Media server manufacturer Kaleidescape will release a new player that adds support for Blu-ray playback in 2009, and "is optimistic that users will be able to copy and import  Blu-ray Discs onto the server when the new player is released. 

The news first broke on the Kaleidescape Owners' Forum, where administrator Josh says that it is "‘possible' that the studios will charge users a fee to copy a Blu-ray disc to their Kaleidescape server."

The issue here is Blu-ray's use of Managed Copy, which allows consumers to make copies of AACS protected content (which has been bypassed).

Of course, Kaleidescape has been here before—the company has been the target of the DVD CCA for the way its media servers import DVDs and implement the Content Scramble System (CSS).

Kaleidescape won its court battle against the DVD CCA, even though the legality of ripping DVDs was not settled.

According to the forum post, the new player will support H.264, VC-1, and MPEG-2, as well as be compatible with existing servers. No plans are in the works to add HD DVD support, but depending on "traction in the marketplace," Kaleidescape is keeping the door open.

Possible new features include Internet-delivered content and up to five "simultaneous Blu-ray playbacks."