[mythtv-users] OT: Tivo Users Can, So Can MythTV users?

[Geoff at Hundekeandroyal dot com]

Michael T. Dean wrote:
> That one showed up as "FCC Rules VoIP Must Be Tappable" for me.  Here's 
> where I found the Hollywood/NFL stuff:
> http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/07/22/156231&tid=129
> and
> http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/08/04/196238&threshold=5&tid=129&tid=158 
> 
> So, here we can get the MPAA, the local broadcasters, *AND* the service 
> providers (cable/satellite operators) after us.  After all, if you're 
> paying for the $20/mo package, one of your friends has the $40/mo 
> package, and another has the $80/mo "complete" package, and you're 
> recording shows off a friend's premium channel, the cable/satellite 
> company could prosecute you for stealing the service (just like in the 
> '80's).  After all, haven't you noticed a resurgence of "cable theft is 
> a crime" ads?
> 
> Then there's the FCC's banning the American public from subscribing to 
> local stations outside their "Designated Market Area."  When someone in 
> CA sends a friend in New York a show from his/her local NBC station, 
> this could be seen as violating the FCC's market protection rules.  
> (That was peripherally mentioned in the article, but I'm sure the FCC 
> will tell TiVo who can appear on the list of 9 friends.  Since the FCC 
> can't exert similar control over an open source project, they probably 
> would prefer to shut the project down.)
> 
> Therefore, I would say it's not worth pushing too far and getting the 
> project shut down.  And, before you say it's impossible to shut down an 
> open source project, ask yourself if you'd be willing to spend your life 
> savings and several years of your life to prove that you're right?
> 
> Just my 2 cents.
> 

Sorry about the bad link...

On the issue of getting more than what you pay for (having your friend 
record from channels only included in the $80 package while you pay for 
the $20 package).  This is why I suggested only showing you the channels 
that you already get.  Local channels could be done in a similar matter.

On the issue of getting this project shut down...well, hard to argue 
with that.  I really, really, wouldn't want that, and I can respect 
that.  It's a shame though, that innovation has to constantly be looking 
over their shoulder for approaching lawyers.  I hate that.  Especially 
because there is a very legitimate and very honest request for this 
feature.  I don't want movies from Showtime (that I don't pay for).  I 
don't want to have to buy 2 PVR-250's, and two tuner boxes (for 
satellite) to record two shows at the same time.

Thanks to Ryan Rawson for the link to the talk by Cory to MSFT.  It was 
very informative.  I urge everyone to read it.

I can't help but think that when we say to others "We can't develop a 
new way of doing things because the FCC won't stand for it (and by FCC I 
mean the FCC's puppet masters...Industry)", the FCC has already won.  If 
projects like MythTV *won't* (as opposed to *can't*) innovate and 
create, well, that's just what "they" want.  We've given it to them. 
Because where else will it come from? MSFT?  Not bloody likely.

Geoff