But they require VGA-to-HDMI adapters to plug into our more modern computers, which renders Blu-rays unplayable on them thanks to DRM.
Hint: many of the cheap Chinese HDMI-to-VGA (I think that's what you meant) adapters "support" HDCP in that they'll decrypt it. The branded ones don't want the attention of lawyers, but the no-name ones don't care. Ever since the HDCP master key was cracked, it's possible to generate device keys without licensing them from the central authority, and that's what these manufacturers are likely doing.
Even better, there are EDID injectors that can lie about the capabilities of your display. I used one on front of a HDMI to component cable for years to force blu ray to 1080i for an old projector. Was great until things like the chromecast removed the interlaced modes from their output.
Hint: many of the cheap Chinese HDMI-to-VGA (I think that's what you meant) adapters "support" HDCP in that they'll decrypt it. The branded ones don't want the attention of lawyers, but the no-name ones don't care. Ever since the HDCP master key was cracked, it's possible to generate device keys without licensing them from the central authority, and that's what these manufacturers are likely doing.