The guys buying TPB are (probably) considering that piracy is a symptom of an industry clinging to old business models. It's been stated many times that a lot of pirates wouldn't pirate if there was a proper distribution model in place. Whether or not this is true might finally be proven.
For it to work, they do need to get a few things right though:
- Pricing - has to be lower than over the counter, since there are no costs for distribution to outlets and there being less intermediaries.
- Proof of ownership - should data be lost after initial download, it needs to be available again without additional cost, limitations (say, limited number of downloads), or correspondance by e-mail or phone spanning several days fighting for your rights.
- Multiple formats and quality options (absolutely key)
- Don't forbid people to back-up the data or play it back on some other device. If I DL a movie, I want to be able to put it on a disc and play it on a DVD player, or copy it to a portable device and watch it on the road.
Sadly, I think the studios and record companies will stop a proper system from materializing, once again whining about possible lost revenue, like a spoiled little brat throwing a sugar-induced hissy fit, because he's denied another cookie after consuming half a box.
Still, it's another sign BitTorrent is finding acceptance, instead of being regarded as purely a way for people to share stuff illegally. It offers a number of advantages over traditional downloads, such as interupting and continuing the DL at will without loss of progress, and no more failed downloads.