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NBC Accidentally Flies Broadcast Flag

Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:59 AM

NBC either really messed up the other night, or was rattling its virtual saber when it comes to ownership of TV shows. Here's what happened:

Windows Vista Media Center users found themselves blocked from making recordings of NBC TV shows beginning Monday when a broadcast flag triggered the software's built-in DRM.

The error message read: "Recording canceled. [TV show] cannot be recorded. Restrictions set by the broadcaster and/or originator of the content prohibit recording of this program."

Only Vista was affected, so your Tivo is fine, but NBC says it's looking into the problem. Overall, a chilling look into the future?

Arstechnica: NBC-Vista copy-protection snafu reminds us why DRM stinks




Comment(s)

Posted by BobBobson108 - Thursday, May 15, 2008 10:10 AM

I hope it's not a chilling look into the future... Even if it is, we will still find easy ways to pirate shows without being detected.

Posted by deleted_5209E621-4C9F-4F09-955B-9EA117856F1D - Thursday, May 15, 2008 11:34 AM

Another reason why Vista blows.

Posted by altizar - Friday, May 16, 2008 5:35 AM

This is why you stay with first generation products, they don't have all the software built in to f00k you over. . . Like original DVD players would let you skip the Federal Copyright protection screen instead of sitting there for 10 secs. . .

Posted by MutantEnemyMTL - Friday, May 16, 2008 9:16 AM

This kind of thing just encourages piracy. When DRM causes people frustration whether on purpose or by accident then people learn how to get around that DRM. Once they get used to getting around DRM then why pay for a show that you can pirate for free?

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