Industry majors unite on content system licensing

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Leading players from computing, consumer electronics and Hollywood are teaming up to promote a cross-industry effort that develops, promotes and licenses technology designed to enhance digital entertainment experiences.

IBM, Intel Corporation, Microsoft, Panasonic (Matsushita Electric), Sony, Toshiba, The Walt Disney Company, and Warner Bros. Studios have formed Advanced Access Content System License Administrator (AACS LA). The initiative's resultant technology is aimed at facilitating the ability to enjoy new, flexible entertainment experiences for consumers in stand-alone, networked home and portable devices.

AACS LA is developing Advanced Access Content System, a specification for managing content stored on the next generation of pre-recorded and recordable optical media for consumer use with PCs and CE devices. Advanced Access Content System will complement new innovations in the next-generation of optical discs, and enable consumers to enjoy next-generation content, including high-definition content.

AACS LA will deliver the system as a generally available, licensable specification later this year. Having suggested that its focus is "market enablement", the group is seeking to engage in industry review and collaboration on the specification prior to completion.