[NTLUG:Discuss] HDTV card for Linux

[Lance Simmons]

> got the impression that's why there are groups urging to build Linux
> PVR's *NOW* as opposed to waiting - so that there's more of a crowd
> who can make a shout, once the real implications of the "broadcast
> flag" are more known.

Here's a quote from http://eff.org/broadcastflag/

>  The good news is this mandate doesn't take effect for another year.
>  We have until July 1, 2005, to buy, build, and sell fully-capable,
>  non-flag-compliant HDTV receivers. Any receivers built now will
>  "remain functional under a flag regime, allowing consumers to
>  continue their use without the need for new or additional equipment.
>  ". Any devices made this year can be re-sold in the future.

That quote is from a linked FCC document.  The FCC decided in favor of
the broadcast flag instead of "encryption at the source".  So according
to the FCC, legacy devices will continue to work.  I think that's why
the EFF wants people to build hdtv machines this year.  I think they'd
like some company to do it, but that doesn't seem to be happening.

So I'm back to thinking hdtv needs to be on my agenda for this year.
I'd like to add an hdtv card to a linux box, and (off-topic for this
list) get a legacy set-top hdtv tuner for my old tv.  But is it really
worth the effort and expense?

By the way, so far as I can tell there are no hdtv cards that can deal
with cable or satellite.  Those are already encrypted at the source.  If
I understand correctly, it's only terrestrial hdtv signals that will
remain compatible with legacy devices.

-- 
Lance Simmons