Many options for buying DVDs

Movie fans have never faced a better environment with so many options for answering the question “Where can I buy DVDs”?  As with many other consumer products, the internet has greatly expanded the channels available for DVD transactions.  With an overwhelming number of possibilities where customers can buy DVDs from, we are going to focus on examining some of the key opportunities.

Traditional retailers are still a popular choice for DVD buying.  Discount and department stores that sell many product categories typically have electronic departments.  Many of the largest discount stores, like Target and Wal-mart, have large selections of DVDs.  These stores typically carry the most popular DVD releases each week when they are released.

Category specialists and specialty retailers are another brick and mortars retail channel for DVD buying.  A category specialist, like Best Buy and CompUSA, is a retailer that specializes in a small number of product categories and offers expertise and a wide variety and assortment of products.  These types of retailers usually have a very large variety of DVDs.  Most of them not only sell new DVDs, they also carry sale DVDs and have bargain bins stocked with older and previously viewed DVDs.

Another great retail avenue for buying lightly used previewed DVDs is a traditional video rental store.  Most video rental stores sell used copies of DVDs.  Once the new releases lose steam and rental revenue, the store is left with many more copies than they need for ongoing rental.  The stores then price their extra copies for sale and savvy DVD buyers can find nice prices in lightly used and not-that-old DVD movies.

Most of the traditional retailers already discussed also have an online presence.  The retailers offer products for sale online which allows the consumer to shop efficiently and buy online with a credit card or other payment.  This is a convenient way to buy when going to a store is not practical or preferred.  New online video rental companies, like Netflix, have also sold previewed copies of their rental DVDs.  Though, the ongoing nature of this used DVD opportunity is up in the air.

The internet is also flooded with other e-tailing opportunities that allow consumers to buy DVDs efficiently, sometimes less expensively, and often in bulk.  Amazon has cornered the online market in many product categories and consumers know that virtually any DVD distributed, even through small providers, is available through Amazon.  Plus, the competitive marketplace at Amazon typically means the buyer can find the best deal through this site.

EBAY and other online auction sites can also be a great way to buy both used and new DVDs at great prices.  Many wholesalers or bulk distributors sell excess new DVDs through online auctions that are usually bought at good prices.  Many people also sell used DVDs at online auctions since it offers them a quick and easy way to sell a DVD they no longer need or want.

There are also many online wholesalers and bulk distributors of DVDs that allow DVD buyers to purchase larger quantities of DVDs at great prices.  Some of these dealers offer newer DVDs.  Others sell new DVDs, but older releases, at extremely low prices.  There are online wholesalers, for instance, that sell older movies now on DVD for as little as $1 or even less.  To get this type of deal, the buyer of DVDs has to purchase a larger quantity than he might through another channel.

All of these are great ideas on how to answer the question “Where can I buy DVDs?”  The best answer for a particular consumer depends on his needs, desire for an efficient purchase, and budget.  There are channels and opportunities available to help fit many of these needs and preferences.

The music industry experienced the rise of the music video with the advent of MTV and VH-1 in the 1980s. It tumbled in the wake of Internet audio downloads and the popularity of the iPod and MP3 players at the turn of the century.

DVD movies – enhanced with the newly-developed Blu-Ray technology – have increased in popularity since their inception in the 1990s.

So where does the hybrid of music and DVDs fit into this media-popularity equation?

Believe it or not, music DVDs – a collection of music videos, live performances and behind-the-scenes footage – are holding their own.

Music DVDs might be an afterthought, especially when music stores mostly feature CDs, and motion pictures dominate the DVD market.  But more music titles were sold in 2006 than in any year since the first music DVD was produced in 1998.

More than seven million units sold in 2006, almost a 10 percent increase from 2005. This increase occurred when some analysts suggested that music DVDs were headed for extinction because of other forms of media, such as the popular hand-held devices that feature videos (i.e. the Apple iPod).

Furthermore, the cynics said music DVDs are nothing more than a niche and suitable only for collectors.

What they lost sight of is how much Internet music stores can affect the popularity of music DVDs.

For example, a search of “music DVDs” on Amazon.com produces more than 18,000 results. Some of the more popular music DVDs in the world include Rolling Stones – Rock and Roll Circus, Jerry Lee Lewis – Last Man Standing, Pink Floyd – Pulse, and Elvis Lives – The 25^th Anniversary Concert Live from Memphis.

Two music DVDs produced by Celtic Woman, a six-women group with angelic voices who belt out classic Celtic music songs, are rated in the Top 10 of Amazon’s best-selling in this media form.

Notice the trends? The cynics of music DVDs are correct. The music DVD market is a niche genre (Celtic Woman) and is certainly a collector’s market (with oldies-but-goodies stars such as The Rolling Stones and Elvis).

But what the music DVD critics are failing to realize is the market is on the rise, and it is growing also out of need.

Traditional music retailers are struggling, causing some of them to review their merchandise. Music DVDs, which are already a specialized market on the Web, will likely surface more on retailers’ racks.

Industry analysts agree that three elements are necessary for the music DVD to continue to flourish. They include:

• Packaging
• Inclusion of a live show
• Timing

Because music DVDs are not considered an impulse buy, the packaging of the product could be the difference in swaying the consumer to make the purchase. Effective packaging includes material that targets hardcore fans who know what they want and are prepared to pay a higher price.

Pink Floyd’s Pulse DVD is a good example of packaging done right.

It includes an eight-page booklet and catchy menu designs. The DVD also offers an abundance of bonus features, such as “Bootlegging the Bootleggers,’’ featuring good quality “boot” video performances of songs like “On the Turning Away” and “Marooned.”

Live shows in high-definition video are especially impressive on larger screens and good stereo surround equipment. It makes the viewers feel as if they are part of the concert.

Lastly, the timing of the release is very significant, much like the release of a soundtrack coinciding with the release of the movie it was produced from. The simultaneous release of the album and the DVD is a proven recipe for success.

The best-selling music DVD of 2006 in Europe was Take That – The Ultimate Tour Live in Manchester, released by the British boy band in conjunction with its top single “Patience” and album Beautiful World.

Almost 200,000 of Take That’s DVDs were sold, about 45,000 more than Pink Floyd’s Pulse.

Also critical in developing sales for music DVDs: Internet sites such as YouTube. The rapid rise of YouTube has enabled millions to access video of their favorite performers. Analysts say this exposure increases the demand for music DVDs.

There are many top sites on the internet who are cashing in on the music DVD market, and smart ones are even integrating the sale on music DVDs into sites with music downloads or music lyrics.

Music DVDs are far from being extinct. They appear to be a physical form of music media that is a wave of the future.

The 1980s brought us MTV. The dawn of a new century produced the iPod. Now get ready for your favorite rock group performing a live show captured on Blu-Ray discs, turning your living room into a concert hall.

The adage you get what you pay for once applied to all electronics. However, consumers are now saying: “Why should I pay that much when I could be satisfied with something cheaper?”

The quality of an electronics item, whether it is a DVD player, MP3 player or television, for example, does not always depend on the cost. In many cases, cheap electronics fulfill the needs of the consumer.

Less than five years ago, it was unheard of for a DVD player to be less than $100, and especially $50.

Now, these inexpensive machines are widely available from obscure companies such as AMW, Apex, Mintek and Norcent. Many in the electronics industry believe that these DVD players are as reliable and efficient as those that cost twice as much by Sony, Panasonic, Philips, RCA and Toshiba.

The DVD players made by the no-name companies are currently as cheap as $39 at some retailers. The big-name companies are catching on to the low-price competition. Most of them have DVD players that are now priced $80 or less.

And to think that when DVD players were introduced in March 1997, the average cost was $650.

Similar dramatic price reductions are happening with most electronics. Combo DVD/VCR units are selling for as low as $70. Some five mega pixel digital cameras are priced as low as $299. Prices for DVD recorders have plummeted to $200 or less.

The cheap price is certainly attractive to consumers, but many still have doubts about the performance of the lesser-priced goods. They wonder: Realistically, how can a $40 DVD player be any good?

One answer is the DVD components in most units are standard and are inexpensive due to high-volume production in China factories. Many of the big-name electronics companies contract their work to these same factories that produce the DVD players for the no-name companies.

Furthermore, the no-name companies do not have to spend marketing and advertising dollars, so they can afford to ship their electronics to retailers for a lesser cost (as low as $30 per unit).

Recent news of ultra low-priced cell phones made in Korea by unknown companies drew the attention of companies such as Nokia and Motorola. Nokia and Motorola have already been selling bargain cell phones for $30 to $50 due to emerging markets in India and China.

The Korean companies called ROSE Telecom and Kedcom announced last December that they exported 100,000 handsets priced at $30 to India’s biggest telecommunications company (Reliance Infocomm). To date, they have shipped more than 1 million handsets, and by 2009, they plan to supply more than 6 million. The bar-like handset with a 1.5 inch color monitor has basic functions including voice communication, text messaging, ring tone downloads, and a 500-number storage.

Another example of how electronics have gone against the trend of other industries, a new television with a 27-inch screen can be purchased for less than $300. A couple of decades ago, a 19-inch television cost more than $400.

Earlier this year, news out of Great Britain suggested that experts predict a new era of cheap electronics as plans were unveiled for the world’s first factory that makes plastic semiconductors.

If all goes as planned, the plant should cut the cost of electronic circuitry by 90 percent, according to experts. Keep an eye out for that development in the next three years.

If you are looking to buy cheap electronics, may web site’s exist for bargain hunters that would like to take advantage of how web site’s can cut their distribution costs by not having to worry about things like paying employees, theft from the public, and speedy turn around times for sold items. You may also want to consider purchasing quality items used, which can be found online through auction or free Canadian classified ad web sites.

As for now, the intrigue is in how cheaper electronics are thriving more in the world marketplace. Many factors are involved, but the most obvious is no-name companies contracting cheap electronics from Asian factories that produce items in the thousands and millions.

You truly get what you pay for, but we are in the era of “Who cares?” As long as the electronics function and are reliable, that is okay for most consumers who watch their budget.

In this day and age of the 52-inch plasma TV, the portable video device is still standing tall.

The reason why portable DVD players are hot items relates mostly to traveling, especially during the summer vacation time and holiday seasons. Travelers can watch movies, shows or events on their portable DVD while sitting on an airplane or in the backseat of a car.

The cost of portable DVDs, ranging from less than $100 to almost $500, is considerably less than the cost of about $700 to $1,400 for a laptop. Therefore, the portable DVD player is the chosen device to pass the time until the viewer reaches his or her destination.

More than 8 million portable DVDs were sold in 2004, an increase of 3 million over sales in 2003, according to market research.

With portable DVD players being so popular, which is the device that most viewers should check out? Here is a list of five of the best portable DVD devices on the market today:

PHILIPS Portable DVD Player PET1002 ($380)

The video output is tremendous and it can run up to five hours, a length unheard of only a year ago. Its high-resolution technology, which Philips calls, “Zero Bright Dot,” provides an impressive screen display (the best on the market today). The stereo sound is strong without the use of headphones.

TOSHIBA SDP2800 Portable DVD Player ($500 listed retail price)

Its rechargeable battery technology allows the device to play a DVD for up to 4 hours per charge, which is less than others, but movies usually last no longer than 2 hours. If in the car, just recharge with an adapter. The 9-inch screen offers a crisp picture and the stereo sound is impressive. It is also compatible with TV’s and stereo systems, including high-resolution HDTV screens.

PANASONIC DVD-LS91 Portable DVD Player ($300)

This portable DVD player can last as long as 6 hours before another charge is necessary, but one of its impressive features is its shock-proof technology. If you are riding a bumpy road or experiencing turbulence, you do not have to worry about the disc skipping. The 9-inch screen is standard size but the output is far above standard.

Audiovox D-2011 Portable 10.2″ DVD Player ($270)

The Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround-sound technology makes this portable DVD player a must-buy because it is useful at home as well. The surround-sound can be routed through the player’s optical digital-audio output for direct connection to any full-featured audio/video receiver in the living room or den. The only negative is the battery lasts only three hours, but again, a movie generally lasts shorter.

Coby TF-DVD1020 ($255)

Includes a hefty-sized screen (10 inches) and has built-in anti-skip circuitry, but what makes this portable DVD most interesting is its swivel screen. That allows for multiple viewing angles so two people can view the device without a problem. The high-resolution output rivals Philips’ PET1002. The stereo speakers are also impressive with good sound and clarity.

These are just five of the top selling and most impressive portable DVD players on the market today. A slew of others exist, some arguably as good as any in this list. Just remember that price does not matter for a portable DVD player. The most expensive does not always mean it’s the best for you and your needs.

On the other hand, choose the one that works with your wallet without sacrificing quality viewing pleasure on the road or at home. So many possibilities exist, it is hard to go wrong, especially with a name brand.

Are you a movie lover that is sick of paying for over priced new release DVDs? If you are you are not alone. Millions of people around the world are looking for the best possible ways to find an buy cheap DVDs online. We hope this article will help all of these people realize there are other options when it comes to buying cheap used DVDs.

Are you trying to build up your DVD collection? I know, just as soon as you had that VHS collection into the hundreds they had to go and invent the DVD Player. Alas, you do not have to bankrupt yourself when searching for those special movies to place into your collection. There are many sources where you can find very good bargains on the movies that you want.

Consider this: Do not rush right out and buy that new release; instead rent it. If you decide that you really must have this movie in your collection then you have a few options:

1. You can wait for a few months and you will then be able to purchase it at a much lower cost than it originally debuted for.
2. You always have the option of creating an account with eBay and searching for your movie there; you may actually find it at a very reduced cost.
3. You can search the Web for deeply discounted DVD’s; however, do so at your own risks, as I have found none that actually offer any better prices than any of your local stores.

Now if you are searching for classics, or the not so new releases, then you have a few more options than those listed above:

4. Check out your local pawnbrokers; they generally have a pretty good assortment and the prices are reasonable.
5. Go to your local department store, such as Wal-Mart. In these stores you can generally find a bargain bin or rack. The movies are very well priced here, usually ranging from $2 to $7. Not to bad of a price if you can find what you are looking for.
6. Also visit your local movie rental stores as they often place previously viewed movies in a bargain bin or rack for reasonable prices.
7. If you have a store in your town that trades movies, games and the like, you may be able to find a few bargains there. If you have some movies that you really wish you hadn’t bought then take them and trade them in.
8. Occasionally if you browse your local newspaper classifieds you may find an ad selling bulk DVD’s; these are people that are looking for money fairly quickly and you may be able to bargain with them on their “set” price. If you choose this venue at anytime, make certain that you go through the DVD’s thoroughly and that all of the cases actually contain movies in them and that they are the right movies.
9. Last, but not least, hit the garage sales, many times you can find great bargains on DVD’s here, again, make check each case thoroughly.

As I stated earlier, there are a few sites on the web that promise deeply discounted DVD’s, however, I visited many of these sites and either the prices were comparable or above what you would pay in your local stores. There are sites where you can buy in bulk, but you do not get to pick the movies that you receive. Out of 150 movies you may only get a dozen or so that you would even want to watch, and there is the possibility of receiving duplicates. Always search for that bargain, but never become a chump for anyone. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is!