Digital Home Thoughts: C|NET: New DVDs Already Sparking Copy-Protection Confusion

"When the first high-definition DVDs finally hit shelves this spring, a mad scramble may ensue--not for the discs themselves, but to figure out what computers and devices are actually able to play them in their full glory. Unraveling the mystery won't be easy. Many, if not most, of today's top-of-the-line computers and monitors won't make the cut, even if next-generation Blu-ray or HD DVD drives are installed. That's because strict content protection technologies may automatically degrade the DVDs' picture quality, or even block them from playing at all, if the right connections and digital protections aren't in place. Even the most expensive computers sold today mostly lack those features."

My eyes are sore from all the rolling-in-the-sockets they've been doing lately over the high definition DVD fiascos. One of two things is going to happen, mark my words: either the first few years of next-gen DVDs are going to be have relaxed DRM that will allow them to play on a variety of current generation hardware, or they're going to have strict DRM and next-gen DVDs will go the way of DVD Audio and become a niche market for the hardcore home theatre enthusiasts for several years. I have a strong feeling the MPAA and the powers that be are going to be stupid and the next five years will be a very dark time for high-definition DVDs. Behardware has a nitty-gritty article for those that want to delve into the details.