In an article from PCWorld.com, the point is made that you probably won't be able to see HD-DVD products on your existing computer (assuming you have an HD monitor now). With Microsoft backing the new HD-DVD format, of course they're going to protect the content as much as possible; so much so, in fact, that in addition to your new HD-DVD drive, you'll have to purchase Windows Vista and a new monitor (although there are some few people who do have a compliant display already). Now this doesn't affect most of us, as we had no plans to buy an HD compatible display anyway, so we wouldn't be able to see the difference even if we did buy HD products. But this is another example of how copy protection only stops legitimate users from legitimately using their products. First, if you have an HD monitor now, it means you went out and bought a replacement for your existing CRT or LCD screen, and an HD monitor is not cheap. Now they're telling you you'll have to buy a new HD monitor to replace your HD monitor. That wouldn't make me happy either. Second, we all know that for a fact people who want to make illegal copies (or just break the content protection scheme for their own purposes) will manage to do so. There is no stopping it. I mean, content protection has been going on for 30 years with videotapes and software, and it has never been successful!
I'm not one of those "blame evil Microsoft" for doing certain things (although they are monopolistic), so I'll reiterate that this isn't really their fault. Our government has been hoodwinked or paid off or whatever until they believe what the industray says about piracy and content protection. I don't know what "fair use" technically means, but I wouldn't call this fair or useful.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
What the...what a load of crap. When a computer manufacturer sells a laptop or desktop to a customer with the claim that you can watch DVDs on it, you should be able to actually WATCH DVDs on it. This kind of crap is the reason I don't consider any sort of "home theater" ability on a computer when I'm making a purchase. The software standars and piracy protection make it beating by making it so you can't even be sure if everything is going to work every time you stick it in there. You know what works? Putting the DVD in my DVD player and turning the TV on. So that's what I'll do until they settle the standards for this market.
Post a Comment