Macrovision buys Blu-ray DRM

 

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By Simon Aughton

Posted on 20 Nov 2007 at 13:15

Macrovision has announced that it has agreed to acquire certain technologies from Cryptography Research, including the SPDC (self-protecting digital content) technology that underpins the BD+ DRM system for Blu-ray discs.

The DRM specialist wants BD+ to complement its own ACP technology. Both take a similar approach to copy protection by combining device and disk recognition methodologies. BD+ aims to prevent disc ripping, while ACP is designed to stop or at least distort copies made over an analogue connection between a source player and a recorder.

"The integration of SPDC into our product portfolio will enable us to continue to provide innovative technology to our customers as they expand their distribution vehicles," says Fred Amoroso, CEO of Macrovision.

"Not only is BD+ critical for content security, but it also supports value-added features that enhance the consumer playback experience, such as potentially unlocking bonus content. I am especially delighted to add some of the cryptographic talent for which CRI is renowned. We believe they will allow us to accelerate our future security solution development efforts."

The Blu-ray Disc Association adopted BD+, exclusive to the Blu-ray format, as an added layer of DRM following the widely publicised failure of AACS. However SlySoft recently claimed to have cracked the technology.