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MagicGate (MG) is a copy-protection technology introduced by Sony in 1999 as part of the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI).<ref name="Sony Global 1999">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Memory Stick copyright protection technology</ref> It works by encrypting the content on the device and using MagicGate chips in both the storage device and the reader to enforce control over how files are copied.<ref name="Friedman 2006 p. 297">Template:Cite book</ref>
MagicGate encryption was introduced with Sony's first digital audio players, with the related OpenMG technology being its software counterpart.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Since then, the encryption has been rolled out to other Sony devices – it is used in the memory cards of the PlayStation 2 and, Template:As of, has been introduced into all of Sony's Memory Stick products. Some devices will only accept Memory Sticks which use MagicGate technology.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
All Memory Stick Duo cards equipped with MagicGate can be identified by a notch located on the rear end of the card.
SupportEdit
Few (USB or PC Card) Memory Stick-compatible memory card readers support secure MagicGate. Although manufacturers list Memory Stick Pro/Pro Duo (MG) compatibility, where MG means MagicGate, they may not support the security portion of MagicGate. This becomes important when purchasing a card reader/writer for use with SonicStage and Sony CONNECT as even Sony itself does not fully support MagicGate on certain readers. Non-MagicGate memory card reader/writers do not show up in SonicStage, with the notable exception of Sony Ericsson phones.
Current Sony devices that support MagicGate DRM as of summer 2007:
- Most Memory Stick capable Sony VAIO notebooks and desktops
- PlayStation Portable – The PlayStation Portable in service mode will only boot to Memory Sticks with MagicGate enabled
- PlayStation Vita – Used for verifying memory cards and PSP Emulation
- PlayStation 3
- MSAC-US40 USB Memory Stick Card Reader/Writer
- PlayStation 2
Current Sony Devices that do not support MagicGate DRM as of summer 2007:
- All U.S. Sony Ericsson phones – most Sony Ericsson phones should show up in SonicStage for MP3/AAC transfer
- VGP-MCA10 PCMCIA Card Reader/Writer – does not sport the MagicGate logo
- Sony 17 in 1 Card Reader/Writer MRW62E/S1/181
- Sony AVCHD camcorders such as HDR-UX5/UX7
Current Sony Devices that do not support MagicGate DRM as of summer 2007, but the support may be possible via future firmware updates:
- Mylo Personal Communicator – Mylo's 1GB internal memory can be used with SonicStage and supports OpenMG
- Sony Reader portable e-reader PRS-500 & PRS-600 – may show up in SonicStage for MP3/AAC transfer.
State of DRMEdit
In March 2009, Sony Electronics announced they were phasing out the Sony CONNECT service in favor of Windows Media Audio & Windows Media DRM, though they have not officially announced plans to continue a Windows Media DRM music service, either. As of June 2009, the future of MagicGate DRM was unknown. MagicGate slots were still a part of the default Vaio configuration as of May 2010.
See alsoEdit
ReferencesEdit
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