Just a few weeks ago,, Senator Stevens included a provision (written by lobbyists from the broadcast industry) within a bill to allow the BROADCAST FLAG to go forward. This means that the cable companies will be able to PREVENT the recording of most television programs.. on TIVO, or DVR. The concept of Time Shifting will be dead.
The Broadcast Flag will only have three modes.. "Copy ONCE".. "Copy ALLOWED" and "Copy NEVER".
They will also be able to plug "The ANALOG hole"; that is; after 2009, when the various cable and satellite systems are set to broadcast ONLY in "Digital" format, NO cable company or satellite company will be allowed to broadcast in Analog format, and we can't recieve anything except in the Digital format (for those of us with Digital tv sets; and for those who have yet to buy a new Digital Tv set.. we can't recieve anything without a Digital/Analog conversion box).
The Broadcast Flag will affect EVERYONE'S viewing habits.
Soo.. THAT's probably the reason WHY the networks are not worried that much about TIVOs and DVR's skipping commercials.. with the Broadcast Flag in effect.. we won't be ABLE to USE our Tivos and DVR's as we have in the past for time shifting.. the Broadcast Flag won't allow us to USE the Tivo's and DVRS in the way that we are accustomed to.
Soo.. get ready for some major changes in how we are able to watch tv. People are NOT gonna like what is being planned for us.
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