[mythtv-users] Seattle Comcast firewire not working as of today -- 5C?

[Steve Adeff]

On Tuesday 25 October 2005 17:01, Brian C. Huffman wrote:
> On Tue, 2005-10-25 at 13:30 -0700, Andy Alsup wrote:
> > Correct, none of the digital channels work, including the locals.  The
> > locals is an obvious problem, but I think even some or most of the
> > digital chanels should be open too.  I think what we really need is
> > full disclosure of what will be protected, and what won't.  My best
> > leverage may be that I can say, well, it worked up until now.  If it
> > had never worked, I would have a hard time getting past the first
> > layer I think.
>
> [snip]
>
> > (ii) To prevent or limit copying, other than first generation of
> > copies, of pay television transmissions, non-premium subscription
> > television, and free conditional access delivery transmissions; and
>
> Here's the problem.  This says you can only make one copy of "pay
> television transmissions, non-premium subscription television, and free
> conditional access delivery transmissions."
>
> Well - the only way they can currently guarantee that you can't make
> more than one copy is to ensure that you can't make *any* copies...
>
> Thus enter the broadcast flag.  :-(
>
> Correct me if I'm wrong by someone interpretting this differently...but
> this seems like a logical loophole for them.
>
> -b

actually what it does is allow for the 5C protocol. 5C has three levels: copy 
unlimitied, copy once, copy never. actually, it might have a fourth, but 
these were the only three I can remember.
5C=0 unlimited, these are the channels that one can get over firewire without 
having a 5C capable device (ie our linux machine).
the rest of the numbers I might have wrong, but the jist is correct:
5C=1 copy once. the device at the other end must be 5C in order for the cable 
box to send the signal, it is the only way to ensure the copy once flag is 
adhered to.
5C=2 copy never. like =1 but no ability to copy it, basically for tv out only.

there might be a third level, but i can't remember it at the time. the jist 
is, if 5C!=0 don't expect linux to see it until its A. hacked, B. a 5C 
compliant firewire card is made and linux drivers are produced.

Steve