Forcing the analog sunset: the ugly side of the HD revolution

Vikingod · Feb 26, 2006, 02:26 PM

As reported last week, AACS is a "go." Short for Advanced Access Content System, AACS is a kind of successor to CSS; the specification is being adopted by both HD DVD and Blu-ray for the purposes of securing commercial video content stored on those mechanisms. AACS is far broader than CSS, but that need not concern us now. What I would like to draw some attention to today is the fact that AACS also has some important off-disc ramifications.

The AACS Interim Agreement is a 106-page set of rules for those who wish to license AACS, a list that would presumably include consumer electronics manufacturers and many other technology companies. Although AACS includes, among other things, the ability to allow content owners to determine what kinds of outputs HD video is directed towards, the license also includes a forced sunset for most of those outputs. Put simply, AACS licensees must eliminate analog outputs on consumer electronics devices by 2013 to remain in compliance with the license. Forced obsolescence it is.
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Read More / Source: ars technica

Rayder · Feb 26, 2006, 05:28 PM

A consumer boycott is required here. These company fat-cats don't want to lose weight. If these companies get their way, we won't be able to record ANYTHING, because we won't have anything to record with. Isn't that considered a monopoly?

If no one bought any of this DRM enabled stuff, companies would be FORCED to change their tune real quick.

I don't know about anyone else, but I plan to resist this kind of "control" as long as possible.

It's still, "We the people", isn't it?

I agree that copying copyrighted material for profit is illegal, and those people SHOULD be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. But I think they are violating our civil rights by trying to take away ALL ability to record anything (for personal use) from us.

Feb 26, 2006, 02:26 PM	#1
Vikingod Int'l Fish Liaison Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: By the light of lamp I sit and type... Posts: 16,197 Rep Power: 112 System Specs	Forcing the analog sunset: the ugly side of the HD revolution As reported last week, AACS is a "go." Short for Advanced Access Content System, AACS is a kind of successor to CSS; the specification is being adopted by both HD DVD and Blu-ray for the purposes of securing commercial video content stored on those mechanisms. AACS is far broader than CSS, but that need not concern us now. What I would like to draw some attention to today is the fact that AACS also has some important off-disc ramifications. The AACS Interim Agreement is a 106-page set of rules for those who wish to license AACS, a list that would presumably include consumer electronics manufacturers and many other technology companies. Although AACS includes, among other things, the ability to allow content owners to determine what kinds of outputs HD video is directed towards, the license also includes a forced sunset for most of those outputs. Put simply, AACS licensees must eliminate analog outputs on consumer electronics devices by 2013 to remain in compliance with the license. Forced obsolescence it is. __________ Read More / Source: ars technica

Feb 26, 2006, 05:28 PM	#2
Rayder Mostly lurking lately.... Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 2,161 Rep Power: 73	A consumer boycott is required here. These company fat-cats don't want to lose weight. If these companies get their way, we won't be able to record ANYTHING, because we won't have anything to record with. Isn't that considered a monopoly? If no one bought any of this DRM enabled stuff, companies would be FORCED to change their tune real quick. I don't know about anyone else, but I plan to resist this kind of "control" as long as possible. It's still, "We the people", isn't it? I agree that copying copyrighted material for profit is illegal, and those people SHOULD be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. But I think they are violating our civil rights by trying to take away ALL ability to record anything (for personal use) from us. Last edited by Rayder; Feb 26, 2006 at 05:36 PM.