Vista and more: pair with Microsoft's DRM dilemma

The copy control technique introduced into Vista and Windows Media poses many problems to think about. Who is beneficial?

If you've ever asked five users of the Windows operating system to explain what Vista's copyrights ( Digital Rights Management - DRM) program is, you'll definitely get five different answers. But there is one thing in common: no matter what it is, they don't like it at all.

This is the problem that Microsoft faces when preparing to officially release Vista at the end of the month. Whatever the standard, the new DRM capability in Vista makes it difficult to sell this product. DRM offers management terms that limit the scope of content using digital media. It's hard to celebrate technology that makes it difficult for users.

Microsoft defines DRM in a way that is simply " any technology used to protect users' content and services ". The concept is easy to understand, but DRM's state-of-the-art technology includes countless content protection programs based on media, hardware, and software. Many of them are less or even uncommon.

DRM at the hardware level

Source: wired Vista's DRM technology consists of several different types. Most of them are either completely new or significant changes compared to previous versions of Vista. The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) model developed by Intel makes DRM difficult to break when extending the operating system scope as well as being integrated into computer hardware components.

TPM is used with Vista's BitLocked full-drive encryption technique to protect computer data against security risks. An embedded TPM superchip (microchip) on a computer motherboard stores the only system format program and BitLocker decryption key. When a system is tampered with (such as a hard drive removed, replaced at another machine), the TPM determines the disturbance type and prevents the drive from being decrypted.

A set of interrelated technologies is grouped under the name Out Protection Managerment (OPM) - the output protection management program also uses DRM at the hardware level. Perhaps the most prominent (and also "notorious") technology in the OPM group is Proteced Video Path (PVP). It is the clearest, most understandable and specific example when you want to know how hardware-level DRM works and what it can do. PVP anti-piracy content protection technology is supported on both Windows Vista and in small quantities, but gradually grows high end graphics adapters, high-definition display mode and even at both connecting cables display numbers. Used with intent (first and foremost) to protect high quality digital content is gradually being included in HD-DVD and Blu-ray optical media technology.

Most commercial DVDs have a copy protection technology, of course. However, this technique only works when there is a DVD player itself. But it is not possible to prevent copy-protected content from the graphics card to the user screen, a problem sometimes called the "analog gap".

PVP overcomes these security vulnerabilities that will allow a wide range of DRM capabilities to keep high-definition encrypted content streams. And so they are completely protected, from the original media, in every direction to the display used for viewing. If the system detects a high-resolution derivative on a user PC (for example, a system capable of transferring high-resolution content in all directions to a user's display device), it will check Check to make sure that all components related to the protected content stream are in the detailed record. If a device is not obeyed, it can downgrade the content stream to a stream of poorer quality image distributions, or may even refuse to display the content, depending on the holder's reference rights. hold.

All of this refers to the typical Windows Vista user model, who just wants to sit in one place, comfortably, relax watching a movie on his brand-new, artistic dream machine? Of course, it depends very much on the size of what he wants to see. Hollywood's latest big-grossing film is much more suitable for a PVP-style system. But sooner or later most Vista users will also face the PVP content protection program. Maybe even more. Maybe they will encounter a bit of frustration, frustration or even anger.

Matt Rosoff, a leading analyst at research firm Directions On Microsoft, said the program was not good for new content formats like Blu-ray or HD-DVD. None of them incorporate DRM technology. " I have no doubts about the ability to integrate DRM in Vista, whether it is technical or commercial. But it is so unfriendly that I think at some point it will cause errors. when it fails, it will pull any new format content the owner is trying to enter , "Rosoff said.

Hollywood factor - "star" disease

As implied in Rosoff's speech, many of Vista's DRM technologies exist not because Microsoft wants them. They were developed at the request of film producers, record labels and intellectual property owners.

Source: otvali.ru " Microsoft faces a group of companies that do not trust the hardware industry. They want more control and higher security ." If Microsoft does not meet their requirements, " they will make it difficult for Vista " by stopping support for the next conventional DVD formats and other high-value content.

Microsoft with DRM in Vista, gives users the ability to access high quality content. While other rights holders only serve at low levels. " In order to store these content streams, appropriate standards must be placed in the right place for the content owner. Combining it while providing users with the experience they want and expect ," Jonathan Usher - director of the Consumer Media Technology Group in Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices division said. " We look forward to improved features in Windows Vista that will attract new content to the computer, exactly what customers want ."

Usher also pointed out that, although Microsoft provides DRM technology, it is entirely up to the manufacturer, supplier or business to use that content. " We are like a platform provider, helping our customers check and enforce new business models and perspectives ," Usher said. " The market for healthy competition and balance for any free enterprise system is still open ."

" New customers are the final judges because they vote for us, spending most of us. The market is still fair and expanding. We believe that the advanced features in Windows Vista will bring many new positive directions ".

Hollywood is not the only group to benefit from Vista's classification of content protection technologies. Microsoft can truly assert that it does not want the DRM program to add to Vista for Hollywood profits. But the profits from the DRM Vista driver program are still stable, both now and in the future.

WGA: next general version

One of these formats is called Software Protection Platform (SPP), most mentioned with Windows integrity. The next version of the Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) program, SPP requires users to have software license code for 30 days of activation. Users without valid code will be banned from using certain components, including the Aero user interface, ReadyBoost system implementation applications and the most controversial thing - the Windows Defender antispyware program.

After 30 days, Vista will reduce the feature model, similar to Windows Safe Mode. Users have access to the Web browser (so they can confirm or buy a copy of Vista) but do not have any other features.

Windows Media

Windows Media Player 11 is built into Windows Vista ( Source: rinero.it )

DRM is built into Microsoft's latest version of Windows Media, making Vista a significant upgrade, although earlier versions of Windows Media are also incorporated with DRM, known as WMDRM format. The key issue here, according to Bill Rosenblatt, founder of GiantSteps Media Technology Stragtegies and also a management translator of Jupiter Media is the "DRM Watch" newsletter program, WMDRM's extensive use. This usage follows the "de facto" DRM digital music standard.

Besides basic content protection for almost all digital music services (except Apple's iTunes Music Store), WMDRM also provides a balance between digital music and portable music programs with the same label. "PlaysForSure" list of Microsoft patrons.

" Microsoft has developed a system of device manufacturers based on WMDRM 10 ", the version introduced with Windows XP. " As a result, Windows has developed a high level of performance " among music services like Napster and MusicMatch, and among hardware manufacturers.

But, according to Rosenblatt, there is still a problem on the top floor.

For Zune?

Microsoft faces a dilemma: the company's current efforts, including the PlaysForSure program, have not helped improve its position against Apple Computer's iPod. The most popular mobile music player today holds more than 70% of the market share and is hard to shake up its position. But with the new device - Zune and many other small combined operations, a significant move has helped WMDRM to return to a faster and brighter race than before.

" The songs purchased from Zune may not be able to be played on other PlaysForSure devices. The Zune will reduce operations for the user. Customers who buy tracks from Napster can listen on Zune, but not vice versa. " .

Source: univision " Why do we have to do this? The device systemization campaign is too fragmented, too general to use and too difficult for the user market. This is not an effective campaign against Apple." ". In addition, Microsoft's WMDRM "is more flexible and powerful than Apple's own FairPlay DRM platform. It is also more integrated and PlaysForSure's settlement does not help in this regard ."

Microsoft 's Usher also confirmed that the different stages between Zune and PlaysForSure are necessary for Microsoft to distribute the type of user experience and settings for Zune. " Zune is to focus on building a rich community and around-the-clock service that provides consumers with integrated end-to-end form. PlaysForSure is also designed for customers to choose the same capabilities. For example, for a device manufacturer that wants to connect to multiple services, or a service provider who wants to connect multiple devices ".

Rosenblatt and Rosoff both insist that Zune is more than just a fantasy project for Microsoft. It's even an attempt to open a second confrontation with Apple competitors. Both analysts believe that Zune, like the company's Xbox console game, is a "hedge" for Microsoft in the face of the growing number of multimedia digital media.

" Customers will naturally want to know: 'What's going on when I try to listen to a Blu-ray or HD-DVD DVD, or some kind of protected content on Vista? '", Rosoff added. ' And what is Microsoft's answer? 'It depends on the user.' That's not really an encouraging answer. '

DRM business

Finally, Bill Rosenblatt pointed out that Microsoft may not have introduced DRM technology to profitability, not just in the consumer market but also in the enterprise market. In the new market, content protection technology is winning. The number of supporters who see the importance needs to be armed with the risk of data loss, overcoming the disastrous mistakes that often occur and many business program errors worth increasing other potential.

" Microsoft has actually achieved some success when releasing Windows Rights Management Services in 2003. If Microsoft can increase its marketing efforts for this product in Vista, I don't think it's worth it. hope ", Rosenblatt concluded.

T.Thu