PIN Number lockout on DVD

[crusty1]

I have had a client who wanted a PIN number authorization on a DVD so I made up a DVD which requires a 4 number code to gain access to the disc. This was easy enough, but the client asked if after 3 trys was there a way to disable the player, I thought not, but I did a few tests and found that you could send the DVD into a pre command code loop which effectively locks the dvd player to the extent that you actually have to shut down the player at the mains just to get the disc out, this has worked on every player I have tested in, very cool. Of course this doesn't stop people with a little DVD nouse editing the code with PGCedit or ripping the disc completely but to most people it works beautifully.

[setarip_old]

Hi!This was easy enough, but the client asked if after 3 trys was there a way to disable the playerIt's not a wise thing to mess with anyone's hardware, in any way, for any reason...

[crusty1]

Its not messing with the player as it does no damage to the player.

[setarip_old]

All it will take is one user to CLAIM that using your DVD led to the failure of his/her standalone player or drive.

You could just as easily add a little code to your "PIN" program to terminate access to the DVD after three tries, while allowing the user to eject the DVD...

[crusty1]

Thats is true and I did do a version of that, where the player just exited. You make a good point and I have made my client sign a clause of no resondsibility on our behalf. Her point was if you don't have the correct PIN then it should lock the machine down. I am not saying it is right or wrong just doing what my client asked and I thought I would just share that knowlege here.

[setarip_old]

Are these Video-DVDs? If so, do they at least also have CSS?

[crusty1]

Yes DVD-Video and no CSS hence her PIN request.

[setarip_old]

Forgive me for grinning ;>} I presume the purpose of the PIN "protection" is to act as a deterrent to duplication.

Without even having CSS, ANYBODY who is a recipient of this DVD/PIN combination can successfully duplicate the DVD and use or distribute it, by simply copying the DVD with ANY burning software.

If each DVD contains a discrete 4 digit code, so that it can be traced back to the original recipient, I wish your client good luck trying to accuse them of intentionally distributing it. If ALL of the legitimately distributed DVDs contain the SAME 4 digit code, it becomes an even larger excercise in futility.

On the other hand, congratulations on generating (I presume) an additional fee for providing this protection scheme!

BTW Is there anything in this protection structure to prevent someone from playing on their PC by simply bypassing the .VOB containing the protection?

[crusty1]

i agree with you on all counts, but she seemed and happy and yes it was another revenue stream.

[setarip_old]

she seemed and happy and yes it was another revenue stream.Keep 'em smilin' ;>}

[slk001]

Another thing that I've been thinking of (but I haven't burned a disk to check for timing issues), is to create a video that is "scrambled". By scrambled, I mean that the chapters are encoded in a random order, like 6,2,9,3,1,8,4,7,5,10, then using the connections on your authoring software (and command sequences) to unscramble the result. This way, if someone simply demuxes the video, they will find that the resulting video is painful to watch, and basically makes no sense.

Using the command sequences, the proper chapter order is sequenced if your "PIN_NUMB_IS_CORRECT=TRUE" test is true.

The only problem that I can forsee is maybe a timing pause at the chapter changes.

[setarip_old]

@slk001

Hi!

As long as the PIN number is distributed together with the original DVD (to the legitimate user) there is nothing to prevent the TWO (PIN number and DVD) from being "shared" with others...

A PIN number is not a dongle ;>}

[SeeMoreDigital]

Out of interest....

Can these wonderful DVD's be decrypted using say, DVD Decrytper?


Cheers

[arasu]

Hi,
Could you give me a hint how to protect the dvd playing with 4digit pin number. I am using Sonic DVD Creator.

[setarip_old]

@SeeMoreDigital

Apparently they can be ripped (without removing the PIN "potection") by DVD Decrypter sinceOf course this doesn't stop people with a little DVD nouse editing the code with PGCedit or ripping the disc completely

[setarip_old]

@arasu

Hi!

You do realize, don't you, that the vast majority of posters at these forums, when posting about copy protection, are interested in knowing how to circumvent it, not how to create it? ;>}