Blu-ray discs (BDs) are well known to be more fragile than traditional DVDs and many end-users demanded to have an option to create back-up copies of their movies because of that. Starting the 4^th of December ’09, publishers releasing their movies on Blu-ray discs will be required to offer consumers a managed copy option that enables consumers to create backups of their BDs. Unfortunately for end-users, studios will be able to charge for additional copies.

The Advanced Access Content System License Administrator, a consortium of studios, hardware manufacturers and technology companies that licenses the AACS copy protection used on BD, have approved the managed copy agreement, reports Video Business web-site. The decision will require content makers to include managed copy option onto BDs released after December 4, 2009 and promote the feature after March 31, 2010.

The managed copy function will work the following way: each Blu-ray disc menu will include a “managed copy” option, which will request authorization for making a copy of the disc via the Internet from a special server. Each disc will carry its own serial number, hence, the content owner will be able to specify the amount of managed copies rather easily virtually for each disc. Considering the fact that burning individual serial numbers costs additional money, studios will be able to charge for those backups and offer more than one copy.

Since typical Blu-ray disc players naturally cannot burn BDs and do not include hard drive for images of discs, initially the managed copy option will only work on personal computers. Considering the fact that there is software that removes all possible copyright protection technologies, advanced end-users will hardly consider managed copy function valuable or pay for additional copies. However, less experienced consumers are likely to appreciate ability to make a legal copy even for a fee.

Tags: Blu-ray