Slashdot Mirror


HBO Exec Proposes DRM Name Change

surfingmarmot writes "An HBO executive has figured out the problem with DRM acceptance — it's the name. HBO's chief technology officer Bob Zitter now wants to refer to the technology as Digital Consumer Enablement. Because, you see, DRM actually helps consumers by getting more content into their hands. The company already has HD movies on demand ready to go, but is delaying them because of ownership concerns. Says Zitter, 'Digital Consumer Enablement would more accurately describe technology that allows consumers "to use content in ways they haven't before," such as enjoying TV shows and movies on portable video players like iPods. "I don't want to use the term DRM any longer," said Zitter, who added that content-protection technology could enable various new applications for cable operators.'"

17 of 544 comments (clear)

  1. how about... by smitty97 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Consumer Rights Access Program

    --
    mod me funny
    1. Re:how about... by TCQuad · · Score: 4, Funny

      No Content Left Behind?

  2. DRM = Digitally Restricted Media by sdo1 · · Score: 4, Funny

    DRM = Digitally Restricted Media
    DCE = Digitally Constrained Entertainment

    A turd by any other name would still smell as foul... er, or something like that.

    -S

    --
    --- What parts of "shall make no law", "shall not be infringed", and "shall not be violated" don't you understand?
  3. I must send a gift to Bob Zitter by Weaselmancer · · Score: 4, Funny

    A bouquet of "fully organic fecal aroma enhancers". Don't worry - they're just like roses.

    --
    Weaselmancer
    rediculous.
  4. Re:Freakanomics by aichpvee · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm not going to call it piracy anymore. I prefer Consumer Choice Enablement. CCE allows consumers (not customers, since you won't be paying for the service) to enjoy content not only in ways they haven't before, such as on portable video players like the iAudio A2, but at a more reasonable price than they have been offered in the past. This is also a win-win situation for the content creators as it alleviates all packaging and most distribution costs, as well as providing excellent word-of-mouth advertising for FREE!

    --
    The Farewell Tour II
  5. Re:Okay, It's just a term by Kelbear · · Score: 5, Funny

    Suprise sex.

  6. Renaming fun by dissy · · Score: 4, Funny

    I can't agree more!

    I no longer want anyone to call it 'copyright violation', but instead lets call it 'early retirement to the public domain'

  7. Yeah, right. by rob1980 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Just because "baking brownies" is a euphemism for "taking a shit" doesn't mean it's going to smell any better.

  8. Call it what it is... by FellowConspirator · · Score: 5, Funny

    The technology is a Fair Use Circumvention Kit, consisting of equal parts technology, marketing, and industry-written legislation.

    The term Fair Use Circumvention Kit is not only much more descriptive of the true nature of the beast, the acronym is also easy to remember, catchy, and equally descriptive.

  9. Obligatory Futurama by richdun · · Score: 4, Funny

    Slurm Queen: As for you, you will be submerged in Royal Slurm which, in a matter of minutes, will transform you into a Slurm Queen like myself.

    Small Glurmo #1: But, Your Highness, she's a commoner. Her Slurm will taste foul.

    Slurm Queen: Yes! Which is why we'll market it as New Slurm. Then, when everyone hates it, we'll bring back Slurm Classic, and make billions!

    (thanks to The Neutral Planet)

  10. Re:Okay, It's just a term by Stanistani · · Score: 4, Funny

    happy surprise sex

  11. Excellent Idea! by Greyfox · · Score: 5, Funny
    I propose "Herpes".

    Yeah I would rip that song from the CD to my ipod but the herpes kept me from doing it.

    Yeah I would post that clip from Colbert on Youtube but... you know... the herpes...

    That'd be awesome!

    --

    I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?

  12. It's not buggery by spun · · Score: 4, Funny

    It's an internal colon massage! Now bend over...

    --
    - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
  13. Re:Freakanomics by Falladir · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...to manage digital rights.

    I could be wrong, but I think the management is supposed to be digital, not the rights. :)

  14. Re: H.E.R.P.E.S. by fred+fleenblat · · Score: 4, Funny

    * Highly Effective Restriction of Personal Entertainment Systems
    * Had Ecstasy, Resigned to Pretty Excruciating Software
    * Hamstrung Electronic Reuse Platform--Extra Stupid
    * Half-assed Extra Rotten Playing Encryption Setup
    * Helps Evil Recording People Eat Sushi

  15. Re:Freakanomics by Rei · · Score: 5, Funny

    DRM is alive and well in software.

    No it's not! Remember, it's "Digital Consumer Enablement" now!

    I, for one, welcome this change. Nothing makes the public dislike something faster than giving it an Orwellian, "War-Is-Peace" type name. I mean, picture these name changes:

    SUV: "Environment Enhancing Vehicle"
    Semi-Automatic Rifle: "Bloodshed Prevention Device"
    Watching paint dry: "Paint's Amazing Adventure!"
    Shooting fish in a barrel: "Experts-only Marksmanship Challenge"
    Zombie invasion: "Undead Welcoming Party"
    Invading Iraq to pursue your hairbrained geopolitical theories at the expense of the local population: "Freedom"

    --
    When was the last time you ran anywhere? I mean with your own legs, not by pressing 'X'?
  16. Re:I am a person! by Chris+Burke · · Score: 4, Funny

    I am not a number! I am a man! And don't you eve... oh wait, I'm number 5. Haha. In your face, number 6!

    --

    The enemies of Democracy are