HBO and Cinemax Ban Video on Demand Copying

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20041019-4324.html' target='_blank'>http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20041019-4324.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"When the FCC adopted digital "plug and play" cable compatibility rules (pdf), they assigned several copy protection categories that would be controlled by broadcast flags. In their ruling, pay-per-view and one time video on demand broadcasts fall into the "copy never" category, while viewers were allowed to copy subscription cable content once. The FCC classified the emerging subscription video on demand (SVOD) services as an "undefined business model" and encouraged broadcasters, content providers and subscription services to agree on a standard. A rift soon emerged when HBO, Showtime and the MPAA, favoring a "copy never" scheme, were pitted against Starz, cable providers and consumer electronics groups who favored a "copy once" classification for SVOD. The FCC has yet to clarify matters with SVOD and is not likely to in the near future. HBO and Cinemax are taking advantage of this regulatory gray area and have decided bar video on demand copying with devices that comply with CGMS-A standards."</i><br /><br />Sigh. :roll: Same old story: the thought of consumers keeping content and, gasp, watching it more than once, sends shivers up the spines of the media giants. Why? Because they can't sell it as a boxed set a year later, or make money through more ads in syndication. I'm all for companies making reasonable profit off their work, but this seems to be going too far.