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Physical media has declined due to the rise of digital streaming and online downloads, which offer greater convenience and a vast selection of content. This shift has led to reduced production, fewer retail options, and hardware becoming obsolete, though some niche formats like 4K Blu-rays and vinyl records are seeing a resurgence for their quality and collectibility. The decline of physical media Rise of streaming: Streaming services have become the dominant way people consume media, offering instant access to a large library of content for a monthly fee. Business decisions: Major retailers have reduced or stopped carrying physical media, and some studios are outsourcing their physical media production to other companies. Hardware obsolescence: Modern computers and devices are often made without optical drives, making it difficult to play CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays. Reduced production: Major manufacturers, like Sony, have ended production of recordable physical media like Blu-rays, which further accelerates the decline. The resurgence of niche physical media 4K Blu-rays: While overall physical media sales are down, the market share for 4K Blu-rays is growing, as collectors seek the best possible quality. Vinyl records: Despite the dominance of digital music, vinyl record sales have been increasing significantly, driven by nostalgia and a desire for a tangible product. Collector's items: Physical copies are becoming more focused on being special editions, collector's items, or See more