BBC want to encrypt Freesat EPG ! (1 Viewer)

[bushbrother]

Just read this ... quite scary for anyone using either a freesat box or grabbing EPG over the air. They want to encrypt the EPG to "prevent piracy" ... looks like subscriptions to XMLTV sites will be on the increase

BBC NEWS | Technology | BBC looks to copy protect content

 

[wonkyd]

Just read this ... quite scary for anyone using either a freesat box or grabbing EPG over the air. They want to encrypt the EPG to "prevent piracy" ... looks like subscriptions to XMLTV sites will be on the increase

BBC NEWS | Technology | BBC looks to copy protect content

I think they're actually talking about the new Freeview HD due to start in December.

However I agree it is a daft idea from the BBC encrypting the EPG to reduce piracy. Heaven forbid the pirates will have to name/tag the file themselves! That'll stop them right in their tracks...

 

[DJBlu]

It is freeview. The DTT service in the UK. What it looks like they are planning is a method similar to the Freesat ITV HD. It looks like they are going to encrypt the PMT Data which would stop Normal FTA boxes viewing the channels. They cannot encrypt the Video or Audio so all it will take is for people to put in the Video and Audio PIDS into their systems and away you go.

 

[mortstar]

It is freeview. The DTT service in the UK. What it looks like they are planning is a method similar to the Freesat ITV HD. It looks like they are going to encrypt the PMT Data which would stop Normal FTA boxes viewing the channels. They cannot encrypt the Video or Audio so all it will take is for people to put in the Video and Audio PIDS into their systems and away you go.

Would this break MediaPortal DVB-T scanning functionality?

 

[Mew]

I would imagine that DVB-T will stay the same or else it would probably break every existing Freeview box and TV unless they could all be updated. Persuading people to switch to Digital for switchover, then breaking it with encryption would not be the best move.

DVB-T2, which is what Freeview HD is due to use, is a different matter. As there are no consumer DVB-T2 tuners yet there is still a chance to specify an encryption standard.

Mew

 

[DJBlu]

I would imagine that DVB-T will stay the same or else it would probably break every existing Freeview box and TV unless they could all be updated. Persuading people to switch to Digital for switchover, then breaking it with encryption would not be the best move.

DVB-T2, which is what Freeview HD is due to use, is a different matter. As there are no consumer DVB-T2 tuners yet there is still a chance to specify an encryption standard.

Mew

DVB-T2 is already a standard, what Freeview HD will do is go against that standard so that none licensed box's cannot view their Channels.

To be honest it is going to restrict consumer choice as you will have to purchase the box they make so that you can watch their channels.

 

[davidf]

Just been to Ofcom to voice my opinion on this. It's pen for public consultation so i suggest you do likewise if you want to see your EPG remain visible:

How To Respond | Ofcom

 

[SpudR]

Here's the report:
Content management on the HD Freeview platform | Ofcom
Here's the response form:
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/content_mngt/howtorespond/form

Moan like crazy!

 

[bushbrother]

Complaint submitted ... thanks for the links!