4 ms·

could have been accommodated by putting executable codec files ON the DVD. A good brand would buffer compute and memory capacity by a decent factor at time of

could have been accommodated by putting executable codec files ON the DVD. A good brand would buffer compute and memory capacity by a decent factor at time of sale in order to support future codecs needs...

Cumpiler69 2y ago
>could have been accommodated by putting executable codec files ON the DVD You probably don't want that kind of capability since it ends up being used for nefarious purposes by the rights holders and media companies. For example the keys on your BluRay player can be revoked just by playing a BluRay disc, as the drive first reads the code on the disc and executes the appropriate code to "update" your player according to the wishes of the DRM overlords. It's a very anti-consumer feature. Sony was also distributing their music CDs with rootkits to try to prevent piracy. I think VHS and Laserdisc were better since they had little DRM and you could freely rewind and view whatever parts you want at your own discretion. The advent of tech also meant the advent of anti-user DRM that dictate how the (paying!) user must enjoy the content.
- aspenmayer 2y ago
  > For example the keys on your BluRay player can be revoked just by playing a BluRay disc, as the drive first reads the code on the disc and executes the appropriate code to "update" your player according to the wishes of the DRM overlords. It's a very anti-consumer feature. Thanks for mentioning this. The LibreDrive firmware is specifically designed to address this and other issues.
michaelt 2y ago
> A good brand would buffer compute and memory capacity by a decent factor at time of sale in order to support future codecs needs... The problem is a physical media format absolutely cannot afford to gain a reputation for not playing. You see, if stores accept returns for opened DVDs? People can buy a DVD movie, watch it, then return it for a refund. But if stores don't accept returns for opened DVDs? If I paid two hours' wages for that DVD, it doesn't play, and they won't give me a refund? I'm going to be mad about being ripped off, and I'm going to complain a lot.
goosedragons 2y ago
How would that work? DVDs are playable on hundreds of devices with different architectures and capabilities. You could play a DVD on your MIPS based PS2, x86 based Xbox, PowerPC based Mac etc. And early on a hardware card was necessary for many devices because they weren't fast enough to decode in software.

Cumpiler69 2y ago

>could have been accommodated by putting executable codec files ON the DVD You probably don't want that kind of capability since it ends up being used for nefarious purposes by the rights holders and media companies. For example the keys on your BluRay player can be revoked just by playing a BluRay disc, as the drive first reads the code on the disc and executes the appropriate code to "update" your player according to the wishes of the DRM overlords. It's a very anti-consumer feature. Sony was also distributing their music CDs with rootkits to try to prevent piracy. I think VHS and Laserdisc were better since they had little DRM and you could freely rewind and view whatever parts you want at your own discretion. The advent of tech also meant the advent of anti-user DRM that dictate how the (paying!) user must enjoy the content.

aspenmayer 2y ago
> For example the keys on your BluRay player can be revoked just by playing a BluRay disc, as the drive first reads the code on the disc and executes the appropriate code to "update" your player according to the wishes of the DRM overlords. It's a very anti-consumer feature. Thanks for mentioning this. The LibreDrive firmware is specifically designed to address this and other issues.

michaelt 2y ago

> A good brand would buffer compute and memory capacity by a decent factor at time of sale in order to support future codecs needs... The problem is a physical media format absolutely cannot afford to gain a reputation for not playing. You see, if stores accept returns for opened DVDs? People can buy a DVD movie, watch it, then return it for a refund. But if stores don't accept returns for opened DVDs? If I paid two hours' wages for that DVD, it doesn't play, and they won't give me a refund? I'm going to be mad about being ripped off, and I'm going to complain a lot.

goosedragons 2y ago

How would that work? DVDs are playable on hundreds of devices with different architectures and capabilities. You could play a DVD on your MIPS based PS2, x86 based Xbox, PowerPC based Mac etc. And early on a hardware card was necessary for many devices because they weren't fast enough to decode in software.