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In this section we will use the criteria developed in
"Approaching a Solution" to evaluate the three copy protection/prevention
methods which have emerged for the DVD platform and for software distribution in general.
We will give two examples of what seem to be good solutions, and one solutions which seem
fall short. Macrovision DVD video copy protection. With such a clear picture on a DVD videodisc, what is to prevent a wily disc renter from plugging the player output to a VHS input? Copies made from dubbing out of a DVD player are comparable in quality to store-purchased new tapes. To protect from these unauthorized copies, DVD players ship with a chip from Macrovision that scrambles the picture when a VHS is recording the output by confusing the VCR's gain control. The process in completely invisible to the consumer and does not affect picture quality when playback is direct to a television monitor. (For a simulation of the effects of the process, click here.) |