Macrovision updates its copy-protection technology

[Pablo]

c|net

CD lock loosened for freer copying
Last modified: January 22, 2004, 4:37 PM PST
By John Borland
Staff Writer, CNET News.com


Macrovision released a new generation of its antipiracy technology on Thursday that it hopes will make copy-protected music CDs more attractive to consumers and record labels.

The update attempts to simulate most of what people are doing with CDs on their computers. Content owners such as record labels would be able to set the "usage rules" on the Microsoft Windows Media files included on a Macrovision-protected CD, allowing a specified numbers of CD burns and transfers to portable devices, for example.

Macrovision hopes that its new technology, called CDS-300, will make CD copy protection more palatable to consumers who have grown used to the restrictions on music purchased from online song stores.

"Before, you had the 'second session' that was bolted to the disc," said Adam Sexton, Macrovision's vice president of marketing. "We're pleased we can now deliver the same functions and can go 'mano a mano' with the online services."

The copy-protection company's previous software blocked people from making copies of CDs by rendering the music files invisible to most computers. However, the protected CDs also held additional versions of the songs in the Microsoft Windows Media format, which could be played on PCs. This separate set of music files, called a "second session," could not be transferred off the CD or put on portable devices, however.

That restriction stood in poor contrast to songs purchased from Apple Computer's iTunes, Napster or other services, which can be burned to a CD, used on several computers, or transferred to a portable device. They also include some anticopying restrictions, however.

Loosening the restrictions on copy-protected CDs may represent a step forward for digital rights management, but the company's technology is likely to remain controversial with consumers.

Macrovision's software and rival products from companies, such as SunnComm Technologies, are intended to curb unregulated CD copying and the practice of "ripping" unprotected MP3s, which can be distributed through file-swapping services or by other digital means.

Record labels are eager to bring both activities under control. But they're also leery of a backlash from consumers, who are used to copying and ripping CDs and who might view the new CD protections as an unfair constraint. Several lawsuits have already been filed in the United States and the United Kingdom over CD copy-protection techniques.

To date, CD copy protection has not been widely distributed in the United States. Record labels there are looking for even greater protections, such as preventing burned CDs from being copied additional times, according to Sexton.

The new Macrovision technology is being tested in production plants in Europe, and it is not likely to find its way to a commercial release for at least another quarter. It will be available for record labels to use around the world.

 

[srobert]

... WMA? ...

*sigh*

 

[SiliconAddict]

It’s a forgone conclusion: There will be a hack for this within a year. If nothing else Linux doesn’t have DRM WMA support so it’s a given. The tighter their grip the more customers will slip through their fingers and head pirated downloads or iTunes.

 

[yamabushi]

I just purchased a bunch of music CDs in a retail store. I used to do this on a weekly basis but as copy protection becomes more common I am buying far fewer CDs than I used to. Why bother with the worry that a particular CD may have copy protection or the hassle of finding a way to defeat the protection when I can easily find the music online?

I want to be able to play the music I buy where and when and in the way I choose. I may want to make a compilation CD or MiniDisc for personal use or even include tracks as part of a playlist stored on a hard drive. Copy protection and digital rights management schemes interfere with my ability to use my electronics and digital music in the manner of my own choice. If my choices become limited by idiotic protection schemes that reduce the value of a purchase I respond by saving my money.

 

[Westside guy]

I think we're still seeing the record companies fighting a losing battle against new technology. Rather than adapt, they're hell-bent on maintaining the status quo - even though itms (and now some imitators) has tried to drag them kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Certainly most on-line music stores prior to itms used models that were backwards-looking instead of embracing the future.

This macrovision scheme will be broken, just like its predecessors. Sheesh, sometimes it seems like they are forcing otherwise law-abiding people into breaking the law! What are non-Windows users supposed to do with their legally-purchased "CD"s?

 

[yamabushi]

Once people get into the habit of circumventing copy protection for music and software they legally own for one reason or another there is little to stop them from doing the same with media they don't own. If its easy to do, its almost legal in the minds of many people.