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Are DVDs Software Or Films?

Posted by timothy on from the dvds-are-plastic-and-metal-discs dept.

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."

2 of 387 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Both by BitwizeGHC · · Score: 2, Redundant

    Most DVD's have software in them to drive the DVD player/computer display menus, etc. So even a film only DVD with no DVD addons but "special features" has a software component.

    Tough call.

    --
    N4st0r, trixx0r h0bb1tz0rz! Th3y st0l3 0ur pr3c10uzz!
  2. Films definently. by HarrisonSilp · · Score: 3, Redundant
    Jesus, I'm not installing my DVD am I? I'm watching it, like a VHS cassette or anything else, the only difference in this case is that VHS isn't used (to my limited knowledge of these things) as a media for storing binary data while a DVD is.

    It seems from the article that the case Warner Home Video is presenting is that a DVD is computer software with a movie hidden somwhere inside, which is totally bogus.

    When I go out to purchase a DVD, I'm thinking, "Wow, Fight Club is going to look awesome on my friends big screen;" not, "Wow, I can't wait to go home and enjoy my Fight Club-related software and included movie!" The mere fact that they market these as things that you *WATCH* with extra features should totally nullify their whole argument. I might be able to understand it if they called it "Interactive software, *now with a free movie!*," but they don't, because nobody wants that crap, they want a movie, if they didn't they wouldn't have purchased it. Get off your high-horse Warner and stop gouging rental outlets.