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HPOliver · 11-27-2010, 03:18 PM

Way back in 1949 RCA Victor had a brilliant idea. Instead of continuing to cut 78 RPM records like everybody else, they invented the 45 RPM seven-inch disk pressed from vinyl. Not only that, but they put big spindle hole in the middle of it and patented the whole kit and caboodle. True, RCA’s “microgroove” technology drastically improved sound quality, but you had buy an RCA phonograph to hear it.

What does this have to do with DRM and e-books? It’s pretty much the same thing. RCA came up with a gimmick to monopolize the record business and it worked. Eventually the entire industry went to the 45 RPM format and paid RCA handsomely for the privilege of doing so. Record enthusiasts got better quality sound reproduction and RCA got rich(er), so the only losers were those who purchased alternative systems that became obsolete.

It seems likely the same thing will happen in the world of e-books, just as it did with the video tape wars in the 1970s, which incidentally were won by a division of RCA (JVC). The best product and most effective marketing will eventually prevail. In the meantime, all you have to do is jump on the right bandwagon when you buy your next e-reader.

H.P.

11-27-2010, 03:18 PM	#98
HPOliver Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Northern California Device: nook	Learning to be patient from history. Way back in 1949 RCA Victor had a brilliant idea. Instead of continuing to cut 78 RPM records like everybody else, they invented the 45 RPM seven-inch disk pressed from vinyl. Not only that, but they put big spindle hole in the middle of it and patented the whole kit and caboodle. True, RCA’s “microgroove” technology drastically improved sound quality, but you had buy an RCA phonograph to hear it. What does this have to do with DRM and e-books? It’s pretty much the same thing. RCA came up with a gimmick to monopolize the record business and it worked. Eventually the entire industry went to the 45 RPM format and paid RCA handsomely for the privilege of doing so. Record enthusiasts got better quality sound reproduction and RCA got rich(er), so the only losers were those who purchased alternative systems that became obsolete. It seems likely the same thing will happen in the world of e-books, just as it did with the video tape wars in the 1970s, which incidentally were won by a division of RCA (JVC). The best product and most effective marketing will eventually prevail. In the meantime, all you have to do is jump on the right bandwagon when you buy your next e-reader. H.P.