Corel Revokes AACS Key For WinDVD

[Ian]

I'm surprised they didn't do this sooner.

http://www.intervideo.com/jsp/Press.jsp?mode=04-06-2007

To our valued InterVideo WinDVD Customers,

Today Corel is releasing an important new security update for InterVideo WinDVD. We have taken this step to ensure that our customers continue to enjoy the latest HD DVD and BD content.

Our decision stems from recent reports that hackers have illegally obtained certain software licensing keys and have used them to duplicate copyrighted content without prior authorization. Corel takes this situation very seriously. We have been working closely with our partners and other industry organizations to ensure we take the steps necessary to prevent copyright infringement from happening in the future.

WinDVD customers who are currently using either HD DVD or BD playback will need to download the free security update from your PC or Drive manufacturer's websites.

This update includes security enhancements as well as updated licensing keys that will be required to view both newly purchased HD DVD/BD titles and those in your existing HD DVD/BD collections. By downloading Corel's free update, you will be able to continue to enjoy the latest HD DVD/BD content, while ensuring that copyrighted materials are properly protected.

Please be aware that failure to apply the update will result in AACS-protected HD DVD and BD playback being disabled.

[dolphinius_rex]

So..... who wants to bet this will become a once a month, or once every other month, type of update

[Ian]

I wouldn't be surprised. They really need to find a better way to deliver the keys, especially if they have to revoke one from a standalone player. Having them on new releases would be the best. When you pop in a disc, it would automatically update or something.

[Wesociety]

This is the first device key to be revoked right?

[Ian]

This is the first device key to be revoked right?

As far as I know.. yes.

[roadrunner]

If I'm understanding how the open-source rippers work, they can pull the device keys off the disc now, right? So that would mean they can revoke all they want, the ripper will just grab the key from the disc and boom, copied disc.

[Ian]

I might be wrong but I don't think that's the device key. Most likely, its the title or volume key they're pulling off the disc.

[roadrunner]

I might be wrong but I don't think that's the device key. Most likely, its the title or volume key they're pulling off the disc.

I think you're right. But with that key, do they need the device key to decrypt too?

[Ian]

Why do places like Digital Trends and Engadget think you need to get updates for your drives and players? Corel's announcement says nothing like that. What they do say is that you will need to get your WinDVD update from your drive or computer manufacturer if came bundled with it. Thanks to reporters that can't read, this is going to turn into a huge fiasco.

[Wesociety]

Thing is, this is no ordinary patch since WinDVD exposed the hardware specific device key to video pirates. So not only are you required to update their janky WinDVD software, you also have to track down and install the paticular AACS patch for the HD DVD or BD player you own.

Where in the world did the author come up with this nonsense? No hardware device keys were revoked, only the software device key for WinDVD.


By the way, I think the "justification" that Corel has given for the update is pretty humorous.

We have taken this step to ensure that our customers continue to enjoy the latest HD DVD and BD content.

Actually, they have taken this step to ensure that some customers WILL NOT continue to enjoy the latest HD DVD and BD content, the complete opposite! LOL