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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?"

4 of 448 comments (clear)

  1. Well, Microsoft think it's a bug... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/913800

    Cockup rather than conspiracy?

  2. old news by confused+one · · Score: 5, Informative

    If you read on like the poster suggested (and obviously the poster himself didn't read the articles) you'd find out that
    1. This is an old problem
    2. This was a driver issue that only affected people who had changed hardware components.

  3. Re:It's almost as if... by TheRaven64 · · Score: 5, Informative

    In the article about renaming DRM, I asked the question of what the HBO guy thought user could do with DRM'd content that they couldn't do with the same content if it were not DRM'd. Now I know the answer; they can go outside and get some fresh air without the TV. Obviously, HBO are just thinking of everyone's health this summer.

    --
    I am TheRaven on Soylent News
  4. Re:Try myself by RareButSeriousSideEf · · Score: 5, Informative

    This is due to Windows Media Center being about the only PVR software to obey CGMS-A signals, which come through your cable box via the analog S-Video output.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CGMS-A

    Best ways I've found to avoid these problems:
    1) Turn OFF Windows Update, and/or use a disk imaging system to make sure you can roll back any unwelcome changes like this;
    2) Use different software for recording cable content (MediaPortal, or the scheduling app that comes with most tuner cards, etc.)
    3) Don't pay for HBO; get those shows through alternative providers that have higher-quality, DRM-free, digital copies

    --
    Pi Ran Out