BlueRay is cheaper then download, so why do people think eBooks should be?

[PracticalMac]

I routinely find BlueRay disks selling for less then digital download versions from iTunes and others (except just released). I am really puzzled that people expect they should get eBooks for less then physical books (call it the convenience tax).

Even music is cheaper when u buy an album CD (more or less).

Yes, the industries are using the higher margins to subsidize physical media production, but it will still be a few years before enough devices will be in marketplace to do away with legacy media.

And yes, this is prompted by the recent rulings by DOJ, but again, one can find same or cheaper priced physical medial then online stuff (convenience tax).

 

[DJLC]

If you'll recall, the music and movie industries weren't always like that. The added competition from iTunes, Amazon, etc. has prompted both industries to lower pricing on physical media.

In 2003 a CD at Walmart cost ~$20. Then the iTunes Store debuted with $9.99 albums. Now physical CDs are cheap.

Next up: books.

 

[PracticalMac]

If you'll recall, the music and movie industries weren't always like that. The added competition from iTunes, Amazon, etc. has prompted both industries to lower pricing on physical media.

In 2003 a CD at Walmart cost ~$20. Then the iTunes Store debuted with $9.99 albums. Now physical CDs are cheap.

Next up: books.

I have seen the CD album price range from $9.99 to ~$20 before iTunes (granted it was less popular or old items)

I believe since every computer built since the mid 90's and almost that long with MP3 players (inc iPod) everyone was pretty much ready to forgo CD's.
Video and eBooks seems to be taking longer, i think not so much the technology, but the shift in culture.

Historically industry is slow to shift, and I think the expectations to see eBook prices to be radically less then hard book is premature.