Sony's XCP copy protection system for its CDs is a so-called "root-kit" that hides itself deep inside the Windows operating system. In other words, playing a CD with this system makes secret changes to XP. Apparently, Sony only used it on sales in the USA so the rest of us should be OK.Although Sony has stopped using it, Microsoft has decided that it is malicious software and will put utilities to find and remove the XCP system in the next update of its anti-spyware software. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4430608.stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4434852.stm

Yup, this Sony software is one nasty piece of spyware. A virus has already been distributed that takes advantage of the rootkit that it installs onto your system. Details can be found [a href=http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,123511,00.asp]here[/a] and [a href=http://www.sysinternals.com/blog/2005/10/sony-rootkits-and-digital-rights.html]here[/a].I'm avoiding Sony CDs like the plague from now on.

It's also reported that Sony is charging internet retailers significantly more than conventional retailers for its products to try to force their prices up nearer to retail levels.http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1872549,00.htmlSony denies this saying "Sony offers a common basic trade price to all resellers, online and offline. What is true is that Sony offers discounts to qualifying retailers, which benefit consumers."http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4438298.stmSo they are charging internet retailers more. To paraphase "There are lies, #### lies, and PR statements"

It goes from bad to worse:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4456970.stm

That would be the reverse of most other companies.For example Nikon and many others in the photography market often charge highstreet retailers more than the retail price charged by online stores, ensuring they can't compete.So for example a Nikon lens I was looking to buy would have cost me $1500 from a major online store (including taxes and shipping), my local dealer would have to pay $1700 wholesale price for that same lens, excluding taxes.Add those and he would just about break even selling it to me at $2100.