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Software Hackers Claim HD DVD Encryption Circumvented
Gabriel Ikram (Blog) - December 28, 2006 12:24 PM
Print 64 comment(s) - last by glennpratt.. on Jan 4 at 3:10 AM
BackupHDDVD may be this generations DeCSS

This article was first published on HWUpgrade.com

It hasn’t been completely verified yet, but a user named "muslix64" has posted an exploit in a thread on the Doom9 forum claiming he has been able to circumvent AACS, the encoding format used to protect HD DVD and Blu-ray content.

"Muslix64" claims to have completely backed up an HD DVD movie and provides a Rapidshare link to download BackupHDDVD, a small Java-based utility that aids users to backup their HD DVDs. A YouTube link to see the program in action has also been posted.

"Muslix64" describes the utility as "a java based command line utility that decrypt video files (.evo) from a HD DVD disk that you own, to your hard drive and you can play them back with a HD DVD player software."

Although much of the dirty work in backing up an HD DVD movie is done by the tool, users are still required to find their own cryptographic keys for the disc being copied. No guidance is provided to help users find the keys but the author suggests the process is trivial, which suggests some exploit in the player software or hardware exists as the keys are not meant to be easily obtained.

Although the exploit hasn’t been completely confirmed yet, if it turns out to be true it could mean a number of things. For one, it is possible that we might start seeing pirated HD DVD content. In addition, since Blu-ray also uses AACS, we might see a similar crack be released for Blu-ray movies in the next couple of weeks.

"Muslix64" claims the tool works on his XBOX 360 external HD DVD player, but that the software should not be limited to just one specific player.

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RE: Duh.
By Christopher1 on 12/29/2006 12:48:57 AM , Rating: 2
For a while, your arguement would be true. But once HD-DVD or BluRay wins the war, becomes standard and the price drops for both...... it will be worth it, though really, torrenting a 25 GB file?

It would take WEEKS to download, even on my Cable Internet connection!


RE: Duh.
By Nimbo on 12/29/2006 10:03:27 AM , Rating: 2
Ironically HD-DVD will benefit in the format wars against BluRay from the ability to make copies. As soon as pirated copies are available you will want to have an HD-DVD player and not an BluRay. This could be the "extra feature" that gives HD-DVD the victory.


RE: Duh.
By Steve Guilliot on 12/30/2006 3:08:27 PM , Rating: 2
Except... when the studios start steering away from HDDVD due to the exploit, there won't be as much content to pirate.

If a Bluray exploit comes out too, then it becomes a wash. Either way, not really an HDDVD advantage unless studios continue to pump out content for a medium they know is compromised.


RE: Duh.
By glennpratt on 1/4/2007 3:10:35 AM , Rating: 2
Like DVDs, CDs, iTunes, PlaysForSure, etc, etc. They've all been compromised. I think the studio mostly wants it to be easier for a level headed consumer to buy what they want rather then rip/torrent and burn.


"We basically took a look at this situation and said, this is bullshit." -- Newegg Chief Legal Officer Lee Cheng's take on patent troll Soverain









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