How Does a DVD-D (Self-Destructing DVD) Work?

Now that you've learned what a DVD - D is, let's take a look at how this special disc works.

No Disc Message
When you insert a DVD-D into a DVD Player or Computer DVD Drive, it plays like any other DVD. 

However, if you try to play the disc, after the prescribed viewing period (48 hours etc), your DVD player will display a No Disc message.


Again, remember that the moment you take the disc out of the sleeve, time starts running out.

Decaying Process
The lifespan of the disc starts running out because there's a chemical coating on the DVD when exposed to air starts the decaying process.

Once the decaying process starts, the colour of the disc starts changing and when the time is up become unplayable. Before the self-destruct time you could play the disc as many times as you wish.

Once the decaying process is complete, you can't reverse it. Even the best DVD expert can't using his hacking skills to bring the DVD back to life.

If some hacker could do this, then we would have a solution for overpriced DVDs. I believe some rogue DVD scientist is hard at work, spending sleepless nights, trying to find a solution to revive dead DVD-Ds.

Why Would Anyone Be Interested in Such a DVD?
Studies have shown that most consumers just want to enjoy a movie without the hassle of returning it to the video rental store or shipping to an online video rental service.

Most who buy DVDs also have difficulty in finding shelf space for their burgeoning DVD collection. So DVD-D may be the answer for movies they may not want to watch more than once.

Scary Notion
Although DVD-D may appeal to video rental outlets and one-time movie viewers, it could be a scary notion for some. What if you have just removed the disc from the sleeve and are called away on an emergency and have to be away for the next 48 hours?

You end up having thrown your money down the drain.