SelectableOutputControl
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FCC will let the MPAA disable analog outputs, kind of
The Motion Picture Association of America has been trying to get a waiver for the FCC Selectable Output Control (SoC) ban since it went into effect -- the ability to only allow content to flow from a HDCP protected HDMI port. Up until now there has been lots of debate and no action. The bad news is that the MPAA can now use SoC to protect high value content, the good news is the FCC really locked down exactly when it can be used. Basically any movie that's never been released on disc (DVD or Blu-ray) can be protected with SoC for 90 days. The reason the FCC granted this partial waiver was because the content affected isn't currently available to cable and satellite anyways -- in other words consumers who own older HDTVs, without HDMI ports, don't currently expect access to these movies. So for those with older hardware nothing changes, and for those with the latest and greatest, you'll be able to rent newer movies from home. And for everyone else there's the HDfury2 -- no, they'll never learn that DRM is a big waste of time and money. Full waiver after the jump.
Who cares if the analog hole is closed?
There are plenty of people out there that couldn't care less if HD programming continued to flow over component connections. To some, it is just seen as an outdated technology that deserves to die. So it's no surprise that some big names like DirecTV and AT&T recently told the FCC that they couldn't care less either, but this is mostly because they are more interested in offering some Hollywood movies a few weeks early, than ensuring their customers can use their connection of choice. Funny though, not everyone agrees, we particularly liked the stance of the National Association of Theater Owners which believe that if new movies were offered earlier, it is sure to kill the theater business -- boy, we never heard that one before. The only entity out there who did seem to be on the same page as us was the Consumer Electronics Association, who called SOC a "blunt instrument" to which they see many opportunities for abuse. TiVo seemed to have the most level headed approach though, which was, let 'em try it, and if it's abused (aka used for something other then new movies) then repeal it -- just so long as the content works on TiVo devices, of course.
Will 2008 be the year for Selectable Output Control?
If you've been following the development of HDTV for a long time, then you've probably heard of Selectable Output Control. Years ago before HDMI was a reality and not all HDTVs had DVI ports, component was king; then along came some new DRM that would allow a provider to disable a STB's output that didn't support DRM (read component). Fearing harm to their new pet project, the FCC forbid its use, but left the door open. Now it appears that the door may be opened in 2008 by providers who might require that you use HDMI with HDCP or watch your HD on your older HD set at 480p. According to Scott Greczkowski from SatelliteGuys.us, DISH Network has recently started instructing their installers to use HDMI and that if the customer's HDTV doesn't support HDCP, that they shouldn't use HDMI at all -- better to be downconverted, then to not be seen at all. We hope this never happens, but we understand how much pressure providers can be under from the content owners. We don't believe the FCC will ever allow them to lock down everything, but even if only PPV is affected, we'd be bummed.
