SunnComm technology blocks CD copying

SunnComm says it successfully completed "the external testing phase" of a way to prevent consumers from copying CDs while still retaining replay compatibility with most CD and DVD players.

Its MediaMax technology was tested in Belgium "with the intention of determining compliance with the official test procedures and guidelines for protected content recently outlined by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPA)," says a Stereophile Magazine report here.

MediaMax CDs were exposed to an "extensive array" of consumer electronic CD players, including home entertainment systems, car stereos, boom box players, walkman type players, and popular DVD players, says the story, and, "CD copy protection robustness tests were performed to determine the security level of the product against 'unauthorized copying' of the digital content. Tests were conducted 'using a large set of Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh computer systems in tandem with many of the known ripper programs available on the market today.'

None of the ripper programs used in the testing process, "was able to produce a usable unauthorized copy of the protected CD, yielding a verifiable and commendable level of security for the SunnComm product," says report, which also pointed out:

"Compatibility with consumer fair use rights was not noted."

(Thanks for the pointer, pepe512000 : )