DVDs Surge as Back-End TV Market

[SOURCE: TVWeek, AUTHOR: Kevin Brass]
After barely generating a blip of revenue in the heyday of VHS, TV programming is the fastest-growing sector in the DVD industry. This year alone consumers will spend more than $3 billion on TV programming on DVD, up from $2.3 billion in 2004. With few blockbuster theatrical hits on the slate, TV on DVD may account for as much as 25 percent of DVD revenues this year. Any concerns about possible negative impact on the long-term value of a property by releasing it on DVD during its broadcast run are steamrolled by these revenue numbers, affecting every aspect of the TV industry, from production to marketing. Suppliers are rushing to mine the vaults. Actors, writers and producers are demanding a piece of the pie. Networks are developing "DVD-friendly" shows. And the phenomenon has sparked new cooperation between television and home video divisions.
http://www.tvweek.com/article.cms?articleId=28924
(requires free registration)