The DVD recorder market doubled in size in 2004, to 9.4 million, and is projected to grow another 87 percent this year, according to a report from Research and Markets. Worldwide DVD recorder shipments are expected to grow to 67.7 million in 2009. The data does not include DVD recorder drives installed in PCs. The firm noted that digital TV tuners will be federally-mandated standard equipment in U.S. DVD recorders in July 2007, and are being added to DVD recorders in increasing numbers in Japan. "In 2004, Japan DVD player shipments declined, while DVD recorders grew by over 100%," the report said.
Try to imagine this scenario, that General Motors and Ford were given exclusive franchises to build America's interstate highway system, and also all the highways that connect local communities. Now imagine that, based upon a financial crisis, these troubled companies decided to convert all "their" local arteries into toll-roads -- they then use incremental toll fees to severely limit all travel to and from small businesses. Why? This handicapping process reduced the need to invest in building better new roads, or repairing the dilapidated ones. But, wouldn't that short-sighted decision have a detrimental impact on the overall national economy? It's a moot point -- pure fantasy -- you say. The U.S. political leadership would never knowingly risk the nation's social and economic future on the financial viability of a restrictive duopoly. Or, would they? The 21st century Global Networked Economy travels across essential broadband infrastructure. The forced intro...