idiot will ask that question. will have to investigate!!.<br />SPLog (Broadband Internet was supposed to be the end of Television and Video).<br />Not likely! but VOD and the local video shop are on a collision course and its in the interest of Pay TV that Video on Demand shuts down the local video store.<br />A scenario: could you imagine if 90% of the video stores were closed around Australia? A percentage of the people would be forced to get pay television. I spoke to my local video store about this matter 1 1/2 years ago. The manager and assistant manager looked at each other and grinned, probably thinking I was a fucking idiot but knowing C1 was about to be launched and knowing the transponders on it and knowing who was leasing all the transponders, including the Australian military, I knew and so did others in the know that the extra transponders for foxtel were going to be for video on demand. I can guarantee you with my 50 years plus on this earth that technology causes unemployment and this will be the next case.<br />If any manager/franchisee/owner of a video store is reading this get your act together. All of you get together and plan your method of attack as they are already slagging you saying you don't need to go to a video shop anymore. Its about time you find the weaknesses of video on demand and exploit them to your interest.<br />Phil <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="images/icons/default/mad.gif" />

Haa!<br />Phil you must have a crystal ball!!<br />Steve. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/default/grin.gif" />

VOD<br />I still don't see it happening in the near future maybe 10 to 20 years as <br /> <br />PayTv would have to really pull its finger out and provide a decent service.<br /><br />Video on demand for the Video shop users would need to have a large visual database with info and pictures of video for the undecided to browse through like when you do at the video shop when you want to watch something but not sure what so you read and look at the case.<br /><br />They will need to provide the box at no or once off charge and only charge for the movies the users wants to watch. <br /><br />Provide cheap weekly VOD movies($2)<br /><br />Provide some other payment method as alot off people still don't have credit cards. <br /><br />Also if Digital TV is allowed off its leash it will provide some competition<br /><br />But by then we will have a form off internet that will kill the current pay TV system and also thin out alot off Video shops but they will still be around they probaly would be a VOD agent providing a top up card system for X amount off movies.<br /><br />I guess I'm dribbling on now so I'd better shut up

Phil<br />Once again i agree with you but i think foxtel wont be able to help itself, they will price themselves out of business. Haaa suck EGGS!!!!.<br />Pete <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/default/grin.gif" />

SPlog<br />I dont have a credit card so i'm like you Pay Tv is to expensive and when this so called digital crap comes out the prices will go up again.