RealDVD's copy limits too easy to remove: MPAA
updated 04:40 pm EDT, Tue April 28, 2009
RealDVD vs MPAA trial
In the ongoing legal battle between the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and RealNetworks over the latter's RealDVD computer program that lets users violate copyright laws, the MPAA argued removing the software's restrictions on how many computers can access the ripped files is easily done. Robert Shumann, an expert on securing DVDs, took the stand on Tuesday at the request of the MPAA and said changing RealDVD to allow for more than the current five computers to playback the copied content is simple.
"It's essentially removing one line of code," Shumann said when asked what it would take to allow users to create millions of copies of a DVD using the software.
RealNetworks stuck to its argument that the encryption technology it uses in the program is superior to the one found on DVDs. The trial is overseen by US District Judge Marilyn Patel, who had ceased sales of the software in the fall.
Despite objections as to the relevance of what RealDVD could do as opposed to what it does, Patel let the MPAA lawyer continue his line of questioning, who showed RealDVD could easily remove the copy protection with a simple program
update or patch.
The trial is ongoing, and Schumann was the first person to testify in Tuesday's hearing. [via CNET]
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: Aug 2004
this is silly
There so many Mac, PC, Linux DVD rippers out "there" that this lawsuit is pointless. The folks at real did not remove the DVD encryption and limited the file to playback on a finite number of systems.
The MPAA would rather people buy a digital copy for playback on a portable device or computer versus just ripping the DVD...s**** that. What is next, tethering the DVD to a specific DVD player? Or, better yet, restricting a DVD to playback on a specific DVD player AND by a specific person...oh, and only that person can watch it by themselves? Jeez.