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Macrovision Responds to Steve Jobs on DRM

An anonymous reader writes "Macrovision Corporation, best known for its long history of DRM implementations, (everything from VCRs to software copy protection), has responded to Steve Jobs open letter regarding DRM. With ample experience and despite the obvious vested interests, it's great to hear their point of view. In the letter they acknowledge the 'difficult challenges' of implementing DRM that is truly 'interoperable and open'. At the same time they also feel that DRM 'will increase electronic distribution', if implemented properly, because 'DRM increases not decreases consumer value', such as by enabling people to rent content at a lower price than ownership, and lowering risks for content producers. While I'm impressed they responded, I can't say I'm impressed by lofty goals that might not be reached for years. The reality is, current DRM implementations often leave users with the bad end of the deal. What do you think? Should people give DRM manufacturers more time to overcome the challenges and get it right?"

3 of 221 comments (clear)

  1. Added value by QuickFox · · Score: 5, Funny

    Of course DRM adds value! You get an interesting pastime, a puzzle to solve.

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    Terrorists can't threaten a country's freedom and democracy. Only lawmakers and voters can do that.
  2. A new job for starving stunt men by codefrog · · Score: 5, Funny

    Those starving stunt men who show up in front of otherwise legitimate movies to warn us about how we (the theater-going evildoers of the world) are denying their kids a college education...
    I SAY LET THEM EAT CAKE. Let's take up a collection... and hire them to drive cars off cliffs ...said cars to be filled with DRM executives and other such indispensible consumer-value-enhancers.

  3. Looking for a silver lining... by tkrotchko · · Score: 4, Funny

    because 'DRM increases not decreases consumer value', such as by enabling people to rent content at a lower price than ownership

    That's like being happy you got into a car accident because you met a nice nurse at the hospital.

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    You were mistaken. Which is odd, since memory shouldn't be a problem for you