Gadgets
18 November 2011Blu-ray is stealing my internet!
Over the weekend I grabbed my copy of Scott Pilgrim vs The World on blu-ray and threw it into my PlayStation. Now blu-ray discs notoriously take a long time to load and often have features that can connect to the internet for extra content. As my PlayStation is connected to my WiFi network, that is super simple. Too simple, unfortunately.
After starting the disc a screen popped up with the Universal Studios logo that I couldn't skip or get past. I figured it was a loading screen and left it. It was replaced by another screen that I couldn't skip or get past – this one said something about "new content loading". I thought this might be a cool new feature, like extra cast interviews, or a lame new feature like a "like this film on Facebook” button.
Instead it was an HD trailer of Johnny English 2. Thankfully once it loaded I was able to skip it.
Assuming it was blu-ray quality, a two and a half minute full HD (1080p) trailer can be almost 200MB. That is not a file I would download without thinking about. Besides the time it would take to download (and it did take a while) that's 1% of my monthly data-cap; I pay for that data!
So the blu-ray, which I had already purchased, not only tried to show me trailers but tried to show me a trailer for a film I never want to see. This trailer delayed me from getting to the film I actually wanted to see AND used up part of my data-cap.
If I download an illegal copy (which I totally would not do, and do not recommend that you do) I can just play the movie without having to sit through the garbage that precedes it on modern blu-ray and DVDs. And these days the discs often include multiple, usually un-skippable, reminders not to pirate the disc you have legally purchased.
I know it's not a major issue, but it's just enough to bug me.
Hadyn Green - Technical Writer
Comments
I don't use Playstation, but why would it be connected to your wi-fi? Is that necessary for something?
I suggest you just disconnect your PS3 from the internet.
I wonder if it would be possible to set up a firewall to block this sort of traffic at your Internet interface.
For those wondering why you'd need WiFi with your PS3, it's because you don't have a cable long enough to reach the PS3 from your switch. Seriously though, a PS3 without Internet connectivity misses out on a lot of functionality and although it would work, it would be quite a dramatic step backwards.
"reminders not to pirate the disc you have legally purchased"
This usually (ok always) results in shouting in our home.
You wouldn't steal someone's internet cap!
Oh. I guess that's okay?
This is indicative of a much bigger issue in New Zealand: low data caps on the internet. I am currently in the USA where the unlimited data cap (250GB actually) means that I now watch most TV series from netflix.com rather than from cable TV.
This restrictive data caps on the internet must affect the 'knowledge' economy with in New Zealand?
I completely agree that it is a form of theft if you are unable to skip or choose. It appears that it is a case of "do as we say and not as we do" with regard to illegal downloads !
Post a comment
Verify your Comment
Previewing your Comment
This is only a preview. Your comment has not yet been posted.
As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. This prevents automated programs from posting comments.
Having trouble reading this image? View an alternate.
© Consumer All rights reserved. All material on this site is © Consumer Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
Posted by: |