The studios & retailers have a right to insure their product in protected from theft. But, have they gone overboard - to the point of insulting the consumer?
I recently purchase a "Planet of the Apes" DVD - there were three security stickers holding the case shut. When DVD first appeared these stickers didn't exist. Naturally while removing the top sticker the top part of the label cover came off with it - this usually happens when the label is larger than the plastic cover - something the studios didn't consider when DVD first arrived since there were no security stickers.
Anyway, I cursed, and then opened the case - and there is a security device glued inside - to protect the retailer. I watched the film. Of course I must sit through two minutes of copyright protection notices before I can finally select play. These notices will probably become more easily recited than the "Pledge of Alliance."
Also remember DVD's can not be copied - unless you have the right equipment which the average consumer does not.
The DVD is defective - it started skipping - I turned it over and there were scratches on the disc. I returned it to the retailer - in this case Best But. Best Buy replaced the DVD, but before they would let me leave the store they had to remove the plastic shrink wrap from the disc - just in case I wanted to return it again or to prove it wasn't stolen or something. Nothing like leaving a store with opened product.
Years ago we didn't have so many protected devices on laserdiscs or VHS tapes - it is starting to wear thin. DVD's only cost a few dollars to press - Who out there is actually stealing these things? You would think they contained the Holy Grail. Anyone who is going to steal them will find a way. What's to come next the disintegrating DVD that can only be played ten times?
Seems like the studios are saying "It was a pleasure to watch a Laserdisc or VHS tape but It is a privilege to watch a DVD.
[Edited last by Greg_M on August 29, 2001 at 11:23 AM]
I recently purchase a "Planet of the Apes" DVD - there were three security stickers holding the case shut. When DVD first appeared these stickers didn't exist. Naturally while removing the top sticker the top part of the label cover came off with it - this usually happens when the label is larger than the plastic cover - something the studios didn't consider when DVD first arrived since there were no security stickers.
Anyway, I cursed, and then opened the case - and there is a security device glued inside - to protect the retailer. I watched the film. Of course I must sit through two minutes of copyright protection notices before I can finally select play. These notices will probably become more easily recited than the "Pledge of Alliance."
Also remember DVD's can not be copied - unless you have the right equipment which the average consumer does not.
The DVD is defective - it started skipping - I turned it over and there were scratches on the disc. I returned it to the retailer - in this case Best But. Best Buy replaced the DVD, but before they would let me leave the store they had to remove the plastic shrink wrap from the disc - just in case I wanted to return it again or to prove it wasn't stolen or something. Nothing like leaving a store with opened product.
Years ago we didn't have so many protected devices on laserdiscs or VHS tapes - it is starting to wear thin. DVD's only cost a few dollars to press - Who out there is actually stealing these things? You would think they contained the Holy Grail. Anyone who is going to steal them will find a way. What's to come next the disintegrating DVD that can only be played ten times?
Seems like the studios are saying "It was a pleasure to watch a Laserdisc or VHS tape but It is a privilege to watch a DVD.
[Edited last by Greg_M on August 29, 2001 at 11:23 AM]
