What is the future of redbook players?

Very short, at least for the the medium priced units. Low priced units are almost gone from all major brands.

the conventional cd will outlive sacd and dvd audio. ultimately it will be a boutique entity similar to vinyl. most music will flow from the internet and the playback (we are here already) will be the home computer or ipod....the hi end industry shot both its feet off marketing myths and not not facts . its most loyal advocates are quickly growing older and not being replaced with enough new customers to sustain or grow the industry. so much for 'rock and roll will never die'.

Red-Book isnt going anywhere, it is way too popular with main stream population..no way will it die..not for the near, or slight, or far distant future...cmon didnt anyone learn a lesson on longevity from LP'S?