Does Microsoft have remote control over your TV recorder?

Various reports are circulating that Microsoft is using Digital Restrictions Management to prevent users of Windows Media Centre from recording certain programmes. The company confirmed Tuesday that its software had disabled recording of the US TV show “American Gladiators” at the request of the broadcaster NBC. Microsoft claim this so-called “broadcast flag” mechanism was installed to comply with regulations, but this contradicts a US court ruling on the matter. whatever the legalities of the case, it’s clear that Microsoft users have once again fallen victim to a company whose loyalties lie more with Big Media than with its own customers. What amazes me is that anyone still buys into DRM-crippled systems when there are plenty of Free software equivalents to choose from.