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Good Question: Since Netflix Spilt, Are DVDs Dead?

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Movie rental giant Netflix just split its company in two.

Netflix is done with DVDs; instead it's going "full stream" ahead, pushing DVDs to a new company, Qwikster. Essentially, the company is separating its movie-streaming business and its DVD-by-mail service.

Customers learned Monday they'll now have to use two different websites if they still want both services. The change left some consumers frustrated at the thought of having to navigate two websites. It also left many asking: Are DVDs dead?

Good Question.

Mitch Waters from the ADS Group in Plymouth, Minn., said DVDs aren't dead yet. In fact, ADS makes 80,000 DVDs and CDs a day, but much like VHS tapes and cassettes, industry leaders say DVDs will left by the wayside as technology progresses.

"I see [DVDs] sticking around at least three to five years," Waters said.

However, Waters also said that schools, government agencies and many households can't afford the new technology until much later.

And if you're looking to learn a language or new skill, you're going to want a hard copy.

Streaming

"We're interested in streaming," Waters said. "We're about to launch ADS On Demand, which is a streaming use for our clients."

People WCCO-TV talked to said they use their cable company to stream movies, but some find that their movie selections are often outdated. Many also said they liked the convenience of the Redbox's movie service.

If you're ready to choose a streaming service, experts say you'll want to ask yourself some questions like, Do you want new movies or classics? Cheap or better on-the-go access?

Most insiders say Netflix has the most content available for streaming over the Internet. Cable TV providers have pay-per-view options with a better selection of recent movies, and Apple and Amazon let you rent a la carte if you don't want to commit to a monthly plan but still want the latest movies.

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