FREESAT, FREEVIEW DRM ISSUES.

FREESAT, FREEVIEW DRM ISSUES.

DRM( digital rights management) rights management issues answered.

Freeview will NOT have any DRM on the new BBC HD programming.
freesat has at present DRM on the BBC HD programming.

Freeview and now freesat are causing total confusion with viewers everywhere and we try and sort out what is fast becoming a TV viewers jungle.
This update tries to answer a few questions which have been winging our way over the last week.
Normally we answer each and every "E", mail but this one is not practical as so many are asking similar questions.
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We start with freesat ; freesat is satellite dish Dependant and it has DRM (digital rights management) set on certain programming so that only certain audiences within certain territorial boundaries can view the programme. Future updates will include access for the Ethernet connection which may allow viewing of internet based items like the BBC iPlayer, etc...
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Freeview is terrestrial (roof or cable Ariel) and new Freeview boxes are due out soon which will be able to pick up the new MPEG4 transmissions - existing Freeview boxes and the great majority of existing TV sets are not equipped to handle MPEG4 transmissions. future updates will include Ethernet connection which may allow viewing of internet based on demand programming.
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To recap;
Freeview (terrestrial) will NOT have any DRM (digital rights management).
freesat (satellite) will have DRM (digital rights management) switched on.
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Our conclusion;
We in U.K. are very lucky to have such a wide choice of channels all for the price of our licence fee - it would be Oh! so wrong for fee paying channels to be brought in on stealth.
Our suggestion on new purchases;
Make sure your new TV, Freeview box, CD recorder etc...is equipped to handle or be able to cope with MPEG4.

FREESAT, FREEVIEW, BROADBAND, RADIO AND HD SERVICES ALL IN ONE.

FREESAT, FREEVIEW, BROADBAND, RADIO AND HD SERVICES ALL IN ONE.

Freesat combined with Freeview, broadband, radio and HD mix will be served up by Project Canvas via a new set top box.
This story started to unfold yesterday (19th May 2009), and we were not surprised as the once well known Project Kangaroo got scuppered.
The set top box (expected next year) will also have the ability to provide on demand programming from the banks of the main five terrestrial channels
provided via the internet. No prizes for guessing who the manufacturers could be as unlike other electrical equipment this one is no secret.
This will be when Project Canvas starts to do their homework as buyers of freesat and Freeview equipment start to count the costs of
their already purchased FREE to view systems. Preoject Canvas will have to find that fine line between on-demand and internet or high street
rental of new films before they can build that customer bank of regular on-demand paying viewers.
Advertising may well be a problem initially as BBC licence holders will expect fair return on their annual fee which at this time is just short
of £150 per receiving equipment.
The advertising steamroller will play a major part in all of our lives as more and more advertisers recognise the selling power of the media.
Check out this website which will explain how advertising is in the process of expanding and how it will affect you;
http://www.doubleclick.com/privacy/faq.aspx
We found the Opt-out cookie section enlightening.