What is a broadcast flag?
The broadcast flag is a code embedded in a HDTV program that prevents unauthorized redistribution and piracy. Is HDTV being broadcast now? Yes. Most of the CBS prime time line-up is being broadcast in HDTV. ABC also has many prime time shows in HDTV. NBC has a handful of HDTV shows. HBO and Showtime have one HD channel each. HDNet shows HDTV all day. Discovery Channel has a new HD channel, and ESPN is launching ESPN-HD on March 30, 2003 . Also special sporting events and shows are in HDTV. There is a lot to see in high definition now, with more shows and channels being announced often. How do I find what local HDTV stations are available in my area? Enter your zip code at http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.asp Can I use any antenna to receive HDTV? Any UHF antenna can receive HDTV signals. Most HD stations are broadcast in the UHF range, channels 14-83. Can I just connect an antenna to my regular TV to receive HDTV? No. It will not work. A regular TV does not have the resolution to d
MPAA answer: The broadcast flag is a sequence of digital bits embedded in a television program that signals that the program must be protected from unauthorized redistribution. It does not distort the viewed picture in any way. Implementation of this broadcast flag will permit digital TV stations to obtain high value content and assure consumers a continued source of attractive, free, over-the-air programming without limiting the consumers ability to make personal copies. EFF comment: Digital TV stations can already obtain “high value content” — it’s only the Hollywood movie studios which are declining to license their movies for digital TV broadcast. That’s the studios’ choice, and that’s the studios’ right. EFF does not believe that the studios have to let their movies be broadcast on digital TV if they don’t want to. However, the studios are asking the public, and Congress, to change the way all digital TVs work in order to make digital TV more attractive to Hollywood. That’s not n
