Today, I tried to rip a copy of the 2009 Star Trek DVD so I could watch it using the projector connected to my PC. I don't have a DVD player at home since, hey, I can play movies with my computer just fine! Or so I thought.
Apparently, the disc is encumbered with some new copy protection scheme and instead of the movie, all I got was an IO error.
Seriously, WTF?! I can't believe movie companies are actually putting time and money in developing new and insidious ways of intentionally breaking their own products. And for what? Certainly not to stop piracy. Had I just downloaded an illegal copy I'd be watching the movie right now.
I've been itching to buy a blu ray player since the prices have come down to something reasonable now, but experiences like this really dampen that enthusiasm. What's the point in buying movies if you're just going to get treated as a criminal anyway? Might as well get the pirate version with all the "don't copy this movie" warnings and copy protection removed. Especially since backing up (or just watching, if you're using Linux) your own discs requires breaking the copy protection which is illegal too.
Copy protection blows.
ReplyDeleteIn other news, is the next version of Luola coming along well? I'm expecting GPU shaders, more detail, bigger maps, more weapons, online multiplay and advanced AI!
When is it due?
Thanks,
Cameron
Thats' a pretty tall order ;)
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately luola development is right now on a hiatus. I make no promises when and if I'll continue (or start working on the next-gen version) but when and if I do, 3D accelerated graphics (with 2D gameplay though), bigger maps and online play will certainly be on the todo list.