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MagicGate (MG) is acopy-protection technology introduced bySony in 1999 as part of theSecure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI).[1][2] 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.[3]
MagicGate encryption was introduced with Sony's firstdigital audio players, with the relatedOpenMG 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 thePlayStation 2 and, as of 2004[update], has been introduced into all of Sony'sMemory Stick products. Some devices will only accept Memory Sticks which use MagicGate technology.[5]
AllMemory Stick Duo cards equipped with MagicGate can be identified by a notch located on the rear end of the card.
Few (USB orPC Card) Memory Stick-compatiblememory 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 withSonicStage andSony 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:
Current Sony Devices that do not support MagicGate DRM as of summer 2007:
Current Sony Devices that do not support MagicGate DRM as of summer 2007, but the support may be possible via future firmware updates:
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.
