The Middleman throws broadcast flag on ABC Family
by Darren Murph 
posted Jul 1st 2008 at 4:04PM
BroadcastFlag posts
Microsoft releases a patch for the "broadcast flag"
by Ben Drawbaugh posted Jun 10th 2008 at 6:42PM
NBC admits "inadvertent" broadcast flag use, still doesn't explain why it actually worked
by Richard Lawler posted May 20th 2008 at 11:23AM
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]
Broadcast Flag rides again, courtesy of NBC & Microsoft?
by Richard Lawler posted May 18th 2008 at 4:28PM
[Via EFF]
CBC declares HDTV to have "no business model"
by Darren Murph posted Dec 10th 2006 at 11:19PM
While we've seen plenty of HD expansion in our northern extension, it seems that Robert Rabinovich -- president of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation -- feels that broadcasters are getting the short straw. Contrary to the UK's Freeview system, which gives the public a bevy of cost-free SD channels and is seeing a mutual, unforced push to go HD, we here in North America tend to let content guardians keep a tighter grip on how things are done. Essentially, the prez stated that HDTV "has no business model," claiming a complete lack of motivation for advertisers to pay more to have their plugs shown during an HD show verses an SD show. Apparently his feathers are all ruffled because advertisers are saying that the choice to broadcast HD is "none of their business," leaving broadcasters that do pump out that HD goodness no actual way to recoup the costs. Although we can (kind of) see where ole Robert is coming from, claiming that HD doesn't influence the amount of viewers (which advertisers certainly are interested in) is a tad absurd, and if more companies would actually offer up HD commercials, we might actually slow down and pay attention. [Warning: Read link requires subscription][Via Slashdot]
The Broadcast Flag is back
by Matt Burns posted Jun 22nd 2006 at 10:59AM
The Broadcast Flag is back folks. We thought it was gone but apparently this thing just won't die. It has sneaked in under a general telecom bill but if you read the details of the bill, you will see a bunch of things about copy protection. This guy is worse then the first one! It includes mandates for an Audio Broadcast flag that will spread its DRM blanket over digital and satellite radio. The new provision though calls for more copy protection then ever and a broader stance on what is Fair Use. The bad news is that this bill is being voted on today but Senator John Sununu of New Hampshire is proposing an amendment to strike this broadcast flags on both video and audio. This is going down today so if you feel so inclined to support this amendment, Public Knowledge has a list of Senators you should call ASAP.
NAB speaks out against downconverting
by Richard Lawler posted May 31st 2006 at 5:07PM
The National Association of Broadcasters has joined the Big Four in petitioning Congress to stop a bill that would include provisions allowing cable television providers the right to downconvert HDTV broadcasts to DTV. Between this new article and a note on TV Predictions, we were also able to better understand what all the fuss is about. If you're as confused as I was, the point of contention here are "must-carry" laws, that would require cable companies to carry multiple HDTV streams that the local affiliates broadcast. The cable companies say this would use up their valuable bandwidth, while the affiliates fear that cable companies could refuse to carry their high definition broadcast unless the affiliates paid them to.That still seems to be a longshot, as we all know the most desirable HD programming is on the network stations, if cable companies limited that then why would their subscribers pay extra for HD? Additionally, if the reason I can't get HGTV-HD is because there are three ABC affiliates in my area, that would really suck. Of course in some areas cable is all there is and if they refused to carry an HD Super Bowl or other event without payment, customers would be stuck with HDTVs and no HD. Worse yet, they are still trying to force Broadcast Flag legislation through that could prevent you from recording high-def broadcasts. All this government talk makes me want to turn to C-SPAN, why aren't they in 720p yet?
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