Whether it is a local Dish or Dish TV, there is one option that I have always liked. This option is the option to watch some movies on demand. These movies are comparatively new as compared to the movies that generally come on TV and most importantly we can choose the movies that we want to watch.
This option is a very insignificant one when compared to the number of channels that are present on the TV. Heck! Even the number of movie channels might be more in some cases.
Still, the fact that I can (for a small fee, of course, of the order of Rs. 50 per movie) watch a movie from a buffet is amazing and as the movies are relatively new I have the option to wait a little while for the movie which are still in theatre to come to these offerings.
With the coming of LCD TVs and also, high-def set top boxes, the image-quality is premium. I have seen theatres having worse screens. Thus, we are in a phase where a person, instead of going to various theatres can relax in the comfort of his bed and watch a movie (that is almost new) in a better quality than theatre.
Also, in homes where there are aged people living, it is a good option as they might not be interested in travelling but this gives them to watch the movie with their family without getting tired and exhausted.
I have seen in my house that the consumption of such Movies on Demand is quite substantial.
The question is- “Does it happen in other houses or is this confined to few ones like mine?” In theory, the idea is lucrative enough to have a rampant impact. The price of watching a movie in the house is also marginal compared to watching the movie in the theatre. The only deterrent might be that the movies are not added simultaneously with the release (for obvious reasons).
Thus if person wants to see the show early (if it is a big budget movie or a big star movie) then he has to go to the theatres. Of course, add to that malls and multiplex, people do prefer shopping and movies hand in hand.
So, I would like to ask this question to the readers, do they see a similar trend around them where people prefer to go watch movies on their set top boxes and LCD (or LED) screens rather going to multiplexes and single screens?