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Limited-Use DVD Technology

Posted by timothy on from the may-it-meet-the-fate-of-divx dept.

ps_inkling writes: "Two companies are creating different techniques to make DVD discs unusable after a set period of time. SpectraDisc has a patent on a limited-play DVD technology; FlexPlay is currently developing limited play DVD technology. The SpectraDisc technique is to coat the DVD with a film, then wrap the DVD in an anaerobic package. The idea is to sell these 'play-once' DVD movies at a substantial discount to regular DVDs as a way to compete with pay-per-view or movie ticket outlets."

2 of 619 comments (clear)

  1. divix by dciman · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Anyone remember Divix? Basically the same kinda thing..... and it failed horribly. Circuit City lost several Million dollars over the deal when they had to shut down the service. The principle was... buy a $5 disc and you could watch it for like 3 days. After that you have to "renew" the rental through your divix capable dvd player for a fee, buy the movie through the player, or toss it.

    The point is... why deal with this when people can just go to a blockbuster and rent it for 5 days for the same price??

    Flop... that's what I say!

  2. It plays one time by jjeffries · · Score: 1, Redundant

    which just happens to be how many times you need to play it to make a copy.