FCC chairman "doesn't support" Hollywood's request for selectable output

In December of 2007, we candidly wondered if 2008 would be the year for selectable output control. We reckon we should re-pose the question with "2008" replacing "2007." Broadcasting and Cable is reporting that Kevin Martin doesn't support Hollywood's request for selectable outputs, noting that the final decision would have to wait for the next chairman. It's widely expected that Martin will step down just days before Obama is sworn in, but in the January 15th meeting on the topic, he'll likely stifle the MPAA's plans. For those unaware, SOC would enable content to hit HD VOD outlets before DVD, but in exchange, it would only be allowed out of the set-top-box via encrypted digital outputs. Obviously, those with older TV sets wouldn't be able to take advantage, thus the chairman's hesitation to allow it. Maybe next year, Big Content.

[Via LA Times, image courtesy of DansData]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 31st 2008 9:50PM]

Another step towards digital downloads. If they agree on this output thing, content will be reaching digital download services pretty much day and date.

Great stuff.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 1st 2009 12:48PM]

I can assure you that this is not great stuff. Yeah, digital downloads on the day and date, loaded with an exponential amount of DRM that prevents all non HDMI devices from playing ANY type of the media.

That means that you had better have yourself not only a nice shiny new TiVo or whatever, but you'll need to replace that CRT TV you've got and get rid of your old DVD player to and get a BluRay so that you can also watch the DVDs that they'll more than likely also enable the output selection on.

Yep. Good stuff...

It's not that I have a thing aginst DRM... It's that there is absolutely no open standard for it. Seriously, not only would an open source DRM be the most secure form of DRM, but just think how much more money that could be made from it when your cell phone, the kids' cell phone, your PSP, an Archos, the iPod, the PS3, a Roku, and your computer could all use the same format.

Do this, then selective output would be just fine.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 1st 2009 12:53AM]

I don't support anything Hollywood... Their movies get shittier every year, yet they want more DRM and more money for them

I, for one, can't wait for the day we can do Open Source movies :-)

The day might not be as far as you think... Wikiversity already has a project. I say, open movies by 2030

(There's already open music)

[Garst Posted Jan 1st 2009 3:00AM]

If this actually happens, how long do you thing the studios will stay in business? I bet the service will be so horrible that the government dissolves the MPAA studios because too many people pay to see something but nothing ever shows up. Don't try to tell me to give them any slack either. They've shown they couldn't be trusted in the past, and I know that they will do something stupid in the future. It's only a matter of time.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 1st 2009 4:11AM]

Encrypted links between your cable box and television are straight bullshit.

This is no different than telling Americans that recording a TV show on their VCR is stealing.

Go to hell, Hollywood.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 1st 2009 11:00AM]

No pirated files on torrents or newsgroups will be affected by the implement of SOC. Since no one is capturing HD via component video or VGA, what is gained by SOC? Hollywood is SOOOOOOO Stupid, and they seem to take pride in it.

What it will do is piss off the CEA, who need to answer to custom installation retailers who cannot use HDMI on complex systems due to poor HDMI interactivity.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 2nd 2009 3:26AM]

until they manage to encrypt the image on the screen and decrypt it inside our brain, there will always be an analog hole.