MagicGate Logo on:
[Wikipedia]
[Google]
[Amazon]
MagicGate (MG) is a copy-protection technology introduced by Sony in 1999 as part of the
MagicGate (MG) is a copy-protection technology introduced by Sony in 1999 as part of the Secure Digital Music Initiative
Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI) was a forum formed in late 1998,Leonardo ChiariglioneRiding the Media Bits. Opening content protection chiariglione.org, 2003 composed of more than 200 IT, consumer electronics, security technology, ISP and re ...
(SDMI). 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.
MagicGate encryption was introduced with Sony's first digital audio players, with the related OpenMG technology being its software counterpart. Since then the encryption has been rolled out to other Sony devices - it is used in the memory cards of the PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 (PS2) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was first released in Japan on 4 March 2000, in North America on 26 October 2000, in Europe on 24 November 2000, and in Australia on 3 ...
and, {{As of, 2004, lc=on, has been introduced into all of Sony's Memory Stick products. Some devices will only accept Memory Sticks which use MagicGate technology.
All Memory Stick Duo cards equipped with MagicGate can be identified by a notch located on the rear end of the card.
Support
Few ( USB orPC Card
In computing, PC Card is a configuration for computer parallel communication peripheral interface, designed for laptop computers. Originally introduced as PCMCIA, the PC Card standard as well as its successors like CardBus were defined and devel ...
) Memory Stick-compatible 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 (PSP) is a handheld game console developed and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was first released in Japan on December 12, 2004, in North America on March 24, 2005, and in PAL regions on September 1, 2005, ...
– The PlayStation Portable in service mode will only boot to Memory Sticks with MagicGate enabled
* PlayStation Vita
The PlayStation Vita (PS Vita, or Vita) is a handheld video game console developed and marketed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It was first released in Japan on December 17, 2011, and in North America, Europe, and other international territo ...
- Used for verifying memory cards and PSP Emulation.
* PlayStation 4
The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a home video game console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Announced as the successor to the PlayStation 3 in February 2013, it was launched on November 15, 2013, in North America, November 29, 2013 in ...
* PlayStation 3
* MSAC-US40 USB Memory Stick Card Reader/Writer.
* PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 (PS2) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was first released in Japan on 4 March 2000, in North America on 26 October 2000, in Europe on 24 November 2000, and in Australia on 3 ...
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 DRM
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 also
* Memory Stick * OpenMG * Memory Stick PRO * SonicStage *Handycam
Handycam is a Sony brand used to market its camcorder range. It was launched in 1985 as the name of the first Video8 camcorder, replacing Sony's previous line of Betamax-based models, and the name was intended to emphasize the "handy" palm size ...
* Cyber-shot
References