In order to use Internet2 you have to be a member and it appears the MPAA is hoping to become a member or to at least open up a collaborative relationship. In the time it takes average Internet users to download an MP3 through a fast P2P network; a user on Internet2 could possible transfer an entire DVD movie. Most of the time the speed doesn't depend on the connection, but how fast the Hard Disk Drives can write the data being sent. Researchers sent data from Switzerland to Tokyo at speeds of 7.21 gigabits per second, at these speeds a full DVD-9 disc (Dual Layer Retail DVD) could be transferred in less than 10 seconds.
"We've been working with Internet2 for a while to explore ways we can take advantage of delivering content at these extremely high speeds, and basically manage illegitimate content distribution at the same time," said Chris Russell, the MPAA's vice president of Internet standards and technology. "Those would go hand in hand." Before he retired, Jack Valenti also spoke to the to university officials focusing on the problems of piracy, and pointed out with new networks like Internet2, members could have any pirated movie at a moments notice. Hollywood appears to see Internet2 as both a high potential commercial network, with the power to allow the MPAA sell copy protected copies of their movies faster than ever and also a very dangerous network that could make any movie available to any Internet2 member for free at lightning speeds.
Warner Bros. is already a member of Internet2, aswell as Napster. "This wraps together the broad interest we have in working with our members and potential members on advanced content delivery," said Internet2 Vice President Gary Bachula. "Obviously we're interested in making sure that's legal and safe."
Source:
News.com
Written by: James Delahunty @ 18 Nov 2004 21:06
