Archived from groups: alt.video.ptv.tivo (More info?)

I've read the postings about the broadcast flag that causes the
deletion of program material at a time selected by the broadcaster,
not the TIVO user.

Here's my opinion - take it with a grain of salt. I'm not an attorney
and I don't play one on TV. I'm inclinded to roll with the punches.
So here goes........



Kill the Messenger - blame TIVO if you like. Drop their service if
that's what salves your anger. But I think the anger is a little
misdirected. Simply dropping TIVO doesn't let them know *why*. For
all they know, you've simply lost interest in the device. It doesn't
have enough features. Whatever. They don't know. You have to tell
them.

Even then, the contract they had to sign to allow them to offer the
features you like is the controlling factor. They can't ignore the
parts of it you don't like anymore than Dishnetwork can give me
distant networks even though it's possible with the flip of a switch.
There's contracts (and law) in the way.

So you've gotta complain about that flag to someone that has some real
control over it - Macrovision. Except I suspect that doing would be
of no use either. They appear to dance at the whim of the studios.

So complain to Warner, Sony, et al. Except that they'll ignore you
altogether. What do they care if you won't buy their product? There's
millions more that do. They don't need any specific individual.

I think the remark I read the said to complain to the FCC is more on
target. That may do some good.

What else may do some good? Go with a home built DVR. If you can't
build one, get someone that knows how to do it for you.

Or, if possible, record it to - gasp! An analog device - VCR or stand
alone DVD recorder. It's about the program material is it not? Or
are you worshiping the technology?

About that last thing - if that broadcast flag is set, I don't know if
it'll let recording in the analog world happen, I'm just supposing it
will. If not, que sera sera. What will be will be.

So start complaining - to all of them. Maybe if enough people
complain to enough companies or government agencies, something good
will happen for you.

And if not, there's plenty of other things to do besides watching TV.