--- Forwarded Message from "Ross, Andrew" <[log in to unmask]> ---
>Subject: RE: #7859 DVD restrictions
>Date: Fri, 1 Apr 2005 15:28:18 -0500
>Thread-Topic: #7859 DVD restrictions
>Thread-Index: AcU2+ImUsKJUsVSPQsaOh4eN3dJGtwAAKuVg
>From: "Ross, Andrew" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: "Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum"
<[log in to unmask]>
Look for a terrific column by Judy Shoaf on precisely this topic in the
next issue of the IALLT Journal ...
a.
Andrew F. Ross, Ph.D
Director, Language Resource Center
Brown University
Box 1935
Providence, RI 02912-1935
Tel: (401) 863-7010
Mobile: (401) 641-0329
******************
"Worrying about a large institution, especially when it has computers,
is like worrying about a large gorilla, especially when it's on fire."
- Bruce Sterling
-----Original Message-----
From: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of LLTI-Editor
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2005 3:21 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: #7859 DVD restrictions
--- Forwarded Message from Scott Williams <[log in to unmask]> ---
>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>References: <[log in to unmask]>
>Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2005 17:14:17 -0600
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum
<[log in to unmask]>
>From: Scott Williams <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: DVD restrictions
Hi everybody,
I would like to start a discussion about DVD zone restrictions and
copyright infringment. Specifically, to what extent does the manner
in which the film industry carves up the world into regions,
incompatible with each other, constitute undo restriction of access?
I DO NOT, however, want this to be a whine fest. Rather, as we
approach the next IALLT meeting within the context of FLEAT, I
thought this might be an interesting topic to discuss.
When Susan Kornfield spoke at the last IALLT in Michigan, it was
fascinating to learn how Anglo-Saxon copyright laws were intended
more to insure public access to information and art rather than
merely protect ownership (which it, of course, also does).
In the case of video tapes, there are real quality issues regarding
NTSC, PAL, BETA, etc.
However, for DVDs it is in no way an objective quality issue, but
rather only a tool for controlling the market. Therefore, any film
made and sold in, say, Germany that is not also marketed in this
country presents undo problems. The consumer is forced to buy a
'special' device to view it. And the industry would like to restrict
sales of these devices, too. Even a foreign film that is marketed in
the US does not necessarily offer the same features as the same film
marketed in other zones. For instance, the subtitled language
offerings can change depending on the zone.
Is it a reasonable measure by the industry to control distribution
and marketing? Or, in this global economy, does it represent illegal
collusion infringing on reasonable public access to all works of art?
If we, as a group, feel the industry is within its rights, then we
must reconcile ourselves to the possibility that we may someday not
even be able to buy devices that play all zones. If we, as a group,
feel that the industry is overstepping its bounds, then we must
consider positive means through which we can help in effecting change.
So, what do you think?
Scott
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