Unlike DVD-Video's CSS copy protection, DVD-Audio uses a robust copy protection called Content Protection for Pre-recorded Media. Like AACS used on the next generation High Definition DVD formats, the CPPM system was designed to be able to recover from attacks, such as allow keys to be revoked on future DVD-Audio discs should a decryption key be compromised. However, like most DRM systems used on pre-recorded media, this system was overcome in 2005 using a WinDVD software hack, although anti-piracy organisations have been active keeping the hack out of site.
For those unfamiliar with DVD-Audio, it is a disc format launched in 2000 that holds very high-fidelity audio content. Like Blu-ray vs. HD DVD, DVD-Audio still remains in a format war with Sony's high resolution audio disc format, Super Audio CD. However, while DVD-Audio was designed to supersede the Audio CD format, so far it has not been that successful except with audiophiles; accounting for only a tiny fraction of all albums sold
Now, DVDFab has become the first commercial software provider to add support for copying CPPM protected DVD-Audio discs to allow owners of DVD-Audio content to backup their collection. It's latest version, 3.1.5.0 has now been released.
DVDFab Platinum 3.1.5.0 changelog:
(Released 20th July 2007)
- New: Added support for CPPM protection, which is used on DVD-Audio disc.
- New: Copy DVD-Audio disc in "Full Disc" and "Clone" modes. To burn DVD-Audio backup disc, please use "Clone" mode for now.
- New: Copy Non-DVD files, like "JACKET_P" folder.
- New: Added options "Copy DVD-Video", "Copy DVD-Audio" and "Copy Non-DVD Files" in "Full Disc" mode.
- New: Added profile for Archos 504/604, for "DVD to Mobile".
- Fix: A crash problem when previewing in certain cases.
- Fix: A crash problem when converting if subpicture is selected in certain cases, for "DVD to Mobile".
- Fix: A crash problem when using VOB passthrough without subpicture, for "DVD to Mobile".
The full changelog can be viewed here. Trial versions of DVDFab can be downloaded from their website. Thanks to fengtao for letting us know about this news.
Fengtao added:
DVDFab is the first commercial software which supports DVD-Audio CPPM protection. Unlike DVD-Video, DVD-Audio can hold very high quality audio data, so it's commonly used by audiophile. The CPPM protection is stronger than CSS protection on DVD-Video, but when it's key is extracted, it can be broken completely.
You can use "Clone" mode of DVDFab to make a prefect backup copy of your DVD-Audio disc, or you can use "Full Disc" mode to copy DVD-Audio disc to hard disk, then play it with software DVD player like PoweDVD and WinDVD.
