Forget downloading sketchy software to transfer DVDs to your PC. Movie studio 20th Century Fox wants you to cut out the middleman.

When the special-edition of “Live Free of Die Hard” hits DVD next month, it will come with an electronic copy that can be played on your PC and select video players. The catch is that the device must be equipped with Microsoft Windows’ PlaysForSure. A month later, Warner Home Video will release “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” with a similar PC/portable feature.

Don’t expect to be duping copies for friends and family. Once you insert the disc into your PC, you’ll need a 16-digit serial code to copy it. It’s unclear how many times the code can be used.

“The industry has sold nearly 12 billion DVDs to date, and the release of ‘Live Free or Die Hard’ is the first one that allows consumers to move their content to other devices,” said Mike Dunn, worldwide president of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Fox expects to release other features with the digital copy features, says the Boston Globe. However, no additional titles have been announced yet.

“Live Free of Die Hard” will be released on DVD on November 20.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.