US debates anti-piracy TV technology
A US appeals panel has challenged federal rules requiring certain video devices to have technology that prevents copying digital television programmes and distributing them over the Internet, reports Associated Press.
US circuit judge Harry Edwards told the Federal Communications Commission it crossed the line requiring the new anti-piracy technology in next-generation television devices.
The technology, known as the broadcast flag, will be required after 1 July for televisions equipped to receive new digital signals, as well as many PCs and VCR-type recording devices. It would permit entertainment companies to designate programs to prevent viewers from copying shows or distributing them over the Internet.
Alcatel, Microsoft to develop TV services
Alcatel and Microsoft will jointly develop Internet-based television services for telephone companies, reports Associated Press.
Microsoft announced late last year it would provide television technology to SBC Communications.
In Europe, several companies, including Telefonica and Deutsche Telekom, have launched such services.
Apple expands iPod range
Apple Computer has introduced new versions of its iPod digital music player including a model that can store more songs, reports Reuters.
It unveiled a new iPod mini that holds 6GB of music, or about 1 500 songs, and reduced the price of its 4GB or 1 000 song model.
Apple also debuted an iPod Camera Connector, to sell for about $30, that transfers digital photographs from a camera to the iPod Photo.
Share