DVDs: A Decade After Bill Gates’ Prediction

FLASHBACK: DVDs Will Be Obsolete in 10 Years

It was a decade ago, during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January of 2004, when Bill Gates, the visionary founder of Microsoft, boldly predicted that DVDs would be obsolete within ten years. He scoffed at the idea of carrying around film and music on fragile little silver discs, pointing out their susceptibility to scratches and loss. Fast forward to today, and while DVDs haven’t completely disappeared, their presence has significantly waned. So, what happened to our once beloved DVDs?

As streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ took over, DVDs slowly started collecting dust on our shelves. The convenience of streaming—accessing a vast library of movies and shows with just a few clicks—has undeniably overshadowed the need for physical discs. Yet, there’s still a dedicated group of DVD enthusiasts out there. Some people enjoy the nostalgia of popping a DVD into the player, while others value the reliability of owning a physical copy that doesn’t rely on an internet connection.

So, who still watches DVDs regularly? Surprisingly, many do! Some households maintain extensive DVD collections, proudly displayed like trophies of a bygone era. Libraries and rental stores still see regular visitors looking for that perfect movie night pick. For some, DVDs offer a tangible connection to their favorite films and shows. Do you have a collection? Maybe you borrow from the local library? Share your DVD stories with us in the comments!