Will We Need A SmartCard to Watch Digital TV?

An anonymous reader writes "This story on EE Times points out that Hollywood and major electronics manufacturers are in agreement on a SmartCard requirement for digital video interconnectivity. Note that the article talks about them 'closing the analog hole.'"

Next time they will make you pay for the service..

[BibelBiber]

Why not Credit Cards instead of Smart Cards. Oh maybe then its easier for Hackers to get the key without paying. Hm, sounds just like another great idea without any use.

To quote famous phrases....

[SomeoneGotMyNick]

I'm not profoundly religious or anything, but do I need to quote specific verses from Revelations before it's too late?

Or do I just go ahead and get my number and be quiet?

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Those who don't understand, will probably vote (-1, Offtopic)

Secure smart cards

[SoCalChris]

I'm sure these cards will be nice and secure, just like the ones that satellite providers use.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to watch free HBO.

Why are they picking on me ?

[AnalogHole]

Note that the article talks about them 'closing the analog hole.'"

Should I be alarmed ?

Re:Hmm....

[pyros]

They aren't coming anywhere near my girlfriends "analog hole".....

Maybe there aim is off.

As popular as the original Divx.

[IvyMike]

"Please, sign me up for this new technology. It offers me no benefits, costs me money, and gives up my rights."
-- You. At least, you in the eyes of Hollywood.

You mean easier free TV?

[rickthewizkid]

Geez when I had cable, I had to tinker around with 75-100 pF variable capacitors, copper wire, and metal RadioShack boxes to get free TV! Then I graduated to sattelite, and all I needed was a smartcard programmer! This is great news!

(Score: 5, Funny)
-RickTheWizKid
(And to think, I don't even _own_ a TV anymore... is this a bad thing?)

Vote with My Wallet and then my Ballot

[awitod]

It looks like I'll just be one of those wierd old guys that still listens to music on vinyl. I also enjoy books.

I bet my kids will hate me for it.

On the other hand, now might be a good time to learn how to fix the current generation of 'disposable' kit and start hoarding parts. It might eventually become a nice little niche market.

Bloody great for society as a whole

[HisMother]

If it gets too hard or too expensive to watch TV, people may be forced to

• Read a book!
• Go outside!
• Participate in democracy!
• Volunteer for charity!

This guys may be the best thing that's happened to western civilization since before Ed Sullivan sucked our collective brains out.

A blessing in disguise

[dsfox]

Hopefully we will soon need a smartcard to buy cigarettes as well...

Re:Yet another reason DTV will FAIL.

[the_2nd_coming]

you won't be the one eating your hat, the out of work CEOs will since the companies they work for will colaps when they stop makeing money due to the drop in consumer demand for their crapola.

IN SOVIET RUSSIA

[Anonymous Coward]

Digital TVs watch YOU!

'proverbial'

[WndrBr3d]

More like they want to 'plug' the 'analog hole' with their money wrapped 'digital dick'.

Thats just my take on it though, I could be wrong.