PS3 may not play used PS3 games...

[kumquatq3]

I have a patent.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

and we all appreciate the giant leaps in technology you've made in goat cheese.

[metadigital]

Actually it's in obfuscating a dynamic linked library with programmable encryption/decryption standards for ensuring that the instance in memory matches the instance on the storage medium, with zero error tolerance (up to the tolerance of the encryption standard, of course).

 

[Darque]

[Kaftan Barlast]

Dont yurr be talkin' nun o dat fancy talk with uss mistur, we know it aint nuthin' but a fancy way to sort yur porn-o-graphy

[kumquatq3]

Actually it's in obfuscating a dynamic linked library with programmable encryption/decryption standards for ensuring that the instance in memory matches the instance on the storage medium, with zero error tolerance (up to the tolerance of the encryption standard, of course).

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

so, that like, makes the cheese taste better?

[alanschu]

Actually it's in obfuscating a dynamic linked library with programmable encryption/decryption standards for ensuring that the instance in memory matches the instance on the storage medium, with zero error tolerance (up to the tolerance of the encryption standard, of course).

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Sounds more like a copyright than a patent.

[mkreku]

Actually it's in obfuscating a dynamic linked library with programmable encryption/decryption standards for ensuring that the instance in memory matches the instance on the storage medium, with zero error tolerance (up to the tolerance of the encryption standard, of course).

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

so, that like, makes the cheese taste better?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'd say it's a method of 'hiding' a DLL-file (which means it's a Windows based technology) by encryption. Probably used as some sort of copy protection, as it's comparing files with low tolerance.

 

I'm probably wrong as I don't speak geek.

[metadigital]

Actually it's in obfuscating a dynamic linked library with programmable encryption/decryption standards for ensuring that the instance in memory matches the instance on the storage medium, with zero error tolerance (up to the tolerance of the encryption standard, of course).

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Sounds more like a copyright than a patent.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Trust me, the patent bills from the solicitors underscore it's patent credentials. And the annual fees.

I'd say it's a method of 'hiding' a DLL-file (which means it's a Windows based technology) by encryption. Probably used as some sort of copy protection, as it's comparing files with low tolerance.

 

I'm probably wrong as I don't speak geek.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Pretty close, actually, and some of it is not your fault, as I obfuscated a bit of the definition by deploying an analogous technology. "

 

It was originally developed for DOS, which made it compatible with every MS operating system since (and network protocols from Banyan Vines to LANtastic).

 

It compares the disk image of the protected application with the one that is running in memory to see if there is a hot-viral code trying to alter the protected applications behaviour (like pushing it through a decompiler, for example, to reverse engineer what it does) and quits if the check fails. It protects itself with encryption, so that it has a message digest to identify anyone altering even one bit, as well as an encrypted footprint, to prevent anyone reading the application or the protection (thus making circumvention that much harder).

[alanschu]

I'm not saying it's a copyright.

 

It just sounds like one, given that it seems more like an idea rather than a tangible product.

 

Unless of course you also put out a product

[Arkan]

If anything were to come of this (which I highly doubt), I sure wouldn't be getting a PS3. What if you want to take a game to a friend's house and play it? You won't be able to? Broken console?

[Darque]

Ouch... and if your console died... all your games would die with it.

 

Marketing people should never try and come up with "ideas". "

[metadigital]

I'm not saying it's a copyright.

 

It just sounds like one, given that it seems more like an idea rather than a tangible product.

 

Unless of course you also put out a product

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Indeed we did: you can't register a patent without a product (or method), and it makes it muc easier to have the patent granted if you have a product.

[alanschu]

Getting a faulty console would definitely be a kick in the teeth.

 

 

They better implement one hell of a good return policy :D

[metadigital]

I'm sure there would be a process to re-register the games using their proof-of-purchases (even if that is just to send out a new copy).

 

After you have bought the merchandice, they aren't quite so concerned about the service ...

[Oerwinde]

There are too many cons that make this a completely unrealistic option. So either they're planning on using it for something else, or they plan on heavily modifying the technology. Perhaps somehow making it so PS3s can't read writeable media or something.

[Surreptishus]

They'll do it with their Blu Rays too.

[Judge Hades]

The revolution will not be televised!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Wouldn't it be hard to play any games for the console if it can't be hooked up to a television. I mean, its not a handheld, though it is small enough to be one almost.

 

Well, if this is true then it will be one major kick in the jimmy.

Edited November 9, 2005 by Hades_One

[ShadowPaladin V1.0]

There are too many cons that make this a completely unrealistic option. So either they're planning on using it for something else, or they plan on heavily modifying the technology. Perhaps somehow making it so PS3s can't read writeable media or something.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Possibly, however the PS3 has to read three generations of disks anyway.

 

I don't have any problems with it not reading certain disk types (as long as it reads the original content of course).

 

The idea of somehow having to reregister a cupboard full of games on swapping the PS3 (I'm on my second PS2 , traded the old one in for the sleek version) leaves me about as cold as a HD blowing up and having to download the whole lot again.

 

The other factor being that as a household we own 3 PS2's while we commonly get multiple copies of games so we avoid distirbing domestic tranquility, often we will play each others games which is something that we wouldnt be able to do if the worst case scenerio happened.

 

So while I still have a certain sympathy with regards to resale and rental , there are enough other factors to make it unworkable I think.

[ShadowPaladin V1.0]

In case anyone is still reading this. This is kind of interesting (and PS3 related).

 

Michael Ephraim, the MD of Sony Computer Entertainment Australia, has suggested that PlayStation 3 games may not be region encoded.

 

This would mark a signficant shift for the company - although PSP games are not region locked, all PSone and PS2 titles come in US, Japanese and PAL flavours.

 

But speaking to Australian IT, Ephraim said: "If you look at the fact that it will support high-definition TV, which will be a global standard, there's a good likelihood that it will be global region, as for example we've done with the PSP."

 

Which means you'd be able to stock up on games on trips to the States or, if you're extra global, Japan, and play them in your shiny new PS3 with no trouble at all. Sounds like good news to us - let's just hope Ephraim's prediction comes true.

 

 

I'd be absolutely overjoyed in ways you can't imagine if this turns out to be true.

[Judge Hades]

I have always thought regional limitations in media were stupid. If PS3 eliminates this that is a check mark in their favor.

[alanschu]

The revolution will not be televised!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Wouldn't it be hard to play any games for the console if it can't be hooked up to a television. I mean, its not a handheld, though it is small enough to be one almost.

 

Well, if this is true then it will be one major kick in the jimmy.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Errr..

 

Inspiration 1

Inspiration 2

[ShadowPaladin V1.0]

Courtesy of Fubdub

 

If anyone actually bothered to read up on the news instead of taking everything from some OMG! tabloid website as fact, you'd find that:

 

1) The patent filing is 6 years old (if it didn't appear in PS2, why would it appear on PS3)

 

2) The patent seems to be an update of patents going back to the 80s (if your Sony cdplayer from '92 didn't have it, why would the PS3) and

 

3) The patent seems to be a system to check if a cd is valid and not a dodgy copy rather than some kind of windows XP validation thing for console, which is roughly the same system every cd game has been using for years. (If all cd based consoles has used it, it's common sense that so would the PS3)

 

Sony is doing some pretty nasty things with DRM these days, there is really no need to look hard for dirt in old patentfilings, just look at what is currently in their cd's and in their MD players and there should be plenty of mud to throw at them for everyone to have a go.

 

(can't vouch for the accuracy of it but it seems pretty reasonable).

[metadigital]

Thursday 10th November 2005

Virus targets SonyBMG rootkit DRM 2:01PM

Security researchers' worst fears have been realised as the first instance of a virus taking advantage of the rootkit DRM technology in some SonyBMG copy-protected CDs has been discovered.

 

Sophos says that the Trojan known as Stinx-E uses the Sony DRM rootkit to make itself invisible through the file $sys$drv.exe. However, this does not mean that in not having the Sony DRM installed you are immune to infection.

 

The rootkit makes all files beginning with '$sys$' invisible, and Sophos' senior antivirus consultant Graham Cluley described it as 'particularly troublesome'. He told us that antivirus software will detect the file when it is first run if it has already been updated to look out for it. But out of date antivirus software won't detect the virus at that point, and once the virus is installed, won't be able to see it at all.

 

Despite the fact that the Sony DRM in question is available on US CDs, it is possible to get them in the UK from the likes of Amazon. Curiously, the Trojan appears to be targetting the UK specifically. Cluley said that Sophos' research centres across the globe were aware of the new Trojan but had yet to encounter it.

 

'There's a peculiarly British angle to this one in that it pretends to come from an organisation called Total Business Monthly and refers to the website totalbusiness.co.uk,' he said.

 

He said that while the Trojan appears to be out there in numbers, Sophos has yet to receive any reports of infection. 'We've had reports from a few large companies that have received the virus, but fortunately it seems they had the good sense to quarantine it.'

 

The Trojan arrives in an email with attached files with names such as Article+Photos.exe, subjects such as 'Photo Approval Required' and the following message:

 

'Hello,

Your photograph was forwarded to us as part of an article we are publishing for our December edition of Total Business Monthly. Can you check over the format and get back to us with your approval or any changes?

 

 

If the picture is not to your liking then please send a preferred one. We have attached the photo with the article here.

Kind regards,

Jamie Andrews

Editor

www.TotalBusiness.co.uk

**********************************************

The Professional Development Institute

**********************************************'

 

If the recipient opens the attachment, the Trojan will attempt to copy the file $sys$drv.exe onto the hard drive where the Sony rootkit, if present, will render it invisible. The Trojan opens a backdoor onto the computer allowing remote control over the machine through IRC channels. The backdoor allows an attacker to delete, execute, and download files on the target machine. It also attempts to bypass the Windows Firewall.

 

The DRM technology the Trojan takes advantage of is included in a number of SonyBMG CDs and was first discovered by IT researchers when it turned up on a computer that was scanned for rootkits - a form of malware that talks directly to operating systems at a low-level and is invisible through Windows, and thus to other programs.

 

Further research showed that any file beginning with '$sys$' would also be cloaked by the Sony rootkit used to hide its DRM technology.

 

The company that developed the technology for Sony has since updated its software and removed the rootkit element, but that update may take sometime to make it to CDs on sale. It has also released patches to antivirus companies, but again this depends on end users updating their software.

 

Security firms immediately warned of the likelihood that virus writers would take advantage of this simple method of rendering their malicious creations invisible. Sony has been noticeable in its silence on the issue, although a spokesperson for the UK said that there were no absolutely plans to use to the technology for CDs sold here.

 

Cluley said that any allegations of irresponsible disclosure for revealing the information are misguided. 'Don't blame the guys who blew the whistle on Sony's activities,' he said.

 

Sophos will later today make a tool available from its website that will detect the presence of the Sony rootkit and, if desired, remove it and prevent reinstallation.

 

Cluley said that this Trojan is likely to be just the first of new viruses adapted to take advantage of the '$sys$' cloaking capabilities made possible through the DRM protection in some Sony CDs.

Matt Whipp

[Kalfear]

source of patent

 

SCE has secured the patent for a new disc technology that, if used, would not allow the PS3 to read used games for that platform. The technology was invented by Kutaragi himself, as well as two others.

 

It is indicated specifically that the technology is to prevent the use of used as well as pirated software.

 

The technology involves actually rendering a authentication code originally encrypted on the game disk unreadable to other machines once the disk it is used.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Kinda sucks regarding used games but small price to pay to attempt to eliminate piracy of the games.

 

Thumbs up over all!

[Diamond]

*snip*

In the other news: <_<

Now the Legalese Rootkit: Sony-BMG's EULA

More on Sony: Dangerous Decloaking Patch, EULAs and Phoning Home

Sony: You don