[NTLUG:Discuss] HDTV card for Linux

[Lance Simmons]

* lonny.dahl at verizon.com <lonny.dahl at verizon.com> [040908 10:38]:
> 
> So, basically, this will outlaw open source because we won't be able
> to see the flags themselves?  I'm not sure I follow how this will
> outlaw open source software in relation to this.

I think it's similar to the current situation with DVD's: there's not
yet a legal open source dvd player.

> Doesn't Tivo run on Linux now?

I don't think Tivo handles HDTV signals, and haven't heard what their
plans are for dealing with the transition to HDTV.

> If it does, will Tivo have to come up with a different operating
> system to use for their boxes when the law kicks in since Linux is
> open source?

Not necessarily.  I read somewhere that there is a legal (closed-source)
Linux-based DVD player.  TIVO might continue to use Linux as its OS, but
use a compartmentalized non-free application for dealing with HDTV
applications.

> And what's to stop someone from hacking the broadcast flag illegally
> anyway?

Who knows?  On the one hand, the streams are huge.  HDTV streams will
require more throughput than most people have on their pc's.  Also, all
commercially available HDTV hardware will be "robust" against consumer
tampering.  On the other hand, motivated hackers always seem to find a
way.  But do I want to have to break the law to watch TV?

Maybe things aren't as grim as they seem.  I'd certainly prefer to put
off thinking about hdtv for another few years.  But July sounds like a
significant cut-off date.

Are others on the list at all worried about the July deadline?  Does
anyone have a clear plan for how they are going to deal with hdtv?

-- 
Lance Simmons