[NTLUG:Discuss] Sorta OT: dvd

[Chris Cox]

Sorry about speaking out of the threads, most all of
the reasons being EXCELLENT reasons for dvd on a
computer, especially all of us mobile users.

But the original poster has a good point in that
for the majority, it's not going to matter, but
of course, the majority don't really need a
computer anyhow.  The video capture thing is
an excellent idea.. I like PIP... however it is
done.

Some things I thought of with regards to the
benefits of computer DVD movies (but some are repeats of
what has already been said):

1. Great for mobile DVD without purchasing another
dedicated device ... laptops are nice relatively
portable do-it-all devices.

2. Can avoid region lock in.  Not a big deal... but
great for anyone that has to travel especially
for extended periods of time.  If you have access
to a set of DVDs from your former region, might
as well be able to use them at your new location.
Of course the MPAA doesn't care about the fact
that under their rules, you have to repurchase
EVERY one if you move from region to region.

3. Can skip to whatever content you like without being
forced to watch something the MPAA wants you to
watch (today, it seems innocent, I can assure
you that there are plans for the future on this).

4. Works better.  I know my typical component DVD
sometimes freezes... especially making the jump
across layers... it's a Samsung if that matters.
Also, there are a plethora of DVD and video
CD booktypes out there... my computer can play
them all, my component system is limited to just a
few (most people don't care and don't mind
if a VCD doesn't work on their system... but still,
it's a nice bonus on the computer).  Oh.. here's
another one... I was watching a DVD the other
day on the Samsung unit and the sound started
getting out of sync with the video (I'm NOT kidding!).
Weird.

5. Can make backup copies (illegally of course).
I like being able to convert DVDs into VCDs... that
way I don't have to have a DVD unit on computers
to watch DVDs.  Of course the DVD is also
a data utility on a computer... so it provides
movies plus much, much more.  Firmware hacks
are out there to allow computer DVD units (in
particular) avoid the rip lock issue and to
allow the setting of the booktype on recording
the media (allowing recorded media to be viewable
on more component players).

6. My second TV (yes.. we just have two) is actually
our 17" LCD for our computer lab at home.  It has
a built-in TV tuner (of course could just get
a capture/tuner board for the computer), but I'd
rather not build a component infrastructure in ADDITION
to all of the meriad of computer stuff there (it's too full
already).  So being able to watch DVDs by turning
on the computer works for us.  My daughter can
go watch a movie she wants to watch when my
wife wants to watch a kissy movie on our main
set (where we have the stereo, VHS, DVD, etc stuff).
Of course it begs the question, why not nuke the
component stuff and just get a computer there?...
well... apart from the VHS issue (that'd be different,
a computer with a VHS slot!), it's tough to find
a reasonable system that does it all and works
with Linux (friends don't let friends do Windows).

So.. it's not perfect for everything, but the
personal computer is getting there as a all-purpose
component replacement.  AND, it's actually better in
many respects with Linux than with that other OS. I
mean there is a reason why Microsoft is getting into
the whole home theatre thing.... they see their
device (X-Box?? whatever.) being THE component
of your media area.  Of course, I don't want
to run the Windows thing.

I have thought about getting a video capture board,
but for other things than trying to interface
with a whole bunch of external TV/CD/VHS/Stereo
components.

Just me... but I am a computer junkie (perhaps
the true driving reason for us all).