As a compact disc replicator, we have been asked many times if there is a way to copy-protect data CD or DVD. \u00a0By data CD or data DVD we mean the disc contains only computer files in their basic form. \u00a0Audio CDs or DVD-VIDEO\u00a0also contain files but their file structures are somewhat different than the\u00a0Plain Jane CD-ROM or DVD-ROM structure. \u00a0Computer software, MP3\/MP4 files, and PDF files are\u00a0good examples of content to be found on data discs.<\/p>\n
Historically there is no copy protection for a data disc. \u00a0There are various so-called copy protection schemes intentionally trying to make a disc defective also causes a lot of problems in reading reliability. CSS<\/a> copy protection on DVD only applies to DVD-VIDEO. \u00a0In this article I will present a somewhat tricky, or sneaky way if you want to call it, to add copy protection to data CD or DVD.<\/p>\n Disclaimer:<\/strong> Disc to Disc Copy Protection for CD-ROM<\/strong> Disc to Disc Copy Protection for DVD-ROM<\/strong> Conclusion<\/strong> New Cyberian has been the primary disc replicator that can efficiently add CSS to DVD-VIDEO since 2000.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As a compact disc replicator, we have been asked many times if there is a way to copy-protect data CD or DVD. \u00a0By data CD or data DVD we mean the disc contains only computer files in their basic form. … Continue reading
\nThe method described here can only prevent disc to disc copying. \u00a0It does not prevent the dragging of files to the desktop and then using disc burning software to create a new disc from the copied files on the desktop. \u00a0This method can only deter computer savvy people from doing a disc-to-disc copy on duplicator tower or disc burning software such as NERO<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nNo, there is no such thing. \u00a0But ask yourself, why do I have to use CD-ROM? \u00a0DVD-ROM functions exactly the same and if your optical disc drive is still CD only then you don’t deserve to be reading this. Please don’t feel guilty about wasting the extra disc capacity on a DVD even you only have one line of text. Optical disc storage is so cheap now so there is no point to limit your media just on CD. \u00a0If you agree to put your data on a DVD then move on to the next section.<\/p>\n
\nThere is really no copy protection for DVD-ROM per se. \u00a0But CSS copy protection is available for DVD-VIDEO; a special format of DVD that also allows the adding of ROM data on top of the DVD-VIDEO structure. \u00a0It is this last fact that makes the disc to disc copy protection possible. \u00a0All we need to do is to create a DVD-VIDEO instead of a DVD-ROM. \u00a0You can make the video as a dummy video with a one-second blink or you can put the more meaningful instructions on how to access the ROM data on the disc. \u00a0Typically on Windows, it will be right-clicking on the optical disc drive icon and then choose “Open” instead of double-clicking on the icon. \u00a0On Mac two drives icon will show up on the Desktop; one as the DVD-VIDEO and one as the DVD-ROM.<\/p>\n
\nIn a nutshell, by artificially adding a short video and making the DVD as DVD-VIDEO then CSS can be added to prevent the less computer-savvy users from doing the disc to disc copying.<\/p>\n