AACS Final License Goes Online
Posted June 8, 2009 05:31 AM by Juan Calonge
One of our insiders has let us know that the AACS Final Adopter Agreement went discreetly online on June 5, without any fanfare or announcement. AACS (Advanced Access Content System) is the content protection scheme for Blu-ray, just like CSS is for DVD. It has been operating on an interim license agreement since inception, and a final agreement was long overdue.
The document is long (80 pages plus 108 pages of exhibits, tables and attachments) and abstruse, but something that stands out is that Managed Copy continues to be part of the license, despite persistent rumors that this feature would be eventually dropped outright. Of course, Managed Copy is subject to a transaction and specific terms to be fixed by the studios.
Restrictions of the use of analog video outputs are further detailed. Use of the Image Constraint Token (limiting image resolution to 540p over analog) will have to be reported on the packaging and/or publicity materials. The Digital Only Token (prohibiting all image output over analog) will be very limited in use, mainly for non-consumer products and discs released less than six weeks after theatrical release of the title.
The "Analog Sunset" will be staggered. New players after December 31, 2010 must limit analog video output of BD content to interlaced standard definition (480i/576i). Then, 2013 is the expiration date for analog video: no player that passes "Decrypted AACS Content" to analog video outputs may be manufactured or sold after December 31, 2013.