Since the first HD DVD and Blu-ray disc players have been launched, work has been carried out to finish working on managed copy, a feature that would legally allow one to copy or transfer HD DVD and Blu-ray disc recordings based on the conditions set for the disc title. Up until now, HD DVD and Blu-ray disc players are running an interim version of AACS, as the final specification which includes managed copy support is still being worked on. Now, according to a spokesperson for the AACS Licensing authority, this specification has reached version 0.93 and is expected to be finalised with the release of version 1.0 for the end of the year.
According to the spokesperson, the ongoing hacking of the AACS is currently delaying the eventual finalisation of the specification, but the final version will address the main thing hackers claim they are interested in, such as being able to make a backup copy and use content on other devices. However, the managed-copy scheme needs to be demonstrated as secure to the movie studios before it can be put into use. Another reason for the length of time involved in finalising AACS includes deciding on how it will technically work, what rules and conditions it will feature, understanding the rights a content owner may or may not have and so on.
So far, the managed-copy options include the ability for content providers do decide on the number of legal disc backups, number of device transfers and the cost of each copy or transfer for a given title. Players will need to have Internet access and a firmware update to support managed-copy, however, it is too early now to tell which of these 1st/2nd generation Blu-ray and HD DVD players will be able to actually handle it. Internet access on the player is required to authorise each transaction.
From what I can see, the features managed-copy offer are certainly not what the original successful hacker of AACS was after. For example, this will not resolve the issue with playing back HD DVD or Blu-ray discs on PCs that lack a HDCP compliant display or graphics adapter. Consumers who bought a player that will not be able to be compatible with the firmware update or where the player does not feature Internet connectivity will not be able to play the backed up discs. Chances are that managed-copy will not support most current portable video players. Finally, if the studios set a copy / transfer fee for the managed-copy feature of their titles, this will simply give the hackers a good reason to continue hacking AACS to offer the ability to make free backups.
Thanks to DamnedIfIknow for letting us know about this news. Further info can be read here in this PC World article and on MacWorld.
