MagicGate

MagicGate logo

PlayStation 2 memory card supporting MagicGate

MagicGate (MG) is a copy-protection technology introduced by Sony in 1999 as part of the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI).^[1]^[2] It works by encrypting the content on the device and using MagicGate chips in both the storage device and the reader to enforce control over how files are copied.^[3]

MagicGate encryption was introduced with Sony's first digital audio players, with the related OpenMG technology being its software counterpart.^[4] Since then, the encryption has been rolled out to other Sony devices – it is used in the memory cards of the PlayStation 2 and, as of 2004^[update], has been introduced into all of Sony's Memory Stick products. Some devices will only accept Memory Sticks which use MagicGate technology.^[5]

All Memory Stick Duo cards equipped with MagicGate can be identified by a notch located on the rear end of the card.

Support

Few (USB or PC Card) Memory Stick-compatible memory card readers support secure MagicGate. Although manufacturers list Memory Stick Pro/Pro Duo (MG) compatibility, where MG means MagicGate, they may not support the security portion of MagicGate. This becomes important when purchasing a card reader/writer for use with SonicStage and Sony CONNECT as even Sony itself does not fully support MagicGate on certain readers. Non-MagicGate memory card reader/writers do not show up in SonicStage, with the notable exception of Sony Ericsson phones.

Current Sony devices that support MagicGate DRM as of summer 2007:

Most Memory Stick capable Sony VAIO notebooks and desktops
PlayStation Portable – The PlayStation Portable in service mode will only boot to Memory Sticks with MagicGate enabled
PlayStation Vita – Used for verifying memory cards and PSP Emulation
PlayStation 3
MSAC-US40 USB Memory Stick Card Reader/Writer
PlayStation 2

Current Sony Devices that do not support MagicGate DRM as of summer 2007:

All U.S. Sony Ericsson phones – most Sony Ericsson phones should show up in SonicStage for MP3/AAC transfer
VGP-MCA10 PCMCIA Card Reader/Writer – does not sport the MagicGate logo
Sony 17 in 1 Card Reader/Writer MRW62E/S1/181
Sony AVCHD camcorders such as HDR-UX5/UX7

Current Sony Devices that do not support MagicGate DRM as of summer 2007, but the support may be possible via future firmware updates:

Mylo Personal Communicator – Mylo's 1GB internal memory can be used with SonicStage and supports OpenMG
Sony Reader portable e-reader PRS-500 & PRS-600 – may show up in SonicStage for MP3/AAC transfer.

State of DRM

In March 2009, Sony Electronics announced they were phasing out the Sony CONNECT service in favor of Windows Media Audio & Windows Media DRM, though they have not officially announced plans to continue a Windows Media DRM music service, either. As of June 2009, the future of MagicGate DRM was unknown. MagicGate slots were still a part of the default Vaio configuration as of May 2010.