FCC will rally 'round broadcast flag: MPAA, broadcasters hail ruling designed to bolster copy protection.(Piracy)(the FCC orders all new devices capable of receiving over-the-air digital TV signals must work to prevent the retransmission of digital television programming through the Internet)

Video Business, November, 2003 by Sweeting, Paul

WASHINGTON -- The Federal Communications Commission last week ordered that all new devices capable of receiving over-the-air digital TV signals must recognize and respond to a "broadcast flag" to prevent the retransmission of DTV programming through the Internet. The rule, which takes effect on July 1, 2005, is a major victory for the studios, which have lobbied hard for the anti-piracy measure for mote than two years.

Motion Picture Association of America president Jack Valenti praised the ruling, calling it "a big victory for consumers and the preservation of high value, over-the-air free broadcasting." He added, "This puts digital TV on the same level playing field as cable and satellite delivery. All the way around, the consumer wins, and...

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