Floppyhead – Digital Media and Streaming

The Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix DVD will include versions of the movie for portable devices and PCs, according to Warner Home video. From the Ars Technica article:

Although it’s not clear how exactly the technology will work—and Warner has not yet responded to our requests for comment—the easiest way for Warner to make it happen would be by including the two extra files on the disc. When inserted into a PC, users would then be able to download the files from the DVD.

For most computer users, this is not a big deal, since even low end computers can handle watching a DVD. Also, finding out how to rip DVDs is pretty easy on the Internet. What this anouncement makes possible is development by Microsoft for inclusion into Windows Media Center. Right now, Microsoft has its hands tied in terms of developing a movie “jukebox” with Media Center. No significant mention was made of HD-DVD or Blu-ray.

While details are scace, these PC and portable versions seem very similar to Managed Copy. Hopefully. the DRM will not be too cumbersome to make the whole exercise pointless.