Microsoft offers CD copy-protection

ToshiroOC · Jan 19, 2003, 06:24 AM

Microsoft Corp. announced on Saturday the introduction of new digital rights software aimed at helping music labels control unauthorized copying of CDs, one of the biggest thorns in the ailing industry’s side.

Stung by the common practice of consumers copying, or “burning,” new versions of a store-bought CD onto recordable CDs, music companies have invested heavily in copy-protection technologies that have mainly backfired or annoyed customers.

For example, most copy-proof CDs are designed so that they cannot be played on a PC, but often this prevents playback on portable devices and car stereos too.

Last year, some resourceful software enthusiasts cracked Sony Music’s proprietary technology simply by scribbling a magic marker pen around the edges of the disc, thus enabling playback on any device.

Microsoft believes it may have come up with a solution. The new software is called the Windows Media Data Session Toolkit.

It enables music labels to lay songs onto a copy-controlled CD in multiple layers, one that would permit normal playback on a stereo and a PC.

--by Reuters AP

Article can be read here.

nForcer · Jan 19, 2003, 05:28 PM

"Humans are security's weakest link" - Kevin Mitnick (if you don't know who he is, you should be shot)

Rayder · Jan 20, 2003, 06:54 AM

All I can say is: "What you hear" recording. 'nuff said.

Jan 19, 2003, 06:24 AM	#1
ToshiroOC Unbiased. Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 4,812 Rep Power: 0	Microsoft offers CD copy-protection Microsoft Corp. announced on Saturday the introduction of new digital rights software aimed at helping music labels control unauthorized copying of CDs, one of the biggest thorns in the ailing industry’s side. Stung by the common practice of consumers copying, or “burning,” new versions of a store-bought CD onto recordable CDs, music companies have invested heavily in copy-protection technologies that have mainly backfired or annoyed customers. For example, most copy-proof CDs are designed so that they cannot be played on a PC, but often this prevents playback on portable devices and car stereos too. Last year, some resourceful software enthusiasts cracked Sony Music’s proprietary technology simply by scribbling a magic marker pen around the edges of the disc, thus enabling playback on any device. Microsoft believes it may have come up with a solution. The new software is called the Windows Media Data Session Toolkit. It enables music labels to lay songs onto a copy-controlled CD in multiple layers, one that would permit normal playback on a stereo and a PC. --by Reuters AP Article can be read here.

Jan 19, 2003, 05:28 PM	#2
nForcer Twice the fun! Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,404 Rep Power: 0	"Humans are security's weakest link" - Kevin Mitnick (if you don't know who he is, you should be shot) Last edited by nForcer; Jan 20, 2003 at 02:29 AM.

Jan 20, 2003, 06:54 AM	#3
Rayder Mostly lurking lately.... Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 2,161 Rep Power: 73	All I can say is: "What you hear" recording. 'nuff said.