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FCC allows blocking of set-top box outputs

Federal regulators are endorsing Hollywood's efforts to let cable and satellite TV companies turn off output connections on the back of set-top boxes to prevent illegal copying of movies.
/ Source: The Associated Press

Federal regulators are endorsing Hollywood's efforts to let cable and satellite TV companies turn off output connections on the back of set-top boxes to prevent illegal copying of movies.

The decision by the Federal Communications Commission, announced late Friday, is intended to encourage movie studios to make movies available for home viewing on demand soon after they hit theaters or even at the same time.

The FCC prohibits the use of technology to turn off the output connections. The Motion Picture Association of America had petitioned the FCC for the waiver from the rules. The industry group's head, Bob Pisano, says the FCC's action will give consumers "far greater access to see recent high-definition movies in their homes."