Blu-ray Managed Copy coming next year

Allowing consumers to make one copy of their Blu-ray discs will be required for all discs beginning in the first quarter of next year if a new licensing agreement becomes official.

The mandate is part of an agreement by a consortium of studios, manufacturers and other tech companies called the Advanced Access Content System License Administrator, Video Business reports. Studios have until December 4 to sign the agreement.

With Managed Copy, all Blu-ray discs released during or after the first quarter of 2010 must allow users to make one copy in full resolution, but content owners decide the cost and may allow users to make additional copies. These backups can come in a variety of formats, from a Blu-ray or DVD disc to a DRM-laden Microsoft file transferable to compatible players.

Consumers will need new Blu-ray hardware to use Managed Copy. These players won’t surface until the second or third quarter of next year.

Notably, Apple isn’t on board, which isn’t surprising given that Steve Jobs once called the format a "bag of hurt." Presumably this is the kind of sticky licensing issue he was referring to. Lack of Apple support means digital files of the Blu-ray content won’t be playable on iPods or iPhones.

The idea that Blu-ray owners can copy their discs without the hassle of additional programs or software is sound, but there are so many restrictions — and potential extra costs — that wiser consumers will continue to use AnyDVD instead of jumping through the industry’s hoops.