News and Reviews....
Component Video's Future .......... July 2010
By Robert Lieto
Some misunderstanding about the future of Component Video output ports, has been circulating. This page should clear up some of the confusion.
The Analog Sunset
2.2.2.1 Analog Sunset - 2010. With the exception of existing models, any Licensed Player (Blu-ray) manufactured after December 31, 2010 shall limit analog video outputs for Decrypted AACS content to SD (standard definition) Interlace Modes only. Existing Models may be manufactured and sold by Adopter up until December 31, 2011.......
2.2.2.2 Analog Sunset - 2013. No Licensed Player that passes Decrypted AACS Content to analog video outputs may be manufactured or sold by Adopter after December 31, 2013.
Source: The AACS Final Adopter Agreement (www.aacsia.com")
This means that existing models of Blu-ray players with HD-capable component video outputs will continue to be available through December 31, 2011 Beginning in 2012, no new Blu-ray players with active HD component video outputs may be sold. Until the end of 2013, new models of Blu-ray players will output standard definition, inter\laced video (probably 480i, the native resolution of DVDs) from their component video jacks. In 2014 and beyond, no analog video outputs of any type will be allowed on Blu-ray players.
Cable, satellite and other Over-the-Air set Top Boxes
Unlike the industry-created (movie studios, SONY) AACS restrictions upon Blu-ray players, the component video outputs on cable and satellite boxes are controlled by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). The same is true of tuners intended to decode the ATSC signals broadcast over the air by local television stations
76.1903-Interfaces
A covered entity shall not attach or embed data or information with commercial audiovisual content, or otherwise apply to, associate with, or allow such data to persist in or remain associated with such content, so as to prevent its output through any analog or digital output authorized or permitted under license, law or regulation governing such covered product.
This portion of Federal law not only disallows content providers from using flags or other electronic indicators to turn off component video outputs, but also charges cable and satellite providers with the responsibility of preventing such commands from being contained within their content delivery signals. there is one exception, however.
On May 7, 2010, the FCC granted the MPAA a waiver allowing very limited use of Selectable Output Control (SOC), which can disable all analog video outputs on certain content. This waiver limits the use of SOC, allowing it only for first-run movies, meaning films released for home viewing while the movies are still playing in theaters.
Our Comment ..... It is still SONY trying to protect the Blu-ray and for the most part, I see it as another Beta Tape, shot in the foot. While I admit, seeing a movie at home in 1080P is exceptional and sometimes worth the cost of a new Blu-ray disc, I think the overall confusion and concern puts undue pressure on the consumer to upgrade to HDMI.
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Past Articles on Subject:
Say Goodbye to Analog Ports March 2010
The Dreaded ICT April 2008
