[mythtv-users] FCC requiring cable operators to encrypt all signals?

[Tom Greer]

I recently reported to the list my successful fight with Cox Communications
to re-enable the IEEE1394 (firewire) output from my set-top boxes.

I received an polite follow-up call from a Cox representative telling me
that the fix they implemented that re-enabled firewire output from the
DCT-6xxx set-top boxes was an "interim solution".  The next planned update
to their firmware will still output via firewire; however, all output will
be encrypted.

According to my contact, this is all being done in accordance with a new FCC
mandate.  The firewire signal can only be decrypted by devices that will
ensure that content owners copyright restrictions (for example,  whether a
stream can be copied, how long it can be stored, the number of times it can
be viewed, etc.)

I'm also told that all output from all ports on all devices will be
similarly encrypted.  I did not ask, but I assume that this means that all
QAM signals will eventually be encrypted.

Does anyone know what specific FCC requires this action?

If this is indeed true, then it has a profound effect on anyone capturing
cable TV streams in the USA using any means other than composite video
capture.

Please help me understand whether I am getting real information or FUD.

Tom
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