California-based Sigma Designs and Taiwan's MediaTek make
microchips that are used to decode a security feature known as CSS
(Content Scrambling System). CSS is found in all legitimate
copyright-protected DVDs. The microchips allow DVD players to
unscramble the CSS-protected content and play the DVD.
The use of CSS is controlled by an industry group known as the
DVD Copy Control Association, which licenses companies to
manufacture DVD players and the microchips.
According to Reuters, the MPAA has now sued Sigma Designs and
MediaTek, alleging that they sold their chips to companies that
manufactured DVD players that were not compliant with DVD CCA
requirements. This, says the MPAA, is in breach of the chipmakers'
licences.
Potentially, the unauthorised players could have been used to
illegally copy DVDs.
Neither Sigma Designs nor MediaTek has commented on the suits so
far.
The action represents the latest stage in a fairly successful
anti-piracy campaign by the MPAA.
In July, according to CNET News, the MPAA was awarded an
injunction against another chip manufacturer – ESS Technology –
whose chips were found in an unlicensed DVD player, while earlier
this month the industry group settled a copyright infringement
action brought against the now defunct 321 Studios.
That controversial software company was best known for
DVD-copying software that circumvented anti-copying features in
DVDs and let consumers make backup copies.
