Verance Corp today announced the availability of its audio watermark technology for licensing by manufacturers of Blu-ray and HD DVD players and components.

Audio Watermark is part of the AACS content protection architecture that has been implemented by both HD DVD and Blu-Ray high definition formats. An inaudible signal chosen by content providers is inserted into the audio track of the content, and it is invisible to authorized users.

Together with Managed Copy and Digital Only Token features, Audio Watermark was not included in the AACS interim specifications. As a result, the technology has not used in any HD DVD or Blu-Ray video title yet. The Interim devices do not detect watermark, while the final hardware devices detect it and respond (revocation) to Watermark in pirated content. AACS LA is expected to release the the final AACS license agreements requiring the inclusion of VCMS/AV detector technology in HD DVD and Blu-ray players in the coming months.

The Verance watermark technology provides HD DVD and Blu-ray players with the capability to identify and restrict the use of watermarked content taken from theatrical release print and prerecorded home video sources and redistributed without authorization.

Verance licensing provides access to technical specifications, implementations, and intellectual property rights necessary for the inclusion of the Verance audio watermark detection within their products.

"Verance's watermark technology is an important component of the robust content protection necessary for next generation optical media and we support its use on our HD DVD and Blu-Ray discs," said President, Warner Bros. Technical Operations and Chief Technology Officer, Warner Bros. Entertainment Chris Cookson.

Adopters of the Verance technology include Universal Studios, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Microsoft, who have all licensed the technology since it was first announced in 2003.