What is the future of redbook players?

I think that the more interesting question could be posed about the availability of the software. Cassette, 8-track and open reel tape have completely disappeared in the US as consumer media, but LPs are still being pressed over twenty years into the CD era, is it at all likely that CDs of new music will continue to be distributed in the next era, which, it seems likely, will be internet based direct distribution of media?

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?