[mythtv-users] Unlocking Technologies Act

[jedi]

On Fri, May 10, 2013 at 12:51:55PM -0400, Raymond Wagner wrote:
> From: Joseph Fry
> Sent: Friday, May 10, 2013 10:54 AM
> >>>
> >>> I'm not suggesting that some 3rd party create the firmware...  I am
> >>> saying that the good folks at Silicon Dust could legally change the
> >>> firmware to ignore those flags; after all "the bill would permit the
> >>> use AND SALE of tools..."
> >>
> >> That would undoubtedly constitute a breach of contract, and their
> >> authentication keys would be revoked.
> >
> > Again, I am not suggesting anyone do anything stupid.  I am talking about
> > above the board, or at least well informed change.  Essentially, this bill
> > says that consumers and commercial hardware/software, are allowed to
> > circumvent copy protection measures to allow fair use.  Now it doesn't say
> > that content creators have to make it easy... but it also clearly
> indicates
> > that they cannot go after the makers of the device/software.
> >
> > So upon a review of any contracts or certifications, I wonder if they
> could
> > implement it without risking their ability to continue to market
> > products... or at very least, lobby to have those contracts/certifications
> > changed to allow use under this law.
> 
> They still can't simply disable the DRM. SiliconDust can only interface with
> CableCard systems because they have a private decryption key. They were only
> given that key because they agreed in a contract to uphold the DRM. If they
> release a firmware that bypasses the DRM, they are in breach, and their key
> gets revoked.
> 
> In order to break DRM, you must either have a reliable way to extract keys
> from an independent implementation, or a way to generate new, valid keys on
> your own.

     So then cable card decryption becomes legal and commonplace along side 
all of the other forms of decryption that are already quite common but are
now only spoken of in whispers. The current blessed devices show a clear and
obvious legitimate use for all of those icky hacked decoders.

     Silicon Dust would likely not be the ones to sell a more widely compatible
device. They don't need to. Someone else will because DRM tends to be annoying 
and trouble prone even if you are using a blessed and supported configuration.