Blackbeard used our newssubmit to point us to an article on Emedialive.com. In this article more information on the DVD protection needs, and why they don't work. DVD should have been uncrackable, but as we all know, the simple software CSS is able to crack the protection scheme in a few files of code.
The CSS Pool |
Regardless of the availability of possible copy protection enhancements, the Content Scrambling System (CSS), which has been licensed to hundreds of DVD player manufacturers and DVD content distributors around the world, is still the primary copy protection device for DVD. It remains in use, of course, despite the much-publicized successful hack of the CSS code. Also, many feel that CSS encryption does not hinder piracy, as most pirated DVDs are copied bit-by-bit, with the resulting pirated discs therefore encrypted with CSS.
The MPAA currently has had lawsuits pending against individuals who have found "legal" ways to offer DeCSS programs through the Internet. The first case, filed against 2600 magazine, is on appeal after the U.S. District Court ruling that prohibited it from publishing links to DeCSS. The second case, known as the "Connecticut" case, against Jeremy Hughes, is moving slowly toward a court date. However, Kutner from the MPAA says both sides are looking toward the decision of the Second Circuit on the 2600 case to see how it may affect the outcome of the Connecticut suit.
The most recent high-profile break of CSS occurred earlier this year when MIT student Keith Winstein and alumnus Marc Horowitz published a seven-line program on a Web site. The pro- gram does not resemble DeCSS, but it accomplishes the same thing. As of this writing, no lawsuits had been filed, though Kutner says that the MPAA is still looking at the program. In the meantime, the DVD Copy Control Association, which licenses CSS technology, has reactivated the process of evaluating technologies for use in marking audio-visual content to convey certain copy control information. According to the DVD Copy Control Web site (http://www.dvdcca.org), " It is anticipated that the technology ultimately selected as part of this evaluation process will be used to enhance the CSS copy protection system, consistent with the terms of the CSS License Agreement."
Source: Emedialive.com
