A Digital Copy is a commercially distributed computer file containing a media product such as a film or music album . The term contrasts this computer file with the physical copy (typically a DVD or Blu-ray Disc ) with which the Digital Copy is usually offered as part of a bundle . It allows the disc’s purchaser to create a single copy of the film on a computer, and to view it on that computer’s display or an external display (eg television) connected to that computer. “Digital Copy” is also referred to as “Digital HD” (where it is referencing a high-definition Digital Copy).
Features
There are two types of Digital Copy. The first is a copy made in advance and included on the disc. The second is dynamically created from the DVD content itself. In both scenarios the publisher decides which content, formats, digital rights management (DRM) systems and technical parameters are used for Digital Copy. Digital Copy systems are more flexible than dynamic transcoding solutions.
Digital Copy files based one existing files include only one audio track and no subtitles , ALTHOUGH the DVD Itself May-have multiple audio tracks and multiple subtitles . Also, the quality is limited by the bitrate used to the code which is typically relatively low.
Digital Copy files based transcoding solutions we can use the correct audio track and subtitle based on the user’s location or choice Individually and create the digital copy based on the target device properties (video and audio bitrate, display resolution , aspect ratio ).
Most often, Digital Copy solutions offer Windows Media or Apple iTunes files with their respective DRM services, Windows Media DRM and FairPlay . Other solutions aussi Provide Support for Sony PlayStation Portable and phones using 3GP video files and Open Mobile Alliance DRM. Some publishers limit their digital copies to Microsoft operating systems and devices. Linux-based desktop operating systems are unable to play this content. Apple computers and devices are not supported by their digital solution.
To limit the number of free copies, the disc typically comes with a single-use code to authenticate a computer over the Internet. Alternatively, we can offer the Digital Copy feature as a paid service. Often the authentication code has an expiration date, rendering the copy invalid if it is used after that time. [1] [2]
Reception
Technology industry analyst Michael Gartenberg has described the Digital Copy initiative as a “smart move” providing an easier alternative to customers compared to converting the file using software such as HandBrake . Gartenberg was critical of Sony for restricting themselves to PlayStation Portable files that were not widely available. [3]
Fred von Lohmann of the Electronic Frontier Foundation describes Digital Copy Schemes as “stealing your fair use rights and selling them back to you piecemeal”, disputing claims by Hollywood Studios a portable video player, even if they own the DVD. [4] Jon Healey of the Los Angeles Times pointed out that, with DVDs, consumers have been asked to pay more for CDs and cassette tapes. [5]
Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols of ComputerWorld.com describes Digital Copy as “nonsense, a feature that is no feature at all.” He criticizes it as an attempt by the industry to sugar-coat DRM , complaining that viewers should be able to watch the movie they want, and that media companies should change their business plans to meet their customers’ needs . [6]
See also
- Managed Copy
- Protect Software
- UltraViolet (system)
- Keychest
References
- Jump up^ “Digital Copy:” . Amazon.com.
The Digital Copy on The Dark Knight, for example, expires on December 9, 2009, one year after DVD / Blu-ray was first released.
- Jump up^ “Frequently Asked Questions” . Sony Pictures . SONY . Archived from the original on 2008-05-11.
The complimentary Unlock Code must be redeemed by the date printed on the insert included in the disc packaging.
- Jump up^ Mike Musgrove (April 18, 2008). ” ” Digital Copy “: New DVDs and Bundled Blu-ray Discs With iPod-friendly Files” . Washington Post .
For many consumers, it does not exist in the iPod-iPhone-iTunes ecosystem, it said, “he said.” There are a lot less PSPs out there than there are iPods.
- Jump up^ von Lohmann, Fred . “Why Hollywood Hates RealDVD” . Legal Analysis . Electronic Frontier Foundation . von Lohmann, Fred . “Stealing Fair Use, Selling It Back to You” . Electronic Frontier Foundation . Archived from the original on 2007-11-23.
- Jump up^ Jon Healey (November 29, 2006). “Wal-Mart’s not-so-super downloads” . Los Angeles Times .
So, from the perspective of the studios and federal officials, they have made their way to the privilege of doing things with DVDs that they’re accustomed to doing with CDs (and LPs and cassettes).
- Jump up^ Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols (December 7, 2008). “Digital Copy: A feature that’s no feature” . Computerworld . International Data Group (IDG) .
