Wing Commander Fowler,
Macrovision are testing their latest audio cd copy protection, dubbed CDS 300. The Register reports on this supposedly 99% effective technology:
CDS 300 relies on Windows' auto-run feature to fire up WMP, but as has been well documented elsewhere this can be bypassed by holding down the Shift key, which in turn stops the software installing code that blocks unauthorised access to the audio session. CDS 300 Version 7, which is currently at an alpha testing stage before going beta next month, has sufficent hardware protection - errors in the data, essentially - to block attempts to rip a protected disc's CD audio session.
The upshot, says Macrovision, is that users are forced to used WMP, which invokes the installer. This time round, users are asked if they want to install a "licence" on their PC, but on goes Macrovision's Active Software Protection (ASP) code too, which actively blocks rippers and cloners. To be fair, Macrovision is keen to stress that the on-screen installation information admits that ASP is there, but how many users will take the time to read it, rather than dashing straight for the OK button, we wonder?
Personally, I just wish they didn't waste time and money on this sort of protection. It can always be bypassed and creates problems in devices for which it shouldn't, such as car CD players.
Here is the full article:
Macrovision preps '99% effective' CD lock-in tech
Take Care,
Richard