Only reason CableLabs’ PHILA copy protection provisions deals wit...
Only reason CableLabs’ PHILA copy protection provisions deals with component analog outputs is that those outputs transmit high- definition digital picture, albeit in analog, to viewing devices, NCTA Senior Vp-Law & Regulatory Policy Dan Brenner said in letter to…
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FCC Chmn. Powell. Responding to objections to PHILA technology license raised by Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition (CERC) (CD Feb 21 p9), Brenner said that in currently available digital TV receivers, manufacturers have chosen to convert digital signal to high-quality analog. Several industries, including motion picture, broadcast and cable industries, have supported inclusion of protected digital interface in all receivers, so content from any digital device could be displayed on TV receiver. But in absence of such digital interface, Brenner said, component analog outputs may be used to deliver high-quality digital content and in that case they will be subject to PHILA copy protection provisions. Therefore, those provisions contain only digital technology, he said. As for CERC objection to mandate that OpenCable digital boxes automatically shut off or degrade image in response to particular copy control signal, he said CERC “ignores” fact that without some affirmative action by cable operator, on program-by-program basis, copy protection restrictions wouldn’t be applied. Option lies with cable operator based on agreements with program suppliers to trigger copy protection capability, he said: “But, by themselves, the devices will not automatically affect images one way or another.”