Check out this article that the EFF put together discussing that current status of DRM especially as it relates to TV and DVR devices.? It is very detailed.
Here are some of my favorite bits from it:
- In the “Plug and Play” proceedings, the FCC required14 all cable companies to make available CableCARDs,15 which enable anyone to offer an alternative to set-top boxes. The CableCARD is slotted into a compatible device like a TV or a DVR, and then that device acts as a set-top box. Inter-industry agreements force anyone who wants to create a CableCARD-compatible device to get licensed through a private organization jointly run by cable companies called CableLabs.16? Unfortunately, Hollywood intruded into the FCC’s proceedings in order to ensure that CableCARD-compatible devices incorporated DRM. With the FCC’s blessings, CableLabs’ license can require DRM.
- And that’s how TiVoToGo for Series 3 HD met its maker. As TiVo’s website suggests,18 CableLabs has yet to permit TiVo to implement TiVoToGo in the CableCARD-compatible Series 3 HD. TiVo must first create a set of restrictions that satisfies CableLabs, and, if it cannot, the feature will remain extinct.19 Hollywood has openly wanted to rein in TiVoToGo,20 and any revived version will be more limited than its predecessor. Again, if Hollywood and cable companies had originally obtained such a veto power over the DVR itself, TiVo might never have been born.
- First, no copying restrictions can be put on any unencrypted over-the-air broadcast content carried via cable or satellite, including shows like Lost, 24, Desperate Housewives, and The Office. Satellite and cable providers must allow at least one generation of copies for “pay television, non-premium subscription television, and free conditional access” programming, though they can prohibit all copying of video-on-demand, pay-per-view, and subscription-on-demand programming.27 Of course, these caps provide only a little comfort; since the time of the VCR, TV fans have been technically able to time-shift using a device of their choosing and copy recorded content to any other device. Now those abilities can be taken away.
- Finally, the FCC prohibited “down-rezzing”29 of over-the-air content carried via cable or satellite. Like selectable output control, down-rezzing can be employed to encourage use of restricted digital outputs instead of unrestricted analog outputs. Unfortunately, the FCC left the door open for down-rezzing of other programming.30
Interesting stuff.? Go read the article.