Problems with BD copy protection

[patnshan]

It seems that there are some issues with the BD+ copy protection scheme present on some Blu Ray discs. It seems that some discs will not play on some older players.

See below:

http://www.dvdtown.com/news/did-blu-ray-score-a-goal-in-its-own-net-with-bd/4782

Pat

 

[j_garcia]

Well known fact, which is why firmware for most of the players on the market gets released so often. Some discs even come with a little insert that say "If you have problems playing this movie, check the manufacturer's site for the latest firmware". Same applies to HD-DVD. The best part about owning a PS3 is, the updates are at your fingertips.

 

[avaserfi]

This pointless argument over this format war is littering the forums especially when the uninformed start taking sides. Surprise a firmware update is needed for new technology what other format requires firmware updates to watch some new movies...hmmm .

If you look at the grand scope of things both formats have had nearly the exact same problems throughout their existence and have the same audio and video quality. It is the studios that will win this war for either format not pointless bickering with articles loaded towards one end and sweeping generalization.

Thats my rant everyone if you support a format good for you don't rub it in everyones face and claim you are neutral. I may support BD with my money because I am a gamer and wanted a PS3, but if I see someone in need of a quality upscaling dvd player and they don't want SACD/DVD-A discs then I give the best advice possible - Toshiba A2 - not avoid mentioning the opposing format. So if you want to point fingers at me I want ONE format to win. I no longer care which wins, but firmly believe as soon as one format goes away the general consumer is more likely to buy into these formats and they will thrive as much as possible.

Edit: I should note that this is not solely directed at the OP. Lately it seems there is a huge amount of added argument, not discussion, about the format war and which is better. This bickering has no positive effect on the forums unlike civil discussion would. Again these are my opinions I guess I am just sick of seeing the *****ing

 

[patnshan]

Well known fact, which is why firmware for most of the players on the market gets released so often. Same applies to HD-DVD. The best part about owning a PS3 is, the updates are at your fingertips.

I think having a standard (network connectivity, extras, etc.) from the get go helps HD DVD a bit. Blu Ray is adding that stuff, and I wonder if the old players will get the updates or not. From what I know, planned HD DVD functions will be present on all the players. None the less, something to keep an eye on.

Pat

 

[patnshan]

This pointless argument over this format war is littering the forums especially when the uninformed start taking sides. Surprise a firmware update is needed for new technology what other format requires firmware updates to watch some new movies...hmmm .

If you look at the grand scope of things both formats have had nearly the exact same problems throughout their existence and have the same audio and video quality. It is the studios that will win this war for either format not pointless bickering with articles loaded towards one end and sweeping generalization.

Thats my rant everyone if you support a format good for you don't rub it in everyones face and claim you are neutral. I may support BD with my money because I am a gamer and wanted a PS3, but if I see someone in need of a quality upscaling dvd player and they don't want SACD/DVD-A discs then I give the best advice possible - Toshiba A2 - not avoid mentioning the opposing format. So if you want to point fingers at me I want ONE format to win. I no longer care which wins, but firmly believe as soon as one format goes away the general consumer is more likely to buy into these formats and they will thrive as much as possible.

As I've said, I support whatever format offers a reasonable product for a reasonable price. Right now for me, that's HD DVD.

As you said, same video and audio quality. That's why price is the only thing left.

I posted the article because I think new movies not playing on older players is a real concern. The other real concern is having to burn a disc everytime you want to do a firmware upgrade because your new movie you wanted to watch tonight won't play. I am sorry that you are not interested.

Pat

 

[avaserfi]

As I've said, I support whatever format offers a reasonable product for a reasonable price. Right now for me, that's HD DVD.

As you said, same video and audio quality. That's why price is the only thing left.

I posted the article because I think new movies not playing on older players is a real concern. The other real concern is having to burn a disc everytime you want to do a firmware upgrade because your new movie you wanted to watch tonight won't play. I am sorry that you are not interested.

Pat

You clearly haven't read my post I suggest you do as it not only states what is the real drive behind the war, not cost, but studio support why do you think even though BD has such high prices compared to HD DVD and BD are neck and neck or close to in the states?

Also, as it has been pointed out HD DVD has the same problem with new releases so how is this a big deal comparatively? Although, I will agree with the fact that having to manually update a BD player without a net connection would be a pain, but that is why the PS3 is such a great player.

Lastly, BD+ copyright protection was announced long ago and I am pretty sure the press release stated possible incompatibility issues that would need be fixed by firmware.

Again, I will repeat there is a difference between argument and discussion and the slew of threads on the format war seems like argument and fanboyism, not anything constructive.

 

[patnshan]

As for the firmware updates, I hope nobody here has an LG BDP.

From AVS forums today:
1-800-243-0000
LG

The rep told me she was sorry, but the BH100 will not be able to play (so far) the Day After Tomorrow or Fantastic Four:RoSS. There will not be a firmware available she said. I believe any BD+ discs in future will not play on this machine. So far thankfully only Fox is incessent on using BD+.

Pat

 

[j_garcia]

Good thing I don't care about either of those movies... but will they be releasing all of their movies as BD+ going forward?

 

[patnshan]

Good thing I don't care about either of those movies... but will they be releasing all of their movies as BD+ going forward?

I tried to find out. It seems they are big supporters of it and think it's the future. See below from blu-ray.com:

BD+ Technologies, LLC has officially announced today that they have completed their licensing program for the Blu-ray copy protection layer known as BD+. A quick visit to the BD+ website reveals that Fox has already signed on as a content provider, hopefully signaling that new content from the studio is on its way. Mike Dunn, President Worldwide, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment commented, "Fox has vigorously fought against piracy for years and the adoption of BD+ as part of the Blu-ray Disc specification, and an enhancement over and above AACS, was a key factor in our decision to publish on the format. This added layer of content protection gives Blu-ray yet another distinct competitive advantage."


I would guess so, but leaving all of the owners of older players in the dust will have to be dealt with swiftly. There is a huge AVS forum thread about unhappy owners calling manufacturers about this and seemingly getting nowhere. I would think they can fix it with firmware, but maybe they can't

Pat

 

[Gasman]

As for the firmware updates, I hope nobody here has an LG BDP

The rep told me she was sorry, but the BH100 will not be able to play (so far) the Day After Tomorrow or Fantastic Four:RoSS. There will not be a firmware available she said. I believe any BD+ discs in future will not play on this machine. So far thankfully only Fox is incessent on using BD+.[/I]

Pat

Hmm, that is completely opposite of what the HiDefDigest said.

"Calls placed to both Samsung and LG customer support revealed that both manufacturers are aware of the issue, and that both are working on firmware updates to correct it. Samsung promised a firmware update within "a couple" weeks, while LG said an update is expected in 3-4 days.

We'll keep you posted when/if any official statements are released by Fox or any of the manufacturers involved."

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Fox/BD+/Technical_Glitches/Playback_Problems_Reported_on_Silver_Surfer,_Day_After_Tomorrow_Blu-ray_Discs/1035

By chance, I have the 1200.
But LOL, strangely I did not pre-order this particular movie (which is very strange, as I pre-order a lot, although usually HD DVDs over BDs)
But I will wait for the FW update.

 

[patnshan]

Hmm, that is completely opposite of what the HiDefDigest said.

"Calls placed to both Samsung and LG customer support revealed that both manufacturers are aware of the issue, and that both are working on firmware updates to correct it. Samsung promised a firmware update within "a couple" weeks, while LG said an update is expected in 3-4 days.

We'll keep you posted when/if any official statements are released by Fox or any of the manufacturers involved."

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Fox/BD+/Technical_Glitches/Playback_Problems_Reported_on_Silver_Surfer,_Day_After_Tomorrow_Blu-ray_Discs/1035

By chance, I have the 1200.
But LOL, strangely I did not pre-order this particular movie (which is very strange, as I pre-order a lot, although usually HD DVDs over BDs)
But I will wait for the FW update.

Hopefully the CSR that other guy talked to didn't know what they were talking about.

Pat