So glad you asked. I'm going to give this to you in a story (then a rant), but we'll start with some background.
An ATI Digital CableCard tuner will encrypt ALL shows recorded, period. Some have noted that this may change to only encrypt shows that request it, but this doesn't solve the overall problem. This DRM chain is built off of many items: (i don't remember the exact ones, but this is a good start) GPU, Processor, Motherboard. Note: you can only buy your initial pc from an OEM so you have a secondary product code purely for the cablecard setup
Once you start recording shows, if you change a single item of hardware: BOOM, you can NEVER watch your recorded shows. This happens because the hardware change caused a break in the DRM chain. You will have to erase all of your shows, and start from scratch.
OK, story time....
Bought a refurbished MediaCenter, Sony Vaio VGX-XL3. I doubled up the RAM, bought a new GPU, and added an additional tuner card. Everything works GREAT, except that the ATI GPU is not compatible with the new Media Center TV Pack 2008. Now, first off, I'm no fool. This was a leaked update, and it was my own risk. I totally understand this, so I'm only willing to put the blame on Microsoft in the fact that they went along with this DRM scheme for 1 reason. I will have put my old GPU (nvidia 7000 series)in the computer, I will want to put the new one in once ATI updates their drivers.
"Wait... didn't we just talk about that?" It will destory my DRM chain and create a new one.
"But Peter, why won't you just use the non-TV pack version?" I'm spoiled by the new features? It handles multiple TV sources MUCH better than the previous release and it handles HD much better in the guide. Plus, even if I were to leave the ATI GPU in and run the orginal Vista Media Center, I'd still lose my DRM chain by upgrading to the TV pack! I might as well keep the TV pack and deal with the older GPU. Note: the reason I'm freaking out is due to the fact that Comcast is coming tomorrow to install my CableCards.
So if you followed me through the this rant, hopefully you'll come to my same conclusion... DRM sucks. It's pointless and extreme overkill. CableLabs, Microsoft, Comcast, NBC, FOX, FCC, whoever is willing to listen. GO LOOK at the torrent sites out there. All of your shows are out there, they will continue to be out there, and you usually release your shows on your website anyway!!!!! (I hate the "who cares because it's going to happen anyway arguement, but honestly, they'll never be 100% protected" for whoever's diety's sake, they were happy Batman: Dark Knight was only leaked hours after the movie was released??? ) So why would a typical CableCard PC owner have to pay over $1000 to get screwed from so many angles? This is all done for one purpose: so you cannot copy a tv episode file from your PC to a different PC. Lame!
I call BS, someone needs to stand up and try using some common sense. I'm sure most of this started with CableLabs and everyone just caved to them since CableLabs dragged their feet releasing the CableCards in the first place and everyone was happy when it finally came out. Also, how was it that there was a specification to for 2-way communication for Cable Co's to use on their DVR boxes, but it JUST WASN'T possible to put the 2-way communication in the first CableCard release? This makes me cringe EVERY time I talk to Comcast about CableCards,"But sir, if you use a CableCard, you won't be able to get On-Demand content. Which DVR box would you like?". It takes every bit of energy for me to hold back and not go ballistic. I usually come up with something clever,"It keeps me from giving your more money".
Image 1 Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Img_5022.jpg
Image 2 Credit: me!