Windows Media Center Restricts Cable TV

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?"

Comments

Re:How it is being done?

[the100rabh]

Hey great idea....but why not just download MythTV for free????

Re:This is what DRM *is*...

[Urkki]

And you think that -- just because you're paying for the content -- they won't attempt to get more revenue by including advertising?
Of course, once it's all DRM-protected, you won't be able to get rid of the advertisements. Why on Earth would I want to pay for content with intrusive advertising in it? There are multiple ways to get rid of the ads, starting from going to the fridge, ending in dropping the TV from a great height and watching the shards fly...

Only reason I'm watching TV at all these days, is that I can record the shows, and then watch at my convenience, while skipping the ads. I'm willing spend my money for fun, but I'm not willing to waste my time (ie watch ads, search the torrent channel for right episodes) for fun. My money, I can control that, but the damn clock just keeps ticking away, no matter what I do.

I pity those who feel they're "slaves" to the entertainment industry, those who will have to choose between DRM and legality and convenience. I can choose to turn of the TV, and just wait for the day when enough people realize they can do the same, if the entertainment industry tries to enslave us instead of serving us.

Re:Joe Wiseman

[PcAplGuy]

6 months later Joe Wiseman has to rebuy his OSX because Apple came out with new software, then has to go buy a new Mac because he finds out that it will not run the new OS softare do to Apple not supporting that older(6months old) hardware anymore and he cannot upgrade bacause it is all integrated, price payed back for loyalty Apple you get to give them more of your $$$$. While Joe Sixbit throughs in a new CPU and is up in running in 5 secs, and can run most any OS out in the free world.

Needs to be documented.

[twitter]

Honestly, is anyone surprised?

No, but that won't keep M$ from lying about it. The first lie is by omission. That one and more active lies will be easy to confront now.