Convergent/new devices:
Emergent trends have vastly complicated the task of producing a web-enabled DVD product that truly works everywhere. Discounting PIMs, CE devices, DVD capable game platforms and the like, the adoption of Linux and OSX as well as set-top DVD players have multiplied the use case scenarios for the project with a corresponding increase in complication.
This does not speak to convergence through a video output card in the computer, something I suspect is happening with greater and greater frequency, particularly among young "early adopters". This basically allows a TV to be used as an output device and is supported by PlanetWeb, Sigma Systems and Interactual Media. It's unclear what Sonic Systems will do with Interactual's numerous patented technologies or production capability at this time.
(Note: some matters of intellectual property were settled in patent infringement trials recently)
Since these devices integrate certain "online functionality" but to no uniform extent, compatibility issues are unpredictable but bound to arise if the technology continues to gain a foothold.
The only other "new" thing I can talk about would be the "blue" laser DVD's that are generating a buzz right now. Like the convergent crowd, this is too new to work with, it'll be a while before they replace red.
My recommendation is to keep on eye on use trends for new devices. To allow them to effect production considerations would be wasted effort at this time but they will have increasing predictive value as time goes on.
Other convergent device info:
Ewhiz http://www.digital808.com/clients/ohana/solutions/ewhiz.html
Vidvd http://hometheater.about.com/library/weekly/aaprvialta.htm
Jiangsu Shinco has a Web-DVD player that can "connect directly with the TV and the Internet".
Recommended use case scenarios:
As such, our use case scenarios are best restricted to:
1. Mac w/ Mac OS online, offline
2. Mac w/ OSX online, offline
3. PC w/ Windows (all) online, offline
4. PC w/ Linux online, offline
5. Set-top DVD w/ TV
Note that computer play needs to support ROM play as well as play through DVD software.
A great argument can be made to ditch scenarios 2 and 4 above based on pure marketshare. I'd counter two ways:
1. They represent early adopters, trendsetters, hipsters, a sexy demographic
2. It would solidify Dig's unique quality as a product: nothing on it's scale of
distribution would operate cross platform better then Dig Video and nothing but nothing
else would do it for free.
On the other hand, nothing simplifies a test matrix like knocking off requirements. It's like saying nothing makes for an easier harvest than not planting. If Director MX04 is used for a ROM solution there's a good bet that scenarios 2 and 4 above will be compatible due to the presence of Shockwave player for OSX and the work of the open source community for Linux.