User-friendly DRM Around the Corner?

In an event most would have thought unlikely, Dan Glickman MPAA CEO, called for DRM compatibility across the board. Sponsored by Variety and Lexis-Nexis, this ground-breaking conference brought to light the controversy surrounding the subject of DRM.

Mr. Glickman wants diverse industries to coalesce in an effort to bring order to the chaos caused by DRM and the myriad ways that its being implemented. Citing consumer dissatisfaction and frustration, Glickman said, "MPAA has been working with senior executives from each of our member company studios for about a year now to help make these choices possible. We've been quietly working to identify ways to enhance the consumer experience with digital media. Our goal is a diverse, high-quality, hassle-free consumer experience, one that makes the most effective case possible not merely for the legitimate content marketplace, but for its vast superiority."

He pointed out progress being made and what is to be expected in the near future. The list seems to address the most pressing gripes consumers have with DRM. For instance Glickman calls for delivering content to consumers any way possible on their preferred platforms or devices. "We eagerly embrace every commercially viable entertainment delivery method, so long as it incorporates reasonable protections against the misuse of filmmaker's creative efforts."

My question is: what's reasonable?

The issue that seems to throw a monkey wrench into DRM implementation today was also discussed. This issue by far is the one that has consumers in an outrage: the ability to copy your content. "We wholeheartedly support allowing consumers to make authorized copies of the content they purchase. We expect to be able to make this happen for HD DVD hopefully this year. We are in agreement on the outcome we wish to see: Consumers should be able to enjoy authorized DVD content on their home networks... on portable devices... at their convenience. Next, we fully embrace interoperability. We believe that consumers who come by their content legally should be able to enjoy it on any device." And finally the last bullet, "we collectively affirm our on-going support for Digital Rights Management."

Glickman believes all these goals are attainable, the only hurdle being communication between parties concerned, the MPAA, the electronics community, and finally, the legal community.

If this pans out as Mr. Glickman describes, it could turn out to be an auspicious occasion for A/V consumers everywhere, you'll be able to make copies of your content to play on any device, rip your DVD into your server without a hassle. It sounds like Dan Glickman really cares about the DRM mess, I just hope it's not too good to be true.