From the following site: Techfocus article
From the Inquirer comes word that Nvidia driver version 41.09 and above may not allow you to play DVDs, if you have a TV encoder that isn't using Macrovision technology.
What's Macrovision technology? Pretty simple - it's software/hardware-based copy-protection and rights management. Depending on what it is doing, the technology can be pretty solid - or it can be soft as putty.
Anyhow, the move is pretty serious. If you don't buy hardware with Macrovision built into it, you may not be able to play DVD's on your operating system - at least not with some common apps. This essentially equates to the blackmail of hardware vendors to fork out fees to Macrovision if they want to claim OS compatibility, and it forces consumers as a whole to adopt Macrovision's "vision."
One way or the other, hang onto your Nvidia driver disks if you are using BT868 (Brooktree) and Conexant CX25870 TV encoders. Based off memory, I believe that WinTV cards use the Brooktree encoders, and AverMedia's AverTV cards use the Conexant encoder. If you have a card that allows you to watch TV on your PC, make sure you verify with your vendor which chipset it is before you upgrade.
As for me, I'll stick with my current drivers. When Macrovision's stranglehold on Nvidia drivers ends, it'll be a good thing. In the meantime, I'd bet that someone will build a driver set that has Macrovision's crippleware stripped out of it.
Also - keep in mind that it is Nvidia that released this crippleware. You can voice your opinion to them by calling 408-486-2000.
From the Inquirer comes word that Nvidia driver version 41.09 and above may not allow you to play DVDs, if you have a TV encoder that isn't using Macrovision technology.
What's Macrovision technology? Pretty simple - it's software/hardware-based copy-protection and rights management. Depending on what it is doing, the technology can be pretty solid - or it can be soft as putty.
Anyhow, the move is pretty serious. If you don't buy hardware with Macrovision built into it, you may not be able to play DVD's on your operating system - at least not with some common apps. This essentially equates to the blackmail of hardware vendors to fork out fees to Macrovision if they want to claim OS compatibility, and it forces consumers as a whole to adopt Macrovision's "vision."
One way or the other, hang onto your Nvidia driver disks if you are using BT868 (Brooktree) and Conexant CX25870 TV encoders. Based off memory, I believe that WinTV cards use the Brooktree encoders, and AverMedia's AverTV cards use the Conexant encoder. If you have a card that allows you to watch TV on your PC, make sure you verify with your vendor which chipset it is before you upgrade.
As for me, I'll stick with my current drivers. When Macrovision's stranglehold on Nvidia drivers ends, it'll be a good thing. In the meantime, I'd bet that someone will build a driver set that has Macrovision's crippleware stripped out of it.
Also - keep in mind that it is Nvidia that released this crippleware. You can voice your opinion to them by calling 408-486-2000.
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