From: Tony Williams 

Rich wrote:
>    The "strings" to which you refer apply only to the new
feature so its
> not really a string.

I'd prefer not to get into that kind of logic chopping. The new feature as
offered comes with conditions which aren't technically necessary - I define
those as strings, but you're free to disagree.

>    I suspect DVD region coding is unknown to most DVD users in the U.S.

Exactly the point I was making. The US isn't in a privileged position like
it was with region encoding and the Hollywood release schedule.

>    An alternative to HDCP capable monitors is either effectively the
> same or not an alternative if HDCP is mandated.  Even so, I think you
> have it backwards.  There is no restriction imposed by an HDCP capable
> monitor just like there is none from an HDCP capable television.

Ah, but there is a restriction *enabled* by them. That's the crux of the matter.

> It is the content that imposes the restriction.

Precisely, but that's only possible if hardware which supports that type of
control becomes popular.

> This will either succeed or fail depending on whether the target customers
mind the restriction.

C'mon, Rich - stop agreeing with me!

--
Tony

> HDCP capable TVs and monitors the issue go away for the people that have
> them.

> Rich
>
>
>     "Tony Williams"  wrote in
>     message news:4350682e{at}w3.nls.net...
>     The question in my mind is whether people will want that capability if
>     it comes with strings attached. It worked in the US with region encoded
>     DVDs because that wasn't such a big deal at the time (most of the
>     blockbuster DVDs come out first in the US so why should people here
>     care).
>
>     Look outside the US and "region free" DVD players are
very popular -
>     enough so that HD-DVD won't have region encoding. If there are similar
>     alternatives to  HDCP-capable monitors then that's what people will
>     buy.
>     And this time the US will be in the same boat as the rest of the world.
>
>     --
>     Tony
>
>     Rich wrote:
>      >    It seems simple to me.  People will buy HDCP capable computer
>      > displays if or when they want to view content that requires
>     HDCP.  This
>      > is not something people do on computers today so it should appear
>     as a
>      > new feature of new hardware and software.
>      >
>      > Rich
>      >
>      >
>      >     "Tony Williams"      > wrote in
>      >     message news:43500e4b{at}w3.nls.net...
>      >
>      >     Fair point when it comes to home systems, but even so there's a
>      >     limit to
>      >     what people will put up with. I suppose it's a matter of public
>      >     awareness and the public is getting more savvy when it comes to
>      >     computers.
>      >
>      >     I still think it will take legislation to make DRM-encumbered
>     monitors
>      >     sell, to take one example.
>      >
>      >     --
>      >     Tony

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