The BBC has said that it wants to copy protect HD content due to increasing pressure from rights holders. Submitting plants to Ofcom the BBC, who aren’t allowed to copy protect or encrypt video or audio streams, have asked for specific information within set top boxes to be protected.
Explaining they wanted to prevent piracy, they said “We are committed to ensuring that public service content remains free to air i.e. unencrypted. However, HD content holders have begun to expect a degree of content management on the Freeview HD platform and therefore broadcasters have recognised that a form of copy protection is needed.” Set top boxes work by decoding data which is passed through the TV listings guide. If the BBC was allowed to encrypt this data and only pass it onto specific box manufacturers, any product without the encryption code could not provide the BBC channels.
Arguing the move by the BBC would limit consumer choice, Labour MP Tom Watson said “In an attempt to satisfy the fears of powerful rights holders, the BBC will prohibit millions of people from programming their existing set top boxes. If implemented this will make it difficult to view or record HDTV broadcasts with free software. Where’s the consumer interest in that settlement?”
With a number of set top box manufacturers using different operating systems, and open source code, there is distinct variation in the cost of digital platforms. However, if BBC encrypted data, only specific boxes would work for their HD channels.
Mr Watson added that it wouldn’t affect piracy. “If you’re a hardcore pirate, you’ll still be able to continue doing what you do but if you want to watch the latest EastEnders, you’ll have to purchase new stuff,” he said.
