Quantcast
PCWorld.com is upgrading some back-end systems. Some site features, such as user registration, may be temporarily unavailable.

Blogs

Chinese Pirates Break into Blu-Ray Market

Scott Nichols

Illustration: Lou Beach
Those Chinese pirates are quite resourceful fellows, as they are now copying Blu-Ray movies onto regular DVD discs thanks to the AVC HD video format.

The pirated movies can only run up to 720p resolution, as opposed to the 1080p resolution true Blu-Ray discs offer, and are also missing a number of the special features, which cannot fit on a DVD disc due to size constraints. But the movies come packaged in the signature blue case of a Blu-Ray disc with fake cover art, even replicating holograms to pass off as the real deal. In China last month, authorities uncovered a pirating operation in which 800 pirated discs were found of popular Blu-Ray movies.

Let this be a warning going into the holiday season. If you are looking for cheap Blu-Ray deals online, make sure that you shop through a reliable store. If you see a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. The pirated Blu-Ray discs have been reported to be sold as cheap as $7. But you get what you pay for, and in this case it's an incomplete Blu-Ray disc. Even if the pirated discs weren't illegal (which they are, so that should be enough reason not to buy them) the discs are missing many of the bonus features and higher HD resolution that would make you want the Blu-Ray disc in the first place. It may cost a little more, but at least you get the full product when you stay clear of pirates.

  • Recommend this story?
  • 0 Yes
    0 No

"Chinese Pirates Break into Blu-Ray Market" Comments

 
Learn more about the Windows Phone PCWorld Gift Guide

People who read this also read:

Today @ PC World

All PC World Blogs

  • 15 Minutes to a Secure Business Get the Secure in 15 toolkit starting with the "15 Minutes Month-at-a-Glance" calendar. McAfee will send you additional tools and tricks to stay protected around the clock.
  • A Buyer's Guide to Data Protection Implementing data protection products and processes can be daunting. Make the right decisions by exploring what is available and what makes sense for your organization. Use this simple guide to evaluate different vendor offerings.

Sponsored Links