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. |
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. |
"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. |
| |
| By
, Reni Sebastian(Calicut Kerala) |
