HDTV Forum

Both the Samsung TS160 and Sony HD200 manuels have a paragraph to the effect saying:

"you may not be able to view HD copyrighted content in high definition"

I called Samsung about this and he confirmed at least part of my interpretation of this in that:

The broadcaster can send a signal (both OTA and Satellite) that will inhibit HD out. He said it was the LAW and meant to prevent copying copyrighted HD material.

That seemed to be the depth of his understanding on this issue. I suspect what else this means (and hope someone can shed some light on the subject) is this is the so called "broadcast flag" and causes the component output to either turn off or get down res'ed to 480 (hopefully 480p). I also suspect the HD then only comes out of the DVI output with HDCP protocols.

This would certainly prevent copying HD material with HD quality but seems to also obsolite all HDTV without DVI/HDCP input.

The only HD recorder I know of today is the DVHS that requires firewire to feed it. Seems like the issue of preventing HD copying of this copyrighted material could also be addressed making HD recorders that use component input illegal and turn OFF the firewire output (if supported). This would avoid the oboselence issue.

PLEASE RESPOND with your THOUGHTS and BETTER INFO.

Gerry

Nearly everybody can be "down-rezed" if the signal providers decide to "throw the switch". so far this has not happened and most figure it won't because it is not user specific. If the switch is thrown it will be thrown for everybody! The broadcast flag is something else entirely and only effects HD recorders, D-VHS.

Richard F. Fisher

I'd also add that having that capability is NOT the LAW. It has been discussed, but no decision is expected to be made before the next congressional session, at the earliest.

Lenny Zimmermann

Actually, due to the DCMA? or DMCA? passed in the mid 90's they legally could down-rez right now with out any notice because it is a digital signal rather than analog. This would be an ill thought decision though because the whole country would be up in arms but they can do it.

Richard F. Fisher