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

[vond.livejournal.com]

On screens smaller than say 40", it's really not a big deal, but on any sort of "big" screen, it's very obvious to someone with even average eyesight.

[rbandrews]

I still say meh. I've seen a DVD on my parents' 42", and an upsampled DVD, and HD content from the cable box. I can definitely tell the difference, but it's just not enough of a difference to be worth the hassle.

I mean, it's better, I just never got this mindset that sees it as a necessity to have.

[vond.livejournal.com]

Cable/satellite HD content is not really a good standard. Try a Blu-Ray of a recent animated feature (on a 1080p TV) if you really want a high-end comparison.

Of course it's not necessary, but it's nice. Why have things be visibly blurry when you can... not?

[rbandrews]

Well, they have no Blu-Ray player. They have an AppleTV, though.

If that was the only difference, then of course, sharper is better. It's not though: there's the DRM, the crippling cost, incompatibility with older equipment...

If you really want sharp video that badly, more power to you. I just don't understand the people who think the corporations involved are tyrants for putting DRM in it. You aren't entitled to it, it's a luxury.

Now, net neutrality, that's worth fighting for. HD video I just don't get though.