HD-DVD and Blue-Ray Disk Restriction

I am sure this is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg, but there are numerous reports on the internet saying that whichever format you choose, you may not be able to view it in its highest resolution.

The Advanced Access Content System (AACS) will be used by both formats, and will restrict the resolution to 960x540 when viewed over an analog connection. This is to prevent pirates from copying at the full resolution of 1920x1080.

Of course, never mind that the pirates (the real criminals here) will be able to find a way around it, and continue on their merry way, while the average consumer who has a HDTV with only analog inputs will be looking at substandard pictures.

What good are these advancements when, before they even come out, they are crippled by a middle-man?

In honor of this, as well as a related issue, I thought I would pass on this little treasure:







[via AT and Darkgate]

[Edit:]
Also, I forgot to mention that in another AT article they point out that Setnator Gordon Smith (R-Oregon) has drafted legislation which would, for all intents and purposes, render any type of copying illegal. Looks like he was handed a wad of cash to write it too.

In light of all these things, and since both Republican and Democrat “representatives” are complicit in this, and other privacy concerns, I find myself wondering what party I want to be associated with.