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AACS Specifications Released
An anonymous reader writes "AACS, the proposed key management scheme for HD DVD, has finally released preliminary (ver 0.9) specifications. The specs look like CSS on steroids: they use AES instead of proprietary crypto, but other than that they're basically the same. The main difference appears to be that AACS can revoke an entire player model if a hack appears against it, which I guess sucks if you own that kind of player."
:) DVD Jon is likely just some guy who agreed to take credit for the real hacker's work. They release their work though him to avoid litigation. Either that or he's a very industrious fellow, cracking apple's drm and then releasing a complete Linux itunes music store client and what not.
Because HD-DVD was designed to be produced using existing pressing infrastructure, its per unit cost will (at least initially) be much lower than Blu-Ray (which requires new fab plants).
And HD-DVD does not require a caddy. Though several companies have announced coating products for Blu-Ray discs, I don't believe any of them have released additional production costs for using them, which will force Blu-Ray costs even higher.
The studios that support HD-DVD are going to have much better profit margins from HD-DVD releases than they would from Blu-Ray.
As someone else noted, there are more variables than just storage capacity that come into play.
As an aside, HD-DVD can hold a maximum of 60gigs per disc, while Blu-Ray tops out at 50.
Also BLu-Ray players will most likely be more expensive as it is harder to build one that will also play legacy DVDs.
In the consumer space, particularly in these days of $40 name-brand players, cost is everything.
-David
* As is generally the case, my opinions do not reflect those of my employer.
I suppose they'll have to get a copy of the key being used by another player (like a Sony dvd player) instead of asking for their own? Of course I'm sure this opens them to lawsuits under the DMCA.