IBM and Fox develop DRM for broadcast TV

[James Fee]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://news.com.com/IBM%20getting%20chummy%20with%20local%20TV/2100-1026_3-5673098.html?' target='_blank'>http://news.com.com/IBM%20getting%20chummy%20with%20local%20TV/2100-1026_3-5673098.html?</a><br /><br /></div><i>"IBM and the Fox Entertainment Group are working together on a new copy-protection technique that's aimed at keeping local broadcast TV content from being sent over the Net outside its home market. The technique, which the companies are collectively seeking to patent, is a variation on the "broadcast flag" rules mandated by the Federal Communications Commission and going into effect later this year. The IBM-Fox technique will let devices that read or receive TV content use the digital broadcasts to identify themselves as part of a home broadcast market. They will then refuse to hand TV content off to devices from other local markets, using that measure as a way to keep content in its authorized area, the companies said."</i><br /><br />Give me a break. I fail to see how this will work since I would think hackers could easily fool the DRM. Rather than spend money on limiting our uses of content, they should be helping distribute it more which in turn would increase their revenue from ad sales. But no, they continue to stick it to consumers who only have the FCC to protect them.<br /><br />Guess we are screwed. :x

[crstbo623]

I would say that the FCC "protecting" us should be in quotes, as more often than not lately they are either siding with big business or with conservatives seeking to limit free speech.

[sojourner753]

I would say that the FCC "protecting" us should be in quotes, as more often than not lately they are either siding with big business or with conservatives seeking to limit free speech.

For awhile I was in agreement with the FCC mantra of protecting up and coming technology. "To promote" innovation.

But many times I think its just turned into protectionism and corporate welfare.

[Felix Torres]

Rather than spend money on limiting our uses of content, they should be helping distribute it more which in turn would increase their revenue from ad sales.

Better yet: they need a new business model.
They are acting like the old railroad barons who went down the tubes because they thought they were in the railroad business instead of realizing they were in the *transportation* business.
The networks act like they're in the advertisment-distribution business instead of *entertainment* distribution.

Simple solution: sell the shows without ads at a reasonable price.

IP-based on-demand video streaming can generate far more cash that ads. And instead of annoying the viewer and driving him off to non-advertising-based entertainment (dvds, hbo, etc) they could actually be getting folks to pay for reruns. >;-)