PS3 Blue-ray Disc to make pirates say, "Argh."

[news=http://img342.imageshack.us/img342/7638/ps34tp.gif]The Blu-ray Disc Association has adopted a comprehensive content management system to protect against illegal copying and piracy of next-generation Blu-ray format discs.

The Blu-ray Disc format is a next-generation optical disc format that will be used in Sony's next-generation console, Playstation 3. A single-layer Blu-ray Disc can hold up to 25 gigabytes of data and dual-layer disc can hold up to 50 gigabytes of data.

The Blu-ray content management system include three components: Advanced Access Content System (AACS), a Blu-ray specific enhancement for content protection renewability called BD+, and a ROM Mark unique to Blu-ray Disc to prevent mass production piracy and sale of unauthorized copies.

AACS will enable content providers to manage copies with network functionality and internet connectivity in a secure manner. The ROM Mark will be a unique and undetectable identifier embedded into movies, music, and games. BD+ will be a programmable enhancement that will let content providers respond to organized attacks and update compromised code.

Experts estimate that piracy costs the movie industry in excess of $3 billion per year in lost revenue.

"The level of unauthorized copying and industrial piracy associated with DVD not only jeopardizes studios and other content creators, but also results in increased costs and limited flexibility for consumers," said Maureen Weber, General Manager, of Hewlett Packard's Optical Storage Solutions. "It is good news for everyone that the BDA has adopted a series of measures that gets it right for the next disc format."

In addition to Sony, companies like HP, Apple, Dell, and Panasonic will support the Blu-Ray disc format. Movie studios like Twentieth Century Fox and Walt Disney Pictures will provide content on Blu-ray Disc.

The Blu-ray Disc format is at war against Toshiba's HD-DVD format. Microsoft may incorporate HD-DVD in future versions of Microsoft's Xbox 360 console.

:source: Source: Punch Jump[/news]