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| Sony DADC takes the lead in copy protection for computer games with SecuROM and new exclusive n-CD solution |
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Salzburg, August 18, 2003 - SecuROM by Sony DADC is the new leader in copy protection solutions for
the games industries. Taking the incentive out of illegal copying is the exclusive n-CD concept,
which allows the placement of premium content on top of a conventional games disc. Only owners of
an original n-CD have access to the bonuses via Internet. Modern disc identification technology
ensures that these premium features are exclusively reserved for only one user of an original disc.
To experience these innovative solutions, please visit us at the Games Convention in Leipzig,
Germany from August 21-24 and at the ECTS in London from August 27 to 29.
The n-CD concept is the next step towards one-to-one marketing allowing the addition of value
to conventional optical media. It connects existing games content on CD-ROM media directly with
specific websites on the internet. This technology developed by Sony DADC guarantees the user the
advantage of accessing specific bonus features that are directly linked to an original CD. By
pairing a Secure Web Link together with the unique identification number, only "original CDs" are
granted access to specific websites and to specific premium content. The premium site is a vehicle
to reward users with promotions or cash-value benefits. "Current ideas are to offer consumers
access to promotions, such as for future games releases, or to install a bonus point system
comparable to an airline's frequent flyer program. Therefore, the consumer is receiving a true cash
value for his purchase," says Martin Prieler, Product Manager at Sony DADC. In the games business
the n-CD concept is a tool to build consumer loyalty, use the data for effective customer
relationship management, extend the product's life cycle and offer an incentive to continue to
purchase future releases.
The n-CD technology already has proven successful, forming the basis for the Privilege Disc
which offers previews of unreleased computer games. Exclusively reserved for beta-testers and
journalist, this privilege n-CD holds the key to unlock SecuROM protected pre-release software of
certain publishers. Entailing more than just copy protection, the Privilege Disc grants owners of
the original exclusive access to online bonus content, which is not accessible otherwise. The
Privilege n-CD is based on three pillars: SecuROM for copy protection, Postscribed ID (PID)
technology for the unique number on each disc and a Secure Web Link that enables the privileged web
access. Furthermore, Sony DADC was recently able to apply the n-CD concept to the first games title
- TDK Mercedes World Racing which will be out in stores by September.
SecuROM is the most chosen copy protection for CD-ROM and DVD-ROM. Meanwhile 70% of leading
games publishers trust SecuROM copy protection, which is offered and supported worldwide. Vivendi
Universal, Blizzard, Atari, EIDOS, Codemasters, JoWooD and Take 2 Interactive are amongst the
customer base. Latest customer joining this successful coalition against piracy is Lucas Arts.
Aside from leading copy protection Sony DADC offers various services. The company has established
itself as one-stop-shop offering services out of one hand to the entertainment industry. Over 70
engineers are developing new concepts to continuously be at the cutting-edge of technology and
fulfil customer demands.
As the world's largest producer of pre-recorded optical discs, Sony DADC supplies a full line
of highquality products and services for the games publishers. Services include digital authoring,
editing, copy control, graphic design, mastering, replication, packaging, distribution and
fulfilment for CD-ROM, DVD and PlayStation discs. For further questions, please contact or Bernhard
Wiesinger, Product Manager at +43 (0) 6246-880-555 or via Email at
sales@sonydadc.com and visit us at
www.sonydadc.com and
www.securom.com.
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