AACS Sucks, Advanced Access Content System

AACS (Advanced Access Content System) is an industrial-strength encryption technology and an elaborate key-based system for authenticating hardware and software. These keys can be modified at any time so that if unlicensed players or drives come on to the market, updated keys can be added to new video releases. The new keys can also restrict playback to older title releases or even disable a HD-DVD or Blu-ray player by modifying its firmware.

AACS also has the ability to degrade the high def video signal sent to a TV or monitor if the user has an unprotected digital or analogue connection between a player and display device.

AACS supporters point out that under a provision called Mandatory Managed Copy (MMC), content holders will be compelled to provide options for consumers to, say, copy a disc on to a home server or download content to a portable multi-media player.

Do you really understand what’s going on in the video industry and their push towards High Definition? Under intense pressure from Hollywood, they are engineering a complete removal of the concept of fair use. They are also setting up systems that will completely control how, when, and where you can use content that you buy. Who says they can retroactively change the rules?!?

The AACS (Advanced Access Content System) organization announced availability of the interim version of their system for protecting content providers from their criminal customers. Their noble intentions are pretty much outrageous. Both HD-DVD and Blu-ray have embraced this horrible system, and the studios are salivating at the prospect of you never actually being able to own YOUR content again!!