Playing DVDs on a computer

[Mr Salek]

I've heard a myth that playing DVD movies in the DVD drive of a computer is a bad idea and should be avoided.

I've just bought a new computer for my room and the screen is considerably bigger than my dinky little TV. Is there anything wrong with watching full length films on it?

[Darkscull]

I don't see why anything would be wrong... I think that people will usually say watching a film off a dvd is bad compared to having the file on your pc and watching it.

watching a DVD on a pc will use more energy, and probably be more likely to skip than a dvd player, but the actual differences are small... i think.

[retardedhell]

O_o I watch dvds on my pc all the time. In fact I use it as my primary player.

Never had a problem.

[Tiode]

Isn't a dvd drive essentially made for... playing dvds?

Correct me if im wrong, its only a guess.

[piemastermike]

I use mine as a cupholder

that is a lie, just like the myth the original poster stated. See, it wasn't a ramble.

[Mr Salek]

Sure, but if you watch a movie it'll be running for 1 1/2 - 2 hours non stop. I imagine this is why people think it's bad, general wear really.

[retardedhell]

but then surely playing a game for a few hours would be bad as well?

[Soapie]

Well, the resolution of a computer monitor is quite high. DVD quality is 576 pixels tall and most monitors are at least 800 pixels tall. In other words, when you're close up, you could notice quality loss. From a distance it should be fine.

Basically, it's a bad idea from a quality point of view (if you're bothered by that), but it's certainly not going to damage the disc or the computer.

[Lewiji]

Sure, but if you watch a movie it'll be running for 1 1/2 - 2 hours non stop. I imagine this is why people think it's bad, general wear really.
But the same applies to a stand-alone DVD player. PCs buffer ahead also, meaning the DVD isn't at full spin constantly, it's usually barely audible.

[Tiggs]

Well, the resolution of a computer monitor is quite high. DVD quality is 576 pixels tall and most monitors are at least 800 pixels tall. In other words, when you're close up, you could notice quality loss. From a distance it should be fine.

Basically, it's a bad idea from a quality point of view (if you're bothered by that), but it's certainly not going to damage the disc or the computer.
Most DVD playing software has fairly reasonable upscaling abilities these days, so the loss of quality will be very small, if not completely unnoticeable

[The Grim Reaper]

Upscaling wont loose quality, because the quality isn't there in the first place. The picture will be bad close up if you watch it full screen, compared to a high definition one, or watching from distance. Just sit back a metre or two, and its fine.
I think some believe the whole CSI style 'zoom and enhance' thing is actually possible.

Theres nothing wrong with watching dvd's in your computer at all. If you are really worried about damaging the discs or something (no more than other players) then decrypt them (http://www.dvdfab.com/free.htm).