On 25/06/07, Andrew Bowden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
On 25/06/07, Andrew Bowden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > The Act also states: > > > (5) In performing their duty under this section of furthering the > > > interests of consumers, OFCOM must have regard, in > > particular, to the > > > interests of those consumers in respect of choice, price, > > quality of service and value for money. > > > http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/30021--b.htm > > Notice how choice is listed first. And notice how the BBC > > have removed choice. Is it not OFCOM's duty to correct this, > > so as to further the interests of consumers, and also further > > the interests of citizens, (it's duties as defined by the Act)? > > Does it define what "choice" means? Because choice could be interpreted > > to mean many things. I can certainly see that "choice" could certainly be defined as "having a selection from more than one" without using a lawyer. But that's entirely my point. The definition of "choice" some people on this list will use, will not necessarily be the one Ofcom believes is the correct one. Like I say, choice is subjective. I remain interested in hearing what Ofcom's response is on the matter. Could choice in this matter mean that iPlayer is available in one configuration on a TV, and also through a cable set top box? One product. Choice of methods.
If the iPlayer did that then there would be choice! In iPlayer terms, as a vertical integrated product (MS WMV+MS DRM+KDM+MS
IE+backend) it is BY DEFINITION "not a choice" as gules several systems together and only lets you use a specific configutation. For example, it *could* be deemed to be a requirement for a service to be used - no different to saying if you want a DTT box, you need a DVB-T box. Yes. I'm playing devil's advocate here. Because nothing in life (especially law) is ever black and white.
No, because the DVB-T standard is open and anyone can build hardware or software to it. MS DRM and KDM are not open standards, and anything that glues standards together to create a vertically integrated product is, by definition, only the choice of Hobson. -- Please email me back if you need any more help. Brian Butterworth www.ukfree.tv
