# Self censoring DVD player, now at Wal-Mart (big surprise - not) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 9, 2004, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232 "2004-04-09T21:31:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2004, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/41 "2004-04-10T20:21:50Z")
\<\< This whole thing is a tempest in a teapot. \>\> That’s only 'cause you’re using your sex-filter. For the rest of us, it’s a temptress in a teapot. ---
**Author:** ![Darkhold](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@Darkhold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darkhold)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2004, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/42 "2004-04-10T20:44:59Z")
**beagledave** , calm down. So I skip over the ‘quote’ boxes unless I see my name or it’s in the OP. Sorry if that made me miss that info. I wonder how they label their filters. “Punch in the nose?” “nipple slips?” Also I’ve always been disturbed that it’s always sexual **content** and **graphic** violence. Shouldn’t it be **graphic** sex and violent **content** we worry about? ---
**Author:** ![Zap\_Rowsdower](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3da27b/32.png) [@Zap\_Rowsdower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zap_Rowsdower)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2004, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/43 "2004-04-10T21:27:48Z")
> [@RikWriter](#): > > “May”…okay, and you MAY turn into a serial killer in a few years so we’d better lock you up now just in case. Let’s try to be realistic. And even if you’re right and this was made mandatory…so the hell WHAT? You don’t HAVE to use it. > This whole thing is a tempest in a teapot. First of all, what is your problem, you are the one who needs to be realistic. First of all it is more probable that the government (especially post Janet Jackson) may make it mandatory to include such a device in DVD players. The serial killer remark is just stupid so I won’t comment. :rolleyes: Did you even read where I said people without children shouldn’t have to pay for this if they don’t want it. If people want that option they can get it, but don’t make me pay for this useless extra. If I recall correctly V-chips are mandatory on TVs, so I feel my concerns are reasonable. Why don’t you address that? ---
**Author:** ![RikWriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/49beb7/32.png) [@RikWriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RikWriter)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2004, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/44 "2004-04-10T22:45:46Z")
> [@Zap\_Rowsdower](#): > > First of all, what is your problem, you are the one who needs to be realistic. I have no problem and am being realistic. > [@](#): > > First of all it is more probable that the government (especially post Janet Jackson) may make it mandatory to include such a device in DVD players. The serial killer remark is just stupid so I won’t comment. :rolleyes: No, the serial killer comment was very relevant to your “this MAY happen so we should be worked up about it” spiel. [QUOTE} Did you even read where I said people without children shouldn’t have to pay for this if they don’t want it. If people want that option they can get it, but don’t make me pay for this useless extra. [/QUOTE] And you know how much it would add to the cost of a DVD player? Or are you talking out of…well, thin air? > [@](#): > > If I recall correctly V-chips are mandatory on TVs, so I feel my concerns are reasonable. Why don’t you address that? And how much did they add to the cost? The cost of ALL electronics equipment, including DVD players, has gone down precipitously, a trend which will continue even in the very unlikely event that his technology is mandated. ---
**Author:** ![Zap\_Rowsdower](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3da27b/32.png) [@Zap\_Rowsdower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zap_Rowsdower)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2004, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/45 "2004-04-10T23:08:57Z")
> [@RikWriter](#): > > I have no problem and am being realistic. So far, that seems questionable. > [@](#): > > No, the serial killer comment was very relevant to your “this MAY happen so we should be worked up about it” spiel. No, you’re comparing apples oranges. > [@](#): > > And you know how much it would add to the cost of a DVD player? Or are you talking out of…well, thin air? I think you are the one talking out of your “thin air”. Whether it is one or 100 dollars, I don’t want anyone telling me I have to pay something if I don’t want or need it. What is so hard to understand about that? > [@](#): > > And how much did they add to the cost? The cost of ALL electronics equipment, including DVD players, has gone down precipitously, a trend which will continue even in the very unlikely event that his technology is mandated. Yes, and the price would be even lower if they didn’t have to have that extra chip that I won’t use. ---
**Author:** ![RikWriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/49beb7/32.png) [@RikWriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RikWriter)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2004, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/46 "2004-04-10T23:13:20Z")
> [@Zap\_Rowsdower](#): > > So far, that seems questionable. Nope, it’s not questionable in the least. > [@](#): > > No, you’re comparing apples oranges. No, I’m not. You’re making the same “it COULD happen” argument that black-helicopter conspiracy theorists make about social security numbers, stoplight cameras and UPC codes—“They COULD be abused…” > [@](#): > > I think you are the one talking out of your “thin air”. And you’re incorrect. > [@](#): > > Whether it is one or 100 dollars, I don’t want anyone telling me I have to pay something if I don’t want or need it. What is so hard to understand about that? The totally unrealistic attitude behind it. You pay for things you don’t want or need every single day, including paying taxes to send other people’s children to public schools. > [@](#): > > Yes, and the price would be even lower if they didn’t have to have that extra chip that I won’t use. Do you know this or are you just assuming? ---
**Author:** ![Zap\_Rowsdower](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3da27b/32.png) [@Zap\_Rowsdower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zap_Rowsdower)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2004, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/47 "2004-04-10T23:25:37Z")
[QUOTE=RikWriter] Nope, it’s not questionable in the least. [quote] Sure, whatever you say. > [@](#): > > No, I’m not. You’re making the same “it COULD happen” argument that black-helicopter conspiracy theorists make about social security numbers, stoplight cameras and UPC codes—“They COULD be abused…” No I’m not. I made a reasonable comment and you’re bringing up wacko nonsense. > [@](#): > > The totally unrealistic attitude behind it. You pay for things you don’t want or need every single day, including paying taxes to send other people’s children to public schools. Again, apples to oranges. Paying for schools is part of the “price” for belonging to a society. Can you not see the difference between paying for a educational system that benefits society and paying for a piece of electronic equipment for personal use? > [@](#): > > Do you know this or are you just assuming? Oh, I’m sure the TV companies payed for the chips themselves out of the goodness of their hearts. ---
**Author:** ![Michael\_Ellis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/977dab/32.png) [@Michael\_Ellis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Michael_Ellis)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2004, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/48 "2004-04-10T23:34:56Z")
> [@TwistofFate](#): > > [POST CONTENT DELETED BY MODERATOR] Oh the delicious irony… ---
**Author:** ![RikWriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/49beb7/32.png) [@RikWriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RikWriter)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2004, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/49 "2004-04-10T23:56:11Z")
> [@Zap\_Rowsdower](#): > > No I’m not. I made a reasonable comment and you’re bringing up wacko nonsense. No, your comment was not reasonable and my response was not nonsense. > [@](#): > > Again, apples to oranges. Paying for schools is part of the “price” for belonging to a society. Can you not see the difference between paying for a educational system that benefits society and paying for a piece of electronic equipment for personal use? If you don’t like that example, there are many others. Almost every electronic device you buy has features you don’t use but that you paid for anyway. My cell phone has features I’ve never use and never will use, including a locator feature I sure as hell don’t want on it. I have a Swiss Army knife that has over a dozen tools, but I’ve only ever used three of them. > [@](#): > > Oh, I’m sure the TV companies payed for the chips themselves out of the goodness of their hearts. The TV manufacturers don’t price their wares to cover their costs, they price them to sell. That’s why they’re so cheap. ---
**Author:** ![Zap\_Rowsdower](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3da27b/32.png) [@Zap\_Rowsdower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zap_Rowsdower)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2004, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/50 "2004-04-11T00:12:57Z")
> [@RikWriter](#): > > No, your comment was not reasonable and my response was not nonsense. I’m afraid you have this backwards. > [@](#): > > If you don’t like that example, there are many others. Almost every electronic device you buy has features you don’t use but that you paid for anyway. My cell phone has features I’ve never use and never will use, including a locator feature I sure as hell don’t want on it. I have a Swiss Army knife that has over a dozen tools, but I’ve only ever used three of them. Yes, but you have a choice in this matter. If you want to get a bare bones cell or pocket knife, you can. Or if you want one that has all the latest buttons and options, you can. They’re not regulated and told they have to include XY&Z in order to be sold. Choice, it is a beautiful thing. If the government decides to get involved and force makers to include various things, then I don’t have a choice. > [@](#): > > The TV manufacturers don’t price their wares to cover their costs, they price them to sell. That’s why they’re so cheap. No, they price them to make a profit. If a line does not make them sufficient money they will discontinue it and make something that will. They will also charge whatever the market will tolerate. If people are willing to spend a little more, then thats what they will charge. If not, then they will drop the price in order to get rid of them and come up with something else to make up the difference. ---
**Author:** ![RikWriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/49beb7/32.png) [@RikWriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RikWriter)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2004, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/51 "2004-04-11T02:30:24Z")
> [@Zap\_Rowsdower](#): > > I’m afraid you have this backwards. Be thou not afraid, because I do not. > [@](#): > > Yes, but you have a choice in this matter. If you want to get a bare bones cell or pocket knife, you can. Or if you want one that has all the latest buttons and options, you can. They’re not regulated and told they have to include XY&Z in order to be sold. Choice, it is a beautiful thing. And so far NO ONE has said you have to have it either, nor is that likely. > [@](#): > > If the government decides to get involved and force makers to include various things, then I don’t have a choice. And if my aunt had testicles, she’d be my uncle. > [@](#): > > No, they price them to make a profit. If a line does not make them sufficient money they will discontinue it and make something that will. They will also charge whatever the market will tolerate. If people are willing to spend a little more, then thats what they will charge. If not, then they will drop the price in order to get rid of them and come up with something else to make up the difference. Thanks for agreeing with me. ---
**Author:** ![Zap\_Rowsdower](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3da27b/32.png) [@Zap\_Rowsdower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zap_Rowsdower)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2004, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/52 "2004-04-11T17:19:13Z")
> [@RikWriter](#): > > And if my aunt had testicles, she’d be my uncle. Surprise! another nonsense response > [@](#): > > Thanks for agreeing with me. No, you haven’t added anything reasonable or relevant for me to agree with. So unless that happens I’m done here. ---
**Author:** ![RikWriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/49beb7/32.png) [@RikWriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RikWriter)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2004, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/53 "2004-04-11T17:22:36Z")
> [@Zap\_Rowsdower](#): > > Surprise! another nonsense response > No, you haven’t added anything reasonable or relevant for me to agree with. So unless that happens I’m done here. Running away since you can’t counter a single argument I’ve made. eh? Fitting. People who react with emotion rather than logic frequently have trouble forming a coherent argument. ---
**Author:** ![Frankenstein\_Monster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ccd318/32.png) [@Frankenstein\_Monster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frankenstein_Monster)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2004, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/54 "2004-04-11T18:36:14Z")
There was a review of this product - or something practically identical - in the WSJ, October 3, 2002 (Walt Mossberg) [http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB1033604816555650793,00.html](http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB1033604816555650793,00.html) (subscription required) > [@](#): > > Do-It-Yourself Film Censorship Is Easy, but It Can Ruin Movies > (…) > A small Utah company called Trilogy Studios has set off a war with Hollywood directors by creating a $35 software program, called MovieMask, that acts as a digital censor. When you play a DVD on your PC using MovieMask, the program expunges any scenes or images or words that Trilogy’s staff considers too violent, too profane or too sexual for various age groups. > (…) > …I thought MovieMask wrecked “Monster’s Ball.” This is a deep, dark film with brilliant performances and a real message, but the MovieMask versions cut the tough, painful heart out of the movie, and peppered the rest with so many jumps and skips that viewing was a chore. Nobody forces anybody to use such products. You can turn it off. But the thing ruins great works of art… ---
**Author:** ![Zap\_Rowsdower](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3da27b/32.png) [@Zap\_Rowsdower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zap_Rowsdower)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2004, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/55 "2004-04-11T18:50:56Z")
> [@RikWriter](#): > > Running away since you can’t counter a single argument I’ve made. eh? Fitting. People who react with emotion rather than logic frequently have trouble forming a coherent argument. :rolleyes: Once again you are the one throwing out illogical nonsense comments. You are the one who has not addressed one argument in a coherent fashion. You are the one getting overly emotional and unable to make rational comment. ---
**Author:** ![Mauvaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mauvaise/32/11084_2.png) [@Mauvaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mauvaise)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2004, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/56 "2004-04-11T19:15:50Z")
> [@RikWriter](#): > > … but I want them to know there is a time for polite conversation and a time for swearing, and in your home with your family is a time for polite conversation. Just out of morbid curiosity - if the privacy of your home is an unfit (by your standards) location for swearing, where is the time and place? ---
**Author:** ![RikWriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/49beb7/32.png) [@RikWriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RikWriter)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2004, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/57 "2004-04-11T19:31:06Z")
> [@Zap\_Rowsdower](#): > > :rolleyes: Once again you are the one throwing out illogical nonsense comments. You are the one who has not addressed one argument in a coherent fashion. You are the one getting overly emotional and unable to make rational comment. Am I? What happened to: “So unless that happens I’m done here?” Were you lying then? Or did you just let your emotions make you forget your own words? ---
**Author:** ![RikWriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/49beb7/32.png) [@RikWriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RikWriter)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2004, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/58 "2004-04-11T19:32:44Z")
> [@Mauvaise](#): > > Just out of morbid curiosity - if the privacy of your home is an unfit (by your standards) location for swearing, where is the time and place? You left out the part about “with your family.” It has nothing to do with the fact they’re in the house, and everything to do with being polite around your family. Sorry if you don’t understand why I prefer this…but no one is forcing you to agree with it. Or to use the DVD player with the filter, for that matter. ---
**Author:** ![beagledave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6de8d8/32.png) [@beagledave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beagledave)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2004, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/59 "2004-04-11T19:35:27Z")
> [@Mauvaise](#): > > Just out of morbid curiosity - if the privacy of your home is an unfit (by your standards) location for swearing, where is the time and place? I’m not Rik, but FWIW if I’m at the park or mall with my toddler…I expect that hearing swearing from **strangers** is an inevitable “risk”. If I’m in my own home I’d rather have greater control over swearing from strangers, thanks. As for me…I may swear at home, but I try NOT to do so around the toddler, if possible. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![Zap\_Rowsdower](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3da27b/32.png) [@Zap\_Rowsdower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zap_Rowsdower)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2004, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232/60 "2004-04-11T19:43:00Z")
> [@RikWriter](#): > > Am I? What happened to: “So unless that happens I’m done here?” > Were you lying then? Or did you just let your emotions make you forget your own words? In that and this instance I changed my mind because I am not going to let you accuse me of “running away” and being irrational, when it is you who has not countered one argument. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-censoring-dvd-player-now-at-wal-mart-big-surprise-not/239232.md?page=4)