[NTLUG:Discuss] OT: HDTV, broadcast flag, ...

[tr_data1]

Unless others don't mind, please send replies that don't talk about
a Linux solution to my questions directly to me, not the list. I am
interested in the various solutions but don't wish to flood the list
with non-Linux ones. Sorry, I should have made that more clear.

> Tivo does not require a monthly fee ... lifetime service for $299.

BUT, that's still $299. They are simply giving you the choice of
pay in full now or monthly installments (based on the likelyhood that
it would be quite obsolete in three years). Also, Tivo will likely 
impose the broadcast flag -- the very thing I'm trying to avoid. 
AND-- the advertising is becoming more and more. Just look at 
their latest (pop-up ads):
http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/ptech/11/26/tivo.surrender.ap/index.html

It might be worth it if 1) buying a TiVo before July 2005 means I
won't ever have a broadcast flag imposed on me and 2) the machine
has the ability (or can be LEGALLY hacked to) export the compressed,
full-res HDTV files to secondary storage (ie: firewire to PC). Otherwise,
you are stuck with a finite space. Keep around Christmas special this
and historical event  that -- you eventually run out of space.

> tivo is one of the most hacked PVRs out there.

sure, but LEGALLY?  Sorry about the tone, it isn't intended as a flame.
=TR=