Broadcast Flag All But Approved

Are We Afraid writes "The FCC is about to approve the broadcast flag for HDTV, according to Reuters. The EFF has been vocal in its disapproval, but the suits appear to be pushing ahead anyway. We may soon need an updated dystopian parable: The Right to Watch."

Comments

Bottled Water, Anyone?

[tds67]

"Why should anyone in the world buy if it's on the Internet," said Andrew Setos, president of engineering at News Corp.'s Fox Entertainment Group.

Why should anyone in the world buy bottled water for $1.00 each if they can get water for pennies at home?

Next Up

[killmenow]

Closing the analog hole

say bye bye to HDTivo

[e40]

Look, we know Hollywood hates TiVo. OK, more like terrified of it. Seems like this will be one way to kill a TiVo (or other similar device) foray into HDTV.

Since I have DirecTV, I'm not too worried, seeing as I got the TiVo from them... but things change...

Just say no.

[DaveV1.0]

These broadcast flags may be a Bad Thing. But, if we all watch less TV, the world may be a better place.

More time to learn, to play, to volunteer, to socialise.

Maybe, parents will actually raise their children, take care of their households, and improve the lives of their loved-ones.

People will have the time to learn about the things their government is doing, how the politicians who represent them are acting, what the issues really are, and how to change things for the better.

Or not. I could just be dreaming.

Re:Remember the copyright bit in SPDIF?

[3terrabyte]

"But can you please explain to me what difference the broadcast flag will have on indie filmmakers?",

"....but there is no mandate for any producer to use the broadcast flag in material they create. If you don't turn it on in your recording, then nothing should stop you from making copies."

Sounds good for phase 1. Then what happens when someone starts to take out the 'bit', and re-transmit somehow, allowing everyone to watch and copy to their heart's content. I'll tell you what happens, they change the law so that EVERYTHING *MUST* have the bit. And all players must have the bit. And by then hopefully all computer hardware, bios, O/S, & software will have DRM also. And lo and behold it'll cost a minimum of $15,000 to get 'access' to licensing the 'bit'. That $15,000 will be what pushes out you, me & the indies.

What I just described is a very small jump compared to the other things they're trying to push for now. The bit is going to be bad. If we allow them to do this, they can then close the smaller holes without any problem.