P2P networks source their content when members 'share' the contents of designated folders on their hard disks. There are many 'ripping' software programs that enable PC users to copy (or transcode) their copyright protected CDs & DVDs to a hard disk. P2P networks enable clients to download 'free' content illegally from other PCs' hard disks around the world - this architecture of 'viral distribution' is the core threat behind P2P piracy.

Recent research in the US at Stanford University & Berkeley (U.Cal) has revealed some unexpected information about P2P networks and the availability of pirated content. Contrary to popular opinion, the ability to find and successfully download files from P2P networks is directly related to the amount of source files uploaded; the common assumption that the availability of titles or tracks is the same, regardless of the number of copies uploaded is therefore mistaken. This means by applying a control on ripping, content owners can limit the availability of pirated content on the P2P networks.

The most widely used CD content protection system is the CDS™ solution developed by Macrovision; it has shipped on over 400 million music CDs worldwide, protecting over 4 billion music tracks. Over 22 major and independent music labels worldwide have utilised the CDS technology on over 4,000 titles since 2002. The latest version of CDS is fully compatible with home PCs, hi-fi stereos, car CD systems etc and allows users to make legal copies of their music for playback, export ripped files legally to their PC, and also export tracks legally to portable music devices. CDS technology however, prevents protected music files from being transferred across P2P networks as their usage is linked to a license. Macrovision also offers a complementary P2P anti-piracy service that prevents copyright protected files from being located and illegally downloaded; effectively extending their ripping-control solutions.

Solutions are also available to protect video content from both digital and analogue copying. The "ACP" technology prevents DVD's from being copied to consumer recording devices such as DVD-Recorders, Hard Disc Recorders, Media Centre PC's, portable storage devices and VHS Recorders. The technology is applied at the authoring stage of production and has been used on over 4 Billion DVDs since its introduction.

"RipGuard" prevents DVD's from being ripped and copied to a PC's hard disc using the various "ripping" packages and illegal software downloads that are now available. These programmes will sometimes remove both CSS encryption and Macrovision however the "RipGuard" technology will prevent these programmes from successfully copying the DVD content to the PC hard drive. RipGuard is a new technology and is going to be available for use in February/March of 2005.

Macrovision can also supply a content-protection solution for interactive PC software such as PC games to prevent both copying & hacking, it's called SafeDisc Advanced™. This application's means to prevent disc copying has recently been expanded to allow developers to embed anti-piracy code into their software seamlessly. This anti-piracy code deters hackers and can even be used to prevent costly support for users who seek helpdesk support for games that they have not legally purchased. When correctly applied, SafeDisc has proven itself to be commercially successful by creating 'hack-free' periods of time, enabling retailers & publishers to sell more units of protected titles in the critical first few weeks of a PC games title's retail launch.

For more information, please contact your Account Manager at DOCdata UK