Analog hole fixed?

[Jakesty]

I read somewhere that the Analog Hole will be fixed soon. Is this possible? Worse yet is that it would make all of the HD PVR's useless, correct?

[ZetaVu]

You got a source?

[Jakesty]

This wasn't the link I had read, but here is some more info on it. Actually it's a bit old too.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/06/11...-drm-proposal/

[Rich A]

Not only the HD-HVR people would be upset, but what about those who are using the component output of their Cable STBs to feed the component input of their TV?

[LionRed]

If it only effects PPV movies...I don't care. However it does worry me....cause how long till they do it for TV Shows.

Wish they would just let me watch my TV in peace

[ZetaVu]

This was old news that never passed anything. They will continue to push for it is my guess, however I expect that it will be a double edged sword. If they start putting too many restrictions people will switch to other mediums like online. Also, there are hdmi to component devices out there that can be used, and of course like all technology it is flawed.

For instance, there are currently devices that will input hdmi and have hdcp id, then output 1080i video to component. If the providers decided to target these and disable the hdcp for them, then an alternative device could be an hdmi junction, one that has no identity, but you plug an hdcp monitor into one output and it transfers that info directly to the source, then sends out component (or hdmi stripped of hdcp, why not) to a second source. Such a device would be invisible to the source, and as long as a compliant monitor is plugged in would work perfectly. Such a device could be made illegal, but they might have difficulty doing it. Even then some countries would allow it and eventually a DIY version would come out. Long run, the technology fails, again, just like css, just like bluray (the drm, well, both I guess).

I would probably accept a certain degree of DRM if it was reasonable, like say I could record any show from Directv I wanted and play it back on any device I have with a registration ID, assuming they don't try to force me to pay for each device and it is non intrusive. Of course there will be programs to eventually strip this drm out so it is pointless for piracy, however it would limit the vast majority of the public from abusing it, and that's all they're looking for. Likewise, the HD PVR is such a niche product that I don't see any way it being a threat to providers. The vast majority of their customers will rent their DVR, but those of us technically competent build our own systems. Trying to pursue the tiny niche that is the home htpc user would have the negative effect of alienating many of their otherwise clueless customers without HDMI. True, most of them wouldn't notice quality reduction, but if they found out they'd be pissed, even if they were watching on a tv that only played 480. Seriously, most cable/satellite providers should be happy they still have their customers and should be focusing instead on keeping us from dumping them for netflix and streaming rather than giving us excuses to stop paying them ridiculous amounts of money per month. They also had better watch it since another legislative push is to force them to offer ala cart packaged, meaning a lot of us would be dumping the useless channels they are forcing on us. Providers need to be very careful about getting legislative involved, as it might end up biting them in their pocketbooks.

Is it Friday already?

[sean_snider]

Been a while since I've been here, but just thought I'd comment. . .

Doubt highly this will ever happen, since as RichA pointed out, many folks use Component for there "normal" setup to avoid headaches, and the picture difference is very un-noticeble especially with good AV Receiver.

Even so DRM from a capture/playback perspective is dead. Music/Record industry is already well aware of this. . .

The problem is that video costs a lot more to produce hence why they are so worried about it.. .

IP TV will help this some, but not entirely. . .

What will happen more ISP monitoring (which again the Music industry is already doing).

They will keep track of Internet traffic to make sure that stuff isn't getting illegally published

[ZetaVu]

People who make money on media really have a twisted view of history and the real world. First off, they need to remember they are broadcasting something, be it music over the radio or tv or movies. The first two by default means they have made it available, and ever since the audio recorder and the vcr, available to copy for personal use. Now they are trying to force encryption to take away that right, hiding behind DMCA (CSS etc). While that is fine and dandy, the issue is they are trying to force everyone to use their DRM in devices which in itself is monopoly behavior, or an oligopoly in a consortium. While it is one thing to set standards for devices to play on equipment, it is another to lock down the behavior of that equipment using the same imposed standards.

They complain about copying and sharing not because it is worse than before, but because now they think they can do something about. In the past I could record any show from any channel, vcr, album, radio etc. The first recording wasn't bad, it was subsequent recordings that got crappy. Now you can make exact copies without loss, which is a bad development for media companies. However the initial problem of making a copy rather than buying a product has never changed. If I had money I'd by albums or cd's, but if I was short I'd by tapes and record from my friends and visa versa. Same with shows. They got my money for what I was willing to spend but not more. Same thing now, if its something I want I buy it, otherwise I can record and archive. If I couldn't record I wouldn't buy anything more, I'd just watch less tv. They won't get a penny more out of me, unless they piss me off enough and then they won't get any onf my money, ever.

Multiply me by a million and that is the backlash they risk by going too far. The best thing going for the music and movie industry is recording and ripping, and to a point downloading. Their growth has come from that, otherwise they as an industry would be the same size as they were in the 80's, which is tiny.