BD+ Copy Protection Cracked

The latest release of SlySoft AnyDVD removes Blu-ray's much-touted BD+ copy protection from encrypted discs.

Proving once again that every copy protection technique can be cracked in a manner of time, the venerable BD+ copy protection scheme fell this week with the release of a software package. SlySoft Software’s latest 6.4.0.0 release of AnyDVD, released on Wednesday, includes the ability to copy BD+ encrypted discs.

 The BD+ copy protection scheme, originally developed by Cryptography Research Inc., served as a major factor in drawing Twentieth Century Fox over to Blu-ray, and started appearing on the studio’s discs in October. It was intended to offer a more secure form of copy protection than the compromised AACS protection offered on basic Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs.

Although BD+ has been touted as an evolving encryption standard that can evolve in future releases, SlySoft’s Peer van Heuen says the company is ready to handle future versions of the encryption and will meet challenges head on. “Future releases will undoubtedly have a modified and more polished BD+ protection, but we are well prepared for this and await the coming developments rather relaxed,” he said.