Re: [PLUG] Online video catalogs

[Paul <gyoza@comcast.net>]

Aaron Crosman wrote:

> > Could we see the static page?
> >    
>
> Sure.  If you really want.
> http://www.afsc.org/resources/video-film.htm  (The first page people are
> expected to see)
> http://www.afsc.org/newengland/bigcat/96to02.htm (The really ugly and
> LONG catalog)
>
> The problem with rolling our own (other then time) is that once we're
> rebuilding this, it makes sense to me that would should work on
> improving it's setup. Right now it's a listing of videos on 1 page, and
> a request form on another.  That request form sends an email to a staff
> member, and he calls the person to confirm.  Gee wouldn't it be nice if
> you could click on an item and if you were logged in it would send all
> your information along as well AND if you weren't new to the system we
> could skip the confirmation step.
>
>  
For one thing, the movies should be listed on a form.  The form data 
would be submitted to the next page which could prompt for the 
borrowers' info.  Then, submitting the second form would combine the 
info and send to where ever you choose.  That's the most basic approach.

Are those movies also available as AVI pre-views or even as complete 
downloads?

I tried http://www.movielink.com/ and it was interesting.  From 
Movielink one can download a movie which is only viewable for a limit 
amount of time.  They do this through the use of DRM.  Quote: "Movielink 
uses Digital Rights Management (DRM) software, which is a set of 
technologies used by content owners and providers to protect copyrights. 
DRM encrypts digital media content and limits access to only those 
people who have acquired the right to play the content."

I'm betting there is a fairly easy way to circumvent DRM.  Feel free to 
tell me how!  Not that I would do that.  No.

BTW, this quote bothers me a little: "Sorry, but in order to enjoy the 
Movielink service you must use Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher, which 
supports certain technologies we utilize for downloading movies. Click 
here to get the latest version of Internet Explorer.  We do not 
anticipate supporting Mozilla or Netscape in the near future."
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