Q: Why am I getting a checkerboard while trying to play a movie DVD via airplay from my Macbook Pro with Mountain Lion  using Apple TV.   Plays fine on my laptop until I turn on AirPlay for TV viewing.........thanks

Welcome to the Apple Community.

AirPlay from the DVD player is blocked.

My assumption is that because Airplay can be potentially intercepted in software, Apple must block screen mirroring of potentially encrypted DVD material at a low level.

That said something like VLC may play ok - can't confirm as none of my Macs Airplay mirror.

Rip the DVD using Wondershare, Handbrake or iVI Pro, play it in iTunes then you can mirror it.

I'm having this same issue, Is there any way to unblock or a work around that doesn't include having to Rip the DVD?  I'm currently trying to watch a DVD I own, but if I rent a DVD I imagine ripping it get more complicated and I don't want to go there unless it's the only solution.