Digital Rights Management (DRM) Technology Approved: Limitations on New DVD Format Content Sharing
The Advanced Access Content System (AACS) standard has been implemented to protect content recorded on high-definition DVD discs. However, members of the AACS Licensing Association have been unable to reach a consensus on the specifications for copy management. This specification will determine how providers will allow consumers to share content with home servers, to other DVDs, or to electronic devices such as portable media players.
“We are still discussing this policy,” said Richard Doherty, spokesperson for the AACS Licensing Association. “The official version will not be available this spring.”
Among the DVD players that do not support copying are Pioneer’s Blu-ray Elite BDP-HD1 ($1,800) and Samsung’s BD-1000. Additionally, Toshiba’s HD-A1 ($499) and HD-XA1 ($799) were expected to be released this March. However, Toshiba recently announced a delay in the release date for these two HD DVD players until April.
Observers suggest that consumers should wait for future versions unless they do not intend to save movies onto other devices or do not require backup options.
