[mythtv-users] Re: recording HD content

[Brad Templeton]

On Tue, Apr 12, 2005 at 05:27:08PM -0700, Ian Forde wrote:
> On Tue, 2005-04-12 at 16:16 -0700, John Sturgeon wrote:
> > Ian Forde wrote:
> http://www.gossamer-threads.com/lists/mythtv/users/110105?
> search_string=Ian%20firewire%20caputo;#110105
> 
> And the specific FCC regulation we were talking about is available at
> http://makunu.com/browse/show/37812
> 
> Besides, the broadcast flag wasn't part of the topic (in my mind, at
> least) until you brought it up...

Indeed, you're both right that the broadcast flag is not directly
germane as it applies to broadcast digital TV and this is a regulation
on cable providers, but I believe you are missing the fact that this
is part of an equivalent set of regulations that mirror the effect of
the broadcast flag in the cable world.   You will find the regulation you
cite above loaded with copy protection rules.   As I read it, the rules
are not out to give plain old computers like MythTV access to in the clear
HD streams over 1394.

The goal of these FCC regulations (at least the parts not directly dictated
by the industry :-() was to mandate interfaces so consumers could choose
components from different companies and they would all send lovely digital
TV amongst themselves.

Buy your set top box or PVR from one company, get your cablecard from your
cable company, your TV from another company and be digital all the way
to the TV.   Great concept, if they hadn't saddled it with copy protection
rules that mean the components can only come from _large_ companies that
make non-open equipment.