Here's something that opponents of restrictive DRM implementations aren't going to be too happy with: ZDNet is reporting that new copy-protection software for DVD publishers from a company called ProtectDisc not only makes it difficult to rip movies that you've purchased -- no surprise there -- but actually prevents discs from playing in a Windows PC at all.

ENGADGET: Protect DVD-Video prevents discs from playing on your PC

Software firms, meanwhile, see copy protection as an opportunity.

ECONOMIST: Digital copyright

One feature you're not getting with this unit -- besides the inability to record OTA programming -- is DRM support, so if you want to load up your PlaysForSure- or FairPlay-protected tracks, you'll need to strip out the copy protection with one of those handy pieces of software first (not that we'd ever encourage that sort of behavior, of course).

ENGADGET: Genus' SLM radio does DAB and MP3

Live streaming is also impossible thanks to a "bug" in the software that can't secure the session, breaking the corporation's copy protection system which only affects mobile devices.

ENGADGET: BBC not bringing iPlayer or live streaming to Windows Phone, blames Microsoft