Well I'm not so sure about that. It's no different than renting the movie out one at a time. Any Tom Dick and Jane could just buy a boatload of movies and start renting them out and this is exactly what they're doing here only the people aren't going to a physical storefront - they're just using a a web interface to pick it up. Technically, this limits copy infringement by keeping the disc out of the hands of the renters too.

I know there are ways around it still but realistically the average user probably can't even be bothered to look into the ways to copy the file anyhow.

Honestly, if they're actually doing this the way they say they're doing it and really are buying the DVDs (multiple copies) and running the program like that...I might not be surprised if the studios kinda get behind it, or at least don't mind.

If you think about it, if Zediva really is buying DVDs (multiple copies of the same movies) and just renting them out virtually, then the studios are getting their money from all those extra copies being bought up by this company/site. So it's money in their pocket, which I'm sure they're happy about.

The only thing I might see happening is the studios trying to get a piece of the pie. Maybe if Zediva gets big enough studios might start doing like they did with Blockbuster or whatnot, saying "Hey, give us a percentage and in turn we'll cut you deals on DVDs or maybe even give you timed-exclusive rights to a movie or two".

But really, this is no different than Blockbuster. I don't see the studios having a problem with it (and if they do, there's nothing they can do about it). I wouldn't even consider this a "workaround". More like a new step in the evolution of movie rentals. There's absolutely no difference in this and Blockbuster or Netflix. Except for the way that the company delivers the DVD/Movie to the customer. This article was just written in a way to instigate things and make it out like this is some type of "I'm breaking the law but you can't do anything about it" type of middle finger to Hollywood studios.

All of what I have said, of course, is based on the fact that this is legitimately how they're running the operation. And they're not actually copying and distributing that way. Studios might apply some pressure to ensure Zediva is doing it how they say they're doing it, but beyond that...no big deal.