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BBC's Plan To Kick Open Source Out of UK TV

Posted by samzenpus on from the how-can-you-have-any-TV-if-you-don't-eat-your-meat? dept.

bluec writes "Generally speaking, the BBC isn't allowed to encrypt or restrict its broadcasts: the license fee payer pays for these broadcasts. But the BBC has tried to get around this, asking Ofcom for permission to encrypt the 'metadata' on its broadcasts – including the assistive information used by deaf and blind people and the 'tables' used by receivers to play back the video. As Ofcom gears up to a second consultation on the issue, there's one important question that the BBC must answer if the implications of this move are to be fully explored, namely: How can free/open source software co-exist with a plan to put DRM on broadcasts?"

8 of 302 comments (clear)

  1. Re:The BBC aren't by SlothDead · · Score: 5, Funny

    Where is the "-1 boring" moderation?

  2. Re:The BBC aren't by Dupple · · Score: 2, Funny

    Yes they (the BBC) are. No they (the BBC) aren't

    Yes it (the BBC) is. No it (the BBC) isn't.

    English... Do you speak it?

    --
    Watch those corners
  3. The real question is ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    will the Doctor Who christmas special (part 1) still be on tonight?

    1. Re:The real question is ... by Sulphur · · Score: 5, Funny

      Gordon Ramsey cooks Doctor Hu a bird's nest souffle.

      He reveals his secret identity as a Thymelord, but there is a leek in the kitchen.

  4. Re:Vastly more important question by Alsee · · Score: 3, Funny

    Because US TV and movie studios claim they won't accept the BBC's money if they don't.

    Giggle snort.

    -

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    - - You can't take something off the Internet! That's like trying to take pee out of a swimming pool.
  5. Re:The BBC aren't by SimonTheSoundMan · · Score: 2, Funny

    It's behind you!

    Cue panto replies.

  6. Re:Strange question by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    weak = vulnerable to attack.
    in most cases = in all cases, except with a one-time pad.

    This is why I just don't hang out with geeks any more. English is beyond then, and a conversation becomes an exercise in making up for their odd inability to think while they listen.

  7. Re:Vastly more important question by Opportunist · · Score: 2, Funny

    Could that mean the BBC would not get swamped with shallow sitcoms and pointless shows?

    How do I press against using DRM in the BBC?

    --
    We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.