Description of copy protection support for recorded cable TV content in Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (896517)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005

INTRODUCTION

This article describes the recording restrictions for broadcast content from the following premium cable channels:
  • HBO
  • Cinemax
  • Showtime
  • Starz

MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 supports Content Generation Management System for Analog (CGMS-A) content protection. Several premium cable channels that are listed earlier use this form of copy protection.

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 supports the following CGMS-A content protection standards for recorded broadcast content.

Copy Once

Copy Once makes it possible to play Copy Once content on the originating computer without restriction. Additionally, Copy Once content does not expire. However, you cannot copy the recorded broadcast content to another computer.

Copy Never

Copy Never content cannot be copied and Copy Never content expires 7 days after you record the broadcast content.

For more information about Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 and content protection, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/evaluation/faq.mspx#EDAAA

For more information about the HBO policy on recording broadcast content, visit the following HBO Web site:

http://www.hbo.com/corpinfo/faq/cgmsfaq.shtml

Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

Technical support for Media Center

Because Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition was included with your hardware device or system, the hardware manufacturer provides technical support and assistance for this software. Your manufacturer may have customized the installation with unique components such as specific device drivers and optional settings to maximize the performance of that manufacturer's hardware. If you require technical help with Windows XP Media Center Edition, contact your manufacturer directly because the manufacturer is best qualified to support the software that the manufacturer has installed on the hardware.

You can also visit the Windows XP Media Center Edition product information Web site at the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:4/4/2005
Keywords:kbinfo kbhowto KB896517 kbAudEndUser kbAudOEM
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