Problem Discs - CDs & DVDs

The BFA and its members have received calls about newly purchased discs that will not play, lock up computers or, in some cases, just don't behave as they ought.

Reader, Mr RM writes:

I recently bought a DVD from Tesco. When I later examined the disc, in a small corner of the back of the disc was a tiny copy protection logo. In even smaller fonts there was an indication that you would have to download and use their media player to watch it. When I checked the terms and conditions on the internet, the media player they recommended stated that it records information on what you listen to and watch when its media player is used. I refused to agree to the terms and conditions, and attempted to take the disc back. The first Tesco refused, but I finally got it returned in my local Tesco.

My points are as follows:

1. The media companies are hiding the scale and impact of the copy protection. I have read articles on the web about retailers asked not to tell or advertise the fact discs are protected because it "harms sales". Surely this is dishonest, and violates the trade descriptions act. Although this was true to some extent of the original Macrovision protection, that did not prevent you from playing discs/videos in any player.

2. The limitation of what you can do is galling for personal use. It is impossible to copy the tracks of a DVD or CD onto a portable player, or play in the car. This is especially true for digital downloads. My last PC I gave up on after 6 months because it was not reliable (I didn't get my money back from PC World for that though!).

3. The intrusive spyware and terms and conditions are very worrying. How long will it be before companies insist the only way you can watch a movie or listen to a song is by telling them first, and letting them know every time. Who determines who they sell that information to? How long before they target you with ads based on what you listen to and watch?.

4. The requirement to load their players onto your computer will clutter up your machine. Of course if they slow down your computer and crash it they will deny liability. I am very careful about installing software on my computer, and have no desire to install 100 different audio or video players.

Again, some DVD / CDs attempt to prevent this, and according to the US law it is illegal to bypass the restrictions.

5. Is there not a trademark infringment as CD and DVD-video stickers are on these products, although they are not universally used?

6. Like regional coding, it is yet another excuse to unfairly rig prices to disadvantage certain consumers.

7. Surely these mechanisms only hinder the little guys, as the big pirates will quickly find a way past.

8. Are the stores still within their rights to refuse a refund:: after all, if it is copy protected, you can't copy it before returning it!

I am alarmed at the infringement of civil rights and privacy the big media companies feel is appropriate to protect a £10 product.

We would like to hear your views on this subject. Please write to Problem CDs. The BFA reserves the right to edit and publish all correspondance received.

Throughout this website we refer to "problem CDs". Some of the offending discs are not labelled as CDs as they do not meet the 'Red Book' standard. We have called them CDs for ease of understanding as calling them 'discs that look like CDs' might cause confusion. We also include DVDs under the title of problem discs.