Of course, which is why I mentioned three possible users (I was specifiying practical users, not theoretical). The older formats don't use it because they don't expect it and nobody upgraded them to use it, and while its possible that a new non-HD format could use it, I don't really see the point since the entire infrastructure is built around HD protection. And its unlikely that we will see a new HD format in Vista's lifetime that will use those protections (Apple for example uses its own stuff).SirNitram wrote:Go read the links to Microsoft's own stuff: This exists independent of definition and media format.Netko wrote:And as far as protected content goes, this only applies to AACS protected stuff ie Bluray and HDDVD, and possibly new HD WMV files. It absolutely doesn't affect non-HD content. Older media like DVD don't use this stuff but their own protections that are implemented since XP.
Yes, that falls under the tactic I explained below (any playback is better then no playback). The point about CableCard is that the content industry was dragged kicking and screaming to allow something (including a law passed to that effect!) and they forced a monstrosity that just barely complies with the law on MS/hardware makers. They would rather not show their content on computers then show it under terms other then their own (which is what happened in Cablecards case - they wanted no ability for cable on the PC). MS here is in an unenviable position that it has this big PC as the media hub push, and content providers are forcing it into stupid situations that could likely backfire to be able to play any common content (read Hollywood and American TV) legally. Would it be better that it said "fuck off you wankers and call us when you get realistic with your proposed protections"? Maybe, I would certainly prefer it if successful (as noted, I don't plan to spend money to support the DRM-laden formats), but its not doing that, so we have the situation we have.Did they have Microsoft sign off on it, saying they must comply?But it would happen again. A more apt example then SACD and DVD-A is CableCard. There, the industry absolutely crippled PC playback by demanding that each model (as in, the assembled PC) with the ability to use CableCard has to be certified by CableLabs.
Hey, thats the current situation. I didn't say I liked it or that it should be that way, but it is.It's all okay because Mickey Mouse doesn't realize IT is many, many times his size? That's the most retarded rebuttal in a while.Yes, its absolutely retarded, however the content industry currently believes that its better to lose PC playback, which they don't consider to be a big market, and depend on standalone players then to lose control over their precious content. If copyright was rolled back to something sane we might start seeing the CE industry get some backbone and tell the content industry to fuck off with those hairbrained schemes, however while they control all the content and have another outlet except PCs (standalones), those idiotic mechanisms will continue to be deployed so that at least some form of legal viewing capability is available (at least on Windows and MacOS).
