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Question

BD, AACS, HDCP...

Apr 11, 2012 4:15AM PDT

I have just received BD movie I ordered from US (Region A). But when I checked does the Blu-Ray disc even work, VLC Media Player gives this:
Blu-Ray error:
This Blu-Ray Disc needs a library for AACS decoding, and your system does not have it.
Your input can't be opened:
VLC is unable to open the MRL 'bluray:///F:/'. Check the log for details.

I have read something about BD and AACS. What I have understood is computer needs keys to encode AACS protection and those keys need be updated. How do I do it? Disc is region coded, A. I live in Finland and laptop has been bought in there (BD region B). Laptop's statistics:
HP Pavilion dv7
hp BDDVDRW CT2iL ATA Device (BD drive)
64 bit Windows 7 Home Premium

Question about HDCP: what computer & peripheral parts need be HDCP compatible/certified in order to view video in maximum resolution? Monitor obviously, but anything else, like BD drive and graphic adapter?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Checking VLC Player notes I see no BD HDCP support.
Apr 11, 2012 4:44AM PDT

It's not supported yet (the copy protection/decryption.) Since that's a dead end, you'll need a drive that you can set to that region PLUS software that supports BD copy protected content.

If you check the forum policies we are forbidden methods to get around the rules.
Bob

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Doesn't work with HP MediaSmart either
Apr 11, 2012 5:13AM PDT

I have also tried disc with HP MediaSmart DVD with region A (in program's options). No luck: when I try play the disc, program asks to check updates with Yes/No. Program version is 4.0.1.3822. Let me guess: program needs update but it isn't available yet?

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Should not work there either.
Apr 11, 2012 9:23AM PDT

Because of the region issue the only solution I know of is to have another BD drive set to the region of interest for that BD region.

Sorry if that was unclear.
Bob

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Are you sure?
Apr 11, 2012 2:19PM PDT

Are sure about that? Wikipedia says: "Unlike DVD region codes, Blu-ray region codes are verified only by the player software, not by the optical drive's firmware."

Even with DVD, region # could be changed limited number of times with program used to view the video (done that). Doesn't that work with BD?

Question about AACS encode keys: where are those located within computer? In player program? In drive's firmware?

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Remember we can't discuss getting around it.
Apr 11, 2012 3:16PM PDT

You've been had by region codes and for now there is no getting around it except with another player. I suggest a BD player from that region.

You can find out most of this on the internet so I really need to not try to rephrase it.

In short, if it was easy to get around by changing your player software, what good would region codes do?

And you do know why there is such codes? For example, countries still want to control what is playable in their region.
Bob

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...
Apr 12, 2012 3:22AM PDT

"You can find out most of this on the internet so I really need to not try to rephrase it."
Doesn't help much when information from different sources doesn't agree Sad
So do you think working solution is to order external BD drive from USA and plug it to laptop? Is USB2 fast enough to deliver 1080p?

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No.
Apr 12, 2012 3:30AM PDT

As to another BD USB drive. We know that USB 2.0 rate is fine. The fix I know that works is a BD Player from that region.

Sorry the information conflicts. This means you will always prove me wrong.
Bob

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And I do!
Apr 12, 2012 3:54AM PDT

I just downloaded & installed another version of HP MediaSmart DVD, this one straight from Cyberlink site (link provided by older program version from HP support site). Disc plays now with it. Wikipedia is right and R. Proffitt was wrong all along.

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I like to be wrong.
Apr 12, 2012 3:56AM PDT

Remember that VLC Player? I was right on that one at least.

I'll pass this along to those that have tried and failed. We'll see if it holds up for other folk.
Bob