Download-to-own DVDs could be a reality

Bantam · 07-20-2006, 03:57 PM

saw this the other day and meant to post. all in all, a great step, imo, and a smart business decision.

http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2006/07..._be_a_reality/

"We never thought we'd see this happen: while the RIAA keeps retreating backwards from digital distribution, it seems the MPAA is trying to step forwards. Sonic has licensed its DVD-on-Demand technology to Movielink, which would allow consumers to buy movies online, download them, and burn them to DVD that could play on a standard player... legally.

Sonic is the maker of Roxio product line, and will bundle the Movielink service in its current software like Roxio CinePlayer. Movielink will allow a consumer to purchase a downloadable, encrypted DVD file that can then be burned up to a standard DVD-R disc using Sonic's program. Once burned, the disc should be playable in any normal DVD player. Though there's been no specific mention of it yet, one could assume that the file will be playable within registered DVD codecs, which would be great for media center machines.

Jim Ramo, CEO of Movielink, had this to say:

"We are anticipating an industry resolution to establish rules for converting secure Internet-delivered Movielink downloads into a secure format compatible with DVD players in the market today."

One might first think that the MPAA will simply sue Movielink, but there is an interesting twist to the story. Doing so would be chopping off one's own leg, as Movielink is actually a joint operation between the five biggest MPAA companies: MGM, Paramount, Universal, Warner Brothers, and Sony. So basically, all the big players are already on board.

As usual, particulars about DRM, how many copies, etc. are currently lacking...but it's nice to see the MPAA taking another step forward into customer convenience that can span more than one piece of equipment without being some legal infraction."

tomdkat · 07-20-2006, 08:10 PM

I was reading about this in the latest Home Theater magazine. I have no particular feelings about this (for a change...

).

Peace...

Pirate · 07-20-2006, 08:50 PM

I don’t really see the benefit with this. How much cheaper would they be? We wouldn’t be getting the cases or inserts (not that we get those anyway) so, we’d have to print out labels and covers. No thanks.

tomdkat · 07-20-2006, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piratehunter

so, we’d have to print out labels and covers.

Only if you were interested in them. If you didn't care about the DVD packaging, not having that stuff wouldn't matter.

Peace...

Pirate · 07-20-2006, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomdkat

Only if you were interested in them. If you didn't care about the DVD packaging, not having that stuff wouldn't matter.

Peace...

Yeah, I'm too anal to just have folder with sharpie-titled DVDs.

tomdkat · 07-20-2006, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piratehunter

Yeah, I'm too anal to just have folder with sharpie-titled DVDs.

This is an interesting point since I own two used DVDs that I bought for cheap that came in a CD jewel case and nothing else, except the disc art, and I'm totally happy with them since I enjoy the movies so much.

I see this being similar to getting used DVDs except they aren't used and they really aren't DVDs.

One question I have is would people download the movie only or the movie and the extras for the DVD release of said movie?

Peace...

Pirate · 07-20-2006, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomdkat

One question I have is would people download the movie only or the movie and the extras for the DVD release of said movie?

It would be cool to pick and choose extras (likes songs on itunes). That would also send a clear message to the studios to stop producing those awful "behind the scenes" featurettes.

tomdkat · 07-20-2006, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piratehunter

It would be cool to pick and choose extras (likes songs on itunes).

Now that would be cool!

Peace...

Bantam · 07-21-2006, 01:56 PM

from the jump, this sounds a lot like itunes. I don't mind sharpie-titled cds and im basically just happy that the movie industry is evolving with the times here. Of course it will take some fine-tuning in the short-term, but it's a great step imo.

umainebearman · 07-21-2006, 02:20 PM

It sounds like a polished, bright and shiney version of what pirates are already doing. Except you have to use this persons software to do it. If it is like iTunes in it's set up will you "own" what you download? Can you burn that sucker as many times as you want? I wouldn't think they are making it easier for people to pirate stuff. "Here's the file son go burn a couple hundred copies and sell them to people."

The RIAA was just a mob looking to throw there weight around now that they see it isn't working they are indeed back pedaling. At least the MPAA is looking for viable solutions.

Buring music is a simple thing to do and any fool can do it. How many people who just bought there brand new compaq from Wal Mart or Staples is going to be able to figure out what they are doing wrong when the dvds become coasters? It looks like a good step but audio and video synced together even if it is like a simple iso file can get screwed up.

tomdkat · 07-21-2006, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by umainebearman

It sounds like a polished, bright and shiney version of what pirates are already doing. Except you have to use this persons software to do it.

And they have permission to do it.

Peace...

mighty mint · 07-22-2006, 02:01 PM

This would be right up my alley since I pack away all my cases anyways

As long as we can burn it in DTS I am there!!

papibear · 07-23-2006, 04:16 PM

This isn't perfect as a distribution method, but it IS a nice option, and can even be a way to gauge interest in a potential DVD release, as well as release certain older, limited interest, hard-to-release, or more obscure titles that are still awaiting a DVD release. Also, for low-selling TV first season sets that have yet to see a release of the remaining seasons, a studio can still satisfy fan interest without the monetary risk involved in a commercial DVD release. In general, this distribution method could be seen as akin to bare bones DVD releases. Although highly unlikely that it would supplant most commercial DVD releases, it's another consumer option, and that can be a really good thing.

MooglePorn · 07-23-2006, 07:18 PM

I am very eager for direct-download to be a new standard, but it's not ready yet. When my computer AND my home entertainment system both store a movie or game with images, tracklistings, and other information, in a classy way that makes the need for packaging and software extinct, AND purchases are protected from being "lost" due to HDD crashes and the like, I will be ALL OVER this shit.

Simple, saves space, and makes you look like less of a nerd. Bring it on... when it's perfect...

Bantam · 07-24-2006, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papibear

This isn't perfect as a distribution method, but it IS a nice option, and can even be a way to gauge interest in a potential DVD release

It can also help to gauge interest about the distribution method itself, i.e. if consumers are ready to move away from brick n mortar methods....Cant wait for this to come to fruition.

tomdkat · 07-24-2006, 08:50 PM

I heard on the radio over the weekend these downloads WOULD include extra features from the DVD release.

Peace...

07-20-2006, 03:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Bantam Actor Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chocolate City	Download-to-own DVDs could be a reality saw this the other day and meant to post. all in all, a great step, imo, and a smart business decision. http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2006/07..._be_a_reality/ "We never thought we'd see this happen: while the RIAA keeps retreating backwards from digital distribution, it seems the MPAA is trying to step forwards. Sonic has licensed its DVD-on-Demand technology to Movielink, which would allow consumers to buy movies online, download them, and burn them to DVD that could play on a standard player... legally. Sonic is the maker of Roxio product line, and will bundle the Movielink service in its current software like Roxio CinePlayer. Movielink will allow a consumer to purchase a downloadable, encrypted DVD file that can then be burned up to a standard DVD-R disc using Sonic's program. Once burned, the disc should be playable in any normal DVD player. Though there's been no specific mention of it yet, one could assume that the file will be playable within registered DVD codecs, which would be great for media center machines. Jim Ramo, CEO of Movielink, had this to say: "We are anticipating an industry resolution to establish rules for converting secure Internet-delivered Movielink downloads into a secure format compatible with DVD players in the market today." One might first think that the MPAA will simply sue Movielink, but there is an interesting twist to the story. Doing so would be chopping off one's own leg, as Movielink is actually a joint operation between the five biggest MPAA companies: MGM, Paramount, Universal, Warner Brothers, and Sony. So basically, all the big players are already on board. As usual, particulars about DRM, how many copies, etc. are currently lacking...but it's nice to see the MPAA taking another step forward into customer convenience that can span more than one piece of equipment without being some legal infraction."

07-20-2006, 08:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
tomdkat Official Forum Warmonger "Dial Tone" Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hayward, CA, USA	I was reading about this in the latest Home Theater magazine. I have no particular feelings about this (for a change... ). Peace... __________________ My DVD Aficionado List "At last we shall reveal ourselves to the Jedi, at last we shall have revenge!"

07-20-2006, 08:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
Pirate Moderator Emeritus Loves Yellow Subtitles Join Date: Jun 2003	I don’t really see the benefit with this. How much cheaper would they be? We wouldn’t be getting the cases or inserts (not that we get those anyway) so, we’d have to print out labels and covers. No thanks. __________________ Early Adopting So You Don’t Have To.

07-21-2006, 02:20 PM	#10 (permalink)
umainebearman Nuked for Morbid Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Savannah,GA	It sounds like a polished, bright and shiney version of what pirates are already doing. Except you have to use this persons software to do it. If it is like iTunes in it's set up will you "own" what you download? Can you burn that sucker as many times as you want? I wouldn't think they are making it easier for people to pirate stuff. "Here's the file son go burn a couple hundred copies and sell them to people." The RIAA was just a mob looking to throw there weight around now that they see it isn't working they are indeed back pedaling. At least the MPAA is looking for viable solutions. Buring music is a simple thing to do and any fool can do it. How many people who just bought there brand new compaq from Wal Mart or Staples is going to be able to figure out what they are doing wrong when the dvds become coasters? It looks like a good step but audio and video synced together even if it is like a simple iso file can get screwed up. __________________ "We better win the F*king emmy for this this year or I swear to god..." Ronald D. Moore My DVD Collection Last edited by umainebearman : 07-21-2006 at 11:08 PM.*

07-22-2006, 02:01 PM	#12 (permalink)
mighty mint The Freshmaker! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: In the Land of the Ice and Snow, eh!	This would be right up my alley since I pack away all my cases anyways As long as we can burn it in DTS I am there!! __________________ MM wishes he had a new tv to go with his new BD player. IMAX ~ another great Canadian invention!

07-21-2006, 01:56 PM	#9 (permalink)
Bantam Actor Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chocolate City	from the jump, this sounds a lot like itunes. I don't mind sharpie-titled cds and im basically just happy that the movie industry is evolving with the times here. Of course it will take some fine-tuning in the short-term, but it's a great step imo.

07-23-2006, 04:16 PM	#13 (permalink)
papibear Banned Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Houston, TX	This isn't perfect as a distribution method, but it IS a nice option, and can even be a way to gauge interest in a potential DVD release, as well as release certain older, limited interest, hard-to-release, or more obscure titles that are still awaiting a DVD release. Also, for low-selling TV first season sets that have yet to see a release of the remaining seasons, a studio can still satisfy fan interest without the monetary risk involved in a commercial DVD release. In general, this distribution method could be seen as akin to bare bones DVD releases. Although highly unlikely that it would supplant most commercial DVD releases, it's another consumer option, and that can be a really good thing.

07-23-2006, 07:18 PM	#14 (permalink)
MooglePorn Actor Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Philadelphia, PA	I am very eager for direct-download to be a new standard, but it's not ready yet. When my computer AND my home entertainment system both store a movie or game with images, tracklistings, and other information, in a classy way that makes the need for packaging and software extinct, AND purchases are protected from being "lost" due to HDD crashes and the like, I will be ALL OVER this shit. Simple, saves space, and makes you look like less of a nerd. Bring it on... when it's perfect...

07-24-2006, 08:50 PM	#16 (permalink)
tomdkat Official Forum Warmonger "Dial Tone" Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hayward, CA, USA	I heard on the radio over the weekend these downloads WOULD include extra features from the DVD release. Peace... __________________ My DVD Aficionado List "At last we shall reveal ourselves to the Jedi, at last we shall have revenge!"

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