A "master key" that prevents copying of audio and video content from high-definition devices like TVs and Blu-ray players has been cracked, a media report said.
A portion of the HDCP code (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), which Intel confirmed was a master key for HD content, has been released online. But to use it, a pirate would need to manufacture a silicon chip, not simply write a piece of software, an Intel spokesman said.
However, worries swirled about the future of high-definition devices following rumours that the copy protection technology may have been cracked.
It's required to send a video across the thin, flat HDMI cables that link most new flat-panel TVs to gaming systems, Blu-ray players, or whatever. A portion of the HDCP code (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), which Intel confirmed was a master key for HD content, has been released online. But to use it, a pirate would need to manufacture a silicon chip, not simply write a piece of software, an Intel spokesman said.
However, worries swirled about the future of high-definition devices following rumours that the copy protection technology may have been cracked.
The hack unlocks protected content by providing a master key, which could be used to strip that encryption from, say, the link between your cable box and your DVR.
Without those restrictions, a nefarious user could make unlimited copies -- rendering the copy-protection software useless.
Or build new devices that bypass the license fees Intel charges for the content -- and ignore the content restrictions that HDCP sets in place.
However, Intel doesn't think piracy will suddenly increase.
For someone to use this information to unlock anything, they would have to implement it in silicon -- make a computer chip.And after making a chip, someone would have to build it into a device, either on an individual basis or on a production line. And Intel just doesn't see that happening.
No comments:
Post a Comment