I have said before that video cards are no less than 5 years too late. With almost every person having the possibility of playing video on their smartphones, or something close to it, video embedded in a trading card means close to nothing. When Upper Deck released “Evolution,” collectors found out pretty quickly that the cards carried little value without any player “touched” element attached to them. Panini took the concept a step further by instituting autographs onto the video cards, thus creating value as well. Anytime something is signed, it has value, and yet, said value has LITTLE to do with the fact that the piece has video capabilities.
That hasn’t stopped Panini from touting the value and accomplishment of their card, and to tell you the truth, theirs is better than Upper Deck’s. However, it is not better because it has a better video player, or the video is more clear, its from stuff NOT tied to the video. First, Panini’s cards are more rare and serially numbered, and therefore carry more value. Secondly, Panini’s cards are signed, as mentioned above. Lastly, Panini’s cards are NOT NCAA branded, which means more people will like them. Factoring all of this in, and you can see why they are better.
Here are some of the prices so far, which shows that they really not that much other than the signature and rarity:
Kobe Bryant 1/1 Gold HRX Autograph Redemption
Kobe Bryant HRX Autograph Redemption
John Wall HRX Autograph Redemption
Blake Griffin HRX Autograph Redemption
In the end, these cards will be nothing more than a tiny insignificant blip on the radar of the hobby. Get me a card that animates much like the newspapers in Harry Potter, then we are talking. Imbedding a small iPod style screen, on the other hand, is just plain stupid.
I am NOT saying that video cards are the future of our hobby. Only 204 of these were inserted into Totally Certified Basketball. HRX is not what makes Totally Certified a good or bad product. However, anything that generates interest in our hobby and results in collectors’ positive response (and encourages them to put down their cash to purchase product) is GOOD for the hobby.
Like all good things, too much of a good thing is bad (In 1998 Game Used Jersey Cards were selling for over $1000.). The trick is to make the video card rare enough to hold its value, yet make it within reach to pull. In Totally Certified Basketball, HRX Video Cards fall about 1 in 81 boxes. And, based on my customers’ reaction, Panini has found a good balance to make the HRX a success for its Totally Certified Basketball product.
Now, Panini needs to continue this balance in its future products with HRX inserts. Panini, keep up the good work.
Remember those Donruss (I think) CD “cards” in the 90s? Those ruled.
Upper Deck made some mini CD cards back in the late 90s. I still have some.