----- Original Message ----- From: "Steve Schear" <schear@lvcm.com>
Harry Potter released unprotected
So, is this just a test or has at least one industry giant decided, as the software industry learned long ago, that the cost of copy protection often exceeds its value.
I believe it's a test. The studio has determined that Harry Potter has already made a (sizable) profit, so using it for an experiment is acceptable. By testing on a big budget target they can now determine if copy-protection costs exceed value.
Time to short Macrovision (MVSN, NASDAQ NM)? In the past year the stock has dropped from about $72 to about $14. I wonder if their $1.00 drop in price on today's opening reflects this news?
I don't think so, not yet at least. This looks like just a pilot program. Watch the normal piracy channels though, if Harry Potter shows up stronger than other releases Macrovision will be around a while. But if Harry Potter isn't substantially hit by piracy, then you might want to start shorting Macrovision, they'll start losing customers. Joe