Video Asylum

Posted by chris.redmond2@bushinternet.com (R) on December 27, 2008 at 15:13:32

In Reply to: RE: But it doesn't play HD DVD posted by Jazz Inmate on December 22, 2008 at 10:26:38

"Hey, region encoding is the way for studios to maintain control over their legal distribution rights."


Regional coding is a joke.

The studios are quick to tell us how copyprotection is vital to prevent piracy, when I have yet to see any pirate DVD which isn't either a video CD or at the very least not full DVD spec; Heck even the clip we're forced to watch (can't skip it with FF) at the start of our DVDs tells us how copies are poor quality.

Truth is Joe Blow buys poor pirated copies and doesn't give a flying fig about the quality as they're 'good enough' for 99% of 'customers' and those who mass produce pirated videos can save money using blank CDs rather than blank DVDs.

Piracy has been going on ever since recording was invented and nothing will stop it, so all regional coding does is add inconvenience to those who want the best releases of films, ie enthusiasts who don't buy copies and pay for sealed DVDs overseas.

In the UK especially we see numerous releases in the US which contain all manner of extras which are missing from the UK release which is also invariably cheaper.

The studios should get their own act together before trying to dictate to others what they can and cannot buy - how about Sony inventing reviewers for instance, and the studios getting their wrists slapped in Europe for price fixing?

Rant over - Happy New Year.


Best Regards,
Chris redmond.