DVD-Audio Copy Protection Standard

The DVD-Audio format has overcome its final hurdle with the unveiling on March 3 of a copyright protection standard that prevents unauthorized duplication and clears the way for mass production. A team of technology companies including IBM Corporation, Intel Corporation, Matsushita Electric Industrial Company and Toshiba Corporation developed the standard. The five music groups ñ EMI Group Plc., Sony Music Entertainment, BMG, Universal Music Group and Warner Music - are backing the copyright protection technology.With this latest development DVD-Audio could be at stores within six months.