NBC admits "inadvertent" broadcast flag use, still doesn't explain why it actually worked
Just an update on the broadcast flag controversy: NBC has copped to an "inadvertent mistake" in flagging the broadcast of American Gladiators as content prohibited from recording, while Microsoft stated it is only following the FCC's rules, and "fully adheres to flags used by broadcasters". This conveniently ignores the fact that there is no legal requirement for Windows Vista Media Center to recognize the broadcast flag and disable recording, but it does. Errant metadata can and does happen, but for such a "feature" to be buried within one's software unknowingly is troubling. Expect to hear more from the EFF and others questioning why Media Center unnecessarily turns parts of itself off at a broadcaster's command, and rightly so. What's most disturbing, and likely to go sadly without protest is that someone out there is actually watching, and trying to record for later, American Gladiators. The more you know indeed.[Via Techdirt]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Frank Furter @ May 20th 2008 12:19PM
Two comments:
1) Microsoft
2) American Gladiators
Franssu @ May 21st 2008 10:21AM
Well, with Microsoft's over-the-top adherence to the ICT, this is one more proof that Vista is not our friend.