dec 6 :: copyright & media

Apple NZ

Yesterday, as predicted by a certain media commentator, Apple opened iTunes and a proper Apple Store in NZ. Nice to see some NZ music there and promoted. No telly or film available.
I prefer nice physical objects and come out in a nasty little rash when handling DRM goods so I’m not likely to be an iTunes punter. But just to test myself I searched for music I’ve been trying to track down retail in downtown Auckland. Sadly neither Hellwood or Nomo were returned from my iTunes searches.

Channel 4

Channel 4 in the UK launched a catch up TV service, 4oD. Wouldn’t get excited it’s UK & Eire only. It’s Windows only, XP and above, using Windows Media Player 10 or 11 with associated DRM. Not sure if that’s the plays for sure DRM or the Zune DRM or another form of DRM being offering by Microsoft;)
4oD appears very similar to the BBCs offering.

UK IP Report

More interesting is the Gowers Review of Intellectual Property which also emerged overnight. The leaks reported by the BBC seem to have been accurate – including the contentious issue of term extension for protection for sound recordings and related performers’ rights, which Gowers recommends is not extended past the current 50 years.

• stronger enforcement of IP, up to 10 years for online copyright infringement
• balance – providing consumers with a private copying exception, to allow format shifting (e.g. to copy your CD onto an iPod), allowing educational users to access content.
• helping UK business to create/protect their IP with various restructuring and new initiatives

Larry Lessig has a piece in FT on this, and having read the report has found a wonderful principle being recommended:

Recommendation 4:Policy makers should adopt the principle that the term and scope of protection for IP rights should not be altered retrospectively.

Gaming

Meanwhile today the Nintendo Wii is launched in NZ & Oz. It reinforces the fact that the quality of gaming is not just down to the power of CPU and GPU of the console. And it looks like a lot of fun… I plan some serious research later in the day.

I’m not into WOW but couldn’t help come across the Leeroy Jenkins meme. It’s kinda bonghead humor but I can’t help appreciate the Jenkins inspired promos for Spike TV below.

Elevator

Client Meeting

Stacey’s Birthday