Sony and Sony Disc and Digital Solutions (SDAD) today announced the development of "Postscribed ID for DVD", enabling the individual serialization of DVD-Video/ROM discs.

Postscribed ID is a technology that enables the additional inscription of a unique ID onto a DVD's signal surface after the stamping process at the disc plant. The information stored on the DVD can replace the PC software disc key, such as a serial number, that has to be input manually from the keyboard when installing the software. In addition, it can be used as an authentication Key to obtain the key for unlocking content. When the disc content is encrypted, Postscribed ID provides a way of establishing the identity of the disc user in decryption key distribution.

By using a high-power laser diode, new reflective layer material, and extremely accurate location control technology, the area between pits on the disc surface is modified to embed the ID data. This in turn allows for compliance with the error correction technology built-in to DVDs and adheres to the DVD Format (DVD Specification for Read Only Disc). The EFM signal used for direct recording of serialized ID data is based on advanced technology for preventing any impact on pre-recorded data when recording the ID onto the disc, effective write-strategy and a special reflective layer.



"Postscribed IDTM for DVD" makes read-out of individual IDs embedded in DVD discs possible using standard DVD-ROM drives, without the need for firmware updates or any other software installation.

In 2002, Sony and SDAD jointly developed and released Postscribed ID technology, enabling the serialization of individual CD-ROM discs during standard manufacturing processes. Since then, applications based on this technology have been developed in various markets to bridge the gap between discs and the Internet.