Re: Ebert's answer.
Ebert's out to lunch on that answer. DIVX does not affect the play of standard DVD at all. Those who want to pay up for the multi-use DVD at a much higher price can do so just like before.
Rather than limiting, the consumer gets the additional option of buying a movie to watch at home for 2 days, for under 5 bucks, and then just throwing it away. It's kind of like a pre-view before you shell out the money to buy and unlocked version. And, there's no disappointment when making the trip to the video store only to find your title rented out, and if you do find it, elbowing your way into line to check out, and no need to mad dash it back to a Blockbuster to return it, and no late charges. And if you do return it, they can't lose it, and accuse you of not returning it, and sticking you with a replacement fee.
If you do like the title, you can save it and either pay and play it again for a smaller fee, or pay to unlock it for unlimited usage.
I don't see limitations. I see expanded choices.
I think the latest video movies will be released on this format faster than on any other because not only the consumer gets the benefit, but the entertainment industry will benefit, too. (From copy protection).
The biggest losers? The Blockbusters of the world. The cable companies and their Pay Per View.
So, Ebert's confused. Maybe he wouldn't be so negative if Bob's suggestion of DVD Plus! was used instead of DIVX.
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