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Windows Media Center Restricts Cable TV

Posted by kdawson on from the no-HBO-for-you dept.

PrescriptionWarning writes "With the latest Media Center Edition update from Microsoft, I and many others are finding that content available on television is now completely unwatchable from Media Center. The message states: 'Restricted Content: Restrictions set by the broadcaster and/or originator of the content prohibit playback of the program on this computer.' A simple search on the subject reveals that HBO programming and, in my case, Braveheart on AMC are among the many selections now restricted for playback or recording by Windows Media Center Edition. What's next, restricting every piece of programming on television?"

2 of 448 comments (clear)

  1. Re:It's not the content that's being restricted by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    That is because MythTV is only available in Linux running on the only card worse than an ATI tv card, the WinTV card. That sucker crashes more often than my All In Wonder Card.

    But yeah, why use Microsoft when you can use ATI's software.

  2. Re:Well, Microsoft think it's a bug... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    Cockup rather than conspiracy?

    It really doesn't matter, does it? Whether or not they made a mistake in what they restrict with DRM, the problem is that they can restrict it with DRM! As predicted here many moons ago, it makes Microsoft's product much less usable. Hopefully there will be many more mistakes like this along with enough legitimate(?) restrictions that their product will just wither on the vine.

    Fuck 'em! Just fuck 'em!