[mythtv-users] DVB-S channel scanning gets stuck

Steve Hill steve at nexusuk.org
Tue Jul 29 11:46:15 UTC 2008


On Tue, 29 Jul 2008, Andrew Williams wrote:

>> If you're going to start saying that you need written permission to use
>> any services that are open to the public, I sure hope you got written
>> permission to access Google's web servers...
>
> Thats a little extreme, my point was just because you can access it
> doesn't mean your allowed to. Google put their services out there for
> public consumption and advertise the fact, much like free wifi.

So how do you know the difference between a public web server and a 
private web server?  The answer is: you can't - you have to assume 
anything that doesn't ask for a password is public (much the same as for 
wifi).  I guess things are a little more clear with a cable connection 
since you are physically plugging into a cable and you know who provides 
the services on that cable, but whatever the legal position I'm sure that 
if they cared they would either disconnect the line or encrypt the 
channels.  As it is, what you can receive over the cable (in the clear) is 
less than what you can receive through an antenna so they probably don't 
care.

> If the T&Cs dont apply to you then you have no right to
> use their services.

That's not especially clear cut - they are providing services to my home 
even though they have not been contracted to do so.  It isn't a lot 
different from something like broadcast TV - I don't have a contract with 
the broadcasters yet I am still allowed to use the services which they 
broadcast in the clear (I am not allowed to use the services that are 
encrypted, such as TopUpTV (terrestrial) or Sky (satellite)).

> So if your telephone line wasn't disconnected when you stop paying for
> it would you classify this as a free license to use it as well?

You are actually allowed to use a "deactivated" phone line to dial the 
emergency services ("deactivated" meaning that you still get a dial tone 
but they have turned off the ability to dial normal PSTN numbers - after 
you've cancelled your subscription, BT lines usually stay in this state 
until they want to reuse the equipment you are connected to in the 
exchange).

> Also on a side note, it's illegal for utilities to disconnect water to a
> residential property :)

Ok fair point, but they do have a right to chase you for payment, so it 
isn't quite the same as a service you don't subscribe to.

  - Steve
    xmpp:steve at nexusuk.org   sip:steve at nexusuk.org   http://www.nexusuk.org/

      Servatis a periculum, servatis a maleficum - Whisper, Evanescence



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