Movielink to Enable DVD Burning

Movie download service Movielink has taken the first step in enabling its customers to copy their flicks onto DVDs by licensing burning technology from Sonic Solutions. However, it's not clear if the feature has the backing of any Hollywood studios, or when it would launch.

The software provided by Sonic will include copyright protections to prevent a customer from making further copies of the DVD. Currently, users can only watch the movies they download on their computers using Windows Media Video technology, and the movie industry has been hesitant to rock a lucrative boat.

Studios worry that faster broadband connections will lead more consumers to download movies and take away from physical disc sales, in turn angering major retailers. At the same time, the industry is fearful that by not facilitating the process, users will turn to illegal downloading as they did for music.

Digital rights management issues could also hold back the feature. Copyright protections on DVDs have proven easy to circumvent, and Hollywood is concerned about giving consumers more opportunity to pirate movies.

Still, Movielink was founded by a consortium of movie studios, and it may have the best chance of breaking new ground when it comes to movie downloads.

"We are anticipating an industry resolution to establish rules for converting secure Internet-delivered Movielink downloads into a secure format compatible with DVD players," Movielink CEO Jim Ramo said in a statement.