Then Again, Who Needs A New Disc Format, Anyways? Pt I

At least, that's what Irish tech company PortoMedia thinks. PortoMedia is rolling out video rental kiosks that load rental content onto flash media.

CNet: Coming soon: Movies on flash memory cards

While other companies see the Internet as the answer to that question, Armstrong has another idea. PortoMedia is setting up kiosks that will letconsumers download movies to a flash memory key or portable hard drive.
The kiosks will be packed with hard drives that can hold 350 to 5,000 titles. Users then plug in a memory device from the company, enter a PIN code, and buy or rent a movie. When consumers get home, they simply slide the memory device into a dock connected to a TV.
The key to the service is a proprietary USB interface that transfers data at a faster average rate than standard USB devices. A standard-definition movie can be loaded onto a memory device in 8 to 60 seconds, depending on the length and chip speed. High-definition movies, which won't be available initially on the service, can be downloaded in 18 to 45 seconds. The USB interface works just fine with the USB slots on PCs and notebooks.

Okay, it's not internet media, but it's an interesting twist, and it's probably one more nail in the coffin of optical disc media.

Believe me when I say that I will be watching developments in this space with great interest.

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