Best Buy makes available software that allows users to "convert" their DVDs to cloud hosted UltraViolet versions at home
Best Buy has launched a beta version of a software that allows users to "convert" their existing DVDs into digital UltraViolet versions of the movie, starting from $1.99.
Users have to install a custom software, which also doubles as a software to manage and play their UltraViolet movie collection on their PC or Mac, and then by simply inserting the original DVD, they can unlock the option to purchase the UltraViolet digital version of the movie. Blu-ray discs are currently not supported.
Users can even upgrade to HD by spending a bit more, even if they only have the SD DVD version of the film.
Not all titles have UltraViolet versions that can be unlocked though, but the program currently supports more than 3,500 titles from Sony, Universal, Warner and Lionsgate.
Users can download the free software from the CinemaNow website here.
Earlier in the year, Walmart introduced their own disc-to-digital program, but requires disc owners to bring the original disc to the store in order to claim the VUDU hosted digital copy for a small fee. Such programs have been derided by consumer interests groups such as Public Knowledge for being overly complex, with the group calling for more relaxed copyright laws that allows users to perform format shifting at home using freely available decryption and conversion programs.