Self destructing discs are back at Amazon.

[chas0039]

I just read that a new release movie, "Noel", is coming out on DVD (Flexplay, self destruct in 48 hours) next month at the same time it is being released to theaters. Does anyone have direct knowledge about the backup capability of these discs?

[bugster]

Several forum members have experimented with them. It is quite possible to do a 'back up' in the same way as any normal disk provided it is done within the 48-hour period that starts when you remove the disk from its packaging.

[yoda313]

Hello,

But since its considered a "rental" you must not use the backup after your "official" period for viewing. Just like if you no longer own the original movie your supposed to DESTROY your backups.

Kevin

[noki]

But since its considered a "rental"

is that how YOU interpret it? It is a purchase, not a rental. rental in my mind IMPLIES you have to return it. granted one would purchase this disc and it will not be playable beyond it's expiration period. I'll leave it up to the lawyers to interpret it. I have to admit though that in keeping with the SPIRIT of the intent of this type of disc you SHOULD not be able to view it pass the above stated period. BUT IT IS STILL NOT A RENTAL IN TECHNICAL TERMS.

[Kingnog]

calm down

[only_emo_kid]

Why do they make them self destructable?!

[freestyler]

To make more $ off Joe Blow

oh and for "convenience" :P

[bugster]

I had a look at Amazone to see what they said about Flexplay. This is what I found.

Flexplay is a new kind of DVD that offers the watch-anytime, take-anywhere convenience of a DVD you buy, at a price comparable to a DVD rental--without the hassles of returns or late fees. Flexplay DVDs work in all standard DVD players, with the same picture quality, surround sound, and other features of a regular DVD. There is no special setup or configuration required! Flexplay DVDs are "activated" when you open the vacuum-sealed package (inside the yellow-topped Flexplay sleeve). Once the package is opened, you have 48 hours to watch your DVD--as many times as you choose! Unopened Flexplay DVDs stay fresh in the package for about a year. So you decide when to watch.

No where does it say this is a rental, just that the price is comparable. So, to me anyway, if doesn't state in some T&C's somewhere that you have no right to watch this DVD more than 48hrs after opening the packaging, then I see no problem with taking a backup in exactly the same way you backup regulard DVD's. But of course thats just my opinion.

Oh, and if anyes interested, when I entered 'Flexplay' in the Amazon search box, this is what it came up with

[johns0]

Oh, and if anyes interested, when I entered 'Flexplay' in the Amazon search box, this is what it came up with

That explains why when i try and shop at at http://www.blankmedia.ca/ the shopping cart page resets to the homepage,as to the flexplay all i see is more landfill.

[DaveS]

I had a look at Amazone to see what they said about Flexplay. This is what I found.

Flexplay is a new kind of DVD that offers the watch-anytime, take-anywhere convenience of a DVD you buy, at a price comparable to a DVD rental--without the hassles of returns or late fees. Flexplay DVDs work in all standard DVD players, with the same picture quality, surround sound, and other features of a regular DVD. There is no special setup or configuration required! Flexplay DVDs are "activated" when you open the vacuum-sealed package (inside the yellow-topped Flexplay sleeve). Once the package is opened, you have 48 hours to watch your DVD--as many times as you choose! Unopened Flexplay DVDs stay fresh in the package for about a year. So you decide when to watch.

No where does it say this is a rental, just that the price is comparable. So, to me anyway, if doesn't state in some T&C's somewhere that you have no right to watch this DVD more than 48hrs after opening the packaging, then I see no problem with taking a backup in exactly the same way you backup regulard DVD's. But of course thats just my opinion.

Oh, and if anyes interested, when I entered 'Flexplay' in the Amazon search box, this is what it came up with

I'll bet that the fine print has to do w/ the 48 hours. This is basically a license to watch the video as many times as you want within a defined 48 hours period for which the user selects the start time/date. So I would guess that if you copy the media and watch it after the 48 hours (apart from any issues associated w/ the copy itself) it is outside the terms of the license. Just a guess.

[steve2713]

This is what I get when I searched for 'flexplay' on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006473QO/qid=1098132597/sr=8-7/ref=sr_...s=hpc&n=507846

[MOVIEGEEK]

This is what I get when I searched for 'flexplay' on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006473QO/qid=1098132597/sr=8-7/ref=sr_...s=hpc&n=507846

That's what you are if you buy/rent a FlexPlay DVD.

[steve2713]

Actually, I don't like the concept of throw-away discs, however it is cool that it is being released at the same time as it is in the theatres. If I ever bought one of these I'd make a backup of it immediately and then I'd have a copy of a movie months before it was 'truly' released on DVD. If these 'flexplay' people throw a fit over people making stable copies of the discs, then hopefully it will just motivate them not to release such stupid product concepts as self destructing DVDs

[noki]

FlexPlay Jelly Waterproof Vibrator Lavender

great

[Byronleehk]

FlexPlay Jelly Waterproof Vibrator Lavender

great

and can you image that thing SELF-DESTRUCT while in use

[ZAPPER]

If they can make the DVDs last a week I think that they could be on to something that will compete with the rest of the industry. (Netflex, BlockBuster, etc.) It doesn't look very eco-freindly, to make something that is intended to be garbage.

[chas0039]

Why do they make them self destructable?!

So they can release the DVD while it still is in theaters and garner some of the market that will not go to the theater. Also it will generate more buzz and generate more theater goers.

[Baldrick]

steve2713: don't use the url bbcode....it doesn't "shrink" the long urls.

[bazooka]

But since its considered a "rental"

is that how YOU interpret it? It is a purchase, not a rental. rental in my mind IMPLIES you have to return it. granted one would purchase this disc and it will not be playable beyond it's expiration period. I'll leave it up to the lawyers to interpret it. I have to admit though that in keeping with the SPIRIT of the intent of this type of disc you SHOULD not be able to view it pass the above stated period. BUT IT IS STILL NOT A RENTAL IN TECHNICAL TERMS.

It is a rental that you do not have to return.

That is why it self destructs.

You have not done enough research.

I have followed this story for about a year and a half. This is the same thing as EZ-D and is almost along the same lines of the old Divx player and format.

[only_emo_kid]

Why do they make them self destructable?!

So they can release the DVD while it still is in theaters and garner some of the market that will not go to the theater. Also it will generate more buzz and generate more theater goers.

hell yeah!! i want that hahaha

[Goober57]

Your mission, Jim, should you decide to accept it..............

This disc will self-destruct in 48 hours.

[NightWing]

Diddent we talk aboue this failed concept last year?

Thw way the shipping companies bang up packages. This is going to be intersting!

[Skoorb]

Flexplay hasn't really taken off, and is unlikely to, considering the increased number of people "backing up" stuff these days.

[RabidDog]

Why do they make them self destructable?!

In trials they found that not all users understood how to destruct them!

It doesn't look very eco-freindly, to make something that is intended to be garbage.

this is the output of Hollywood we're talking about..

[BobK]

First Noki wrote: > I'll leave it up to the lawyers to interpret it."

A couple sentences later Noki wrote: "BUT IT IS STILL NOT A RENTAL IN TECHNICAL TERMS."

So I was just wondering- is Noki one of the lawyers he's leaving it up to? Or did Noki already get legal advice confirming his interpretation? Or does Noki just think everyone else should leave it up to the lawyers while he gets to do his own legal/technical interpretations?

[lazylazyjoe]

Why all the concern of backing up the disc. It's just as easy to copy a disc that you rent from the store or from netflix (not that I endorse it).
Same concept... you have access to a disc, that can be copied, for a set amount of time. What's the difference?

[Darth Paris]

Why all the concern of backing up the disc. It's just as easy to copy a disc that you rent from the store or from netflix (not that I endorse it).
Same concept... you have access to a disc, that can be copied, for a set amount of time. What's the difference?

I think the only difference is that it is coming out while the movie is still in theaters.

You are in breach of the forum rules and are being issued with a formal warning. I sent you a PM 17 days ago about your signature pic and you haven't fixed it yet.
/ Moderator Capmaster

[chas0039]

I think the only difference is that it is coming out while the movie is still in theaters.

Exactly!

[ZAPPER]

You know, if the greedy bastards would let the movie run four 30 - 90 days in theaters and then put out the damb DVD for $10 and just move on. I think that more people would buy the DVD and not share or bootleg them and there profits would be accecptable. I think that most people that are into collecting movies would gladly pay $10 to have a fairly current movie with all of the packageing. If the prices weren't so high, more of the average Joes' would be buying instead of stealing. I got to be honest, after I see a movie once I don't really have any craving to see it again(Maybe I am sick)

[MikieV]

You know, if the greedy bastards would let the movie run four 30 - 90 days in theaters and then put out the damb DVD for $10 and just move on. I think that more people would buy the DVD and not share or bootleg them and there profits would be accecptable.

I agree.

Too bad they started on the "revenue steam" model - with it's careful sequence of releases - so many years ago. Now, they are addicted to the idea of release in theatres, followed by pay-per-view, followed by Pay-TV (HBO, Cinemax, et. al), VHS/DVD release, and then broadcast (free) TV release.

God forbit they change any of that, and distrupt so many vested interests.

About the only thing they've changed is the addition of the multiple DVD releases - one "normal", the other(s) with extra features - carried to the extreme by the likes of the "Lord of the Rings" DVD sets where each movie has three or four versions of DVD-sets, statuettes, etc - and we have yet to see how many versions of the "complete" saga there will be.

Will it be multiple DVDs, or a single Blu-ray or HD-DVD disc?