Some Sony DVDs Won't Play on... Sony DVD Players?

Less than two years after the debacle -- and FTC settlement -- that resulted from Sony BMG’s ill-advised use of a controversial malware “rootkit” copy-protection scheme on some of its CD titles, Sony is once again under fire for using a digital rights management (DRM) technology that rendered about 20 of its DVD movie releases unplayable on certain brands of DVD players.

The snafu affects about 20 titles -- including "Casino Royale," "Stranger Than Fiction" and "Rocky Balboa" -- which Sony is replacing. Apparently an update to the ARccOS copy protection scheme it used on the discs, which Sony has employed previously without any issues, made the discs incompatible with a number of DVD players. To thwart copying, the software intentionally introduces errors when used with ripping software, but some players were unable to read instructions that allowed them to bypass the errors.

In a statement, Sony said the number of players affected by the glitch was “very small,” and said it has revised the software to avoid future problems. It is replacing the discs for purchasers who own affected machines, which include models from Harman Kardon, Toshiba and, ironically, Sony. If you have been affected by this problem, call Sony Picture’s customer service at (800) 860-2878.

The issue came to light after several comments were posted on Amazon.com’s discussion boards, and were picked up by other blogs. Complaints then were made to Sony directly, causing them to respond.

In 2005, Sony BMG came under fire for issuing audio CDs that contained a copy-protection scheme that automatically -- and surreptitiously -- installed a rootkit, or spyware, on a user’s PCs when the disc was played. The rootkit caused some computers to crash, and left others open to security breaches. As a result, numerous class-action lawsuits were filed, and Sony recalled the affected CDs. This past January, Sony reached a settlement with the FTC that provided for reimbursements to consumers affected by the software, and it agreed not to issue any CDs that installed copy-protection software without the user’s consent.

-- James K. WIllcox