If they didn’t have enough to worry with computer users downloading commercial music with file sharing applications like Napster and Gnutella, the Motion Picture Association of America’s (MPAA) worst fears have materialized.
A MacDirectory article (“Apple, Compaq to Bow Recordable DVD“) examines the impact of Apple’s new DVD-R technology on entertainment piracy:
Apple will begin bundling the devices with its Power Macs and Compaq into its new line of Presario PCs as early as March. Compaq will provide software allowing consumers to add menu and chapter options to their DVD discs similar to those found on professionally produced DVD movies.
While the manufacturers say they believe consumers will use the devices to record and swap family movies that they shoot themselves, the usage of CD burners in computers to record and swap off the shelf music discs demonstrates that consumers will likely have other intentions when they begin to use the inexpensive drives.
