Los Angeles - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated a proceeding at the behest of Hollywood movie studios, to examine their request that they be able to remotely block consumers from recording high-definition, new release films on their digital video recorders, Ars Technica reported.

The studios argue in their petition that they would like to launch HD movies earlier in the traditional cycle -- "significantly earlier and prior to DVD release" -- but say they must have the ability to use Selectable Output Control (SOC) technology to block the ability to record these films.

"Distribution over insecure outputs would facilitate the illegal copying and redistribution of this high value content, causing untold damage to the DVD and other 'downstream' markets," the MPAA wrote in its petition.

For its part, the FCC noted in 2003 that they "recognize consumers' expectations that their digital televisions and other equipment will work to their full capabilities, and the potential harm to the DTV transition if those expectations are frustrated."

The FCC has asked for public comments on the MPAA's proposal, due June 25, with replies to comments then due by July 7.

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/2er0w (Ars Technica)

http://snipurl.com/2er61 (FCC announcement)

http://snipurl.com/2er0k (PDF of MPAA petition)

http://www.mpaa.org