The consortium of movie studios and tech companies behind Blu-ray says that the new disc format will change your life. Just plunk down $1,500 for a Blu-ray-compatible DVD player, buy some blank discs and a movie or two, and you'll get … what, exactly? Turns out the group's deploying a load of digital rights management strategies in with those fancy new features. Here's what you're signing up for.
BLU-RAY'S ADVANTAGE
Holds five times more than a plain- old DVD: better picture and menus.
You can record television shows - and home movies - in hi-def.
Ultrahigh-quality hardware is as easy to use as a standard player.
THE DRM CATCH
Data is encrypted with the Advanced Access Content System, which can limit copying, sharing over home networks, et cetera.
Forget copying rented DVDs. An embedded watermark keeps your ripped discs from playing in others' machines.
If you play a legal DVD after watching pirated content, software on the disc can upgrade your player's firmware to disable the hack.
WHAT TO MAKE OF IT
All dressed up, nowhere to go. Thanks for nothing.
Sure, burn 100 copies of your wedding video. But no watching stolen goods.
It can adjust my firmware? Are you nuts? Back to BitTorrent!
- Patrick Di Justo
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