Are DVDs Software Or Films?

NewsWatcher writes: "In Australia a court case with international ramifications will decide if DVDs are software or films. If they are designated as software, rental prices will go through the roof, if they are films their distribution cannot be limited under copyright laws. This article explains the ins and outs ." Unrelated incident -- FatRatBastard writes: "C|Net News is reporting that the new Warner Bros Powerpuff Girls DVD is infected with the FunLove virus. Note this only effects those who install the supplemental Windows software that comes on the DVD. The article claims that "The virus only affects PCs that load the disc, not DVD players" so I'm not sure if the DVD auto installs software if loaded on a Win PC, or if infection only happens if the user chooses to install the supplemental software."

Comments

Its the Content, Stupid.

[TheDick]

If the CONTENT is a MOVIE, then it is a film. Its all bits one way or the other, but its the INTENDED USAGE of those bits that counts.

Im going home to watch Redhat 7.2 now, Don't post any spoilers.

Both, but Powerpuffs have a virus?

[WillSeattle]

Some DVDs are film only. Some are software only. Some are films with minor menu software. Some are films with game software.

It depends.

But the thing that's disturbing is that the Powerpuff Girls have a virus. It must be the work of that villain MoJo JoJo! Quick, call the mayor's secretary, she'll know what to do!

Re:Is a CD music or software?

[ConceptJunkie]

You're going about this all wrong, AC. You're applying logic to the question. Stop it. Hasn't legal precedent WRT intellectual property taught you that logic is not required or even desired when rendering decisions?

DVD's will be defined as whatever will end up making the MPAA/RIAA/Bill Gates/the Illuminati/the Stonecutters/Ted Turner the most money.