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Redmond, WA - The DVD-RV31M, a DVD player created in a partnership
of Microsoft and Panasonic, is the first DVD player to incorporate
Microsoft's MDVD video encryption standard. The discs are encoded
in the MDVD standard, a format recently adopted by all major Hollywood
studios, resulting in lower purchase prices on DVDs for consumers.
The DVDs range from $2-$7 on initial purchase but require payment
during viewing. Each DVD will play for a time period set by the content
creator but will pause to request payment, which is deposited in
the convenient coin slot mounted atop of the player.
 A
friendly Microsoft collection agent will drop by monthly to empty
the coin box and ensure there has been no unauthorized viewing. He
may also take a peek at your hard drive as well just in case. Microsoft
then divides the payments between the content creator and Panasonic
keeping only a small collection fee for itself.
The first DVDs available in the MDVD format are from adult DVD purveyor
Vivid Video. Such titles include Untamed Vixens and Where
the Boys Aren't 7. Discs from Vivid use a variable payment scale
with key scenes requiring larger payments, giving new meaning to
the term "money shot".
"The adult entertainment industry has long been an innovator
in the film industry and once again it is an early adopter of new
technology," said Matthew Debow from Microsoft's Home Entertainment
division.
Many initial purchasers are pleased with the new format. "I
love this new system. It reminds me of when I was a kid and pumping
quarters into Burger Time and Tempest. The fond memories
really enhance my DVD viewing pleasure," related Darren Nakashima.
Not all consumers were thrilled with the new system. One unhappy
purchaser said, "I thought this system would be great. Now I
wouldn't have to pay for watching credits or previews on the discs
but it wouldn't let me skip. I couldn't believe I had to pay $1.25
to watch the preview for Black Knight."
Other features include BMP and WMF playback for displaying graphic
files previously only available on your computer monitor, directly
to your TV. An optional credit card reader will be available late
in 2002 which will require MSN internet service.
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