Something I've never understood

[rbandrews]

New Apple computers have HDCP, which is a nefarious copy protection system, built into the video-out ports. So you can't play HDCP-protected videos on non-HDCP-compliant (read: older than brand new) monitors. And everyone is up in arms about their civil liberties being infringed.

So here's my question: since when has watching TV and movies at a sharper resolution been that important? Why does anyone care? They released a technology that is totally superfluous, and then saddled it with oppressive DRM. The response here is to just not buy that technology, not to become self-righteous about the DRM.

You poor things, only standard-definition movies. However will you survive?

Comments

[rbandrews]

I guess it's the difference between "I like HD video and I won't buy any if you don't remove the DRM" and "DRM on HD video? I'll never buy one of your computers again!"

DRM is all about FUD. Even the name is a lie. It only works when people don't know exactly what the restrictions are, just that stuff only works right when you have all new devices from major manufacturers.

My problem is that Cory's outrage here is also FUD. There's no reason why anyone would have to throw away a Mac, or why Macs are any more locked down than Vista, or why most people would ever run into this problem. However, the article implies that Macs will just stop working entirely, because of DRM, after a couple years.

DRM is bad enough that I don't believe we have to lie to people to get them to reject it.