The Motion Picture Association of America filed a petition to the FCC in May of 2008 to allow them "selectable output control". What this means is they wanted control over whether or not a person could record a film being played over standard Video-On-Demand features. Yesterday (Friday) the FCC finally granted the MPAA approval. It was part of another decision of the FCC to allow movie to hit VOD soon after they hit theaters (designed to assist the disabled who are unable to go to theaters).
Now, major film studios can simultaneously send out a signal with the VOD film that would effectively block the watcher's ability to record those shows not only through a DVR or other similar device, but through any external device as well. The technology essentially creates a cut-off on your TV's 'output' sources so even DVD recorders won't work. Which means the MPAA can actually control and affect the way your television works.
Before you get too worried, the FCC hasn't granted them all this power without some sort of restrictions. The FCC has stated that the blocking technology they're using can only be within a 90-day period from the purchase of the VOD, or until a pre-recorded version of the film (DVD or Blu-ray) is released; whichever is first. The bureau also said it planned to closely monitor the impact of the technology and is requiring all companies using it to provide a report on its effects within 2 years.
Regardless of the restrictions it's still the most control a company has ever been granted over an individuals own television, and it is a move I'm not entirely sure I'm comfortable with. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with a company trying to protect their property and earn money. I'm all for it, and that's why I refuse to download films illegally. However, if I've already purchased a film through VOD, I should be able to do with it what I want since I legally acquired it. More so than that, it's my television! I worked hard for it, I dropped the cash, and I'm the only one who has any right to mess with it. Allowing a company to use technology that directly controls my television is almost like giving them my personal property.
No matter how fancy your recorder is...it won't work
In that regard I totally disagree with the decision (though I agree with the early releases for those with diabilities) and I know I'm not the only one a little perturbed by it. Unfortunately there's really not much that can be done about it...except don't use VOD. If you do use the service, expect this technology to start working...pretty much immediately.
-Jordan
