"country-lock" survey

What is DVD ?

DVD(Digital Versatile Disc, former known as Digital Video Disc) is a new storage medium that is planned to be on sale from the end of 1996. First it will be used for movies and data-storage. Prototypes of this have been demonstrated on various exhibitions around the world. The improved bandwidth and storage capacity will also later be used for high quality music storage. The plan is that DVD will replace the CD, Lasersdisc and VHS in all their applications.

What is meant by "country-lock" ?

The format is not yet fixed and among the features that may be included is a "country-lock". This is a feature proposed by the movie industry that could make it impossible to play movies, music or computer software released in one country or "zone" on a player in another country. They say that it will make it more easy for them to control distribution and releases in different regions of the world. Yes, it could mean that a person in the UK would not able to see a film or hear an album he bought in the US. And a person in the US would not be able to play any imported special editions.

Here is the result of the survey that was held in July/August 1996:

1) Do you consider the DVD format to be more interesting for you if the "country-lock" is included ?

0.3 % Yes, absolutely
0.6 % Mostly yes
4.1 % Indifferent
7.0 % Mostly not
86.9 % Absolutely not
1.0 % Don't know

Total of 314 votes for this question, 2 didn't vote.

2) When would you buy a DVD player if the "country-lock" is included in the format?

4.8 % As soon as it's available/as soon as you see a good demo of actual models.
16.0 % When it's sold so many units that you know it's not a flop.
17.3 % When the players gets more affordable.
28.5 % When your get problems finding software for your old format.
25.6 % Never
7.7 % Don't know

Total of 312 votes for this question, 4 didn't vote.

3) When would you buy a DVD player if the "country-lock" is not included in the format?

42.0 % As soon as it's available/as soon as you see a good demo of actual models.
31.2 % When it's sold so many units that you know it's not a flop.
23.6 % When the players gets more affordable.
1.9 % When your get problems finding software for your old format.
0.3 % Never
1.0 % Don't know

Total of 314 votes for this question, 2 didn't vote.

4) If you have a DVD player and an interesting film is available on DVD and in the cinema at the same time, what would you prefer?

3.2 % Only see the film in the cinema.
64.0 % See the film in the cinema and then buy the DVD if it's good.
8.9 % Only buy the DVD.
1.0 % Buy the DVD and then see it in the cinema if it's good.
6.4 % Only rent the DVD.
12.1 % Rent the DVD and then buy the DVD if it's good.
4.5 % Don't know

Total of 314 votes for this question, 2 didn't vote.

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