On the opening day of the VON conference, Bram Cohen (the founder of BitTorrent) was among several others who spoke out against digital rights management software and specifically the implementation of it in Microsoft Windows, saying it is slowing the shift of video to Internet. "We've got a problem we share with everyone. Content owners want a DRM, consumers know what a DRM is" and they don't like it, said Cohen. "We are using Windows DRM because it is the only solution that has been vetted widely, but we are not happy with how it affects playback from a technology point of view, it sometimes makes playback not work." Nevertheless, Cohen, who claims BitTorrent (San Francisco) has the largest catalog of digital video now on the Web, expressed confidence the Internet will become the primary source for video in the future. BitTorrent has several projects in the works including a new product to let businesses distribute content, an ad-supported video service and a streaming video capability.
Separately, Network2, a video Web site started by VON conference founder Jeff Pulver, has submitted a petition to the Federal Communications Commission asking that Internet video be exempted from existing cable and broadcast regulations as well as any new rulings. Pulver also announced the Video on the Net Alliance, a new advocacy group to promote the interests of Internet video. "The nascent video on the Net industry must learn, and learn quickly, how to engage policymakers and speak with a unified and consistent voice, or rules will be set for this emerging industry by those who might not know what policies would best advance Internet video," said Jonathan Askin, co-founder of the alliance. However, several other panellists said it is unrealistic to expect the Internet will steer clear of future restrictions in areas such as universal services and government access. "We can no longer operate under the myth that the Internet is unregulated," said Robert Pepper, a senior manager of technology policy for Cisco Systems.
News source: InformationWeek
Separately, Network2, a video Web site started by VON conference founder Jeff Pulver, has submitted a petition to the Federal Communications Commission asking that Internet video be exempted from existing cable and broadcast regulations as well as any new rulings. Pulver also announced the Video on the Net Alliance, a new advocacy group to promote the interests of Internet video. "The nascent video on the Net industry must learn, and learn quickly, how to engage policymakers and speak with a unified and consistent voice, or rules will be set for this emerging industry by those who might not know what policies would best advance Internet video," said Jonathan Askin, co-founder of the alliance. However, several other panellists said it is unrealistic to expect the Internet will steer clear of future restrictions in areas such as universal services and government access. "We can no longer operate under the myth that the Internet is unregulated," said Robert Pepper, a senior manager of technology policy for Cisco Systems.
News source: InformationWeek
I still think the future of multimedia content is DRM-free.
Yes, there's no such thing as a "good" Aids
i do kinda wish there wasn't drm myself, it would make my life a lot easier. I also wish I didn't need to renew my registration every 2 years, and I wish I had that thing from the jetsons that dressed me automatically in the moring.
Why? It's simple: Personal freedom is a stronger motivation than personal convenience. Don't force your customer to choose between the two.
The reason people download music and movies is because they don't want to pay for music and movies, not DRM.
I don't think it's right that when I purchase DvD and music cd's I have to rip out the protection to make a backup copy.
It's like I am some kind of criminal.
Of course people many people will prefer to download illegal copies, because they are simply free. But overall it is still a big pain to download an xvid video from a unreliable torrent and then convert it to a dvd so you can watch it on your pc.
The DRM/online purchase sites like cinemanow and bit torrent are offering something more similar to an on-demand service. With our movies you can start watching them within 1-2 minutes after you purchase. And with rentals at 1.99/2.99 and purchases at 9.99/15.99 it's not even worth it in my opinion to try and get pirated content.
I mean how poor are people and how little do they value their time, if they are willing to spend hours with illegal torrents and converting and burning rather than just paying a small fee to buy the dvd or download it legally. If I have to guess, it's more like a hobby for these people than anything else. In which case they will always be there.
These sites are more for the general public who just want to watch a movie and order a pizza and not have to leave the house after a stressful day at work.
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