Wal-Mart's New Video Offering Demonstrates That Copy Protection Kills Value
from the once-again dept
Plenty of companies have tried their hand at offering a video download service, and for the most part, they're all me-too offerings that offer little value to the consumers. None seem to get that consumers want an easy-to-use service, unbridled by usage restrictions and device lock-in. The latest to throw its hat in the ring is Wal-Mart, which has been behind several forgettable internet offerings. Starting initially with just one movie, the latest Superman, for a few extra dollars, consumers will be able to buy a digital version of it, along with a store-bought DVD. Of course, there are all the usual restrictions, like it can only play on some devices, or on computers with Windows. But it's interesting to note that the pricing for the digital version is such that the company is charging more for more flexible digital versions; in other words, it costs more to buy a copy that will play on your computer and device than it does to buy one that just plays on the computer. This may seem silly, but it's also telling, as it's an admission that the more flexible a product is, the more valuable it is. This is a point, we've been driving home for some time. It seems doubtful that the industry will get this message, however, seeing as Wal-Mart itself doesn't even seem to get the lesson it's teaching, as evidenced by how locked down the whole thing is.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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Really? Then how do you explain the iPod?
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Re:
Easy...people for the most part are stupid.
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Re: Re:
The rest was either, non-drm'd for sale MP3s (emusic?), ripped songs from CDs, 'pirated' music, or free for download stuff a la Jamendo.
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Re: Re: Re:
http://techdirt.com/articles/20060918/065449.shtml
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Re: STU
Lemmings
Take your pick!
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Re: How do you explain the ipod
err... easily? itunes is the service, whereas an ipod is simply a device for media playback - it doesn't force you to play DRM-laden files, hence I have an ipod but I have never bought music online. Instead I use the 'old-fashioned' method of ripping CDs in to plain ol' mp3.
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And how do YOU explain...
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Not Wal-Mart
They got the edited-video industry all but shut down for doing unauthorized things with copyrighted works, and I'd bet my left arm that the only way distributors are allowed to distribute digital copies in the first place is to agree to include whatever DRM the MPAA agrees to.
Wal-Mart has taken it's lumps for a lot of things, but those in charge are not stupid. Everybody wants to move into this much-demanded space, but the end-points of the distribution line can only do as much as the source will let them.
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"consumers want an easy-to-use service, unbridled by usage restrictions and device lock-in."
Really? Then how do you explain the iPod?
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Re:
http://techdirt.com/articles/20060918/065449.shtml
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Lame...
Screw you, WalMart :)
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To Stu
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They got the message
No, they got the message loud and clear. They have simply decided that they don't care. They want more control and are scared of losing their positions of dominance. They really don't care what the customer would prefer. As long as the customer is still forced to buy from them, they can dictate terms to the customer.
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Digital Bliss
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Re: Digital Bliss
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Re: Re: Digital Bliss
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Haha - thank you
Devil's Advocate - thank you also
You guys got my point without me spelling it out.
And there hasn't been a bunch of replies about the greatness of iPods in reply - yet. :))
I have no argument with anyone who wants an iPod, or other locked in product. Just be aware of what the situation is before you plunk down your money.
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Re: How do you explain ipod?
what the hell is going on with alltunes anyway? Recently they stopped taking Visa and now mastercard too?
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Re: Corey, Smokebreak and Stu
Smokebreak: In many countries (not that familiar with American law) backing up your movies isn't illegal, hence circumventing the DVD protection isn't a criminal offense but simply the breaking of a contract (the EULA or whatever you want to call those piracy warnings you mentioned) - one who's legality is questionable to begin with (no, you can't legally bind someone to anything just because they willingly made a purchase).
Stu: Personally I don't care what they buy. Don't see much point in bothering with their collective stupidity - if we wanna solve the problem there's an easy feasable solution. Remove the safety labels off everything and let the problem take care of itself.
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99.9% of the people I deal with can't rip a song from a CD to their iPod.
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"Really? Then how do you explain the iPod?"
Well then, how do YOU explain all the efforts to circumvent the restrictions on the iTunes software so that your downloaded music will play with other software and other portable players?
Largely speaking, most people don't care about principles, such as fair use and whatnot, unless it seriously impedes their ability to be happy with their goodies. In the case of the iPod + iTunes combination, both the hardware and the services are exceptional enough that if you simply ride the bandwagon, you will be able to get lots of music and videos and stuff for a reasonable price and be able to listen and view the media comfortably. Granted, it would be an even bigger hit if there weren't quite so many restrictions in place, but the fact is that it's reasonable enough to the point where people don't mind the restrictions. I believe Microsoft has fallen flat on their face in this area, because I hear the Zune is a joke and apparently so is the software that is required to use it.
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I own several...
The few restrictions that they did put into the ipod (such as one way music transfer) can be easily circumvented-- even without a third party program.
As for Allofmp3.com and credit cards, I quote the allofmp3.com website "Direct payments by credit card to Allofmp3 have been blocked. The music industry has 'persuaded' Visa and MasterCard to stop processing payments to Allofmp3. You can still pay by credit card via the Alltunes application and Xrost. "
I think techdirt or slashdot highlighted this when it happens... not sure which.
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Re: Coward
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I don't get it...
I would be glad to pay for the dang movie as opposed to spending time to copy and render as my time has become more important than in past years. But as is, I pay the damn cable company $150 dollars a months to keep from getting ripped of by the stupid movie industry. Yes, I stay 6 months behind, but at my age, I have nothing better to do than wait.
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when will they learn
I don't care how spectacular they say the DRM protected version is, i will never buy it even if that means not being able to watch it at all. On the other hand i respect the company that releases media with minimal protection because they realize that piracy isn't going anywhere and no matter what they do someone will crack it, DRM just makes it more difficult and cumbersome for the average consumer. In fact the MPAA has spent more money fighting piracy than they have lost (Goldkorn 2005).
The point is, people want flexibility and these companies need to accept piracy because it isn't going anywhere, put the customers before profits and piracy might not be such a problem.
Goldkorn, J. (2005). "Music and Movie Pirates: If You Can't Lick Em'..." Retrieved September 28, 2006 from http://www.danwei.org/ip_and_law/music_and_movie_pirates_if_you.php
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drm
I am amazed at the record companies, and now the movie companies. I'll pick on music first though because they are easier. The new pop artists suck so nobody buys their junk. Look at what's being downloaded, it's all 60's, 70's and 80's bands, some 90's. Gee wonder how much Britney Spears gets pirated, cough cough, gag.
As for the movies, it's the samething. First of all, WHY would I want to buy a movie when I can rent 4 or more for the price of one. Sure, there are some good ones out there,but I can only think of a dozen I don't already own that I would bother buying. Now you throw in DRM, hmmmm, guess I won't be buying those babies anytime soon.
This is what happens when accountants and lawyers try to control technology.
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DVD-shrink
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Ipod?
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