Doesn't do exactly what it says on the tin

This topic was created by Mahatma Coat .

[Anonymous Coward]

Doesn't do exactly what it says on the tin

I bought my first Double Crossed Play Blu-ray film today (The Inbetweeners, if you must know). The label proclaims that you get a second disc with a "digital" copy (who knew Blu-ray was analogue?). It says you can use this on any device you want but all is not what it seems.

The second disc (DVD) says it contains versions compatible with iTunes and Windows so the first thing I did was to slot it into a drive on a Linux machine just for laughs.

That quite obviously didn't work so it was then placed in a Windows machine. There was the usual autorun crap that wanted to run a programme called digitalcopy.exe, which I'm guessing is some kind of DRM infection. The "digital" copies were .wmv and an Apple format file of some kind, both around 1.3GB in size. Neither would play in any software player at hand. Even Microsoft's own Windows Media Player didn't want to know.

Searching hasn't really given any clues other so I wondered if the collective genius of El Reg had managed to solve this problem.

[Don H]

Not without the DRM, you don't.

This one is for the UK version of The Inbetweeners:

http://4digitalcopy.com/how-to

Also see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_copy

http://www.wbdigitalcopy.com/support/v1/gettingstarted.html

[TeeCee]

"http://4digitalcopy.com/how-to"

Fuck........that...........!

I've seen simpler instructions with fewer steps for an engine overhaul in a Haynes manual.

Here's the easy, short version:

1) Bung DVD in slot.

2) Fire up your favourite free ripping tool.

3) Choose the format you'd like it in.

4) Press button.

5) Wait.

I'm not surprised that the anti-piracy merchants are on a hiding to nothing. With the "naughty" method, not only are the results more user-friendly, but it's a heck of a sight easier to generate them too.

[Anonymous Coward]

Crime is nearly compulsory

I have developed the habit of ripping all my DVD's (which are then filed away) for no better reason that I am bored to hell with US "Obey or we'll get you" notices, trailers and other shit which is fast-forward disabled.

It's their own fault that I pirate because to watch what I legitimately purchased is too exhausting and not far removed from live TV where half a lifetime is spent watching the ad's before the film begins. (I've sometimes forgotten what I was going to watch by the time it arrives) so, ripping just the film is saving time, intellect, temper and sanity.

I don't sell, give away or distribute what I copy and nobody has access to my pristine original DVD's. So what the hell makes me such a badass criminal? All I want is what I bought - without the extras that I didn't want and didn't want to pay for either.