What is DeCSS, and how does it work?
A computer that has the DeCSS utility can use it to break the CSS code on DVDs making it possible for motion pictures in DVD format to be decrypted and illegally copied onto a computers hard-drive for further distribution over the Internet or otherwise, in perfect, digital format. DeCSS is akin to a tool that breaks the lock on your house. DVD files are too large to send over current Internet pipes, re-recordable DVD-ROMs are more expensive than prerecorded DVD movies. However, this isn’t important (it merely points out that DeCSS is an inefficient tool for piracy). You don’t need to break CSS in order to make a copy of a DVD that will run in a player that has a way to play back CSS encrypted content. Breaking CSS is only useful for viewing DVDs, not copying them.
