Vista DRM flag blocks recordings of users favorite TV shows this week

Built in flag of MCE software, triggered what could be on the horizon for all HTPC's. An unsettling reminder that broadcasters can give instructions to the software built into DVRs

The flag affected users trying to record prime-time NBC shows on Monday evening, using both over-the-air broadcasts and cable. Although the problem is being "looked into" by both NBC and Microsoft, the incident serves as another reminder that DRM gives content providers full control, even if by accident.

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080514-nbc-vista-copy-protection-snafu-reminds-us-why-drm-stinks.html

DRM isn't about fighting piracy. It's about the ability to strictly control how we consume content.

DRM = EVIL And of course HDCP being the same if not worse.

Always has, always will. Has nothing to do with protecting consumers, has everything to do with double, triple and quadruple dipping and making the consumer pay over and over again for the same content.

I actually think DRM itself isn't bad. If you didn't pay for content, then why should you be able to enjoy it for free?

I only hate DRM when its so poorly put into place it limits what you can do with legally purchased content...like playing music on a non-iPod player. Or getting a digital copy of a movie to view on a portable player...but these are two things companies are finally addressing. iTunes carries mp3s, and many online stores sell non-DRM'ed music. And the whole digital copy movement has just started, I really hope it takes foot.

Call me crazy, but if you didn't buy it, or watch a Ad to see it, you have no right to view or record it. Proper rights trump someones cheapness, because if had created the content, I'd want to get some money for my hard work.

Think about it... if you have it in your hands, you've already paid for it. If you downloaded it... it's probably already ripped DRM free.

DRM only effects the legitimate users. How many times do you have to buy the 'white album'.

They've imposed restrictions way beyond what the law requires. Customers need to know who Microsoft is listening to and how that affects their equipment. Right now, the only way customers know what Microsoft has agreed to is when the technology they've bought suddenly stops working.

http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9946780-7.html?tag=nefd.riv

I actually think DRM itself isn't bad. If you didn't pay for content, then why should you be able to enjoy it for free?

I only hate DRM when its so poorly put into place it limits what you can do with legally purchased content...like playing music on a non-iPod player. Or getting a digital copy of a movie to view on a portable player...but these are two things companies are finally addressing. iTunes carries mp3s, and many online stores sell non-DRM'ed music. And the whole digital copy movement has just started, I really hope it takes foot.

Call me crazy, but if you didn't buy it, or watch a Ad to see it, you have no right to view or record it. Proper rights trump someones cheapness, because if had created the content, I'd want to get some money for my hard work.

Our current laws concerning DRM are ambiguous at best, ridiculous for the norm. Consider that we do have a right to make a backup copy of what we purchase. We do not have a right to circumvent the encryption on our purchase to make a backup. In essence - 99% of DVD's have CSS. On one hand we are allowed to make a backup - on the other hand we are breaking the law. Seems as if congress wrote one half of the bill and allowed the MPAA & RIAA to write the other half.