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Hi Mike,
Thanks for the info.
The only way around this technology that I can foresee is going from digital
to analog and then back to digital again.
My MD deck can record copy-protected CD's if my inputs are from RCA but not from
the optical connections.  I'm not sure what kind of copy protection they are
using, but it prevents copying via optical cable.



Date:3/6/1998. Mike from S.C. 's message 

>Hi everyone,
>
>You might want to read this article on CNET:
>
>http://news.com.com/2100-1023-852540.html?legacy=cnet&tag=lthd
>
>Apparently Avex is the first label in Japan to introduce "copy protected" CDs,
>which (sometimes) do not play on computers, and at minimum can't be copied
>with your CD burner.
>
>The best-known artist in the Avex group of "protected" CDs is Do As Infinity.
>Their new greatest hits CD "Do The Best" will be copy protected.
>
>I have an import copy of Natalie Imbruglia's "White Lillies Island," which is
>protected with the same system ("Cactus Data Shield" from Midbar Technology).
>When you put the disc in your computer a small Winamp-style player comes up on
>the screen. You can play the tracks but if you open up your burner software
>(like MusicMatch Jukebox) it does not recognize the tracks on the CD and
>cannot play them.
>
>The worst part of the CNET article: Universal wants to do the same before 
>mid-year. Even if Seiko is returning to Sony, if Avex and Universal do this,
>the other major labels will undoubtedly follow. There has been a major protest
>from music consumers worldwide over this technology, and some people have even
>returned CDs that wouldn't play on ANY CD PLAYER...and, as you might have 
>guessed, the record labels DON'T CARE...they're going to move forward with this
>anyway.
>
>As you know, I don't support Napster-type trading of MP3 files. Even though
>CDs are ridiculously overpriced, I do feel that the artist has a right to 
>profit. HOWEVER...if you buy a CD, the owner SHOULD have the right to make a 
>personal-use mix tape / CD / mini-disc / whatever. The record labels disagree.
>
>If you are shopping for CDs in the future, read your labels carefully. If you
>see "Cactus Data Shield" or "Midbar Tech Ltd" anywhere in the credits, you are
>buying a copy protected CD.
>
>Best regards,
>
>Mike