The AACS LA is reportedly pushing Hollywood Studios to support the Managed Copy function in the HD DVD and Blu-Ray releases, in an effort to fight movie piracy.
Managed copy would enable movement of high-definition video content onto home network and portable devices. This means that users could legally copy DVDs, at least for their home media server and backup purposes.
But the implementation of Managed Copy has not yet been accepted by the majority of the Hollywood studios, obviously believing that copying a movie could technically qualify as low-volume piracy.
However, Michael Ayers, a representative of AACS LA group that licenses the AACS copy-prevention system, believes that movie studios will see higher sales with the managed copy option, even with the chance it could be abused. "Studios will have to take that into account when they select pricing," Ayers said in a statement with IGN News.
In addition, on the technology side, a system of servers, run by the studios or third parties, could enable the authorization of copies. Newly-minted discs could be prevented from further copying by employing DRM technology from companies such as Microsoft, Ayers said.
The interim specifications of the AACS allow first-generation AACS-protected discs to be Managed Copy-ready. But the feature will be permitted under the Final License only, which was initially scheduled to be available in the end of 2006. However, the low acceptance of Managed Copy among the Hollywood Studios has delayed the licensing process. The final licensing agreement is under negotiation between the AACS LA and companies using AACS technology, including film makers.
"We are optimistic that the studios will see this as a benefit that will drive sales," Ayers said.
Managed Copy is also supported by Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Speaking at a Digital Rights Management Conference last month, MPAA's Chairman said that MPAA is "committed to delivering entertainment to consumers whenever and wherever they want, in flexible ways, on their preferred platforms and devices."
Glickman also said that the Managed Copy option was the goal. "This should be applied to both HD DVD and Blu-Ray disc formats, as well as in online downloads and streams, according to Glickman."
"We wholeheartedly support allowing consumers to make authorized copies of the content they purchase," Glickman said. "Consumers should be able to enjoy authorized DVD content on their home networks on portable devices at their convenience. Next, we fully and wholly embrace interoperability. We believe that consumers who come by their content legally should be able to enjoy it on any device."