Good news from the SDMI.
Mark
sdmi.org
For Immediate Release
SDMI Announces Portable Device Technology Will Be Available
NEW YORK CITY, September 24, 1999 ? The Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI) announced today that technology and related licensing documents needed for first generation SDMI-compliant portable devices will soon become available. SDMI previously identified the ARIS Technologies Inc. audio watermark technology for use in these initial, Phase I, devices. It is anticipated that technology will be made available under a license for shipping after October 1,1999. This schedule is intended to enable portable device manufacturers to be able to proceed with production of portable devices for the 1999 holiday season.
"This announcement is a clear indication that SDMI members are building on the portable device specification adopted in June," said Leonardo Chiariglione, Executive Director of SDMI. "Our progress will soon be reflected in the marketplace, as several manufacturers have announced plans to develop SDMI-compliant consumer products."
The technology developed by ARIS was preliminarily approved by SDMI after comprehensive testing conducted on SDMI?s behalf by the 4C Entity, a limited liability company that is also implementing the copyright protection for DVD audio. Also at this meeting, SDMI amended the technical specification for the initial portable device specification to support a three-bit watermark system, and agreed that an interim trademark license will be made available for SDMI-compliant products by the SDMI Foundation.
SDMI has identified the ARIS audio watermarking technology to indicate when the software used by initial, or Phase I, portable devices should be upgraded to incorporate Phase II technology. Until that time, all music compatible with a particular device will be playable, whether the music is in a protected or unprotected format. When Phase II technology is ready, detection of the watermark will automatically let consumers know that their software can be upgraded to play new music releases. If a consumer chooses not to upgrade, the device will not play new music releases that incorporate SDMI technology. Upgraded SDMI-compliant portable devices will continue to play existing music as well as future unprotected files and new music released with SDMI technology.
Parties interested in the interim license to use the SDMI trademark can contact info@sdmi.org.
About SDMI
The Secure Digital Music Initiative brings together more than 120 companies and organizations from the worldwide recording industry and technology companies to develop an open, interoperable architecture and specification for playing, storing, and distributing digital music. The specification will answer consumer demand for convenient accessibility to quality digital music, enable copyright protection for artists? work, and therefore enable technology and music companies to build successful businesses.
-more-
SDMI
September 24, 1999
Page 2
On June 25, SDMI adopted its initial standard for portable devices. This standard allows for the development of portable devices that will play both unprotected and protected music formats. Phase I begins with the production of first generation SDMI-compatible devices. Phase II begins when SDMI technology is available at a future date. Once Phase II technology is in use, SDMI-compliant devices will detect and reject pirated copies of new music. Additional information about SDMI can be found at www.sdmi.org.
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SDMI Contacts:
Isabel Kaldenbach or
Robin Buckley
Buckley & Kaldenbach, Inc.
(703) 979-3076
ARIS Technologies, Inc. Contact:
Cynthia Upson
(804) 935-7584 |
