RealDVD Device Barred from Consumers

RealDVD, a device created by RealNetworks, has been barred from consumers by a federal judge. The judge agreed that the RealDVD device doesn’t have enough piracy protections. This decision from the federal judge is pending a full trail.

A number of companies, including Universal Studios, Sony and Disney, filed the lawsuit against RealNetworks in 2008. With a RealDVD, consumers can copy a DVD to the hard drive of a computer. The concern was in regards to consumers simply renting a DVD and copying it to their computer as a way to circumvent purchasing a new DVD.

RealNetworks hasn’t said how they will move forward.

“We are disappointed that a preliminary injunction has been placed on the sale of RealDVD,” said a release from RealNetworks. “We have just received the Judge’s detailed ruling and are reviewing it. After we have done so fully, we’ll determine our course of action and will have more to say at that time.”

RealDVD was available for just a few days last year. It was priced at around $30 and was quickly becoming popular for consumers. It appears as if RealNetworks will have a major fight on their hands if they ever wish for this device to see the light of day again.

RealNetworks (Image: Flickr)