Slysoft released a new version of its AnyDVD software, which is claimed to bypass the 7th generation HD DVD and Blu-Ray copy protection (MKB v7), found in the latest Blu-ray movie releases.

The latest build is capable to process the Blu-Ray movies which include the 7th generation media key block (MKB), according to Slysoft. The MKB v7 was recently released by the Advanced Access Content System Licensing Administrator (AACS LA) and it is an updated version of the special code placed on the Blu-ray media that is essential for the authentication and thus the reproduction of Blu-ray movies on updated Blu-Ray players.

Movies that feature the new MKB keys include the U.S. versions of both Region B BD titles "Alien vs. Predator 2: Requiem" and "Alvin and the Chipmunks", scheduled to be released in late April.

The AACS LA had been frequently changing the encryption keys associated with the specific implementations of AACS-enabled software and hardware (""proactive renewal") The MKB keys are included in the Pre-recorded Blu-ray media and are part of the authentication process required for the reproduction of Blu-ray movies. Media MKB keys interact with the sequence keys stored in Blu-ray players. The authentication process allows Blu-ray playback only if the Keys found on the player are correct (updated). So in order to enjoy new Blu-ray content consumers have to refresh the encryption keys associated with their Blu-ray players, which essentially means they need to upgrade the firmware.

Software products that were not updated to their latest versions would not be able to play any new HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc titles released after May 22nd. These titles feature the latest revisions to AACS technology and specifically, new encryption keys (MKB).

In response to that decision SlySoft once again updated its system to support those new discs. The Antiqua-based company offer to its licensed customers of the product "AnyDVD HD" a free update to the new version 6.4.1.1.

Fernando Cabezas, team member of the SlySoft disc compatibility task force said: "This again is a great feature for our customers. Only a few days before the official release of new titles we already can say, you can continue to watch your favorite movies on your favorite equipment. Not only the equipment the industry forces you to use."

Regarding to the drop of HD-DVD support of Cyberlink's new software release PowerDVD 8 he continued: "It's a shame that only a few weeks after the drop of the HD-DVD format some major software players drop the playback of all purchased media too. This new method of forcing customers to buy their already owned media again is a taste of what DRM is able to."

Interestingly, Slysoft has never detailed the way it manages to have access to the new MKB keys, since they have not yet been released on the new Blu-ray movies.