Users are [normally] left trying to hack these devices [Media streaming boxes] against the wishes of manufacturers (see our post ‘When will Steve Jobs open up the AppleTV?‘) or have to make-do with whatever official features are implemented.

This article asks the over-simplified question, "Are property rights in ideas unethical?" The article is flawed, but worth reading. The author concludes that the IP system should change somewhat (how he doesn't specify) to accommodate free content. However, he also holds that free content is inherently dependent on proprietary content.

A web content management system (WCMS) is software designed to simplify the publication of Web content. In particular, it enables content creators to submit content without requiring technical knowledge of HTML or the uploading of files. A CMS is most commonly used in creating an intranet or in establishing a presence on the Web.

Does Microsoft's "PlaysForSure" motto really mean it plays for sure? Does Apple's "FairPlay" play fair? Not exactly, says Linux-based media device vendor, Neuros, which is promoting an "Unlocked" media trademark in response to branded, proprietary digital rights management (DRM) schemes.

"Neuros Technology, manufacturer of open-source powered, analog-to-digital video recorder hardware, is spearheading a new effort to educate consumers about" Digital Restrictions Management (DRM) "by establishing the 'Unlocked Media' brand..."

Via EFF http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2007/12/neuros-launches-unlocked-media-brand

It seems harmless enough at first, the desire to keep ads from overtaking the content you wish to view from your favorite websites. But what so many people seem to fail to understand is that many of these content providers are using ads to make a living. Otherwise, there would be no time to gather the content and post original works in the first place.

One has to admit, regardless of their feelings of just how idiotic the idea behind Digital Rights Management (DRM) may be, it is frustrating to watch the other two platforms have content we cannot enjoy ourselves.

In a joint effort, Neuros Technology and M2X will, as part of the TI-Neuros Open Source Bounties , port VLC to Neuros Linux on the next generation of Neuros OSD solution. The VLC porting project was kicked off on May 28, 2008, with developers directly from VLC community. Jean-Paul Saman, one of the VLC maintainers, will be leading this porting effort.

"You may not sell, rent, lease, distribute, broadcast, sublicense or otherwise assign any rights to the Digital Content or any portion of it to any third party, and you may not remove any proprietary notices or labels on the Digital Content. In addition, you may not, and you will not encourage, assist or authorize any other person to, bypass, modify, defeat or circumvent security features that protect the Digital Content."

http://www.defectivebydesign.org/blog/1097