I've been railing against the "analog sunset" in my blog since I became aware of it some weeks ago. It is totally unacceptable for the government to degrade or shut off our video content at the behest of Hollywood.

The problem is that it's hard to explain to the average consumer what is about to happen at the end of this year. Consequently there has been no rallying cry. Our representatives need to hear from us.

Here's an article that explains what's about to happen as simply as I've been able to find, from the folks at Audioholics.

Please pass along this story to anyone you may think needs to read this and express your concern to your representative in Congress.

My prediction: this move won't end video piracy.

I know that's a sarcastic statement. Of course it won't. You can already copy Blu-ray discs with illegal software and the pirates will always find a way. This legislation does nothing but screw the consumer and force them to spend more money for something that's been taken away from them.

Overstating the obvious, I guess, but it's apparently not so obvious to the industry. Unless I'm missing something here. Fighting piracy is the sole reason behind this - am I right?


By the way - what ever happened to the FCC? Shouldn't they have the final word over this?

Yep, the whole "misguided reason" is to stop piracy.
Well, I suspect the FCC would have to be involved if the token end up in TV content. As it is now, with only Blu-ray discs, they don't have a say I don't think.