Chips on DVDs...

...could prevent theft

I read the title wrong the first time too.

A chip smaller than the head of a pin is placed onto a DVD along with a thin coating that blocks a DVD player from reading critical information on the disc. At the register, the chip is activated and sends an electrical pulse through the coating, turning it clear and making the disc playable.

I happen to think this is kind of neat. However, I don't think it will thwart theft for long, but it may stop the kiddie shoplifters, except for the one who are doing it just for the sake of doing it.

And what about when one is returned unopened?