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Verizon FiOS Turning On DRM to Prevent Copying of Recorded Content from Premium Channels

Phillip Dampier June 28, 2012 Consumer News, Online Video, Verizon 6 Comments

Verizon FiOS customers are receiving letters this week informing them the company is locking down video content from being recorded and copied by viewers:

We also would like to inform you that on or after July 31, 2012, Verizon will begin to implement the requirements of certain premium channels (which requirements are authorized by the Federal Communications Commission), that prohibit the copying of recorded content to more than one recorder (such as a DVR or mobile device). This may affect the functioning of some multi-room DVRs. Recent software updates from the manufacturers of these devices may provide options, such as streaming, that preserve multi-room functionality for affected channels.

Consumers using DVR boxes should still be able to record whatever shows they want, but those using external copying or recording tools, or use CableCARDs, will be stymied from copying digital content protected by a copyright flag, and CableCARDs will now have to be pre-authorized to authenticate customers for access to the channels they want to watch.

In real terms, this will likely create hassles for customers using third party viewing devices that can stream shows from one place to another, if those devices detect and respect the copyright flag set by the provider.  This could also block access to certain streaming apps, unless they are rewritten to support the copyright sensitivity of the programmer.

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Smith6612
Smith6612
12 years ago

Since when has a Copy flag on a Paid TV Service stopped anything from being copied? Maybe it prevents 1080p recording or 1080i recording from other devices, but the solution to ensure the device you use to record acknowledges the flag but ignores it, defeating the purpose of the flag in the first place. There’s plenty of HTPC software that can be set up as long as the software itself isn’t blocked from being able to open the content somehow.

Scott
Scott
12 years ago

It does seem odd to punish their own customers restricting recording to only a single DVR in the household, I’m not seeing the point behind that unless this is just another move to try and kill off CableCard devices that the cable industry has been trying to not comply with or support for years. Just makes it convenient that they make it sound like a government requirement. You’re right about not preventing it from being copied, pirates just take the stream via any analog hole they can find, or someone eventually just copies the DVD/Bluray and shares that. All this… Read more »

Derek
Derek
12 years ago

I agree with Scott. Preventing copying of recorded content from premium channels is going to backfire on Verizon FiOS and hurt business. After all, they aren’t the only telecom company that offer services through fiber optic cables. The broader the market your product appeals to, to more more you make. This just doesn’t make any sense to me. To learn more about fiber optic cables and the global impact it’s making, go to http://fiberoptics.shopbuynenjoy.com/blog/

Adam
Adam
12 years ago

I don’t think this is going to work at all. It’s going to hurt and customers will end up bailing out of their contracts, return equipment and start to go somewhere else. And yes I do agree with Scott you will be seeing more consumers move to the satellite system or their old cable company. What are they trying to impress? Most of the movies on the movie channels are very hard to find and most our OUT OF PRINT! So before flagging anything FiOS do your research on how many movies are available on DVD before punishing your consumers.… Read more »

ewkeane@hotmail.com
12 years ago

Maybe we should all copyright our voices and charge people to hear us speak.
Same with posted items.
You are all now on notice. If I catch you using these words without my express permission, I will sue you internationaly.
What a silly notion in this day and age.

ewkeane@hotmail.com
12 years ago

By the way, watch this and have a nice day:

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