SK Net, a manufacturer of the DTV tuner unit "MonsterTV HDUS" for computer, published a news release that they would stop shipping HDUS "because its software could be changed". It's strange because no company should be liable for other party's change of its products.
An industry insider says that B-CAS KK, which issues B-CAS cards, summoned SK and warned that B-CAS cards would not be issued to SK if they ship HDUS, because some people altered the software (device drivers) of the devices so as to copy the TV picture indefinitely, i.e., they broke the "copy-once" protection.
In fact, since Friio violated the taboo, many companies entered into this industry so that most DTV tuners, boards and even TV could be made copy-free by drivers. Such drivers are sold in Akihabara, says the insider. In other words, the copy protection of B-CAS was technically disabled.
However, as SK didn't break the copy protection, B-CAS KK's penalty might be a violation of the Anti-monopoly Law that prohibits the restriction of trades without any legal ground. Even worse, Dell uses SK's device with OEM, because Dell wasn't authorized to produce B-CAS devices. As the USTR is watching B-CAS, this could be an agenda of the Japan-US meeting about trade.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comments:
A Guide to Auctions
There are a number of things that you can do to make auction-going/surfing fun and profitable and to keep yourself from falling victim to a scam.
1. Be a spectator before becoming a bidder. Get comfortable with the bidding process and other rules of the game before you dive into competition.
2. Decide on your top bidding price before you go. Write it down and don't go beyond that point. It's easy to get caught up in the spirit of competition and become more concerned with winning as opposed to getting a good deal.
3. Remember that most of the time you are buying goods sold 'as is'.
Auction In Japan
Post a Comment