"...Macrovision announced today that its SAFEAUDIO Audio CD Copy Protection technology has been adopted by Toolex Data Handling (formerly Media Morphics), Eclipse Data Technologies, DCA, Inc. and DaTARIUS Technologies GmbH. SAFEAUDIO is a 100% software-based audio copy protection solution for music CDs, designed to prevent unauthorized copying of music CDs or ripping of songs without incurring the playability and compatibility drawbacks of other solutions.
The SAFEAUDIO process is applied during the mastering process at CD manufacturing facilities. To ensure a smooth implementation of the SAFEAUDIO copy protection for the mastering and replication facilities, Macrovision has worked closely with Toolex, Eclipse, DCA and DaTARIUS to develop the tools necessary for mastering and testing SAFEAUDIO encrypted discs: Toolex Data Handling offers additional SAFEAUDIO software for their ACE CD encoder. Mastering performance, up to 8x speed on Toolex' AM200 system, is not impaired. CD-R and MSH network mastering are possible with SAFEAUDIO. Eclipse Data Technologies offers an optional plug-in module for the ImageEncoder System. This plug-in module supports SAFEAUDIO mastering from either hard disc drive or a network. DCA will supply mastering and verification products with SAFEAUDIO as a copy protection option for their MIS product. DaTARIUS Technologies's CS-4.2/L QA test equipment is SAFEAUDIO-enabled.
SAFEAUDIO provides content owners with an easy-to-implement copy protection solution for CD audio discs that provides effective protection against unauthorized disc copying or ripping of songs. SAFEAUDIO provides high compatibility with legacy players, including PC's. Macrovision has jointly developed the SAFEAUDIO CD copy protection solution with TTR Technologies. The SAFEAUDIO solution meets the combined objectives of playability (where the original audio content can be heard with no discernable reduction in audio quality) and effectiveness (where a satisfactory level of copy protection is provided). Macrovision is supporting ongoing evaluation and test programs with several major music labels..."