Must See TV on Media Center PC’s? No, says Microsoft

Posted May 20, 2008 at 04:39 PM by Renay San Miguel

Section: Video, Content, DVD Players/DVRs, Video Providers, Computers, Hardware

The case of the missing NBC video on Windows Vista Media Center PC’s in DVR mode reminds me of Bill Murray’s classic line from “Ghostbusters.” When tempted by a demonically-possessed Sigourney Weaver, Murray as Dr. Peter Venkman says, “I make it a rule never to get involved with possessed people.”

After she nuzzles his neck, he sheepishly adds, “Actually it’s more of a guideline than a rule.”

CNET News reported that Vista PC’s won’t record certain NBC prime-time programming. (We’ll ignore the larger question for now as to why someone would actually want to record “American Gladiators.") When its reporter questioned Microsoft, the software company released a statement saying that it is honoring broadcast flags - technology that disables attempts at recording - as set forth by Federal Communications Commission “rules.” But those “rules” have no force of law behind them. The networks wanted them a couple of years ago, but federal courts shot them down. Optional installation? Sure. But there’s nothing mandated by governmental agency or Congress.

NBC is now saying that the broadcast flags for “Gladiator” were accidentally enabled. Oh-kay; so why is Microsoft making nice with NBC and who knows how many other content providers by honoring rules that aren’t even guidelines, let alone rules? Why would Microsoft, which is trying to make its Xbox 360 and Media Center PC’s your living-room gateways to all home entertainment, want to risk even more negative PR than it usually encounters in the course of a single day? Why shoo away more consumers to the likes of Tivo, Apple TV or Linux?

It’s a mystery that even the great Dr. Venkman might have trouble solving.

Read [Electronic Frontier Foundation]