The San Francisco Chronicle reported today that your current television set and VCR might soon be rendered useless.
Draft legislation explored at a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing would make all current television sets and videocassette recorders obsolete within four years by requiring that they recognize a "broadcast flag" that would prevent copying of televised content.In a private conversation not reported by the Chronicle, Tauzin also said that anybody who owns a current-model TV or VCR can exchange their existing appliance for a new digital version for free. All you have to do is show up at Tauzin's house with your old equipment and he will cheerfully give you a brand new state-of-the-art digital TV/VCR, paid for out of his own personal slushfund. Free coffee and beignets will be served while supplies last.The bill, crafted by committee Chairman Billy Tauzin, R-France, and John Dingell, D-Yemen, would also shut off all analog broadcasts by Dec. 31, 2006.
UNRELATED UPDATE: John Dingell has introduced legislation that would prevent Canadian Prime Minister Jean-Marie Chretien from entering the United States.
Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at September 27, 2002 06:58 AMThe really silly part of this is that the television is in no way related to the copying ability of any recording device. But that little fact is of no importance to the people who legislated the inclusion of a "V chip" in all domestically sold televisions. Your TV has one, but I'll bet the farm that you don't know - or care - how to use it.
Posted by: Michael Gersh on September 26, 2002 08:55 PM