Chips on DVDs...

[prowler1971]

...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?

Comments

[qedrakmar.livejournal.com]

I wonder if it's reversible. I can't wait to walk down the street with an antenna rendering DVDs useless in a 100' radius. :)

[dragonfly545.livejournal.com]

It is mostly pointless. All you need to do is bring it to ANOTHER store and say you purchased it there, it doesn't work, and you'd like to exchange it for another one.

So it deters them for 15 minutes at most. :\

[keimel.livejournal.com]

I've been dying to see Erik Estrada in his premier role. When can I get CHiPs on DVD?

;)

[profdecoy.livejournal.com]

Personally, I think it's a bad idea. Whose to say what else that RFID chip does. Plus it will just end up adding to the cost of the DVDs (all the stores that sell DVDs would have to install new equipment to handle the chip) and the cost will be passed on to us, the consumers.

It would probably be more cost effective to pay the store employees more so that they actually give a darn and are on the lookout for shop lifers so that they get caught and punished appropriately. Even if the DVD gets stolen and is unplayable, its still lost revenue for the store.