Understanding copy protection


    You can use copy protection to limit or prevent duplication of your content. Copy protection is turned off by default for each new project. If copy protection is required, you must replicate using a digital linear tape (DLT). (See Building the finished project.) You can specify copy-protection settings for subsequent projects in the Mastering preferences; you can alter copy-protection settings for the current project via the Disc tab in the Project window. Copy protection only works on replicated discs. See Replicating DVDs.

    Adobe Encore DVD employs three types of copy protection: Content Scrambling System (CSS), Macrovision (also called the Analog Protection System), and CGMS.

    CGMS

    This method restricts the number of copies that can be made of your disc.

    CSS

    This method encrypts the video data and then includes decryption keys that can only be read from the original disc. Duplicated copies do not include the decryption keys, so the video remains scrambled. This method is intended to prevent playing back digital copies of protected data.

    Macrovision

    This method produces similar results to CSS, but is intended to prevent playing back recordings made from DVD to analog video devices, such as VCRs. Macrovision-encoded data sends electronic pulses to the analog device to disrupt recording sync, thereby scrambling the recorded image. There are three different types of Macrovision protection, all of which you can employ in Adobe Encore DVD.

    Note: Using Macrovision copy protection requires that you pay a per-disc royalty. Your replication service will provide you with more information on this.

To set copy protection for subsequent projects:

  1. Choose Edit > Preferences > Mastering.
  2. Select the Copy Protection On box.
  3. Do any of the following and click OK:
    • Select CSS Off or CSS On to turn the Content Scrambling System off or on.
    • In the CGMS menu, choose the number of times a copy can be made.
    • In the Macrovision menu, choose the type of Macrovision protection you want.

To specify copy protection for the current project:

  1. Click Project Settings on the Disc tab.
  2. Specify the desired copy-protection settings and then click OK.