[Kosh]

http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/007040.html

Didn't we already go through this ten years ago? Flexplay Entertainment is making good on its threat -- er, promise -- to produce rental DVDs that self-destruct 48 hours after they've been opened.

The technology's not all that new; Flexplay DVDs have been around for about five years, though on a more limited scale. The premise remains unchanged: Flexplay's patented disc adhesive reacts to oxygen when the DVD's package is opened, beginning a slow chemical reaction that renders the disc unreadable in 48 hours.

The idea is that you can rent a movie without having to worry about when you'll watch it -- the disc remains playable so long as it's sealed -- or about returning it. Staples will start carrying Flexplay DVDs this month, for $4.99 each

Does anyone else see this as pointless?

[Herra Tohtori]

CTRL+C
CTRL+V

 

Does anyone else see this as pointless?

...Quite.

You would think that making even more self-destructing stuff that ends up as garbage would not be profitable, but whaddayaknow...

[jr2]

Heh, ya, I ripped my DVD open, and, uh, watched it.  Can't watch it any more now.  I dunno about the rip, though, that might still work.  xD

[IPAndrews]

The packets some with those crappy music chips you get on greetings cards and when you open the packet it plays MISSION IMPOSSIBLE music.

True story.

[Ford Prefect]

It's funny-- I was just thinking about how what we really need is more plastic that we throw away after using once.

[Stormkeeper]

It's funny-- I was just thinking about how what we really need is more plastic that we throw away after using once.

Yea. Really brilliant idea this.

[colecampbell666]

It's called NetFlix. Way better idea, and... NO PLASTIC!!

[Shade]

It needs the voice saying 'This DVD will self destruct in 10 seconds', followed by a satisfying muffled poof and smoke seeping from the casing. Otherwise it's useless.

[colecampbell666]

It needs the voice saying 'This DVD will self destruct in 10 seconds', followed by a satisfying muffled poof and smoke seeping from the casing. Otherwise it's useless.

LOL. That's what I was thinking when I read the title.

[tinfoil]

Rent DVD
Rip DVD
Burn DVD
Leave Original DVD to self distruct at will

[Dark RevenantX]

This is nothing compared to the Exploding CD Syndrome.

[terran_emperor]

Warning...This film will selfdestruct in 48 hours.

[Stormkeeper]

You could stuff a bag full of these DVDs, leave them outside a bank or something, and walk off. When they start to smoke, the security is gonna go ape. 

[colecampbell666]

You could stuff a bag full of these DVDs, leave them outside a bank or something, and walk off. When they start to smoke, the security is gonna go ape. 

I don't know if you're being serious, but these don't actually blow up.

[Stormkeeper]

I wasn't.

[TrashMan]

Human Stupidity....It never ceases to amaze!

[Grizzly]

So what is keeping us from making a copy and then watching the DVD burn slowly?

[karajorma]

Rent DVD
Rip DVD
Burn DVD
Leave Original DVD to self distruct at will

Not quite.


Rent DVD.
Rip DVD.
Burn DVD.
Poke hole in DVD bag.
Return DVD complaining rip meant DVD was already bad.
Get back money.
Watch copy.

[BloodEagle]

They'll probably use kiosks. In which case, the only way to return the product is to mail it to them.

Good luck getting a refund. 

[colecampbell666]

OR...

Download torrented movie.
Get DVD quality for free, and don't use ****ty plastic.