Serial Copy Management System. A DAT format subcode which prevents direct digital copies by inserting a copy-protect message when a digital-to-digital copy of a recording is made. Once the flag is in the subcode of a tape, no subsequent copies can be made from that tape. SCMS is designed into most home digital recorders, and is a problem when transferring material from a consumer-type deck to a digital workstation or when trying to make safety copies of recording sessions. SCMS does not, however, prevent copies made using analog inputs. Some pro-level DAT decks include an SCMS defeat switch or use AES/EBU digital interfaces which are unaffected by the SCMS flags. Pronounced “scams” or “scums.”