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Microsoft Replies to Vista Content Protection - Chris Lanier's Blog

Microsoft Replies to Vista Content Protection

Windows Vista Content Protection - Twenty Questions (and Answers) | In case you missed it, Microsoft replied to that great Cost Analysis of Windows Vista Content Protection with a good piece that summarized all of the information that has been out for the better part of a year.

It’s important to remember that everything talked about relates to copy protection systems that are already on the said media.  Your general HD content will not play at a reduced resolution, your SPDIF connection will not disabled while playing your favorite DVDs, etc.

What will happen is when you are playing a HD DVD or Blu-ray Disc with ICT set, your video will playback at a reduced resolution of 540p if you are not using a digital connection with HDCP.  Remember, this happens when you playback on Windows XP or on a standalone set-top player.  If is not specific to Windows Vista!  Everyone online is writing with a spin that it only relate to Windows Vista and Microsoft just wants to limit your viewing of content.  This couldn’t be more wrong, AACS (eg. The Hollywood studios) are what limit’s it.

Everything that happens in Windows Vista can/will also happen in your standalone player.  If you read someone trying to spin it the other way, they are flat out wrong.  Everything is about spinning it to support one side of the argument.  These people really want to attack the studios, I guess they haven’t figured that out yet.

Published Monday, January 22, 2007 4:44 PM by chrisl
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Comments

# re: Microsoft Replies to Vista Content Protection

if Microsoft is complicit with the studios then they should be put on the hotseat too.  Microsoft is in the unique postion of being able to shape how media is being handled and in my oppinion have done very little to stick up for the end users.

Every company involved with the playback standards are at fault.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007 9:52 AM by java

# re: Microsoft Replies to Vista Content Protection

@Java

MPAAconsumercomparedHDHDMPAAThe problem with that theory is, the MPAA doesn't give a rat's ass if you can watch HD movies on your PC. It's a new market and more to the point, HD on a PC is a microscopic market when compaired with consummer electronics (i.e. stand-alone players) and always will be. Microsoft has absolutely NO leverage here. If Microsoft were to "stick up for the end users" the MPAA would simply say "Fine, we don't need you. You either play by our rules or not at all."

"Every company involved with the playback standards are at fault."

HDCPHDWhile in principal I agree. Every company's fault is not equal. Microsoft came very late to this game. These standards were already set in place long before Microsoft decided to support HD playback in Vista. The HDCP spec (version 1.0) was established in February of 2000.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:16 AM by Matt P

# re: Microsoft Replies to Vista Content Protection

I'm gonna have to agree with Matt here.  Microsoft's options were to either comply with the MPAA restrictions or completely scrap playback of ICT-protected HD material.  Hollywood would actually PREFER that Vista couldn't play HD material, so taking that path wouldn't exactly put pressure on the studios.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007 3:31 PM by Darryl