The origin and author of SoftCAS.zip.13 are unknown, but some sources suggest that it was based on a leaked source code of a B-CAS card emulator developed by a hacker group called Black Hawk Project. The group was reportedly arrested by the police in 2011 for illegally distributing B-CAS card data and software.
The release of SoftCAS.zip.13 sparked a lot of controversy and debate among digital TV enthusiasts and broadcasters. Some users praised the software as a breakthrough that liberated them from the monopoly and restrictions of B-CAS, while others criticized it as a piracy tool that violated the intellectual property rights and security of digital broadcasting. Some users also reported that the software did not work properly or caused errors and glitches on their TV tuners.
The B-CAS organization issued a statement on its website, warning users not to use SoftCAS.zip.13 or any other unauthorized software that emulates B-CAS cards. The organization claimed that such software could damage the TV tuners, expose users to malware and viruses, and infringe on the rights of broadcasters and content providers. The organization also stated that it would take legal actions against anyone who distributes or uses such software.
As of September 2023, SoftCAS.zip.13 is still available on some websites and file-sharing platforms, but its popularity and usage have declined significantly due to the risks and limitations involved. The B-CAS organization has also implemented several countermeasures to prevent the emulation of B-CAS cards, such as updating the encryption algorithm, issuing new cards with enhanced security features, and blocking some channels from being accessed by unauthorized devices.
SoftCAS.zip.13 remains a controversial topic in the history of digital broadcasting in Japan, as it reflects the conflict between the interests of broadcasters and consumers, as well as the challenges of protecting digital content from piracy and hacking.
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