Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
Using your VAIO desktop
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SonicStage
This is a copyright protection technology that is used to manage the digital music content downloaded to
the PC from CDs, the Internet and/or other sources.
Software installed on the PC records music content in encrypted form onto the hard disk. As well as allowing
you to enjoy music on the PC, this technology protects against unauthorised distribution on the Internet.
Since it is compatible with MagicGate, you can use OpenMG/SonicStage to transfer music that you have
downloaded onto your PC to your MG Memory Stick™, and playback on other MagicGate-equipped devices
and media.
Copyright protection
People who create artistic works such as music are entitled to a "copyright", meaning that they have
exclusive rights to dictate how their work is used. When they are created, artistic works are automatically
protected by a copyright without having to submit notification or registration, and may not be used without
the permission of the person who created the work.
In the music world, however, illegal acts of distributing music without the permission of the artist,
particularly on the Internet, have recently been on the increase. That is why the Recording Industry
Association of America (RIAA) took the initiative to organise a forum called Secure Music Digital Initiative
(SDMI) to study technology for protecting copyrights during the electronic distribution of music.
Sony offers the MagicGate Memory Stick™ and Memory Stick™ Walkman with a copyright protection
function that complies with SDMI standards, thereby providing an environment where individuals can
record and enjoy third-party music data without worrying about copyright infringement.
✍ Literary works that are recorded by individuals are permitted for private usage only.