Hi-tech CD 'cannot be copied'

Entertainment giant Universal has released a new hi-tech CD which it claims cannot be copied.

The first example, the soundtrack from the film Fast and the Furious, was sent to markets in the US last week.

It uses Midbar Technologies' Cactus Data shield to lock up the CD's audio files. However, when the CD is played in a computer it plays additional digital tracks using a proprietary version of a Lame encoder.

The tracks are similar to MP3s but they cannot be played using any ordinary media players, nor can they be played on a non-Windows based operating system.

The upshot is that people cannot rip the CD's audio files and have to use the proprietary player, which does not have a rip and record function.

It is possible that the fairly elaborate technology could have some impact as Universal is planning to release Pressplay, an online music subscription service, and has long been a keen supporter of copyright protected CDs.

In a letter to retailers, Universal vice president Jim Weatherson warned that they could face returns on this CD from people who were unable to copy them.

"Universal is working with retailers to stop unauthorised copying which cuts your returns," he said. "We share in your concerns and in response we can say we are the first company to launch a campaign to confront this damaging trend."

Other labels are cautious about putting digital versions of CDs along with blocked copies so that people can play the music in their computers. However, most are working with Windows Media because they want to ensure that more people can have access to the music.