Alternative Video Copy Protection Proposal

Inspired largely by discussions on this board and AVS Forum, I have come up with an alternative idea for copy protection of HD video that still respects consumers' rights. I would be interested to hear thoughts on this,

especially drawbacks or why this system would be better or worse than the contemplated restrictive system, or feasibility. I will modify it accordingly, with the eventual goal being drafting this proposal, starting a petition for it or something similar, and sending it to all members of Congress and industry leaders.


Goals:

1) Allow first generation consumer copying for time shifting

2) Prevent copying of first generation copies

3) Prevent all copy protected content from being digitally copied

4) Continue indefinitely to provide analog HD component output for legacy HD monitors


Solution:

1) Encode a “copy protect signal†in actual television picture that is invisible to naked eye, but which will be translated properly from digital to analog by the STB

2) Allow STB to output full resolution HD analog component video in 1080i or 720p

3) Equip HD-VTRs with ability to recognize “copy protect signal†in the television picture

4) When video containing “copy protect signal†is recorded to HD-VTR, record with “first generation copy flag,†distinct from the “copy protect signal†but of the same nature, indicating that the recording is a copy of protected content

5) Prevent HD-VTRs from recording content flagged with the “first generation copy flag†to prevent further copies of first generation copy

6) Prevent all future HD computer video capture devices from capturing HD video containing the copy protect signal OR the first generation copy flag.

7) Allow “trusted†HD digital video recorders, such as TiVO, to digitally record content flagged with the “copy protect signal†but to output that content, in HD analog component video in 1080i or 720p, WITH the “first generation copy flag†so that it cannot be captured by HD computer capture cards or HD-VTRs.

8) Require HD-DVD players to output analog component video in 1080i or 720p with “first generation copy flag†to prevent capture from HD computer capture cards or HD-VTRs.

9) Continue to allow unlimited copying of NTSC 480i signal from composite outputs by VCRs or computer video capture devices


Results:

1) Consumers can still make first generation copies of television shows using HD-VTRs which will become less expensive as they become widely accepted

2) Would be pirates cannot make multiple HD copies of television programs without having a HD-VTR for every copy desired – copying off of the initial copy will be impossible.

3) Would be Internet pirates will be completely unable to capture HD video that is copy protected

4) All existing HD monitors with analog component inputs will be usable for HDTV and for HD-VCRs without the need for downconversion.


Drawbacks

1) Requires compliance by every manufacturer. Solution: Legislative mandate, similar to Audio Home Recording Act’s mandate of similar system for Digital Audio Tapes

2) Requires uniform agreement of “copy protect signal†and “first generation copy flag.†Solution: FCC mandate

3) Opens door for “cracking†or electronically eliminating “copy protect signal†or “first generation copy flag†by illegally modifying equipment or manufacturing illegal devices. Solution: This would still be a problem even with digital copy protection. DMCA already prohibits trafficking in any such device. Such devices could not become widespread.