[mythtv-users] Okay, slow down, HDTV idiot here...

[J. Donavan Stanley]

Doug Larrick wrote:

> Cory Papenfuss wrote:
>
>>>> Or they'll provide a firewire output port like the FCC told them to...
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Which will be required, by the broadcast flag rules, to be encrypted.
>>
>>
>>
>>     Correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that the 
>> broadcast flag is a "voluntary" (until it's mandated) thing.  The 
>> broadcast streams may have the broadcast flag set, but won't be 
>> encrypted.  In fact, the demod cards now (e.g. pcHDTV) must *still 
>> work*, so the stream can't be encrypted.
>
>
> The broadcast flag is just that -- a flag in the ATSC headers that 
> indicates that this material was broadcast.  Older hardware is free to 
> ignore the flag.  Newer hardware must take special care to make sure 
> it doesn't leak to the internet.  It's cable TV that will have 
> encrypted MPEG-TS.


My prediction?  It's going to come back and bite them in the ass, 
they'll learn that broadcast flag = reduce ratings since not even an 
HDTV VCR (if they ever make one) would be allowed to record it and while 
not everyone uses a PVR a LOT of people use a VCR. 

Of course this still doesn't plug the gaping along hole.  Create a 
capture card with composite inputs and record off of your cable box...