Re: MythTV and the broadcast flag

As I understand it the FCC *does not* have any authority over cable
broadcasts. They have authority over the satellite frequencies but not
over the content transmitted over those frequencies (most of the
content is scrambled anyway). In a nutshell they cannot *force* the
broadcast flag system onto the cable or satellite providers but those
providers are likely to adopt it anyway since that's what the content
makers and owners seem to want.

I'm sure the current challenge to this setup won't be the last one.
None of them are likely to go very far in the current climate though.



On Sun, 06 Mar 2005 12:15:38 -0700, Kevin Brown <kevin_brown@qwest.net> wrote:
> der.hans wrote:
>
> > moin, moin,
> >
> > the broadcast flag is being mandated by the FCC :(.
> >
> > The FCC has authority *only* over things broadcast over the airwaves.
> >
> > Does this not mean that you can ignore the broadcast flag if the device
> > can't receive airwave broadcasts? In other words, if it only receives
> > cable and/or satellite broadcasts the FCC has no authority and can't
> > mandate a broadcast flag, right?
>
> Satelite frequencies and transmissions fall under their jurisdiction. A
> challenge has come up through the courts that would reverse their decision
> though. The only problem is, the 3 judge panel doesn't think the plaintiffs
> have a cause in the arguments they are promoting and so the case may go no
> farther. Hopefully both the EFF and the Libraries can get it to go before the
> Supreme Court and get it ruled that the FCC can set regulations, but can't
> control devices which is what they are trying to do with the Broadcast Flag rule.
>
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4290315.stm
> http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-02-22-tv-piracy_x.htm
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