One of the things you will need when you want to play backupped Playstation CD's is a so called mod-chip, this chip will make sure the CD's work, and are not illegal themselves.
Sony however doesn't like the mod-chip and has asked several chip sellers to stop their activities, or else they will take them to court.
An Internet-based mod-chip reseller, who wished to remain anonymous, says the biggest problem he has with the crackdown is that mod-chips themselves are not actually illegal - it's the pirated titles that are, which is not a business that mod-chip makers get involved with. |
However, he will close his operation like the others because none of them have the resources to take on Sony in the courtroom.
Playstationmods.com, distributor of the NEO4 mod-chip, has closed its site completely, putting up the following message: "Due to recent legal proceedings by Sony towards our sale of the NEO4 chip we have decided to close down all our mod-chip operations indefinitely ... This is the first time we've been asked to stop supplying mod-chips by Sony and we will comply without reservation and without prejudice."
Channel Technology, the company behind the Messiah mod-chip, still has a viewable site, with a more personal message posted: "Anyone out there lend me a fiver? I placed a bet at the bookies that the Messiah would come in 2001, I LOST!" A promotion site for the Messiah chip, Messiah-world.com, still has links to international resellers, but its forum board has been closed.
The action seems to be limited to Europe, for now; a US reseller contacted had received no legal message from Sony and says he will continue to sell the chips as before.
Well I think it's not unexpected that Sony will go behind these guys, but I wonder who would have won when they took this court...
Source: TheRegister
