Something that people are missing with the whole physical media situation is that it being physical does not preclude it from internet connected DRM, server requirements, etc. It just so happens that around the turn of this century DVDs came along and lacked sophisticated/connected DRM implementations, but it is not inherent to their physical nature. Physical media also decays. DVDs generally have around 20-25 years before bitrot starts to set in. I love the concept, but you're better served by a hard drive than a DVD.

Well, a good hoarder/prepper always keep a nice stack of DVD players and VCRs in their underground bunker. 🙃

I still have my ps3 mainly for this reason

Everyone arguing over DVD players or ripping discs and I'm like "Ooooo! M.A.S.H. collection!"

Bruh shut with the DVD player. Literally anything can play a dvd; pc, laptop, Xbox, PlayStation..

Rip your DVDs.

You can even just straight rip them to .iso and enjoy full quality with menus and all. I think Jellyfin supports that at least.

If there’s an apocalypse you can try eating the CDs. Being able to use them will likely never be on the radar.

USB DVD readers are still available if you look

Can't play that on a FOSS OS without circumventing some shitty DRM mechanisms. Better get that DVD on a disk subito. Even worse on bluray.

Convert DVDs into files on NAS with backups.

That’s why a PS5 (or another console) is very useful. Sometimes a movie is not available on any streaming, so I get it it cheaply on blu ray or dvd to watch it. We don’t have any other disc player in the house, despite having a few laptops.

MakeMKV ftw

Yeah, DVD players and Blu-ray players are going the way of the VHS player. It's becoming increasingly difficult to find one that isn't super locked down by some form of DRM and just works.

And if you're trying to find one for computers, forget about it. You spend an arm and a leg trying to find anything that isn't just your typical DVD only, no Blu-ray or 4K. Blu-ray is a little more pricey, but any type of actual 4K player for computers, you're spending $$$ unless you're willing to try to patch it with a custom firmware.

If only physical digital media would actually last "forever" ... I think magnetic harddrives that aren't in constant use actually have the most longevity of common digital mediums.

Back them up in your computer, way safer.

dvd disks degrading

When I was a kid I suddenly became aware that I had too many DVD players in my room. At one time I had 4: a DVD TV, PS2, laptop and Xbox 360.

In the future when we can become cyborgs, Imma get lasers in my eyes so I can just watch DVDs by looking at the bottom of the disc. 😤