What Is Broadcast Flag?

Broadcast flags are a lot like the red star on top of a Christmas tree, except instead of keeping you from having fun, they keep you from watching TV. They're also much like the sticker on your library book that tells people not to check out that particular copy. In short, broadcast flags are digital data stream status bits that flag and thus prevent the unauthorized recording of digital TV transmission. Broadcast flags forbid capturing high-definition (HD) digital video in its high-resolution format. Broadcast flags are a form of Digital Rights Management (DRM) placed within the metadata of a program or video. They are often used on live TV but can also be used on pre-recorded material. The purpose of broadcast flags is to prevent the recording of a program and then the transmission of that recording via a network for viewing by others (i. e. , pirating a program). A broadcast flag is a piece of data attached to a schedule and can be read by any device that receives that program. When the broadcast flag detects that the program is being received via a network (i. e., P2P), the program will either shut off or display a message warning viewers that the program is not licensed for viewing. The broadcast flag is the key to stopping illegal recordings of movies and TV shows. The broadcast flag is technological protection implemented via applications that identify and halts any attempt to record copyrighted movies, songs and TV shows. Data streaming status bits suspend these recordings, potentially preventing improper distributions. You can't keep a suitable flag down. The broadcast flag is a digital rights management mechanism for analog over-the-air programming, designed to stop viewers from recording content and distributing it without permission. It's been around since 2004 but isn't going away anytime soon. Even though compatible broadcast flag devices have analog connectors, many easily convert analog files or programs may easily convert analog files or programs into digital format by plugging analog connectors into a computer.