Blu-ray discs will employ the same digital rights management (DRM) anti-copying technology as the rival HD-DVD format, according to the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA). Discs, recorders and players will use the Advanced Access Content System (AACS) to prevent unauthorised disc copying. A major factor in the decision would seem to be AACS' support for future 'usage models' based around home networks and the Internet. Additionally, Blu-ray has its own DRM technology, ROM Mark, designed to guard against mass production and sale of illegally copied discs.
The HD DVD Forum has issued a statement on this.
On behalf of the HD DVD Forum this morning, Toshiba's advisor to the Forum, Mark Knox, released a brief statement: "Today's announcement by the BD Group should not confuse anyone," states Knox. "HD DVD's content protection system provides the highest level of advanced copy protection to meet content owner's needs and the rigors of consumer demand." Knox goes on to say that AACS--which now singularly forms the crux of HD DVD's DRM--is the most advanced such scheme yet devised, and that HD DVD's own membership continues to back that approach.