MPAA Wants to Release Movies Earlier; Prevent Recording
Jun 9, 2008
According to Ars Technica, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) filed a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) petition for "expedited special relief" last month that could result in new restrictions on home recording of movies.
At issue is the FCC's 2003 ruling that probited the use of selectable output control (SOC) technology. SOC enables content providers or distributors from remotely blocking digital video recorders, and MPAA is asking the Commission for a permanent waiver that would allow its member companies like Sony, Disney and Warner Brothers to use SOC as part of a new distribution scheme.
As MPAA explained in its petition, the film studios it represents are interested in partnering with multi-channel video programming distributors to release high definition movies for in-home viewing prior to the normal release date for DVDs. And they argue that SOC is a necessary safeguard to ensure that films aren't "exposed to unauthorized copying or redistribution" in advance of them becoming available on DVD. MPAA believes it's a win-win because consumers will receive access to major theatrical releases sooner, and the high definition content will offer an additional incentive for consumers to upgrade to HD televisions as part of the switch to digital TV.
Not everyone is buying that argument though. Ars points out that the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Home Recording Rights Coalition, led by Consumer Electronics Association president and CEO Gary Shapiro, have been outspoken opponents of SOC restrictions.
The MPAA's petition is available here, and the FCC is seeking public comments through June 25th (the docket number for the proceeding is 08-82).
Tags:
Consumer Electronics Association, copyright, digital TV, DVD, EFF, FCC, HRRC, MPAA, piracy, selectable output control
