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

[Michael T. Dean]

Doug Larrick wrote:

> Another requirement is that the implementation be "robust" against 
> physical and software hacking -- e.g. (my interpretation) no socketed 
> or flashable firmware, no accessible bus ports, etc.  Each design must 
> be approved by FCC and MPAA.  This also seems to indicate that no 
> PC-based hardware could be good enough unless it does all processing 
> inside a single chip.  And of course any attempts to distribute 
> software that bypasses the encryption (no matter how lame)--or even 
> just strip off the broadcast flag--is prosecutable under DMCA.

Currently, it looks like there will initially be 4 "technological 
measures" to protect content protected by the broadcast flag:
    DTCP (Digital Transmission Content Protection) for secure 
transmission of compressed content over electrical connections (i.e. 
between components or even computers);
    HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) for secure 
transmission of uncompressed protected content over an electrical 
connection used for displays (i.e. DVI-D)
    CPRM (Copy Protection for Recordable Media) for secure storage of 
compressed content (i.e. writing an authorized copy of a program onto a 
hard drive or DVD)
    D-VHS for secure storage of uncompressed protected content (i.e. 
writing an authorized copy of a program onto a hard drive or tape)

Additional measures will be added as needed after approval by the FCC.  
With these measures, it would be possible to perform work on protected 
digital content using multiple chips (or even components or systems), 
but all the chips/components/systems must comply with the broadcast flag 
restrictions.

None of these technologies allows transmission over existing networks.  
However, it would be possible to create a home network based on 5C (i.e. 
using the above 4 technologies).  Unfortunately, though, every device on 
the network (computers, routers, switches, etc.) must be 5C-compliant or 
the network will fail to operate as a 5C network (meaning no network 
distribution of content).  So, that network you've been building for the 
last five years.  Time to throw it out and start over.

Also, the legislation allows for the revocation of "substantially 
compromised" technological measures.  Think "TV Update."

The FCC today issued 9 critical updates and 2 recommended updates.  To 
apply these updates, press the TV Update button on your remote control.  
Then select the checkbox, "Always trust content from Microsoft 
Corporation," and click, "Yes" when asked if you want to install and run 
"TV Update Control Package."  Note that these patches will need to be 
applied to your TV, your tuner, your HD-DVD player, your A/V receiver, 
and all other components that process HDTV signals.  Until these patches 
are applied, your equipment will fail to function.  It is a violation of 
USC 17 to fail to apply these patches.  If the HD police or the MPAA 
perform a random inspection of your premises and determine you have 
failed to update all your components, you will be prosecuted to the full 
extent of the law...

(The preceding paragraph was made up.)

Mike