What Copy Protection Options Are Available?
The most common DVD copy protection used today is Macrovision ACP, RipGuard and CSS - Content Scrambling System. Basically, Macrovision ACP provides analog copy protection (from a DVD player to a VHS recorder), and RipGuard and CSS provides digital copy protection (from one drive to another on your computer). Together these two forms of protection can reduce the majority of illegal copying.

Will Applying Copy Protection to my DVD's Stop All Illegal Copying?
No, but it will stop the casual person who simply wants to make a copy for a friend, which is considered to be the biggest source of illegal copying. Just search the Internet and you can find a program to crack almost every kind of copy protection available. Those intent on stealing your video, will probably not be a paying customer under any circumstance. However, most people when confronted with a message that your DVD is copy protected and copying is not possible will either give up and go out and buy your DVD.

Is Copy Protection Worth the Cost?
The cost of Macrovision ACP set by Macrovision is based on annual volume and ranges from $0.15 per copy for 1,000 copies, to $0.035 per copy for 1,000,000 copies. RipGuard ranges from $0.25 per copy for 1,000 copies, to $0.06 per copy for 1,000,000 copies. CSS does not have a volume price associated with it's use. RipGuard has an additional charge to be added to your master which ranges from $250 to $700 per title. This is not a hard decision when you're doing very high volumes, but with smaller volumes this cost can increase your cost substantially. Determining what your additional cost for this and how many lost sales you would expect to re-coop this may make it easier to qualify this expense.

How Do I Get This On My Master?
When your DVD is authored, you must set the Macrovision and CSS flags on. You must also output your compiled DVD to a DLT (Digital Linear Tape), and NOT a DVD-R. You need to let us know that you want this in your replicated disc so we make sure this is put in your glass master. RipGuard can only be added by a authorized facility and has additional mastering cost. Contact us for more details on this.

How Can I Learn More About Macrovision?
1. Contact Us
2. Visit Macrovision's Website