Sony And WalMart Testing PSP Copies On DVDs
WalMart shoppers, if you've picked up Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, or four other Sony catalog DVDs the past few weeks, you may have gotten a copy of the film that already includes a PSP/PS3/PC version on the disc. Since all PS3s and the majority of PCs can already play DVDs, the only really notable part of this story is the inclusion of PSP formatted file. The other four movies currently available are Blood & Chocolate, Bobby Z, The Contractor, and Wind Chill, with a few others coming soon. Right now, the versions with the extra files are available only at WalMart stores.
Lexine Wong, Sony senior executive VP of worldwide marketing, explains why certain movies were chosen for the test.
There are space requirements to include files, so we're choosing titles that don't feature a lot of bonus features [in order to fit copies]. Also, we're choosing titles that would resonate with customers that like PSP, with [action] titles like Diamond Dogs and Hero Wanted.
Obviously Sony thinks PSP owners have pretty awful taste. The files require owners to register online before they will play, and then the files will expire "within three to six months" after purchase, although Sony may extend the date at any point. Thanks? Anyway, this is a move to prevent people from copying their own DVDs onto their PSPs, iPhones, or wristwatches, and honestly, it seems like a lame way to do it.
Unlike the Blu Ray/PSP plan that Sony revealed at this years CES, most people already own all the equipment they need to convert DVDs into PSP movies, if not the software or the know-how. This is just adding an unnecessary and annoying level of DRM to the mix. So nice try Sony. If you really want me to shop at WalMart, you're going to have to try harder than that.
Sony tests digital copies on DVD releases [Video Business]
[via: PSP Fanboy]
Dawdle
Posted to Movies-DVDs, Video Games on 8 March 2008
Other stuff like this: drm, dvd, psp, sony, walmart
