[pcchen]

Originally Posted by Davros

But we had region free dvd players and they were usually cheaper

This is not the point of my argument. My argument is, DVD drive makers have to satisfy Hollywood's demand, because they need Hollywood, not because they are stupid or weak. Hollywood don't really need them, because they don't really like this home theater idea anyway (see how they opposed VHS when it's released). Of course, you may argue that home video is a big market that Hollywood can't ignore, and that's true, but if there is no home video at all (i.e. there is no VHS nor DVD) it's quite possible that Hollywood may be able to make even more money from licensing movies to TV stations.

[Otto Dafe]

I think though to some extent they view it as an additional revenue stream--in other words, pure gravy.