A circuit and method is provided for confirming that an activation state for a target has been changed. For example, a confirmation signal or message may be generated that a target device has transitioned from a non-operating or deactivated state to an activated state, or that a target device has been deactivated from an operating or activated state. The target may be, for example, optical media or electronic or electrical devices. In one example, the target device is an optical media such as a DVD. The DVD may be deactivated at the time of manufacture and, distributed in a non-playable condition. Upon an authorized sale or other event, a switch in the DVD may be transitioned to an activated state, allowing the DVD to play normally. The switch, which may be an electro-optic or electrochromic material, is monitored for an amount of charge transferred to the switch. By monitoring the total charge or other charge characteristic, it may be confidently determined that the switch has properly changed to its activated state. A confirmation message may then be generated for local or remote use.