--- Forwarded Message from [log in to unmask] ---

>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum    <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #6694 Copy-protection crashes computers?
>Date: Wed, 22 May 2002 11:54:09 -0400 (EDT)
>From: [log in to unmask]
>References: <[log in to unmask]>
>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>User-Agent: IMP/PHP IMAP webmail program 2.2.7

------------------
Ursula,

Sony has developed this technology called "Key2Audio". New Audio CD's are 
infused with an initial track of faulty data that the computer cannot read. PC 
CD-ROM drives always search this track first and get hung up.(Similar to an 
error on the hard-drive) This track is ignored by regular audio CD players. 
Others with MP3 capabilities may also not work, though)

This is Sony's attempt to prevent people from burning audio CDs, but it also 
prevents people from listening to audio CD's while at their computer. 

There have been several methods developed to circumnavigate this protection, 
including simply taking a magic marker and coloring the edge of the audio-cd 
(Where the bad data is always located with Key2Audio) 

In some newsgroups it is reported that you can use tape and other methods to 
get around this protection. I am sure there will be tutorials floating around 
campuses soon. I also reead that markers may be the next to be banned by the 
music industry. ;)

-Mike Shaughnessy





Quoting LLTI-Editor <[log in to unmask]>:

> --- Forwarded Message from Ursula Williams <[log in to unmask]> ---
> 
> >In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
> >References: <[log in to unmask]>
> >Date: Fri, 17 May 2002 11:12:20 -0600
> >To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum   
>            <[log in to unmask]>
> >From: Ursula Williams <[log in to unmask]>
> >Subject: Copy-protection crashes computers?
> 
> ------------------
> This came to my attention last evening by way of one of our Arts and 
> Letters consultants. I wanted to share it with you, and to learn if 
> there is confirmation from other institutions:
> 
> 
> >There is a new generation of copy-protected audio CDs that can crash
> >your computer or render it unable to start up properly.
> >
> >These discs are not audio CDs following the standard industry
> >specification, and will say "Will not work on PC/Mac" in place of the
> >Compact Disc logo. If you intend to play an audio CD on your
> >computer, inspect the packaging for any warnings about
> >computer-specific copy protection measures present on the disc.
> >
> >Inserting one of these discs into a computer can cause unexpected
> >harmful results, including freezes, crashes, and startup problems
> >that may require the machine to be sent back to the vendor for
> >service. This service will not be covered under warranty, and charges
> >for these incidents will be the responsibility of the individual
> user.
> 
> Ursula Williams
> Notre Dame
>