Can I convert a used UV movie if the code has already been used?

[rdross80]

While I'm not planning on doing so anytime soon, if I were to buy a used copy of a movie that comes with a UV code (such as Drive or Horrible Bosses), but the code has already been redeemed by the previous owner, can I still go to Walmart for the D2D? It would seem to be a double dip for 1 movie, so I'm not sure if it would be allowed. If that's the case, saving money by going through the used market and still getting a digital copy will be out of the question if UV starts becoming mainstream.

[Starkenator]

Re: Can I convert a used UV movie if the code has already been used?

While I'm not planning on doing so anytime soon, if I were to buy a used copy of a movie that comes with a UV code (such as Drive or Horrible Bosses), but the code has already been redeemed by the previous owner, can I still go to Walmart for the D2D? It would seem to be a double dip for 1 movie, so I'm not sure if it would be allowed. If that's the case, saving money by going through the used market and still getting a digital copy will be out of the question if UV starts becoming mainstream.

Yes you can use any movie for D2D that is on the list and isn't stamped by Walmart. Actually with Warner and Universal it is better to do D2D than redeem the code because you get the HD version of the movie with D2D as the codes for Warner and Universal only give you SD access (at least on Vudu and Flixster so far). Unless you really want the DVD in the combo packs it is better with Warner to get the cheaper single disc Blu-ray and take it straight to the photo department to get the HDX version through D2D. All Paramount and most Sony Movies come with the HDX version from the codes packaged with Blu-rays.

[rdross80]

Re: Can I convert a used UV movie if the code has already been used?

Good to know. D2D seems like it gets better and better.

[gminnick]

Re: Can I convert a used UV movie if the code has already been used?

What if you buy a previously owned DVD/BR and it already has the stamp on it? Since I am now the owner some provision should be made for me to acquire a UV version.

[Gnatevil]

Re: Can I convert a used UV movie if the code has already been used?

What if you buy a previously owned DVD/BR and it already has the stamp on it? Since I am now the owner some provision should be made for me to acquire a UV version.

Convert at home using the Vudu to Go method. Granted, you need a bluray drive in your computer, but it works just fine as long as the title is available for D2D.

[Walter-S_North_Carolina]

Re: Can I convert a used UV movie if the code has already been used?

Convert at home using the Vudu to Go method. Granted, you need a bluray drive in your computer, but it works just fine as long as the title is available for D2D.

I think this qualifies as "Fringe" behavior which DECE does not currently mind, according to the below.

They are still in the "drive to critical mass" phase and seem to not mind such behavior.

Talking is Jim Taylor, Head of Technology & Product Development, DECE / UV. He is speaking of the sale of UV redemption codes on ebay:

"I am not a lawyer, so I wont address the question if it is legal or not, but the interesting thing to me is the view point that I take is anything that helps consumers build a library of content is a good thing.

That is part of the reason that the studios have embraced WalMart's Disc-to-Digital program and some other programs, at pretty low cost. For $2, I can take a dvd I actually bought used at a store for $1 then bring it into the UltraViolet system.

Part of the reason for that is the studios realize that once consumers get kind of a critical mass of an UltraViolet collection, that is what will drive them to buying more content and new content often at full price.

So, it is not necessarily a bad thing. Again, I am not speaking for UltraViolet nor as a lawyer, officially, but you think that there is a demand for the codes. That the prices are being driven up on ebay. That it is helping people build content.

So as long as it doesn't get out of hand, you can actually look at it as a good thing for the ecosystem. That there is interest. That people want to buy the codes. That they want to build their libraries.

Just like, you know, when we were all teenagers taping songs off of the radio for free, eventually we all became consumers and we paid for albums and CDs and everything else. All that kind of behavior on the fringes of the system can actually be good for the system."


I think the question in this thread about the re-sale of a DVD or Bluray which has been brought into the UV system through the D2D program can be said to be technically illegal, but in the drive to reach "critical mass" it is doubtful anyone would ever be brought to account. Instead, I think it would be considered another "fringe" behavior which may actually be good for the ecosystem in this initial phase where the single goal is a drive for critical mass.

As Mr. Taylor says, if it "gets out of hand" it may need be dealt with l8tr.

[echopulse]

Re: Can I convert a used UV movie if the code has already been used?

I think this qualifies as "Fringe" behavior which DECE does not currently mind, according to the below.

They are still in the "drive to critical mass" phase and seem to not mind such behavior.

That quote has come in handy several times when discussing the morality of certain aspects of D2D.

[Walter-S_North_Carolina]

Re: Can I convert a used UV movie if the code has already been used?

That quote has come in handy several times when discussing the morality of certain aspects of D2D.

lol

I am going to put it onto a bronze plaque.

[rdodolak]

Re: Can I convert a used UV movie if the code has already been used?

Yes you can use any movie for D2D that is on the list and isn't stamped by Walmart. Actually with Warner and Universal it is better to do D2D than redeem the code because you get the HD version of the movie with D2D as the codes for Warner and Universal only give you SD access (at least on Vudu and Flixster so far). Unless you really want the DVD in the combo packs it is better with Warner to get the cheaper single disc Blu-ray and take it straight to the photo department to get the HDX version through D2D. All Paramount and most Sony Movies come with the HDX version from the codes packaged with Blu-rays.

The bolded statement above is no longer a correct.

Now that it is a year later, a lot of Warner and Universal titles will give HD versions when using the UV code from a Blu-ray release (codes from DVDs will give you a SD copy). On occasion you may receive an SD copy but in my experience you usually get the HD version.

[Grey Ghost]

Re: Can I convert a used UV movie if the code has already been used?

What if you buy a previously owned DVD/BR and it already has the stamp on it? Since I am now the owner some provision should be made for me to acquire a UV version.

Supposedly the stamps are easily cleaned off.
D2D and the UV codes are separate programs.