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DIRECTV Backs MPAA Proposal on Video Connections
DIRECTV is backing a proposal from the Motion Picture Association of America pertaining to consumer access to content via in-home devices before it hits the rental and store shelves.
Specifically, the MPAA has asked the Federal Communications Commission to drop rules that prohibit the use of selectable output controls for set-top boxes employed by pay-TV services. The Hollywood lobbying groups wants a waiver on that restriction to allow for pay-TV access to high-def movies prior to their release on DVD.
In comments sent to the FCC, DIRECTV said the MPAA proposal would allow film producers to make digital high-def feature films available for in-home viewing prior to their pre-recorded (or DVD) media release dates.
"The requested waiver would not deprive any consumer of services he/she currently has access to, and applies only for the limited period necessary to safeguard this valuable content during a more accelerated release window," DIRECTV said in its comments. Also, the request "presents the commission with an opportunity to further its ongoing efforts to ensure meaningful competition in the MVPD (multichannel video programming distributor) market and expedite the digital television transition," the company said.
Consumer groups, however, see the MPAAs waiver request in a different light.
Led by the organization Public Knowledge, the groups told the FCC that "through selective output control, the waiver will give the largest motion picture production companies veto power over the connections, which are used to connect set-top boxes, receivers, high-def televisions, home theater systems, digital video recorders and other consumer electronics devices.
DIRECTV is backing a proposal from the Motion Picture Association of America pertaining to consumer access to content via in-home devices before it hits the rental and store shelves.
Specifically, the MPAA has asked the Federal Communications Commission to drop rules that prohibit the use of selectable output controls for set-top boxes employed by pay-TV services. The Hollywood lobbying groups wants a waiver on that restriction to allow for pay-TV access to high-def movies prior to their release on DVD.
In comments sent to the FCC, DIRECTV said the MPAA proposal would allow film producers to make digital high-def feature films available for in-home viewing prior to their pre-recorded (or DVD) media release dates.
"The requested waiver would not deprive any consumer of services he/she currently has access to, and applies only for the limited period necessary to safeguard this valuable content during a more accelerated release window," DIRECTV said in its comments. Also, the request "presents the commission with an opportunity to further its ongoing efforts to ensure meaningful competition in the MVPD (multichannel video programming distributor) market and expedite the digital television transition," the company said.
Consumer groups, however, see the MPAAs waiver request in a different light.
Led by the organization Public Knowledge, the groups told the FCC that "through selective output control, the waiver will give the largest motion picture production companies veto power over the connections, which are used to connect set-top boxes, receivers, high-def televisions, home theater systems, digital video recorders and other consumer electronics devices.
