It is now possible to remove AACS encryption from HD DVDs, and play them on non-HDCP compliant graphics cards and displays.

SlySoft, a software company based in Antigua, has reportedly released the first version of its AnyDVD HD, a program that makes it possible to get around the AACS copy protection of the new HD DVD generation by way of just a few clicks of the mouse.

The program removes AACS encryption from HD DVDs, and allows users to watch movies over a digital display connection without HDCP compliant hardware. It also enables PowerDVD Ultra to run titles on the PC player, which otherwise do not run.

Another feature of AnyDVD HD is "magic file replacement" that uses simple XML scripts to replace the files on the physical disc so that the user can customize discs without making a copy to a hard drive.

Besides, the program also includes some of the AnyDVD features such as removal of CSS encryption and region codes from DVD movies, removing or skipping of unwanted movie features such as subtitles, and prohibition messages including Studio Logos and FBI warnings,

Additionally, it includes a UDF 2.5 file ripper, which eliminates the need to install 3rd party UDF 2.5 file system under Windows XP.
AnyDVD HD is available at a price of $79 (Rs 3,555), while the upgrade from AnyDVD will cost $30 (Rs 1,350). Also, a free 21-day trial version of the software is available for download.

According to the company, the current version of AnyDVD HD supports only HD DVD, but given the similarities in copy protection, they plan to come up with a new version that will support Blu-ray Disc.

The Blu-ray version employs the same AACS process as HD-DVD and is planned for availability in the first quarter of 2007.