Which CD emulator is Best?

[IceBreaker]

Starforce 3 uses a new encryption that protects not only the executable, but also non-executable files as well . Thus making a crack will be considerably harder. As for the copy-protection, I know little about it: some have claimed to have made a working image with Whisky 120% using Starforce 1/2 profile, PLUS enabling subchannel data reading AND setting data position measurement to 'high'. As for burning a workable copy which needs no emulation (ie. with Blindwrite+BWAbuilder), I know that the most recent Securom and Starforce schemes are much trickier to fool using the BW 'twinpeaks' method - the Blindwrite guys had better keep up...

I've heard that the Plextor Premium is capable of reproducing density variations on a CD-R using its onboard Gigarec feature, giving it a (temporary) headstart over other burners. But although it works with recent Securom versions (where it makes (working) backups that are almost 1:1, in fact 'damn close to the originals' according to a german forum) it has not been tested with Starforce disks, where physical characteristics are somewhat different, and much more complex.

ClonyXXL 2.0.1.3+ can detect this new protection and the Clonecd/Blindwrite/Alcohol guys are already working on a solution. It is but a question of time before this protection is officially defeated, and most probably in the immediate future. However there is a dark threat on the horizon, a looming shadow, and it has a name: Starforce 4 SE (Secret Edition). Its release date is of yet unknown...

But hey, never fear, for as I've always said,

IF IT CAN BE READ IT CAN BE BURNT

Some day, freedom and justice will prevail, and people all over the world will live in total bliss, and peace of mind, regardless of their age, caste, creed, color, or CD burner brand, making 1:1 backups of all their games