A creative code restructurer named Muslix64 claims to have created an application that strips encryption from HD DVD discs. The program is called BackupHDDVD, and if Muslix's claims are true, it breaks the unbreakable AACS content protection system used by both next-gen DVD formats. What's the gaming angle? With Blu-ray have more than just AACS on it, it's a step, just not that big of one.

Basically the program circumvents the checking of the software code on the disc. The kicker is that in order for it to bypass the software code, you have to first know the software code, making an extra step necessary. An extra step Muslix hasn't provided yet. In his video brag below he advises us to keep watch for source code in January.

This is one of those stories where I really wish I had some extensive programming under my belt so I could go to the Doom9 forums where this was announced, have myself a look, and know exactly what to say. As a man relatively ignorant when it comes to code, I can only say well then. Good for him. We'll keep an eye out for further developments should they appear. Michael Fahey

BackupHDDVD, a tool to decrypt AACS protected movies [Doom9 Forums, via Ars Technica]