DVDs w/ Built in USB Ports for Copy Protection

An anonymous reader writes "Aladdin has come up with a new way of restricting the data stored on optical discs. It's 'XCD' format has a chip built directly into the disc and which fits into a USB port. So, a user needs to plug the disc into their computer to access a cryptophic key before being able to use the data stored on the disc (presumably in some sort of proprietary player)."

Why Not a Giant Padlock

[SRA8]

Why not place a giant padlock and chains all over it?

Why?

[Constantine XVI]

Someone please tell me why they don't just put the damn movie on some sort of USB storage to begin with, and avoid borking up our perfectly good normal DVD drives?

Well, it's like anything else.

[Scoria]

If the computer reads it, then it can be cracked. Probably with a seven-line PERL script, no less.

Should spin fine at 40x

[LividBlivet]

For about a second.

It was a nice run

[Palshife]

Goddamnit. They've done it. They've ended DVD piracy.

Re:dongles anyone?

[Slovenian6474]

Hmm, i might have to invest in a huge usb hub then....

Re:Well, it's like anything else.

[chrismcdirty]

With PERL, someone could probably do it in a one-line script. In the shape of a camel. That will also cook you toast. In fact, I think it's already on CPAN.

Unemployment

[WED Fan]

Why not just bring in unemployeed people to distribute with each disk. They stand by your keyboard and slap your hand everytime you try to do something with the disk that manufacturer doesn't like. Bring them in on H1B.

New Tech!

[Slovenian6474]

Now, to use this DVD, you must put it in your drive like normal, plug in a dongle, unplug it within 3 seconds and plug it back in again, type in a 50 digit code, then download an application to report back to the company to make sure it's a genuine dvd, then type in the 14th word on the back cover of the dvd case, scan your reciept and email it to the verification address, run around your house 3 times (to control stress levels), and then mail in your proof of purchase and you can start using the program in 6-8 weeks. ...or you can crack it.

Are they nuts?

[techmuse]

Wow. I really want to crawl under my desk and find a free USB port on the back of my computer where there is enough space for something the size of a CD not to run into the cables back there so that the disc can exchange keys, then undo it and stick it in my CD drive. That sounds like a lot of fun. Why didn't I request this feature before?

Oh, and binding the disc to my computer that I'm about to replace is definitely a good idea!

Re:Stupid stupid idea

[TommydCat]

I'm not even considering how you would get this "key" into a computer with cramped usb slots.

Not sure how I'd jam it into my DVD, car CD or portable CD player either. Seems like a nobrainer nonstarter.
I, for one, do not welcome our USB-dongle-built-in DRM overlords...

Re:Why Not a Giant Padlock

[hal2814]

It didn't work for Pee Wee's bike. Why would it work for this? Francis will get that DVD anyways if he really wants it.

Re:Well, it's like anything else.

[damiena]

With PERL, someone could probably do it in a one-line script. In the shape of a camel.

What exactly does a one dimensional camel look like, anyway?

Re:dongles anyone?

[Slovenian6474]

Haha! Sony found it easier to spread rootkits by USB dongles.

"Utilizing the speed of USB 2.0, we can effectly transfer more and larger rootkits on our customer's computer. People love this feature! We made the rootkits to enable 1080p resolution prerendered cutscenes that show a delightful show at how we strip a computer of it's security! But it's not all about video, the larger and quicker USB dongle can enable 7.1 sound giving you the rich experience of ports being opened all around you! People love this too!...because we force them too...with violence."

Re:'Nuff said

[eldepeche]

-1, Negates purpose for existence.

Re:Should spin fine at 40x

[Headcase88]

Your computer then examines the properties of the explosion using complex algorithms to determine whehter the DVD was genuine or not.

Re:Or because...

[Anonymous Coward]

"This creates a new business model: give away "unwatchable" movies for free and charge for the pills that make them watchable.)"

A related method has succesfully been used with Cheech and Chong movies.