The algorithms and operations behind the storage and distribution of those physical disks is a marvel to behold though. A friend of mine was in Netflix's DVD op

The algorithms and operations behind the storage and distribution of those physical disks is a marvel to behold though. A friend of mine was in Netflix's DVD operations for a number of years, and it was fascinating to hear what they had implemented (I can't do it justice). Imagine a bunch of Computer Scientists implementing sorting and data storage optimizations in the physical world, and you get the Netflix DVD distribution system. If you ever meet someone from the DVD division, take him out for some drinks. You won't regret it :)