CKNA said:
Well, you have right idea but it is not class code but 5C copy protection. Do not confuse this with Broadcast Flag which is totally different. Using 5C system they can send flags which tell the recorder that it is copy free (all broadcasts right now), copy once (in use in Japan on Wowow channel which is like HBO here) or copy never. 5C agreement only allows copy never flag to be used on PPV. HBO and pay channels can only use copy once. Executives from HBO and Showtime stated not too long ago that they do not plan to use any flags for foreseeable future.
As far as DVHS HD recorders, all of them including first one from Panasonic which came out in 1999 support 5C. This goes for recorders sold here and Japan. There was a rumour that Toshiba DVHS (already discontinued) sold in Japan could bypass 5C if tracking was adjusted slightly, but I never found any confirmation of that.
This is good news about what the execs said. The bit rate of HBO and SHO is nice but it is only half the bit rate of certain D-Theater movies such as Independence Day, 14 Mbps vs. 28.2 Mbps. Home HD recording allows for your own personal HD on demand until you tape over. Ultimately, I want the best home cinematic experience, so I will be buying HD-DVD movies. At the same time, I want to be able to timeshift HD recordings. And I do on Comcast. The WAF has shot thru the roof with being able to see a movie without an "appointment." I hope Voom adds Firewire soon. It's a great feature to keep customers happy.
I am not recording everything because I only have so much storage. I only record what we are interested in and then we tape over. If we like the movie, we will buy the HD-DVD as we did in the past with SD-DVD.
As nice as it is, subscription-based HDTV will become average HDTV when compared with HD-DVD or, presently, D-Theater. So, based on my own user experience, I don't understand the delay in offering Firewire unless it is a pure technology issue. I do hope that Voom subs get Firewire soon.
My 0.02 cents...