Shelly’s Blog

As reported by Ben Berkowitz: SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Microsoft Corp.on Wednesday gave some of the first key details on the next generation of its Xbox video game system, which will include an emphasis on high-definition content, an integrated media browser and “microtransactions” for in-game purchases.   In a speech at the Game Developers Conference Continue Reading →

There are many interesting approaches to digital rights management (DRM).  Almost all of them require the use of a technology to identify a piece of intellectual property (IP) and another piece of technology to recognize its identity.  There are several ways to do this if you have the luxury of encoding the original master with Continue Reading →

This article by Ted Hearn was passed around my group today.  I know there is a consumer advocate in here somewhere …   An array of technology firms, including major computer and TV-set manufacturers, is pressing federal regulators to enforce new set-top-box rules against the cable industry. Cable operators are resisting implementation of a Federal Continue Reading →

One of my favorite PowerPoint slides shows a picture of an iPod with a simple question under it: “Why is the number one personal music device made by a computer company?”  Up to now, the answer was pretty simple — the electronics and intellectual property sides of Sony simply couldn’t get it together.  While they Continue Reading →

On April 2, 2005 XM will increase their monthly subscription fee by 23%.  Their, very matter of fact, letter states that they have made “dramatic improvements” to their channel lineup.  These improvements include 50 new channels, like: ACC, PAC-10, and Big Ten college football and basketball and traffic and weather channels covering 21 markets.  Will Continue Reading →

Video, video, video.  Everyone is shooting, everyone is editing, everyone is encoding — there must be billions of hours of video sitting on shelves and lying around on file servers worldwide.  This plethora of sight, sound and motion presents both an opportunity and a challenge.  Is XML the answer?  How do you meta-tag?  Who has Continue Reading →

Tim Halle, our Technology Subcommittee Chair, send me a .pdf copy of the Brief of the National Venture Capital Association as Amicus Curiae in support of Respondents in the very important, METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER STUDIOS INC., ET AL., Petitioners, v. GROKSTER, LTD., ET AL., Respondents. Download amicusbrief.pdf   Tim thought that I would be surprised that the Continue Reading →

I spend a great deal of time talking and writing about copyright law, digital rights management and piracy.  And, I always close my articles with a plea for you to contact your elected officials and voice your opinions.  As it turns out, the Copyright Office is interested in your views directly on the issue of Continue Reading →

A recent article on Techweb.com reports:   Revenues from video, which includes Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and video on demand (VOD), music downloads, games, gambling and adult entertainment are expected to increase to $36 billion in 2009 from $12.3 billion last year, telecom analyst firm RHK said. This year, online entertainment is expected to reach Continue Reading →

From the AP:   WASHINGTON – A U.S. appeals panel challenged new federal rules requiring certain video devices to have technology to prevent copying digital television programs and distributing them over the Internet. U.S. Circuit Judge Harry T. Edwards told the Federal Communications Commission it “crossed the line” requiring the new anti-piracy technology in next-generation Continue Reading →