shouting loudly

HD-DVD “backup” software released

Recently, a hacker discovered and publicized a key that unlocks both HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs. Just a few days later, SlySoft has released a beta version of its AnyDVD software that can rip HD-DVDs.

Since 2000, you’ve been legally forbidden from hacking the encryption on your DVDs. For about as long, however, there have been tools that allow you to do just that. They’re illegal to develop or distribute, but the software is easy enough to find online, and computer magazines openly review and evaluate specific programs just like other software.

The release of the key is a substantial blow to the movie studios’ plans to roll out high-definition video under a newly secured system of technological protection measures. The encryption system was going to work more effectively this time, they believed, but they were clearly wrong.

This hack will not likely work forever; expect the studios to patch it as soon as possible. I also suspect they’ll try to find a way to hide the new key more effectively; the hacker was able to find it merely by watching changes in his computer’s memory.

In case you’re curious, the SlySoft forum is here.