Too Late for DRM on DVD Content?
The Wall Street Journal reports that testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee today by Edward Felten, a Princeton University computer-science professor, paints a grim picture for the movie industry to regain control of electronic distribution via the proposed "digital flag" to prevent piracy of DVDs and broadcast digital content. His rationale: the millions of DVD players already sold would be unable to digest this new content, forcing consumers either to purchase compatible units or resort to other acquisition methods. DRM technology was not very mature when DVDs and digital broadcasts first came to market, but at the same time it's hard to imagine how anyone planning on premium digital content today cannot think about this as an integral part of product planning. Bottom line, significant new user benefits and features will have to accompany any DRM technology to make it worth the while of any individual or institution to make an investment that locks them in to new schemes.