Ofcom temporarily blocked BBC plans to add DRM to Freeview HD broadcasts back in November but now it seems it might have changed its mind. Will BBC Freeview HD be drenched in DRM?
Ofcom has announced that it is “minded to grant approval” for copy protection in the BBC’s Freeview HD transmissions.
In its latest consultation, Ofcom has suggested that it will be willing to support ammending the BBC’s digital multiplex licence to allow content protection.
Final approval for the BBC’s DRM Freeview HD plans depends on the result of Ofcom’s next consultation period which ends on April 2. However, it is now fairly certain that DRM will be included when Freeview HD launches.
Including copy protection will mean BBC Freeview HD content will only be recordable on approved DVRs and will also enable the broadcaster to strictly control how the content is copied and for how long.
Adding DRM to BBC Freeview HD broadcasts may have unintended consequences for disabled viewers too. They are frequently making use of open devices that may not be count as approved in the BBC scheme.
Due Spring | £free | Ofcom
