Avatar Blu-ray DRM Causing Playback Problems?

[admin]

Reports on Amazon suggest a possible new Blu-ray DRM used on the Avatar Blu-ray by Fox may be causing playback problems on certain Blu-ray players.

While some players could be fixed with a firmware update, others have tried in vain to get the disc to play without severe issues like the menu popping up every minute, audio drop outs or the disc not playing at all. Reports suggest that at least one player manufacturer have had to release a firmware update to address this issue.

Blu-ray players do require firmware updates from time to time in order to play new titles, due to the need to update the copy protection keys. However, it appears the Avatar problem is not related to AACS key updates, but perhaps either something that wasn't right in the authoring process, or an actual new DRM scheme being used.

More:

http://consumerist.com/2010/04/drm-ravaged-avatar-dvds-may-not-work-on-blu-ray-players.html

Amazon discussion thread:

http://www.amazon.com/Avatar-Blu-Ray-problem/forum/Fx2NBHP9W1IZXFF/Tx34IYU0TM4KKA3/1/ref=cm_cd_tp_ft_tft_tp

[UncasMS]

Region B release hasnt caused that much trouble here in Germany with BD players but other release are said to be problematic.

My Samsung 1600 plays Avatar fine, so do even older modells from Samsung with not so recent firmware updates and other brands like LG, Oppo, Panasonic, Philips or Pioneer

But here, too, are certain players that fail due to BD+ 5

[doctorhardware]

Rented Avatar and Star Trek from blockbuster. We have a Samsung BCD6500 bluray and had to update the firmware in order to play the Avatar movie.

[dr_ml422]

One of the well known proggies had this down pact from the start and has even updated to definitely get it going.

May I ask what besides the visual effects if anything makes this something to watch? Just curious. Hasn't moved me one bit.

[doctorhardware]

If you look at the story line it follows the way of the Native Americans. They gave thanks for the earth and the animals. It shows how greedy the people are and will do anything even kill people to get what they are after. This happened down in Ky where a city that is now called Redbud was take away from the Native Americans, The city was originally called Griffithsville. The land was rich with coal deposits.

[dr_ml422]

Ok now I have some incentive to go see it/get it. I'll get past the funny looking creatures which was basically what I couldn't shake. Thnx.

[drfsupercenter]

I ordered mine on Amazon and it should be here today.

I'm curious if it'll work on my PS3 running old firmware (I refuse to update mine - it's the newest firmware that still allows Linux to work)... because if it makes me update I'll be pretty mad and probably just use the DVD version that's included instead.

[PurpleDemon]

I ordered mine on Amazon and it should be here today.

I'm curious if it'll work on my PS3 running old firmware (I refuse to update mine - it's the newest firmware that still allows Linux to work)... because if it makes me update I'll be pretty mad and probably just use the DVD version that's included instead.

Be sure and let us know. From what I have read you more than likely would.

Still would be good to know.

No issues in my new Samsung player. It updates automatically though.

[doctorhardware]

No issues in my new Samsung player. It updates automatically though.[/QUOTE]

The samsung that I got is also wireless. It was a little pia to set up the player, but once it was done it has been no problems at all.

[PurpleDemon]

The samsung that I got is also wireless. It was a little pia to set up the player, but once it was done it has been no problems at all.

I had to cat5 mine. Wireless dongle sold separate for $70

[doctorhardware]

I paid $225.99 for the samsung player that I bought.

[dr_ml422]

I'm taking care of all my DVDs/Blu-ray/Gaming/Streaming/Storage prolly by this weekend. PS3 does it all. $299.99 lil tax. Oh and it will be 3d ready as well. I could care less about 3D, though after careful research it's the best bang for the buck as a media hub.

[PurpleDemon]

I paid $225.99 for the samsung player that I bought.

Mine was a Christmas gift. They paid $149.99.
There is the difference.

[drfsupercenter]

I just tried it and it worked fine!

It didn't ask me to update or anything, it just started playing. So for the record the newest PS3 firmware with Other OS support does in fact work for Avatar.

Yet another reason why I won't update, since I don't see a need to...

[PurpleDemon]

Thanks ,

Great info