Windows Media Center Restricts Cable TV

[BJ_M]

from /.

"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?"

http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&chann...=Google+Search

[yoda313]

Well switch back to the default video viewer that came with your capture card. I have mce on my new vista premium but haven't used it really. Looks neat but I like full control over my programs and not a suite approach.....

[Nilfennasion]

What's next, restricting every piece of programming on television?"

I only watch a singular hour of TV in a week (usually), anyway. They lost me completely when quality programs like The Young Ones or The Highwayman made way for the likes of Survivor or The Biggest Loser. Nobody gives a damn that moron X has two less extra chins this week, for crying out loud.

[mats.hogberg]

Fortunately, there are alternatives to mce. When will MS realise they aren't the only player in the league? (Even if they are by far the biggest.) They are just pissing their customers off in their strive to please the media industry.

/Mats

[TwistedLincoln]

Hmmm... what's the chances this is the precursor to Microsoft pushing their own downloadable DRM-crippled television episodes to compete with iTunes...

My guess is that at some point they'll push a patch via Windows Update to Media Center boxes that will spawn messages like this:

"Restricted Content: Restrictions set by the broadcaster and/or originator of the content prohibit playback of the program on this computer -- to view this content, click here to download it via our online store..."

The user would then have the option of paying a fee to unlock the recording they already made, and once they're done watching it, it will automatically delete itself...

Good thing I'm using MythTV...

[edDV]

US Cable/Sat systems have the right to restrict DVR recording or external recording of their programming. Welcome to their unbrave new world.

They are currently prohibited from doing this for any over the air broadcast material although the local broadcaster can restrict their programming. Few do.

"Hollywood" interests are trying to get the "broadcast flag" through Congress. The broadcast flag will not only restrict HD DVR recording, it will even prevent non HDCP encryption verified monitors or DVRs to display in full HD. Analog component connections are typically limited to 720x480 and DVI to 960x480 or 960x540 (quarter resolution) if the monitor fails to authenticate. All analog component connections are inhibited by default.

This technology is built into most recent (since 2004) HD equipment. It only lacks the legislation to turn it on.

Be ready to fight this one. I doubt they will try it before the next election.

When implemented, individual programs can be restricted (such as movies or TV series).

[BJ_M]

fat chance to fight this ------>

Cable TV’s $100m Political Contributions
Researched by Morgan Ulery

A report by Common Cause follows cable’s $100 million investment in campaign contributions and lobbying. The return has been a 90 percent increase in cable rates since 1995, and industry friendly regulations that boost profits, coupled with even more consolidation among cable companies. Big cable has spent more than $92 million lobbying in Washington since 1998. The industry's political spending increased dramatically in the past two years as it marshaled its forces to block congressional and regulatory interference with mega mergers, to halt any effort to curb cable rates, and to quash any attempts to permit families to pay for only the cable stations they watch. Common Cause President Chellie Pingree says, “American families are paying the price for public policies that favor the wealthy and powerful.”

“Why Are Cable Television Prices So High?” Mary Boyle, Common Cause, 10/11/06
http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/1011-12.htm

[gll99]

I have about $140 a month tied up in cable service ($100 Cable tv / $40 internet).When and if I switch to HD that would go up. I'm not a heavy cell phone user but I also have a pay per use cell with my cable provider. The thing is that I'm not hooked on any of these services even though I have had cable continuously since it came to town some time in the 70's. I could easily give it up and as far as the internet is concerned, 98% of what I do could be done with a $10 dial-up account. I'd miss my fast OS updates but that's about it. All the other things I do on the internet like streaming video is just because I have the bandwidth not because I would miss it.

So cable is a convenience but the more they do to p!$$ people off the more likely they are to turn to something else for entertainment. That's what happened with $ony products where I won't look at anything with their name on it anymore. American / Canadian car manufacturers are starting to feel the effects of consumer awareness.

Companies shouldn't count on customer loyalty any more thinking that we will accept anything that they do. Nor should they delude themselves into thinking we are locked in with no entertainment alternatives. They are vastly overrating their position of power since ultimately we still decide where we spend or don't spend our $$$. MS still has to learn that lesson.

[BJ_M]

three letters






F*T*A

[RabidDog]

Is that "free to air" or " ***k them all"??? :P