BillyG,
PC-DVD is the catalyst. We are seeing the DVD technology unfolding in front of us with all its dynamics. Here is one for the DVD history.
Digital Content Protection Solution Proposed by Leading Consumer
Electronics, Computer Companies
Hitachi, Intel, Matsushita (Panasonic), Sony and Toshiba Propose a Robust, Fast and
Simple Digital Transmission Solution Desired by Entertainment Industry Companies
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 19, 1998-- Leading PC and consumer electronics companies
announced today a joint proposal to protect digital video and audio content while providing a robust, fast and
transparent method for transmitting and receiving digital content between a variety of products such as PCs,
high-definition televisions, set-top boxes, digital VCRs and DVD players.
The proposed framework provides consumers with the opportunity to enjoy high-quality digital pictures and sound. It
also is a major component in the digital transmission proposals the entertainment industry is reviewing regarding
delivery of video and audio content with adequate protection against unauthorized duplication. More importantly, the
high-speed process would be transparent to the millions of users who would take advantage of this technology unless
unauthorized activity is attempted.
The proposed framework, jointly developed by Hitachi, Intel, Matsushita (Panasonic), Sony and Toshiba, defines an
industrywide specification that is based on well-known, robust public and symmetric key cryptographic techniques. It
provides manufacturers with a simple and inexpensive implementation, while maintaining a high degree of protection.
The digital interconnect for consumer electronic and PC devices is known as IEEE 1394, a high-speed digital
interface technology. The proposal was designed to work with this interface and has the flexibility to be utilized by
other communication technologies as well.
''Developing the ability to protect digital content in transit is a very important step in delivering the highest quality in
picture and sound to the consumer,'' said Chris Cookson, executive vice president of Warner Bros. ''We welcome
the progress the computer and consumer electronics industries have made in bringing this proposal and look forward
to its rapid review.''
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) also has expressed interest in copy protection mechanisms
to protect audio content transmitted across digital interfaces.
''The RIAA also welcomes this proposal since it is capable of protecting distribution of audio as well as video
content,'' said David Stebbings, senior vice president of technology, RIAA. ''The recording industry looks forward
to evaluating the proposed solution and working to achieve the robust digital security that we need, and we are
pleased that this joint proposal brings us one step closer to realizing this goal.''
Technologies, architectures and content protection techniques from all five companies contributed to the proposal.
The five companies made a presentation on the proposed framework to the Copy Protection Technical Working
Group on Feb. 18. The CPTWG is an ad hoc cross-industry body chartered to evaluate content protection
technologies. The group is expected to review this as well as other proposals.
Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the worlds leading global electronics companies, with fiscal
1996 (ending March 31, 1997) consolidated sales of Y8,523 billion ($68.7 billion). The company manufactures and
markets a wide range of products, including computers, semiconductors, consumer products, and power and
industrial equipment. For more information about Hitachi, Ltd., please visit Hitachi's Web site at:
hitachi.co.jp
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of personal computer, networking and
communications products. Additional information is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (MEI)(NYSE: MC - news) -- which markets products under the Panasonic,
Technics, Quasar and National brands in over 170 countries -- is among the worlds leading producers of electronic
and electric products for consumer, business and industrial use. Matsushita has more than 270,000 employees
worldwide and had sales of $61.9 billion for the last fiscal year. Overseas operations include over 200 companies in
46 countries. For more information, please access www.panasonic.com.
Sony is a global leader of audio, video, television and information technology products and electronic components.
With its music, film and video game businesses, Sony is also one of the worlds top entertainment companies. The
company has 163,000 employees worldwide and its consolidated annual sales for fiscal 1996 exceeded $45 billion.
Toshiba Corporation, with over 189,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of over $40 billion, Toshiba is an
integrated manufacturer of products spanning information and communications systems, information media and
consumer products, electronic components, and power systems and industrial equipment.
Note To Editors: Third party marks and brands are property of their respective holders.
Contact:
Intel Corporation
Bill Kircos, 602/552-2396
bill_kircos@ccm.ch.intel.com
or
Matsushita Electric Corporation of America
Jim Reilly, 201/392-6067
reillyj@panasonic.com
or
Sony Electronics
Mack Araki, 408/955-5673
mack_araki@ccmail.sel.sony.com
or
Hitachi, Ltd.
Gerard F. Corbett, 914/333-2903
corbett_g@halny.hitachi.com
or
Toshiba
John Hoy, 408/526-2528
john.hoy@taec.toshiba.com |
