Gizmodo: muslix64

HD DVD Copy Protection Only Partially Cracked

Gizloco — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 09:06:36 EST

The Advanced Access Content System (AACS) Licensing Authority (the dudes in charge of HD DVD copy protection measures) has confirmed that the security measures of certain HD DVDs has been cracked. The hack, which is the work of a person posing as muslix64, doesn't actually apply to all HD DVDs, though. In other words, muslix64's hack only works on a few HD DVD titles and isn't as widespread as some people were hoping for. Listen closely: you can hear the movie industry breathing again (if only for a short while).

If the actual AACS copy protection hasn't truly been cracked, then Hollywood & Co. don't have too much to worry about just yet. But with an entire community now working toward truly cracking the copy protection scheme, how long will this honeymoon last? – Nicholas Deleon

Hi-def DVD security is bypassed [BBC News]

Blu-ray Now Cracked, and That Makes Two

Charlie White — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 13:00:00 EST

Movie studios, start your attorneys, because muslix64, the guy who cracked HD DVD with his BackupHDDVD utility has done it again. His next Pandora's box is called BackupBluray. It's not perfect yet, because the first iteration can only ~~crack~~ backup Blu-ray discs whose CPS unit key is known, but sources say full decryption will be added soon.

Of course, all of this unraveling of Blu-ray and HD DVD's bulletproof security is for backup purposes only. Certainly those who have bought these discs should be allowed to store away a backup for safekeeping, you know, in case the disc gets scratched? But we thought these encryption schemes were impossible to crack. Perhaps "impossible" is a relative term. – Charlie White

BackupBluray rip utility released [WesleyTech]

First Pirated HD DVD Movie Weighs in at 19GB

Louis Ramirez — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 14:46:33 EST

It's only been a few weeks since Muslix64 bypassed HD DVD's DRM protection and now it appears the first HD DVD movie has made its way onto BitTorrent. The movie of choice is the sci-fi flick Serenity, which weighed in at 19.6GB. The .EVO file is playable on most DVD software packages like PowerDVD, the question is will people be willing to download such a hefty file and how will the Hollywood honchos respond. Either way it looks like it's score 1 for the Pirates, 0 for DRM. – Louis Ramirez

First Pirated HD DVD Movie Hits BitTorrent [Ars Technica]