Both Blu-ray and HD DVD use a copy protection called AACS, but hackers have already started attacking this system and been able to make copies of HD DVD movies, which was later found circulating on peer-2-peer networks. AACS LA has now, the company behind the protection, published a press release that replies to the attacks on the protection of HD DVD and Blu-ray. AACS LA claims that the attacks were not on the actual copy protection but that hackers managed to crack the system because other companies didn’t follow the specifications. AACS LA has set up guidelines for how, for example, software developers should integrate support for the new formats and now indicate that the attacks have been made on extra sensitive targets.
“AACS LA employs both technical and legal measures to deal with attacks such as this one, and AACS LA is using all appropriate remedies at its disposal to address the attack.”
What this really means for the future of the blue-laser format remains to be seen, but if we are to believe AACS it seems that the pirated movies that have appeared are just coincidences. Anyway, we believe that it will be incredibly hard for both Blu-ray and HD DVD to remain completely secure, but AACS at least seems to make a brave attempt.
