AfterDawn: News

Macrovision provides DRM to download stores

Several movie download stores have teamed up with Macrovision, one of the world's largest DRM technology providers, for use of its technology in the distribution of major motion pictures and TV shows. Agreements have been struck with Netflix, BitTorrent, Movielink, and Instant Media to use Macrovision's Analog Copy Protection (ACP). Macrovision claims that the DRM technology will actually give customers more choices in viewing content.

Armed with Macrovision content protection technology, Netflix hopes it will be able to expand the amount of content available for immediate viewing online and Instant Media hopes the deal will make collaboration with studios easier since it re-enforced content protection.



"Macrovision's technology is a foundation for the growth of digital distribution in an open market," Macrovision president and CEO Fred Amoroso said. "By making media content protection easier to integrate in the distribution channel, we're enabling the distributors to execute innovative business models and respond to consumer demand for more access to their favorite content online."

Source:
Betanews

Written by: James Delahunty @ 7 Mar 2007 17:40

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• 5 comments

• pigfister

  how does limiting usability give customers more choice?
  
  Originally posted by "unhappy guy sony drm":i spent 3 years happily downloading from p2p networks with all DRM removed, and the first cd i purchase screws up my dam pc.Macrovision selling a product that fails but companies are still duped by them, why is that exactly?

  8.3.2007 02:20 #1

• DVDdoug

  Quote:how does limiting usability give customers more choice? Because the studios won't allow Netflix to provide downloads without DRM. If the studio approves this particular type of Macrovision, then their movies will be available for download (legally).

  8.3.2007 13:02 #2

• DVDdoug

  Quote:Macrovision selling a product that fails but companies are still duped by them, why is that exactly? I guess it prevents some copying, and since Macrovision only charges a few cents per DVD/tape, I guess they've calculated that it's worth it.
  
  And, this new DRM is is different technology. AFAIK, it has not been cracked yet. Since it's software/computer based they can change it every time it gets cracked. (They cannot change/update the current DVD/VHS Macrovision or CSS, because that would require updating or replacing all of the existing players.)

  8.3.2007 13:18 #3

• Blackjax

  "By making media content protection easier to integrate in the distribution channel, we're enabling the distributors to execute innovative business models and respond to consumer demand for more access to their favorite content online."
  
  Let me rephrase this quote for a good laugh for all
  "by adding our junk into your product you can charge more and give less then ever before and don't worry about consumer demand they get it when we say they can!"
  
  NO thanks I won't be DLing anything with "mycrapvision" onto my computer willingly.

  8.3.2007 19:30 #4

• craftyzan

  and what about folks who have slow modems and can't download those big ol' files? will renting dvds remain an option?

  8.3.2007 21:53 #5