[mythtv-users] OT: Tivo Users Can, So Can MythTV users?

[Charles Lavin]

On Wed, 2004-08-04 at 18:34, Geoff at Hundekeandroyal dot com wrote:
> I'm sure we've all seen this article over at slashdot:
> 
> http://yro.slashdot.org/yro/04/08/04/2212251.shtml?tid=158&tid=95&tid=103
> 
> The short version is, that despite objectionable objections by the MPAA 
> and NFL (yes, you read that right, the NFL. They must have some pretty 
> dim techies over there if they think thiner arguments even approached 
> reality), the FCC as given the nod to TIVO to allow users to share 
> recorded videos with up to 9 friends.
> 
> Now, having followed the list for quite some time, I know this can be a 
> touchy issue, and with all due respect to the list and dev's, is there a 
> way to take the idea of this feature from Tivo, and apply it to Myth, 
> but pump it up a little?  I realize with Tivo there is some "protection" 
> as you have to keep a list of "approved friends" with Tivo.  Obviously 
> this is not attractive to MythTV users...not should it even be necessary.
> 
> Two ideas:
> 
> 1)  Mirror exactly what Tivo will be doing.  You record, and send.  I 
> know that this can already be done, but it's certainly not a "part" of 
> MythTV.
> 
> 2)  The more attractive option is where a group of friends come together 
> and "share" a Program Guide.  On the community program guide, it only 
> shows the channels that you ALREADY receive.  You find a recording you 
> would like to make, and if for some reason your card can't record it 
> (watching live TV, or doing another recording), another "friend" in the 
> group "loans" his capture card and records the show for you.  It is then 
> sent to you after the recording has finished.
> 
> This essentially gives you multiple cards at your disposal, but keeps it 
> on the up and up by not allowing you to record shows you don't pay for. 
>   No reason why I should be able to get Showtime programs when I don't 
> pay for Showtime.
> 
> Perhaps you could throttle the uploads too so they don't soak your 
> friend who graciously donated his card and his bandwidth for you so you 
> didn't miss the one episode of Golden Girls.
> 
> I realize there is ample opportunity here for flame, so I've donned my 
> Asbestos Suite.  Flame away.
> 
> Geoff
> 
> ______________________________________________________________________
> _______________________________________________
> mythtv-users mailing list
> mythtv-users at mythtv.org
> http://mythtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users

It seems they also granted permission to other companies as well.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=581&e=2&u=/nm/20040804/tc_nm/media_tivo_fcc_dc

        In addition to approving TiVo's application, the FCC certified
        12 other technologies proposed, including ones by software giant
        Microsoft Corp., Sony Corp (NYSE:SNE - news) (news - web
        sites)., and RealNetworks Inc. for protecting distribution of
        digital television broadcasts.
        
Just because the big boys get to play doesn't mean that we get too.

Charley