CABLELABS FILES FINAL LICENSE FOR DIGITAL CABLE COPY PROTECTION
01/01/2001
Audio Week
(c) Copyright 2001 Warren Communications News, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
CableLabs quietly submitted full final draft of its controversial anticopying technology license for advanced digital cable set-top boxes to FCC recently, agreeing with major film studios to set strict home copying limits for at least some DTV programming.
Copying provisions, buried deep within CableLabs' 43-page filing on Dec. 15, establish such categories as "copy no more," "copy never" and "copy once" to set tight limits on how many times various types of DTV programming can be recorded by consumers. Restrictions particularly take aim at personal video recorders (PVRs). But license doesn't spell out which types of digital programming would be limited, leaving that decision up to big film studios and other content producers.
Formally known as final POD Host Interface License Agreement (PHILA), draft replaces earlier versions of CableLabs' Dynamic Feedback Arrangement Scrambling Technique (DFAST) technology license. Besides setting copying limits, it requires cable operators and broadcasters to "down resolution" specified HDTV programming delivered to analog TV sets so consumers can't make top-flight copies. Idea is to keep pay-per-view and premium movies that are labeled as "copy never" from being recorded when viewed on analog sets. CableLabs said it's developing software that will soon allow licensees to "constrain the resolution of Controlled Content that is High Resolution" and transmitted to analog sets.
In addition, CableLabs is reportedly working on technology designed to prevent consumers from plugging cable wires into their computers and uploading restricted DTV programming. Moreover, R&D group said it's developing software that will permit content holders "to obliterate the stored content" on PVRs and similar recording devices "after a stated period of time" if there are copying limits. Restrictions on amount of digital programming that may be recorded on PVRs are also reportedly being considered.
Move by CableLabs comes after group twice extended FCC's original Oct. 18 deadline for submitting final PHILA license. It also comes as cable operators, content holders, broadcasters, set-top box manufacturers, CE retailers, PVR firms, computer software developers and other interests continue to spar over DTV encryption, technical standards, cable compatibility and other issues. In one recent action, House Telecom Subcommittee member Boucher (D-Va.) urged FCC Chmn. Kennard to prevent emerging DTV copy protection restrictions from stripping consumers of their ability to record their favorite shows.
In brief written statement, MPAA said it was "pleased that the PHILA license includes copy protection specifications" but indicated it still hopes to tweak license further. "This is a critical issue for content providers, for cable distributors and particularly for consumers," group said. "If consumers purchase devices that are not capable of protecting high value content, those devices will become bottlenecks in the chain of distribution of high value content."
CEA executives, who have fiercely opposed strict limits on home copying limits as anti-consumer, declined comment on specifics of CableLabs' license. They said group is still reviewing PHILA license. But Michael Petricone, vp-technology policy, reiterated CEA's position that technology license shouldn't go beyond ensuring signal security and preventing harm to cable system architecture. He argued that FCC should "put it out for public comment" because of license's "significant public policy implications."
iDVD ON TRACK FOR MAJOR SUMMER ROLLOUT: Thanks in large part to improved DVD chip technology, Internet-enabled DVD players should begin reaching shelves in major tests by mid-summer 2001, Planetweb CEO Ken Soohoo said. In addition, Planetweb also is expected to use this week's CES to demo Web-surfing on Sony's PlayStation 2 (PS2) videogame console.
Many in retail, hardware and movie industry had hoped DVD players with Internet connectivity would be already exerting their presence on store shelves by now. But, Soohoo said: "When we looked at what we wanted out of the product -- which was simultaneous DVD playback and Web browsing so you could essentially trigger the web content off the DVD content -- frankly with this generation of chips it just wasn't compelling." Planetweb has generated support from hardware makers such as Aiwa and JVC, and has lined up 3rd-party chip manufacturers, including C-Cube, National Semiconductor, Zoran, VM Labs. "It will certainly hit the June-July time frame for the larger volume 50,000 tests," he said. "And then we expect to have the product tweaked, well understood and lined up for holiday 2001."
iDVD will enable consumers to access Web content tied to movies and other discs. In addition, major studios may be able to target consumers who have already purchased discs by sending promotional material about upcoming releases.
Project was supposed to be launched in 2000 through "Free DVD" initiative, with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) providing consumers with free or heavily discounted hardware if they signed up for several years of Internet connectivity through living room. But Soohoo said several of ISPs that were to be involved experienced unrelated financial pressure that caused them to shelve effort.
While Soohoo characterized much of delay as technology-related, at least one source familiar with iDVD said there are still some issues of establishing standards for surfing Internet via DVD players. Without going into detail, source said various companies, including studios, hardware makers and enabling software firms, such as Planetweb and InterActual, are negotiating over any potential revenue that may be derived from providing content through players. "Wherever, there's money involved, you know there's going to be some complications," he said. Other issue is whether CE makers may want to get involved in providing Internet service, although Soohoo said most have shown little interest thus far.
Meanwhile, Planetweb will provide glimpse into future of PS2 as it shows Web surfing on Sony 128-bit console. Details were still sketchy at our Fri. deadline. But, Soohoo said: "The American market will get their first look at PlayStation 2 browsing via Planetweb at CES."
Planetweb became first browser company formally linked to PS2 several weeks ago when Japanese game developer Koei (maker of strategy game Kessen) and its Ergosoft subsidiary announced it had formed alliance with Planetweb to provide Internet software and middleware tools to PS2 in Japan. "The significance was that Koei was the first publisher to announce a Web browser solution," said Soohoo, adding: "There are several Web browser solutions for PlayStation2 and we were the first ones chosen and currently the only one chosen."
Planetweb has been at forefront of Web browsing via CE products for some time and was first company to bring out console browser when it worked with Sega on NetLink for ill-fated 32-bit Saturn. Planetweb was later able to parlay that experience into deal with Sega to provide browser for Dreamcast in Japan and U.S. Planetweb also provides browser for other appliances and recently signed deal with PowerChannel to Web-enable 2 million set-top boxes in U.K.
While Koei announcement attracted little fanfare in U.S., it does provide glimpse into possible role game publishers may play as console gaming market moves online. One of issues going forward is how much control major console manufacturers will have over console experience via Internet. For example, will Web surfing over game machines be closed experience, or will 3rd party publishers and others have opportunity to host various aspects of their videogame experience? Already, Sega has indicated that despite its hope for SegaNet ISP, it will allow publishers to set up their own Web presence for Dreamcast games. "Today Star Wars Racer has it built in to where gamers go right to the Lucas Web site," noted Soohoo. "We're offering that ability on the PlayStation 2, and that's triggered huge interest |
