Managed Copy to be sorely absent from finalized AACS specifications?
By Darren Murph 
posted Apr 22nd 2008 10:23AM
posted Apr 22nd 2008 10:23AM
It's sad, really. Nearly three full years ago we were attempting to curb our enthusiasm as we heard that Managed Copy could be a mandatory aspect of Blu-ray Discs. Fast forward to the present, and we're hearing the brilliant technology may not even make the cut for the finalized AACS specifications. According to Consumer Electronics Daily, the so-called "cornerstone of the AACS content protection system" may not ever become a reality, as the final AACS specs -- which are due to (finally) be wrapped up this summer -- aren't likely to include MC. As expected, the issue here seems to circle around content licensing, with studios "not always having the content rights to allow for a Managed Copy." Finally, a decent idea in the DRM realm, and it could quite possibly remain just an idea forever.
This is BS. AACS SUUUCCCKS.
So who has the ultimate right to authorize MC if not the studios? Does it have to be worked out down to individual movie directors/producers?
Although this will likely be spun as an anti Bluray thing somehow or other. When it seems its not a hardware/spec issue whatsoever.
This just means more business for AnyDVD, so people can make real not BS Ipod ready copies of their high definition discs!
I wonder if this is because Managed Copy wouldn't work with BD+. I guess this had just made Slysoft very happy
There are supposed to be two comments for this post. Why can't I see them?
maybe engadget needs to ask there parent company for some of that bluray payoff money to upgrade there comment system... took 30 minutes before i could see any of the comments on this story.
Engadget's comment system has been fubar ever since the upgrade. It usually takes about 30mins for any comments to show up.
Yet another reason I'm happy blu-ray won. Not.
So this is what happens when the competition is gone. The only reason BDA ever said they'd do managed copy was because HDDVD was able to do it. Now that HDDVD is out of the way, they have no reason to do it anymore. Screw us over some more Hollywood.
"the issue here seems to circle around content licensing, with studios "not always having the content rights to allow for a Managed Copy.""
This shows its not Bluray's fault the studios wont do it. But then it seems its someone beyond the studios not allowing it, I wonder who?
HD DVD and Blu-ray both use AACS for their base copy protection scheme, so this doesn't have anything to do with competition or the format war. No matter who had won, we'd still be in this position. What it boils down to is that both sides told us what we wanted to hear, so they'd have a talking point, regardless of whether it was ultimately doable or not.
I agree with the comments about SlySoft and AnyDVD. I was happy to give them my money. I don't have any HD content on my media server yet, since I'm space constrained, but it's definitely in my future plans. It's unfortunately that I won't be able to do it through a legitimate, supported method, but I'll do what I need to do.
Steve Jobs. The closest thing to managed copy is the iTunes digital copy disks.
"Studios not having the rights to do managed copy"? Gee, and they negotiated for those rights so hard, too! With themselves.
If the big media companies don't give users Managed Copy, then the users will just use Unmanaged Copy (a.k.a. ripped or pirated copies.) Media companies need to realize that it is their customer they need please. By not allowing legitimate, managed copies, they're encouraging users to look to pirated copies.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a strong believer in paying for movies and then backing-them up to a media server (using Slysoft AnyDVD HD.) But I know many people find it easier to download a free copy rather than purchase/decrypt/rip a legitimate copy. This omission is a bad deal for everyone, both producer and consumer.
Agree with Carlton. Continue to not provide the consumer with legal means, and illegal means will continue to proliferate.
Dumb, just plain dumb.
Not surprised at all.
Good thing I have AnyDVD HD installed...
@Carlton
Exactly. If they don't make it convenient, then it raises the threshold of effort that people will be willing to put forth to break their DRM locks.
Once again it goes to show the only people who are effected by DRM are the people who legitimately purchase the media.
Is anyone really surprised by this?
That's fine. We users will turn to the hackers to provide us with the flexibility to copy our Blue Ray movies to whatever devices we wish just as we have done in the past with DVDs. Had AACS provided managed copy, we would have used it. Instead the backers of AACS have chosen to promote piracy by encouraging customers to break their DRM and rip content from Blue Ray. This is a shame because it will cost the movie industry greatly which in the end will hurt the customers by reducing the number of quality movies available for purchase.
With no HD DVD Competition, why bother. They want you buying the SAME MOVIE more then one time. The more the better. Like anyone with half a brain didn't see this one coming a mile away. Yet another reason why I won't have anything to do with Blu-Ray. I'll be sticking with DVD's for years to come.
Where's the Consumers right for FAIR USE?