With recently appointed Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin set to make his first public speech today, media analysts are poised to jump on any hints of a crackdown on illegal file-sharing.
A new FCC rule will limit such activities by requiring that new consumer electronics equipment capable of receiving over-the-air digital signals -- including computers equipped with TV tuner cards -- must include technology that will recognize a "broadcast flag" by July 1.
The flag, which is embedded in a digital television broadcast stream, informs media devices of copyright-protected content. New equipment must also include technology to prevent the content from being distributed to non-compliant devices.
This change may pose an inconvenience for those who turn to their computers for television.
From anywhere between $60 and $200, computer users can buy a device, called a digital television tuner card, that enables computers to play and potentially record television programming.
Many users of tuner cards are happy with their purchases.
College junior Adrian Gerrits said that by using his computer as a TV, he saves space in his room, as well as money.
Engineering and Wharton junior Steve Young is also happy with his TV tuner card.
He noted that one of the advantages of using the card is that it allows him to "time shift" in shows.
Like the popular TiVo device, most tuner cards let viewers pause and rewind live television. However, unlike TiVo, computer video recorders do not charge fees.
Using a TV card is also much simpler, according to Young.
"I only have one piece of equipment," he said.
He also said that he can more easily record TV shows with his computer than with a VCR.
"Because I am not always in a position to watch [TV shows] when they were on," the card is useful, Young said.
Recording shows on computers lets computer users acquire and organize a large collection of their favorite shows. In addition, users can make those shows portable by burning episodes to CDs or DVDs.
Still, Gerrits and Young pointed out some drawbacks to using a computer as a TV.
"Your screen size is limited to the size of your monitor," he said.
He also noted that his TV card does not allow him to multitask by watching TV and doing work on his computer.
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