In the past, buying, renting or borrowing a physical copy was the only way to enjoy your favorite music, movies and TV shows. With newer technologies, we have access to thousands of options with streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify and Apple Music.
There are benefits to using streaming services, but in some ways, nothing beats your own collection. Here are a few reasons why you should keep buying DVDs and CDs
The Fun of Browsing in a Store
A lot of the fun in buying new music, movies or TV shows is finding something that you weren’t already planning on buying. While you’re sifting through stacks of CDs or DVDs, you may find a hidden gem. You could find a copy of a classic movie that you love or discover a great new band. Someone else at the store may even suggest something that will become one of your favorites!
With digital music, TV shows and movies, you don’t have the same experience. Lots of streaming services do have recommendation features, but even those are limited by their algorithms. Most are based on what you’ve already listened to or watched. It’s not always the best way to discover something entirely new.
Streaming Is Less Reliable
It’s impossible to deny the huge selection from streaming services, but with changing contracts and rights to stream, it’s no guarantee that your favorite shows, movies and music will
be on a particular streaming service forever. You could be in the middle of watching a show and see Netflix remove it from the service. What do you do if that happens? In addition, the shows, movies and music you want to access may be on a service that you don’t have.
Having your own copies of your favorites lets you listen and watch whenever and wherever you want. As long as you have a CD player, DVD player or laptop, you’re ready to go. With a streaming service, you need an internet connection — and a fast one at that — to get a clear picture. And if your internet goes out for whatever reason, you usually can’t access your media at all if you’re relying on streaming. You don’t have these limitations when you own your favorite CDs and DVDs.
