The first generation DVD devices do not support copying

The newly approved digital rights management (DRM) technology does not allow customers to use the video player in the next generation DVD format to share content. Manufacturers hope this feature will be equipped for the next HD DVD and Blu-ray versions.

The AACS (Advanced Access Content System) standard is applied to protect the content recorded on high-resolution DVDs. However, members of the AACS Licensing Association cannot find a common voice when developing copy management parameters. This parameter determines how the provider will support consumers to share content to a home server, to a different DVD disc to electronic devices such as portable music players.

" We are still discussing this policy, " said Richard Doherty, a spokesman for the AACS Licensing Association. " The official version cannot appear this spring ."

Among the DVD players that do not support copying are Pioneer Blu-ray Disc Blu-ray Disc players ($ 1,800) and Samsung BD-1000. There are also Toshiba HD-A1 ($ 499) and HD-XA1 ($ 799), which are expected to be available in March. However, Toshiba has just announced the departure of two HD DVD titles to April.

Observers say consumers should wait for later versions, unless they don't think about saving movies to other devices or needing backups.