HDBaseT and HDMI are competing technologies. One does not use the other.
As HDMI is so ubiquitous in modern equipment, I'd envisage small converters that allow a Device > HDMI > Converter > HDBaseT > Convertor > HDMI > Device chain. Presumably all equipment might one day have both a HDMI and HDBaseT plug but that's a way off IMO.
I believe this has already been tested and tried in the USA and possibly elsewhere. Thinking this won't happen here at all is being optimistic.
Probably, but I'd say for PayTV broadcast only where the technology can be enforced. Also only for very special content. And perhaps most importantly where the viewer is aware that such restrictions can be put in place when they sign up to the service. I'd say suggesting it will happen to FTA here is being pessimistic
If the rate of complaints to the ACMA increases significantly then I suspect that they will act more aggressively.
My understanding is that ACMA don't investigate based on the "level of complaints". A single submission is enough to initiate an investigation to see if some part of the code has been breeched. Regardless, IMO the networks are currently operating well within the vague EPG definitions of the code.
I believe that the initial TiVos shipped in Australia had the network file player code enabled by default. This was later disabled by a network distributed firmware update when TiVo decided to sell that feature as an added cost item. If this is true then it negates your point.
I believe you're mistaken here, the HNP was not available to users initially (maybe just for the beta testers?). It was promised as an future extra at a "cheap" price. Many users threatened to return their units when they price was initially revealed to be $200 based on statutory rights - that the machine didn't perform as advertised (ie transfer files for a cheap price). Tivo eventually gave all existing users a big discount on the package. If Tivo withdraw any existing functionality because of some Freeview secret clause then all consumers could similarly return the unit. Every clause the buyer needs to be aware of is in the public Tivo manual.
TiVo is a bit skimpy on technical details, but I believe that they only allow unencrypted content to be transcoded to formats that are SD or lower quality.
This is consistent with what I'm thinking. This functionality will not/can not be removed IMO and its a reflection of the actual requirements of Freeview (and the broader industry)
In particular, the Freeview EPG is currently broadcast in such a way that Freeview can not prevent device manufacturers from displaying it.
It will be interesting to see what happens here. My guess is that copyright laws would come into play. Any manufacturer that uses the Freeview data for financial gain (ie sell PVRs) would likely be open for prosecution (As the ICE case showed, just because something is broadcast free and clear doesn't mean we can use it as we want). I will look forward to BW perhaps tapping into the Freeview enhanced data for a new model...
Regards
Peter Gillespie
Grrrr. Geez that's annoying!!!! I'm going to return it.
(I know I'm legally entitled to return it as it isn't fit for the purpose that I made known to them and is is only a few weeks old.)
Many pundits see Freeview as some sort of Bogey man that will suddenly "activate" and render Freeview PVRs useless. The Oz law prohibits this. If you buy something with an advertised functionality then no secret contract Freeview clause can suddenly take that away from you. Tivo's bought today will be able to do what the do today into the future. 