For the first time, a DVD will be released that includes a digital file for the movie to be viewed a PC or portable device.
"Live Free or Die Hard," about to be released on DVD by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, will include two versions, which can be played on the PC or a portable video player. It uses Microsoft's Windows' PlaysForSure technology. There is of course the regular DVD used with home entertainment systems included as well.
“This meets the demands of today’s consumer—[people] are now going to electronic sell-through or video-on-demand,” said Danny Kaye, Fox executive VP of worldwide research and technology strategy. “This file isn’t designed for viewing on a TV. But this gives consumers both choices in one place.”
The offering will include the digital file on a second disc, which is accessed by inserting it into a computer. From there you are asked what type of medium you're going to transfer the file to - computer or portable device. Before the copy is received, users have to register the serial code listed inside the case.
The Live Copy version includes the film alone, not the bonus features included with the DVD. The digital file only takes about 5 minutes to transfer.
It isn't compatible with any Apple (AAPL) products, including the iPod.
The disc will be on the street on November 20. While Warner Home Video announced they were going to do this with "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" before Fox Home Entertainment's announcement, their disc won't hit the streets until December 11.
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