The Motion Picture Association of America appears to be going down a path that puts it at odds with some of goals of the digital television transition, thanks to its move to restrict the ability of digital video recorders to save high definition movies when they're first distributed via satellite, cable or even broadcast TV.
The restriction, made possible by a kind of "switch" called Selectable Output Control, is already built in to
DVRs but the FCC limits when it can be used. What the
MPAA wants to do is have the FCC allow its use when a movie is first released over cable but before it is available on DVD. The movie organization claims this will protect the studios, which of course have an interest in making a profit on these releases. It claims that if people can record high definition copies of movies, then they will be less likely to buy hi-def copies on disc when they come out, or even share the hi-def copies from their DVRs.
Consumer advocacy groups, such as the Home Recording Rights Coalition (HRRC), say this kind of restriction, if allowed, will be a slippery slope that could lead to even greater interference with consumers' ability to record and watch content.
This, the HRRC says, could make the t
ransition to DTV less appealing to consumers, which runs counter to the FCC's stated goals for consumer adoption of the hi-def technology.
Adding to the burgeoning controversy over the proposed restriction plan is the speed with which the MPAA's mission is being considered by the FCC. It rings a bit of insider manipulation, since one of the MPAA's lawyers in the matter is a former FCC commissioner.
So, could this lead to an unfair, or at least discouraging limit put upon consumers' ability to enjoy and record hi-def content? On the plus side, hi-def content could be distributed even sooner after theatrical release to consumers' homes. On the negative side, it could put restrictions in place that would make the experience a bit less than satisfying. [Source:
Ars Technica]
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