We need HD Downloads – NOW!

The time has come for iTunes, Amazon and Blockbuster to offer movies and tv series in HD – for download to computers or apple tv. Inevitably there will be the ‘end-point’ war, such that you will be locked to a device. But there are a few devices that really should be able to play downloaded HD content legally – such as apple tv, PS3, Xbox, popcorn machine, and Laptops.

Take the case of iTunes – it is woefully inadequate for this purpose. 24 Season 8 is available for an EXTORTIONATE price on download, but only in Standard Definition. Why? Damages Season 3 is available on iTunes and in HD for approximately 40 UKP! I opted for this, largely as it just makes things easier, but primarily to see if it is worth it.

Ideally I want Lovefilm to let me download my rental movies to Apple TV or Boxee, and I really want Amazon and iTunes to sell me HD content to download to Apple TV or Laptop.

Come on mr/mrs marketing department heads – let’s get the content digital and transportable. No more lagging please.

AND DONT RIP OFF THE UK CONSUMER PLEASE! We like American prices, thank you.

What to do if you were Dolby…

Do you remember the days when having Dolby NR on your walkman was a sign of quality? It was a time when Dolby A NR broke ground on the removal of hiss on tape recording and playback. Dolby B NR, became massively mainstream, with the ubiquitous NR switch on the walkman and hi-fi cassette decks. Dolby C NR was a bit of a step up, and the last of the mainstream technologies for tapes. Though S really did take the bucket  (full list here)

So during this time, Dolby Laboratories innovated various playback noise reduction systems for tapes and film. So what do you think they did when CDs came through?

Have you wondered? What would you do, if you were in charge of this company, making whopee as cassette sales rocketed and you licensed out consumer and recording NR technology? With a growing film industry in your pocket you realise that analogue music is about to be trumped by digital.

I’ve not really read much about Dolby management and leadership through this time. This is a bit of a shame, because what home movie theatre does not have Dolby Digital Surround Sound capability? Gone are the days of Pro Logic, now you can get real theatre quality surround at home through many speakers. And the only competitors, DTS and THX, do seem to be playing catch-up for the consumer market (you cant really certify THX easily, its very heavily regulated).

So hats off Dolby. I wish your story was more widely told.

Leadership vs Management

It is worth pointing out the subtle differences between Leadership and Management. People often confuse the two, and worse still is when managers consider themselves leaders. So what is the difference?

Leaders outline an objective and vision, and inspire people to follow them towards it. Often leadership is radical, ignoring existing policies and processes. It is about doing the right thing for everyone.

Managers operate a team towards a pre-defined vision and goal, with process and routines. It is about doing things right. Ensuring the goal is met.

The most important thing to bear in mind, is that Leaders are followed and have no hierarchy to the followers. Managers manage those in their hierarchy. Sometimes we all need management, and great management is essential in any organisation. However, it is even more important to have great leaders. It is when things get tough, that leaders really shine.