Digital Home Thoughts: DRM by Any Other Name...

"Digital rights management (DRM) is the wrong term for technology that secures programmers' content as it moves to new digital platforms says HBO Chief Technology Officer Bob Zitter, since it emphasized restrictions instead of opportunities. Speaking at a panel session at the NCTA show in Las Vegas Tuesday, Zitter suggested that "DCE," or Digital Consumer Enablement, would more accurately describe technology that allows consumers "to use content in ways they haven't before," such as enjoying TV shows and movies on portable video players like iPods. "I don't want to use the term DRM any longer," said Zitter, who added that content-protection technology could enable various new applications for cable operators."

You can't polish a turd. Plain and simple. DRM is NOT intended to help consumers in any way, shape, or form. I defy anyone to prove otherwise. DRM only prevents users from viewing or listening to content how, when, and where they want. It puts money in the pockets of content providers and distributors. An industry that is struggling to adapt to a new business model now wants to trick consumers by calling DRM something other than what it actually is, and pretend that it's a good thing. Good luck with that.