Blu-ray 'Managed Copy' Arriving in 2010

Author	Hugo Jobling
Published	15th Jun 2009

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I imagine a lot of you are going to be pleased to hear this: the Blu-ray Disc Association's Advanced Access Content System (AACS) Final Adopter Agreement will bring the provision of Managed Copy allowing a single copy of a Blu-ray disc, for backup purposes.

As of early 2010, "virtually all" Blu-ray discs will offer buyers the ability to make a single copy - albeit with the option for content providers to charge for the privilege. A new player is likely to be needed, as the majority on the market are not compatible and can't be made so via firmware update. Sony has previously said the PS3 can be upgraded with support.

Managed copies will be transferrable to numerous devices, including writable Blu-ray discs and DVDs, Windows Media DRM-compatible media players and memory cards. Apple players, however, will not be compatible (at least for now) with managed copies which could prove frustrating for iPod owners.

Blu-ray player manufacturers won't be required to make their players compatible with Managed Copy, but it seems likely a large number will. It's worth mentioning that discs that allow managed copies will carry serial numbers, and contact with an authorisation centre is required before a copy can be made, enabling content providers to tell when discs are being copied.

Link:
Blu-ray.

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Beaky69 said on 15th June 2009

@Chocoa

1. I'm not sure that the 'managed copies' will encrypted themselves? If they're designed to be transfered to media players etc, it'... more

Adam Foreman said on 15th June 2009

With Software available off the shelf right now that allows the removal of encryption (AACS), BD+ copy protection and region codes from Blu-ray Discs, this so called managed copy i... more

Chocoa said on 15th June 2009

@Beaky69
Yes, your points are extremely valid. However, there is an assumption that B.R. media will be the next 'global format of storage choice'. I don't kn... more

Chris said on 16th June 2009

Actually, I can see this being very important if it allows you to legally rip Blu-Ray discs to your hard disk in full quality. With multi-terabyte drives on the way, it could becom... more

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