Today saw a survey which produced the interesting yet thoroughly predictable result that there is now an overwhelming demand for fast and high-quality digital downloads of feature-length films.

The website Broadbandchoices.co.uk conducted the survey, and it was further reported by the BBC. 

So, why interesting? And why predictable?

A Demand For Easier Access

Well, clearly consumers wish to have their Web connections and cloud-based services provide easy access to great catalogues of titles of all genres, a la Netflix (albeit operated entirely over the Internet).

This would require one to perform fewer functions to enjoy items of interest – be they Cannes favorites, Sundance-award-winning flicks, or big-budget Hollywood and Bollywood fodder. 

Ideally, the fewer the functions the better. It would make for an increase in convenience. Which most anyone would agree is something of a benefit. Right?

Download Speeds On The Increase

Right. Web download speeds are on the increase, and new and ever more attractive and expansive online services are continuously catering larger and larger amounts of digital media to screens the world over.

So it is no surprise that this demand for digital film downloads has grown to something which triggers not only the beta testers and common computer enthusiasts, but the attention of Jack and Jane Consumer as well

Deriving a few basic truths from the principle of Moore’s Law, it’s pretty much guaranteed that the broad acceptance of technological advances grows with the phenomenal rise of items that focus wholly on a public demand. 

The success of the Apple iPod, a consumer-oriented device through and through, is a sterling example. As is the TiVo, to a lesser extent. And, more generally still, the desktop and/or laptop personal computer.

Conclusions

The fact that the call for high-quality film downloads has risen to the top of the list of things requested by broadband subscribers in the UK (I suspect the same discovery might be found in the US as well) only goes to show that the power of a high-speed Internet connection has been more fully realized by the average user. 

Thus the user sees it as possible to cut tangible forms of visual media from the entertainment equation.

Such has happened to great degree with digital music. The same will indeed occur with the digital movie form.

When do you think (legal) digital movie downloads will become as common as music downloads? 2008? 2009? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Paul Glazowski is a contributing author discussing the social networking world, his work can be found on Profy.com

Have Something To Say?