MagicGate
Copy-protection technology by Sony
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
MagicGate (MG) was a copy-protection technology introduced by Sony in 1999 as part of the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI).[1][2] It worked 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 could be copied.[3]
MagicGate encryption was introduced with Sony's first digital audio players, with the related OpenMG technology being its software counterpart.[4] Since then, the encryption has been rolled out to other Sony devices – it is used in the memory cards of the PlayStation 2 and, by 2004, was introduced into all of Sony's Memory Stick products. Some devices only accepted Memory Sticks which supported MagicGate.[5]
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 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.
Sony devices which supported MagicGate included:
- Memory Stick capable Sony VAIO notebooks and desktops
- PlayStation 2
- PlayStation 3
- 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
- MSAC-US40 USB Memory Stick Card Reader/Writer
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. MagicGate slots were still a part of the default Vaio configuration as of May 2010.[needs update]