HDTV, MCE, DRM, and DCMA

[Jeremy Charette]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.edbott.com/weblog/archives/000869.html' target='_blank'>http://www.edbott.com/weblog/archives/000869.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"My lack of connectivity last week kept me out of the latest round of the DRM debate. Chris Lanier started it with a very sensible post here. He makes the point that DRM is already a major part of the digital media ecosystem, and in fact most of it is practically invisible. If you watch digital cable TV, rent a DVD, subscribe to HBO, own a DirecTV or Dish satellite, or even drag out one of your old commercially released VHS tapes, you're already dealing with DRM, and you probably don't even notice."</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/01hs_bott_lg.jpg" /> <br /><br />Ed Bott has posted his thoughts on the DRM debate. He makes a good point about current DRM solutions being seamless, but I think most fears about proposed DRM tools are well-founded. Ed brings up two things that are making seamless DRM difficult, and the biggest one is the DMCA. When will some lawmaker listen to the consumers instead of the content providers, and begin a motion to limit or strike down this juggernaut? The United States was founded on <i>free</i> enterprise, not <i>carefully regulated for the betterment of a few large companies</i> enterprise. :?

[bluemax]

I called the senators who represent my state and asked them just that question. I asked them to stand on the floor of the senate and ask their fellow senators if they represent the people of the United States or if they represent the MPAA and RIAA. I let them know I was angry and frustrated. I don't know how much influence my call made but I do know the efforts to sweep the broadcast flag into a disassociated bill were dropped.

If everyone who reads this were to take a few minutes and spend a few cents to call their representatives, I think it would make a difference. I'd like to believe they are not hearing us because we're not talking directly to them. If not, we're back to the question of representation.

Bill B

[Jason Dunn]

Good for you Bill! Being from Canada, I don't think they'll listen to me, but my fear is that we'll have the same types of laws passed up here eventually - Canada often follows suit with many US laws (for better or worse).