The recently proposed "DVD Download" format that features the CSS copyright-protection software will not be compatible with all DVD recorders or PC burners, according to the DVD Forum.

Announced by the DVD Copy Control Association (DVD CCA) last August, the new "DVD Download" format features the CSS (Content Scramble System) copyright-protection software that will allow stores to burn any one of thousands of movies on to special DVD discs while customers wait.

The DVD Forum approved the CSS-MR rev1.0 specifications in January 2007. According to the specifications, DVD discs that comply with the specifications should not be recorded using burners that do not comply with the CSS-MR rev1.0 specifications as well. In addition, the new discs will be readable only by DVD-Video players only and not by non CSS-MR rev1.0 hardware that have a recording function.

So the new CSS DVD media will be recorded only be devices that have the "DVD Download" logo, and will be recognised for play-back only by DVD-Video players or DVD burners/recorders/PC drives marked with the specific logo.

Sonic Solutions introduced a licensing and certification programme last month for its Qflix technology, which provides the tools for media companies and retailers to take advantage of the new standard.