Consumers might get the right to make several legal copies of DVD and Blu-ray Disc movies they have purchased after getting positive outcome from licensing agreement that is in its final stages.
This concession by the movie industry may also suppress criticism that DRM (digital rights management) technologies are too restrictive. According to Michael Ayers, a representative of an industry group that licenses the AACS (Advanced Access Content System) copy-prevention system, if studios and film companies will support this agreement they can only allow consumers to make a backup copy for their home media server if their original disc is damaged.
To thwart unauthorized copying of the discs, presently AACS is used on HD DVD and Blu-ray discs with the new high-definition DVD formats. The concept called ‘managed copy’ might challenge the strongest argument against DRM technology that deprives buyers of their legal right of fair uses such as to move their content to other digital systems and devices.
The licensing agreement is also under negotiations between the AACS Licensing Administrator and with companies those who are using AACS technology, including - Sony, IBM, The Walt Disney Co., Warner Bros. and Microsoft
ACS LA is pressurizing studios to support managed copy to offer at least one copy option to the consumers and by offering content companies to charge a premium according to copies sanctioned. For example, if consumers get a chance to make three copies per film, it might help to reduce volume of piracy.
Ayers asserted:
But AACS LA 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.
Now AACS LA is working on what all rights studios and film companies would have under this complex licensing agreement but on the other side they are looking ahead with positive attitude that the studios will definitely welcome this agreement that will increase sales.
Via: Macworld
