WirelessHD has finished its own content protection system, under the guise of Hollywood's big studios, Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP). The idea behind DTCP is establishing that content protected under another system -- like DVD's CSS or Blu-ray's AACS -- it will retain that same copy protection after it's transmitted, while still allowing streaming and copying from one device to another. Moving beyond simple wireless displays, this allows for easy wireless transmission of managed copies to DVRs, portable media players, etc. Ordinarily, we'd be rather averse to anything the MPAA has had a hand in, but we're cautiously optimistic if managed copy can actually become more than a theory. Punch the read link for a look at the specs and see if our trust has been misplaced. Of course, they also promised we'd be seeing hardware in 2008...we're running out of time while WHDI and UWB are calling.

It's sad, really. Nearly three full years ago we were attempting to curb our enthusiasm as we heard that Managed Copy could be a mandatory aspect of Blu-ray Discs. Fast forward to the present, and we're hearing the brilliant technology may not even make the cut for the finalized AACS specifications. According to Consumer Electronics Daily, the so-called "cornerstone of the AACS content protection system" may not ever become a reality, as the final AACS specs -- which are due to (finally) be wrapped up this summer -- aren't likely to include MC. As expected, the issue here seems to circle around content licensing, with studios "not always having the content rights to allow for a Managed Copy." Finally, a decent idea in the DRM realm, and it could quite possibly remain just an idea forever.

Anyone enjoying the iTunes Digital Copy included on some Fox DVD / Blu-ray releases will be happy to hear Lionsgate is jumping on the bandwagon as well, starting with its releases of Rambo and The Eye. The usual requirements of an iTunes account apply, and the file should work on authorized computers, iPods, iPhones and Apple TVs. We haven't grabbed one of these discs ourselves just yet, anyone want to let us know how well your rights are being managed by Apple (and whatever happened to Managed Copy)?

When we spoke with Kaleidescape representatives at CEDIA last year, they had absolutely no idea when HD DVD or Blu-ray would be supported in their systems. Fast forward a few months, and we may have an answer. An anonymous tipster from Kscapeowners has informed us that Kaleidescape will be announcing to dealers in the not-too-distant future that Blu-ray support will be added. Of course, it's also noted that some studios may charge more for the right to copy Blu-ray Discs to a Kaleidescape system, but it's not like that was unexpected. Who knows, maybe this is what managed copy is all about, after all.

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

Update: Sure looks official from this.

Update 2: Head on past the break to see the official note sent out to dealers. Thanks, Michael!

Remember managed copy? Aw c'mon, it hasn't been that long! Managed copy is / was the answer to people's desire to do totally reasonable things like rip their movies to a portable device, or to a central home server for streaming around the house. Basically the provision in AACS DRM allows users to legally rip however many copies the studio specifies, but those legal rips will still be heavily encased in dark, slippery DRM-goo. You know, just in case you should have friends over with a laptop and sticky fingers. Well, Blu-ray and HD DVD have long since landed, seemingly without any plans for managed copy; shocker, the studios didn't take advantage of the provision. But seeing as how AACS is crackable by a single, simple hex key, the high def DRM obviously wasn't able to cut the mustard in keeping users from doing with their content what they please. The AACS LA's solution? Let them eat cake. The DRM-maker's new plan to distract people from the fact that they can already rip their HD movies to DRM-free formats is simply to pressure and ultimately convince the studios to take advantage of managed copy, and all will be well. (Except for the still-present DRM vestiges.) Will they turn these studios' opinion of managed copy around? Um, what do you think?

In case you missed it, Engadget ran a great interview with Joe Belfiore on all things WMCE, Vista, HD-DVD and more on Thursday evening. Stephen Speicher got a chance to chat with Joe and the first part of the interview provides the Microsoft insight into topics we've been bantering around as late. Joe provides clarification as well as rationalization on the costly CableCARD certification process for both large and small OEMs. Microsoft's dealings with the satellite television industry get some attention, which is good news for you DIRECTV subscribers. If you were looking for Microsoft's involvement and reasons for Managed Copy (required in HD-DVD, but optional in Blu-Ray), that's in there too. All in all a great first part to the interview with something for everyone interested in high-def.

So if and when Microsoft intros an HD-DVD player for the Xbox360, how will Managed Copy come into play? That's a good question asked by a Green Button reader and Chris Lanier, a Microsoft MVP, gives his thoughts. Since AACS supports Windows Media DRM and WMDRM-ND, or networked device flava, there's a good chance that Managed Copy won't have a major impact, but it likely depends on if Windows Media Extender software is updated to support streaming AACS content. Our money is on "Yes, it will".

One interesting point that Chris makes: Microsoft will need to release a video cable with HDMI for the Xbox360. We saw that one coming a mile away, but in reality there was no reason to have one available at launch time.