How does DRM in MQA work?

[Fokus]

There are two aspects.

 

The first is the 'hard' DRM, a mechanism observed in the code that allows for some audio bits to be swapped, resulting in recognisable but distorted replay unless the user can show the proper key.

AFAIK this is not used today, but it is in there nevertheless.

 

The second is conceptual DRM. The user can never have access to the fully unfolded audio in the digital domain. That means no inspection, and no compatibility with presently-installed (*) digital domain signal processing.

These are two significant restrictions compared to open formats, hence 'managing my rights'.

 

(* Of course MQA invite us to ditch it all and purchase new, MQA-approved processors.)

 

[Fokus]

8 hours ago, tmtomh said:

And they certainly didn't send people to publicly impugn the integrity who pointed out that the format was DRM'd either.

 

When I published a critical comment on SACD on my website my provider and I got a cease and desist from Sony legal.

[Fokus]

That was 20 years ago. I accused S of willfully starting a format war, and DSD of being an unsuitable production format.

 

Apologies for the OT.