Question about DVD player

[wmw999 2,589]

My (5-year-old, inexpensive) DVD players all of a sudden won't play some discs from the video rental place. Looking at the ones that it will play and the ones doesn't seem to point up any commonality, unless there is a new NTSC format (i.e. all the ones I have at home either have no format label, or an NTSC with a 1 superimposed on it).

I'm assuming that the local Blockbuster isn't renting PAL in suburban Houston . But is there some other new format for commercial DVD's, or is this simply a sign that my DVD player is biting the dust?

Looking online has brought me plenty of knowledge about the differences among home-burnt DVDs, but, again, I don't think Blockbuster is doing that.

thanks
Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[freeflir29 0]

Not sure but my immediate guesses would be that maybe your DVD player is going south or it may be some of the newer "copyright" protections that are interfereing. Try coloring the edges of the DVD's with a marker and see if that helps. When I say edges I mean the thin edge.........NOT the burned surface.

[Guest]

Wendy,

I agree with Clay. Some DVDs are being made with a newer DeCSS encryption scheme that an older player won't read. You'll find that an older or offbeat title (some obscure studio as opposed to a major studio's newest releases of major features) will work.

However, I've seen console-top DVD players for $30 over Memorial Day Weekend, so unless you want to rip 'em (defeat the encryption using software) and burn 'em (create a new DVD that will work in your player), then aside from Clay's suggestion of marking the disk (which causes the firmware in the player to ignore the DeCSS encryption), that might be your best bet.

And oh yes, DVDs can be easily copied - just PM me on how...

mh

.

"The mouse does not know life until it is in the mouth of the cat."

[wmw999 2,589]

Thanks -- not really interested in copying, just want to plug it in and have it work.

I might try the magic marker thing, but I'm more likely just to get a new DVD player.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[freeflir29 0]

Quote

I'm more likely just to get a new DVD player.

I got a fairly nice one at Wal Mart just a couple months ago for $75 I think. They have ones as low as $29.95 now I believe.