It has to be a fairly simple idea to be able to not get 'lost' while being copied by bootleggers. Since revealing exactly what and how the CAP code is used would reduce it's usefulness, it (like submarine positions) is not talked about. If bootleggers knew exactly where and how many times it appered in a film, they might start editing them out- either by electronic means or just chopping out frames. So, it is used to only "find" that bootlegging is occuring. Additional detective work is then used to gather seperate evidence. Only that 'seperate evidence' would be presented in court, without mentioning CAP codes at all, to preserve it's secret. For that same reason the CAP code system has never been patented. So, don't get too upset with JP for not talking.

The CAP code is an sort of 'watermark' that is placed on a release print. Although unobtrusive, it can be viewed even if the overall image quality is fairly low (as with poor cameras and through muliple generations.) It can be added quickly and easily while release prints are being printed (on high-speed printers.) So, it must be an optical process that is as fast (or faster) than the frame rate of high-speed printers. It must connect to a computer (which regular lab staff do not have access to) to keep track of what code was applied to what print. This is why if a theater gets sent the wrong print, they have to break it down and send it back, even if it's the same feature.

Years ago, several people speculated that it is the small white dots that appear at various times during a film, usually soon after a reel change (trying to disguise itself as camera negative dirt.) Although, today with digital equipment, there is no reason it couldn't be another- less noticable color. It wouldn't be right after a reel change, because of the high damage that occurs many times to the heads and tails of film mounted for platter use. In fact, someone could preview the film and find a few frames where it would be especally hard to notice it (an explosion, random colors, etc.) Reels may get mixed, so it would have to appear at least once per reel to sort that out. But I suspect it is applied several times per reel in case a bootlegger only copies a small portion of a film, like a particularly cool scene. Or, in case there just happened to be print damage to one of the areas it was applied. This does not mean that the code has to be the same each time within the print. To fool people looking for a pattern, it could be different every time it is applied.

Now, I don't know for sure how the CAP code works, but I can assure you that it is real, and has been used to bust people. Living near NY, (that hotbed of bootlegging) I've met some (rather creepy) people who used to distribute stuff (they got busted and told me about it.) And, I'm not talking about the obvious, like that copy of "Titanic" with the big Malaysia tax stamp in the corner. Their stuff was reasonable quality, with no obvious identifing marking.

If the cap code is real, then there is no better test to spread the word and inflict fear into would-be (or possibly even current) bootleggers. However, if it is not, then this thread will continue to sit here, like I know it will. No one will take a proposition they know they will lose. Simple and plain as that.

THIS is the story I was told a couple years ago by one of our techs.

Honestly, I'm not sure I believe it. It SEEMS plausible.

Brad:
CAP Code has been in use for over 18 years. It has definitely helped identify sources of pirated copies in numerous cases. With billions of dollars in revenue at stake, the MPAA is VERY agressive in prosecuting film piracy. CAP Code is real, and a powerful tool in their arsenal against film piracy.

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To have that theory work, you would have to make people aware of it and belive that it exists. But a quick search of Alta-Vista and Yahoo will only turn up one applicable hit, and that's another guy asking how it works (his posting was unanswered.) So if Jason is right, CAP codes are a pretty well-kept non-secret.

And Jason, I understand your point, but using nuclear bombs is probably not the best analogy. Even though most of us have never seen a live detonation, we all know they do exist.

As I said, talking to that guy pretty much convinced me.

I don't think it is based on some use of infra-red, because that would not reliably transfer to video.

I remember on Empire Strikes Back there was a couple of different audio versions. The scene that stuck in my mind was when Luke is looking around the swamp and talking to R2 when Yoda says "feel like what". At that instant there is a big note in the music as Luke turns around and Yoda covers his face. In some prints, this is the sequence:
Luke: "I feel like...."
Music hits big finishing note
Yoda covers his eyes
Luke: "Like we're being watched!"

In other prints, THIS was the sequence:
Luke: "I feel like...."
Music hits big finishing note
Yoda covers his eyes and lets out a yell "EEEEEEEEEEEE!"
Luke: "Like we're being watched!"

Still, how many different versions could've been made with tiny things like this? Certainly no more than a few and that would still result in hundreds of identical prints. Regardless, I always assumed it was some anti-piracy thing Lucas came up with. I've never seen this movie on video, so I'm not sure how any of the couple-dozen video releases are, but I do specifically remember different film prints differing in little things like that.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

E.T. was another one. That ending sequence when E.T. is walking back to the ship to go home, there is no dialogue and I've seen different cuts of the last dozen shots. Different cuts meaning they were presented in a different "order", less the final shot of Elliot. What can I say, I notice these little discrepencies!

My thoughts on the CAP code is that it more than likely does exist but is something so simple if it was described,it would give it away. John said it was around about 18 years so it aint that "sci-fi" or hi-tech. It has no doubt evolved since then,but the idea still the same.

But like satelite dish descramblers, macrovison (the video copy deterent) and other forms of protecion or encryption, if it exists, there will be someone,somewhere who's found a way to beat it.

--Chris

I can't discuss the details of how CAP code works, but distributors wouldn't be spending money to have CAP Code on prints for 18 years unless it was effective in finding film pirates. IT IS REAL --- hundreds of thousands of prints have been coded in the past 18 years.