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TiVo OS Update Adds Content Protection

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the does-this-mean-they-have-jumped-the-shark dept.

generic-man writes "According to PVRBlog, TiVo's new operating system update enables content protection flags on a per-show basis. On some programs, notably syndicated shows, a red flag appears to indicate that the copyright holder has requested that TiVo devices not save a program past a certain date and that the program may not be copied to a PC using TiVo to Go. TiVo users were told to expect this style of flag only on pay-per-view and video on demand programming, and as such are upset that TiVo has restricted the capabilities of the receivers they bought and subscribed to use. The TiVo Community boards have some screen shots and firsthand accounts."

1 of 615 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Ha-Ha by SeaFox · · Score: 0, Troll

    You can't be serious. So here's your solution:
          1. Find a show you're interested in
          2. Look up the time the show should air in your TV guide

    Chances are I'm learning about the show I'm interested in because I already watch it (therefore I know when it comes on) or I saw a promo for it on TV (and networks tend to tell you when they are going to air shows).

          3. Set your VCR to record that given timeslot

    Easy.

          4. Make sure there is a blank tape inserted in to VCR

    Also not difficult.

          5. Turn the VCR off, it will not record if it's on

    What a non-issue! Who leaves their VCR on all the time? Actually, my current one will flash a message on screen two minutes before the recording is supposed ot start telling me to turn off the VCR for timer recording.

          6. Rush home from work to swap the tape that just got show A taped to before show B starts taping

    You're assuming I'm running out of tape. You don't know how many shows I'm taping, at what speed, ect.

          7. Return to step 4

    This step should appear at the end of your list for TiVo programming too. Unless your Tivo knows every show you want to record from just adding one. You're just inflating the VCR programing steps otherwise. So the list is really:

    1. Find a show you're interested in
    2. Set your VCR to record that given timeslot
    3. Make sure there is a blank tape inserted in to VCR.
    4. Turn the VCR off, it will not record if it's on. (which it wouldn't be under most circumstances)

    Now take the fact I can buy a VCR for $40 or so and I'm not paying monthly fees.

    Also, I don't wake up every day wondering if I can still record all the same shows as yesterday, if the programs I have on my TiVo are still there, if other stuff has been added I didn't ask for, or what's going to happen to my TiVo service if the company stops existing. As others have said on this article, having control over my TV is a great thing.