BD+

BD+

BD+ logo

BD+ is a digital rights management (DRM) system developed by Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) to protect copyrighted content on Blu-ray discs. It was introduced as an enhanced version of the original Content Scramble System (CSS) used on DVDs. BD+ is designed to prevent unauthorized copying, distribution, and playback of Blu-ray media.

History

BD+ was first announced by the BDA in 2007 as a response to the increasing threat of piracy in the home video market. The system was developed to address the limitations of CSS, which had been successfully circumvented by hackers. BD+ aimed to provide a more robust and secure DRM solution for Blu-ray discs.

Functionality

BD+ works by embedding a small virtual machine, known as the BD+ Virtual Machine (VM), into Blu-ray players. This VM executes encrypted code on the player, which is used to verify the integrity of the disc and enforce the DRM restrictions. The code is stored on the disc in an encrypted form and is decrypted and executed by the player's BD+ VM.

The BD+ VM is designed to be resistant to reverse engineering and tampering. It can be updated remotely by the content provider, allowing for the introduction of new security measures to combat emerging threats. This flexibility makes BD+ a dynamic DRM system that can adapt to changing piracy techniques.

Controversies

BD+ has faced criticism from some consumers and industry experts who argue that DRM systems like BD+ restrict the rights of legitimate users. Critics claim that DRM can limit the ability to make personal backups, transfer content between devices, or play media on unsupported platforms.

Additionally, BD+ has been subject to various circumvention attempts by hackers. Despite the initial claims of its invulnerability, the system has been successfully bypassed on several occasions, leading to the release of unauthorized copies of protected Blu-ray content.

Impact

BD+ has played a significant role in protecting the intellectual property rights of content creators and distributors in the Blu-ray industry. It has helped to mitigate piracy and unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, providing a level of security that was lacking in the earlier CSS system.

The introduction of BD+ has also influenced the development of other DRM systems in the home video market. Its dynamic nature and ability to adapt to new threats have set a precedent for future DRM technologies.

See Also

• Blu-ray Disc Association
• Digital Rights Management
• Content Scramble System