Microsoft delivers Protected Broadcast Driver Architecture (PBDA)

[Hector]

Not that I am a fan of locked down content but MS finally got this done. It opens up a lot of possibilities. Maybe finally the D* USB tuner (via Sage).

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands — Sept. 12, 2008 — Today at IBC2008, Microsoft Corp. announced it has delivered in the marketplace Protected Broadcast Driver Architecture (PBDA), Microsoft’s new worldwide platform for broadcast TV on the PC. Made possible by the recent release of Windows Media Center TV Pack, the platform for the first time enables the PC-TV hardware ecosystem to integrate virtually any free or premium TV service into Windows Media Center, while satisfying the TV industry’s requirements for strong content protection in the case of pay TV. Among the leading companies rallying behind PBDA at the show are AVerMedia Inc., Buffalo, Hauppauge Computer Works Inc., I-O Data Device Inc., NEC Electronics Corp., NXP Semiconductors and ViXS Systems Inc. — all playing a critical role in driving the forward momentum for PBDA adoption.

Link

[Djc208]

Now the question is will the broadcast companies actually do anything to support it. They have very little incentive to allow more devices an easier time recording content when they can just rent you a DVR for $15~$20/month.

[Hector]

Well that's food for thought but I expect a broadcaster specific device would still have a fee. D*'s is only $5 or so a month so for us it's not prohibitive to have an HTPC solution in addition to the family friendly PVR.

Plus I'd think it would be cheaper for them to provide and me to buy (vs full blown PVR).