« Time Shifting in the Network »

A few weeks ago I wrote about the risks associated with the new Copywrite laws being considered in Canada, and specifically how the law is going to affect timeshifting of TV programming. It turns out I wasn’t far from accurate, that Television providers are indeed considering moving the ability to timeshift and record programming into their networks. Michael Geist has an interesting bit on network based PVRs.

In the months leading up to Bill C-61, Telus consistently argued for a “living” fair dealing provision that could adapt to changing technologies. In particular, the company noted its interest in providing a network-based PVR that would allow customers to record and store programs that reside on computers that it hosts. That network-based approach of relying on centralized computers - often referred to as cloud computing - is one of the hottest trends in computing as companies look for efficiencies and consumers seek out convenience.

Michael Geist - Blog

I like having my set-top PVR, and I’m sure that the geeky-minded folks will always have a media centre with their TV, but I wonder how many folks would appreciate having their content stored on their tv providers hard drive? What does that say about privacy? Do you want it known that you’ve recorded 50 hours of Big Brother? There are sone significant issues at play, and it’s not all about copywrite.

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Tags: MichaelGeist, Timeshifting, Canada Copywrite