BBC wants to lock-down Freeview HD content

[Internet News]

<img src="http://i.afterdawn.com/news/bbc_logo.gif" class="keyimg" alt="BBC wants to lock-down Freeview HD content" />The <b>British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)</b> has appealed to regulator <b>Ofcom</b> to be allowed to use encryption on <b>Freeview HD</b> data to prevent piracy. Of course, the request was immediately criticized as under licensing rules, the BBC is not allowed to encrypt video or audio streams. However, the BBC is requesting it be allowed to encrypt the data associated with TV listings, which in effect will stop set-top boxes from decoding TV content.

<i>"We are committed to ensuring that public service content remains free to air i.e. unencrypted,"</i> the broadcaster <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8259154.stm" target="_blank">said</a> in a statement. <i>"However, HD content holders have begun to expect a degree of content management on the Freeview HD platform and therefore broadcasters have recognised that a form of copy protection is needed."</i>

A vocal critic of the plan is <b>Labour</b> MP <b>Tom Watson</b>, who says the plan results in limiting consumer choices. <i>"In an attempt to satisfy the fears of powerful rights holders, the BBC will prohibit millions of people from programming their existing set top boxes,"</i> he in a blog entry. <i>"If implemented this will make it difficult to view or record HDTV broadcasts with free software. Where's the consumer interest in that settlement?"</i>

Under the new system, only trusted manufacturers would be offered the decryption keys for the HD data. Many set-top-boxes use open source software such as <b>Linux</b> to bring down costs, and critics say that the BBC's request will hit these boxes, because DRM is incompatible with open source software. As a result, it would be more difficult for producers of the boxes to get the necessary permissions from the BBC.

[dadden]

I think my subject lines says it quite clearly.

I have read dozens of websites and have yet to come up with an answer that stands up to reason.

I know the answer that my cynical mind has come up with but I am curious if anyone else has actually seen anyone admit to being among this list of content providers that won't play unless Auntie Beeb comes across with encryption? I mean come on, not only is it a violation of the licensing agreement as it stood (that may change soon) but it is irrelevant except to us as it will cause problems for those who don't own official systems.

The only people that I can see thinking this is a necessary thing are those who are trying to push the idea that anti pirating measures work. Unfortunately, the only measures that actually work are good police work and jail time for grievous offenders.

I have more observations but I will hold back for now because I am curious to see what you all think about this matter.

Thanks,
Brian.