Are some programs unrecordable?

Archived from groups: alt.tv.tech.hdtv (More info?)

Anthony Buckland wrote:
> OK, we know about prevention of taping DVDs. But are some broadcast
> programs being protected against taping and/or DVD-recording? The
> other night I tried to DVD-record (deck, not TIVO) a program and got
> a messed-up B&W recording with only the audio usable. I don't know if
> a decent signal was coming in, which could be one explanation. The DVD
> was in fine condition when I recorded another program over the mess
> a couple of days later. I wonder if network and producer paranoia
> has taken another step. Sounds counterproductive, since a lot of people
> are just going to abandon the program if they can't timeslip it.
>
No...not yet. An attempt by networks and FCC to implement a "broadcast
flag" that would prevent recording was thrown out by the courts a few
weeks ago. Matter is open to appeal, but more likely a push for law
change by Congress.
Stay tuned. BTW, it is the spectre of program distribution by internet
that scares the bejezzus out of these people.