Macrovision Introduces CDS-300 Security and Rights Management Solution for Music CDs

At the Midem 2003 music industry event in Cannes, France, copy protection technologies vendor Macrovision has announced that it will release a new multi-level copy protection and rights management solution for music CDs in the first quarter of 2003.

CDS-300 is the first result of Macrovision’s acquisition of copy protection software developer Midbar last year. Macrovision says it provides multi-level security that inhibits unauthorized file sharing and piracy, while allowing consumers to make limited copies of rights-protected music CDs to their personal computers. With CDS-300, users can make a back-up copy of the original encrypted disc on any PC through the Microsoft Windows Media Player and listen to their music without the CD present.

CDS-300 includes the following features:

• Enables playability on PCs through the Microsoft Windows Media Player
• Users may copy files to their Windows Media Library for playback without the original CD
• Creates barriers to “open source” Red Book audio sessions
• Music files will not play if distributed over the Internet or e-mailed
• No Internet connection or additional plug-ins necessary for the consumer
• Maintains original audio quality

“The music industry can’t afford a third successive year with a 5-10% drop in revenues. Our customers and partners in the music industry are working overtime to deliver high entertainment value and creative content to their customers while, at the same time, working to ensure content creators are paid fairly for their creative works and are making substantial investments in the sales, marketing and distribution of their music products,” said Mark Belinsky, senior vice president and general manager of Macrovision’s Music Technology Division.

“Macrovision is working hard to develop and deliver a full complement of copy protection and DRM solutions to achieve these important objectives.”

Macrovision acquired Midbar Tech Ltd. in December 2002. The combined Macrovision and Midbar engineering and R&D teams bring significant technical and support resources to the new music technology division.